key MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2004 Repair Manual

163 Operation
Driving instructions
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
parking, so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an ex-
tended period with the ESP switched off.
Doing so may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parking
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.
!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.


Firmly depress parking brake pedal.


Move the selector lever to positionP
(manual transmission: first or reverse
gear).


Slowly release brake pedal.


When parked on an incline, turn front
wheels towards the road curb.


Turn the key to steering lock position0.


Take the key and lock vehicle when
leaving.

171 Operation
At the gas station
At the gas station
Refueling
The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear. Locking/unlocking the vehicle with
the remote control automatically
locks/unlocks the fuel filler flap.
Fuel filler flap
Remove the key from the steering lock.

Open the fuel filler flap by pushing at
the point indicated by the arrow.
The fuel filler flap springs open.

Turn the fuel cap to the left and hold on
to it until possible pressure is released.

Take off the cap and set it in the recess
on the fuel filler flap.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.

Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or overfill.
Warning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious inju-
ry. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!
Failure to remove the cap slowly could result
in personal injury.
iUse only premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
More information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet.


176 OperationEngine compartmentChecking engine oil level via display
(SLK 320, SLK 32 AMG only)
When checking the oil level the vehicle
must

be parked on level ground


be at normal operating temperature


have been stationary for at least five
minutes with the engine turned off
To check the engine oil level via the display
in the speedometer, do the following:

Turn the key in the steering lock to
position2.
1Button

Wait until the symbols: andI
appear in the speedometer display.

Within one second press button1
twice.
One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the display:

OKThe oil level is correct. Engine oil
does not to be added.


-1.0 Q(Canada:
-1.0 L
)

Add 1.0 quart (Canada:
1.0 liter) of engine oil.


-1.5 Q

(Canada:
-1.5 L
)

Add 1.5 quarts (Canada:
1.5 liters) of engine oil.


-2.0 Q(Canada:
-2.0 L
)

Add 2.0 quarts (Canada:
2.0 liters) of engine oil.For adding engine oil see (
page 179).
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 277) and (
page 279).
Other display messages
If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at normal operating temperature, a signal
sounds and the following message will
blink in the display:
HIThe oil level is too high.
Have excess oil siphoned or drained
off. Contact your authorized Mer-
cedes-Benz Center.!If the message
-2.0 Q

(Canada:
-2.0 L
) blinks and a signal
sounds, add oil according to amount
displayed.

191 Operation
Maintenance
Service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested
service term:

the9 or´ appears in the
display2 for 30 seconds and a signal
sounds after switching on the ignition.


it is preceded by a “-” (minus symbol)
The Mercedes-Benz Center will reset the
service indicator following a completed
service.
Calling up the service indicator
Within one second press knob1
(page 190) twice.
The service symbol and the service
deadline appear in the display2.
Resetting the service indicator
In the event that the service on your vehi-
cle is not carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can reset the
service indicator yourself.
Switch ignition on (key in steering lock
position 2) and immediately press
knob1 (
page 190) twice within
1 second.
The present status for days or distance
is displayed.

Within ten seconds turn key in steering
lock to position0.

Press and hold knob1 while turning
key in steering lock to position2 again.
The present status for days and dis-
tance is displayed once more.
Continue to hold knob1 until you
hear a signal.

Release knob1.
The service indicator now displays the
reset interval.
iIf the service indicator was inadvertent-
ly reset, have a Mercedes-Benz Center
correct it.
Only reset if the proper service has
been performed. Resetting the system
without performing proper service as
called for by the FSS will cause the FSS
to incorrectly determine the next ser-
vice interval which will result in engine
damage not covered by the Mer-
cedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the battery is disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in
the count shown by the service indica-
tor. To arrive at the true service dead-
line, you will need to subtract these
days from the days shown in the ser-
vice indicator.
Do not confuse the service indicator
with the engine oil level indicator:.

195 Operation
Vehicle care
Wiper blades
Fold wiper arm forward.

Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning

Fold wiper arm forward.

Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.Rear window cleaning
The corner flaps of the rear shelf partially
cover the rear window. This prevents the
window from being fully cleaned with the
hardtop closed.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move Key from starter switch before clean-
ing the wiper blades, otherwise the wiper
motor might suddenly turn on and cause in-
jury.!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the starter switch.
Hold onto the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move Key from starter switch before clean-
ing the wiper blades, otherwise the wiper
motor might suddenly turn on and cause in-
jury.!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the steering lock.
Hold onto the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
!Do not manually move corner flaps or
rear shelf. Doing so will result in dam-
age to the roof folding mechanism that
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.Warning!
G
If a warning sounds and the indicator lamp
in the hardtop switch blinks, immediately
stop cleaning and move back from window
to prevent possible injury.
The hardtop is lowered into its storage com-
partment.

196 OperationVehicle care
Prior to cleaning the inside of the rear
window, turn key in steering lock to
position2.
1Rear shelf in vertical position

Operate hardtop via the switch
(page 130) until rear shelf1 is in a
vertical position.
The roof will remain in this position for
approximately 7 minutes, sufficient
time for cleaning the inside of the rear
window.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow instructions on container.Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto a soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
iThe roof will only stay in this position
when the key is in steering lock
position2.
If you pull on the hardtop switch again,
you can continue to clean the rear win-
dow for another 7 minutes.iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.

200 Practical hintsWhat to do if …
What to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to
light up during the bulb self-check when turning the key in steering lock to
position2, have it checked and replaced if
necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
v
The yellow ESP warning lamp
flashes while driving.
The ESP or traction control has come into op-
eration because of detected traction loss in
at least one tire.

When driving off apply as little throttle
as possible.

While driving, ease up on the acceler-
ator.

Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road and weather condi-
tions.

Do not deactivate the ESP.
Exceptions: (
page 68)
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accidents.
¿
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.
The ESP has detected a malfunction and
switched off. Risk of accident! Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions.

Turn the ESP back on (
page 68).
If the ESP cannot be turned back on, have
the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possi-
ble.

216 Practical hintsUnlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking/locking in an emergencyUnlocking the vehicle
Unlocking the driver’s door
If you are unable to unlock the driver’s
door with the remote control, open the
door using the key as follows:
1Unlocking
2Locking
3Driver’s door lock
Remove protective cap3 from driv-
er’s door lock.

Unl ock t he door wi th the ke y. T o do s o,
push key into the lock until it stops and
turn it to the left1.Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.97 ft
(1.82 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
If you are unable to unlock the trunk with
the remote control, open the trunk using
the key.
The lock is located next to the recessed
handle.
1Unlocking in an emergency
2Handle
iUnlocking your vehicle with the key will
trigger the anti-theft alarm system. To
cancel the alarm, do one of the follow-
ing:

Press buttonŒor‹on the
remote control.


Insert the key in the steering lock
and turn it to position1.
iUsing the key does not operate the
central locking system.

217 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency

Insert the mechanical key into the
trunk lid lock.

Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise to position1 and hold it in this
position.

Pull trunk lid handle2 and lift the
trunk lid.
Locking the vehicle
If you are unable to lock the vehicle with
the remote control, lock it with the key as
follows:
Close the passenger door and the trunk
lid.

Press the central locking switch in the
upper center console (
page 79).

Check to see whether the locking knob
on the passenger door is still visible. If
necessary, push it down manually.

Lock the driver’s door with the key. To
do so, push key into the lock until it
stops and turn it to the right2
(page 216).

Lock the trunk, if necessary with the
key. To do so, push key into the trunk
lid lock until it stops and turn it to the
right.
!Always make sure there is sufficient
overhead clearance. iUnlocking your vehicle with the key will
trigger the anti-theft alarm system. To
cancel the alarm, do one of the follow-
ing:

Press buttonŒ or‹on the
key.


Insert the key in the steering lock
and turn it to position 2.

218 Practical hintsUnlocking/locking in an emergencyChanging batteries in remote control
If the batteries in the remote control are
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.1Release button for key
2Battery cover
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.

Press release button1 on the remote
control.
The key folds out.

Pull off battery cover2 in direction of
arrow.

Remove the batteries.

Insert new batteries with the plus (+)
side facing up.

Press battery cover onto housing until
it engages.
Warning!
G
Keep the batteries out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.iWhen changing batteries, always re-
place both batteries.
When changing batteries, make sure
new batteries are clean and free of lint.
The required replacement batteries are
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.
iAfterwards, test the remote control to
see if it is functioning properly. If you
still cannot lock or unlock the vehicle,
synchronize the remote control
(page 219).