light MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2005 Repair Manual

317 Operation
Tires and wheels
All-season and winter tires
Load identification
1Load identificationIn addition to tire load rating, special load
information may be molded into the tire
sidewall following the letter designating
the tire speed rating1 (
page 317).
No specification given: absence of any text
(like in above example) indicates a
standard load (SL) tire.
XL or Extra Load: designates an extra load
(or reinforced) tire.
Light Load: designates a light load tire.
C, D, E: designates load range associated
with the maximum load a tire can carry at
a specified pressure.
Index
Speed rating
QM+S
up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
TM+S
up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
HM+S
up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
VM+S
up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
iThe marking “M+S” next to the service
description designates tires with mud
and snow capabilities.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

336 OperationVehicle carePaintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care
should be applied when water drops on the
paint surface do not “bead up”, normally
every three to five months, depending on
climate and washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface
shows signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of
gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax
if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the
hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick
for quick and provisional repairs of minor
paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehi-
cle doors, etc.).Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical compo-
nents and connectors from the intrusion of
water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as
MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to
the engine compartment after every en-
gine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lu-
bricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys
should be protected from any wax.Vehicle washing
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight. Only use a mild car wash
detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz ap-
proved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-
fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak
spray towards the ventilation intake. Use
plenty of water and rinse the sponge and
chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly dry
with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning
agents to dry on the finish.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in ex-
terior rear view mirrors prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash to
prevent damage to the mirrors.

339 Operation
Vehicle care
Rear window cleaning
Clean the rear window with the hardtop
fully raised and closed.
Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.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 gearshift/gear se-
lector 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.Warning!
G
Do not clean the rear window with the hard-
top in a position other than the fully raised
and closed position. Otherwise, the hardtop
may move unexpectedly which may result in
personal injury to you or others.
iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.

340 OperationVehicle careHard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto a soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Headliner
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.Upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause
the upholstery to become permanently dis-
colored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration
will be prevented.
Leather upholstery
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth
and dry thoroughly or clean with
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.
Exercise particular care when cleaning per-
forated leather as its underside should not
become wet.Plastic and rubber parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
Wood trims
Dampen cloth using water and use damp
cloth to clean wood trims in your vehicle.
Do not use solvents like tar remover or
wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as
these may be abrasive. Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.

363 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
.
3rd brake light
The high mounted brake lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Tail lamp / brake lamp
left
Back-up lamp on
The left tail lamp/brake lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.
A backup bulb has been brought
into use.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Tail lamp / brake lamp
right
Back-up lamp on
The right tail lamp/brake lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.
A backup bulb has been brought
into use.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Brake lamp
Visit workshop
Brake lamp illumination is delayed
or lamp is permanently on.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Front foglamp, L
The left front fog lamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Front foglamp, R
The right front foglamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

364 Practical hintsWhat to do if ….
Rear foglamp
Back-up lamp on
The rear fog lamp on the driver’s
side is malfunctioning. A backup
bulb has been brought into use.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
High beam, left
The left high beam lamp (halogen
headlamps)/high beam flasher
lamp (Bi-Xenon* headlamps) is mal-
functioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
High beam, right
The right high beam lamp (halogen
headlamps)/high beam flasher
lamp (Bi-Xenon* headlamps) is mal-
functioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Lamp sensor
Drive to workshop
The light sensor is malfunctioning.
The headlamps switch on automati-
cally.

In the control system, set lamp operation to
manual (
page 137).

Switch on headlamps using the exterior
lamp switch (
page 106).

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Left license plate
lamp malfunction
The left license plate lamp is mal-
functioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Right license plate
lamp malfunction
The right license plate lamp is mal-
functioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution

365 Practical hints
What to do if …
.
Low beam, left
The left low beam lamp is malfunc-
tioning.
Halogen headlamp:
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Low beam, right
The right low beam lamp is malfunc-
tioning.
Halogen headlamp:
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Park. light,
front left
The left front parking lamp is mal-
functioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Park. light,
front right
The right front parking lamp is mal-
functioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Remove key
You have forgotten to remove the
SmartKey.

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Side marker lamp,
front left
The left front side marker lamp is
malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Side marker lamp,
front right
The right front side marker lamp is
malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution

366 Practical hintsWhat to do if ….
Rear left side marker
lamp malfunction
The left rear side marker lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Rear right side marker
lamp malfunction
The right rear side marker lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Tail light, left
Back-up lamp on
The left tail lamp is malfunctioning.
This message will only appear if a
critical number of LEDs have
stopped working. A backup bulb
has been brought into use.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Tail light, right
Back-up lamp on
The right tail lamp is malfunction-
ing. This message will only appear if
a critical number of LEDs have
stopped working. A backup bulb
has been brought into use.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Turn off
lights
You have forgotten to switch off the
headlamps when exiting the vehicle
and no SmartKey is in the starter
switch.

Switch off the headlamps.
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution

373 Practical hints
Where will I find...?
In the case of a flat tire, you may
temporarily use the spare wheel with col-
lapsible tire when observing the following
restrictions:

Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).


Drive to the nearest tire repair facility
to have the flat tire repaired or
replaced as appropriate.


Do not operate vehicle with more than
one spare wheel with collapsible tire
mounted.
For more information, see “Rims and tires”
(
page 413).
Spare wheel bolts
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for spare wheel with
collapsible tire (located in trunk with
vehicle tool kit)
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when
mounting the spare wheel with
collapsible tire. The use of any wheel
bolts other than wheel bolts2 for the
spare wheel with collapsible tire will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes. Warning!
G
Make sure to use the original length wheel
bolts when remounting the original wheel
after it has been repaired.

380 Practical hintsReplacing bulbsSafe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is there-
fore essential that all bulbs and lamp as-
semblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for headlamp ad-
justment.
Bulbs
iIf the headlamps are fogged up on the
inside as a result of high humidity,
driving the vehicle a short distance with
the lights on should clear up the
fogging.iBackup bulbs will be brought into use
when lamps malfunction. Observe the
messages in the multifunction display
(page 363).