steering MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2007 Repair Manual

358 Practical hints
What to do if …
Text messages
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ABSABS, ESP inoperative
See Operators’s ManualThe ABS and ESP® are not available
due to a malfunction.
The BAS is also deactivated.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the systems
specified above.Continue driving with added caution. Wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability.
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.
Cruise
controlinoperativeThe cruise control is malfunction-
ing.Have the cruise control checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
ESPinoperative
See Operator’s ManualThe ESP® has switched off due to a
malfunction.
The ABS and the BAS might not be
operational.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the systems
specified above.Continue driving with added caution.
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

365 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
Run Flat
IndicatorinoperativeThe Run Flat Indicator* is malfunc-
tioning.Have the Run Flat Indicator* checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Run Flat Indicator* has been
switched off due to a malfunction.
Tire pressureCheck tiresThe Run Flat Indicator* indicates
that the pressure is too low in one or
more tires.Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding
abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. Observe
the traffic situation around you.
Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure as
required (
page 314).
If necessary, change the wheel (page 401).
Restart the Run Flat Indicator* after adjusting the
tire inflation pressure values (
page 314).
Check tiresThen restart
Run Flat IndicatorThere was a warning message about
a loss in tire inflation pressure and
the Run Flat Indicator* has not been
restarted yet.Make sure that the correct tire inflation pressure
is set for each tire.
Then restart the Run Flat Indicator*
(
page 316).
Warning!G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You may lose control of the vehicle. Contin-
ued driving with a flat tire will cause exces-
sive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

401 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
The SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package* is equipped with a TIREFIT kit.
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle in a safe distance from
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface
when possible.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel so that the
front wheels are in a straight ahead
position.
Set the parking brake (page 53).
Move the gear selector lever* toP
(manual transmission to first or reverse
gear).
Turn off the engine (page 61).
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
Small tire punctures, particularly those in
the tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient tempera-
tures down to -4°F (-20°C).
Foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed from the tire.
Take TIREFIT, the sticker, and the
electric air pump out of the trunk
(
page 382).
iOpen door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
iSLK 55 AMG with Performance Package*
only.
Warning!G
Keep TIREFIT away from sparks, open flame
or heat source.
Do not smoke.
Warning!G
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage caused by driving with extremely
low tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or
a damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such circum-
stances.
Contact the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
for assistance or call Roadside Assistance.


414 Practical hints
Flat tire
MOExtended system*
The MOExtended system allows you to
continue driving your vehicle even if there
is a total loss of pressure in one or more
tires.
You may only use the MOExtended system
in conjunction with the Run Flat Indicator*
(
page 315).
!The maximum distance in emergency mode
depends on the vehicle’s load. It is 30 miles
(50 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and
18 miles (30 km) if the vehicle is fully loaded.
The point at which the maximum driving distance
begins in emergency mode is when the warning
message appears in the multifunction display
indicating that there is a loss of tire inflation
pressure.
Do not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
Warning!G
In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving
characteristics are diminished in such situa-
tions as:

driving around curves

while braking

while accelerating rapidly
Therefore, your driving style must be adapt-
ed accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and
driving maneuvers, as well as driving over
obstacles (road curbs, potholes, or off-road
areas). This is especially important if the
vehicle is heavily loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be
achieved greatly depends on the demands
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed,
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions,
outside temperature, etc., the distance can
be significantly shorter or, if the vehicle is
driven cautiously, somewhat longer.
Do not continue driving in emergency mode
if

you notice knocking sounds

the vehicle starts to shake

smoke develops and you smell rubber

ESP® is intervening continuously

you notice tears on the tire sidewalls
After driving in emergency mode, you must
have the rims inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to check if they are
suitable for further use. The failed tire must
be replaced in any case.
iWhen replacing individual or all tires on the
vehicle, make sure only tires marked
with“MOExtended” are mounted in the size
specified for your vehicle (
page 434).

421 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission*: Do
not tow-start vehicle.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment
with the SmartKey in the starter switch in
position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Use the towing eyes.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (
page 91) and
the automatic central locking (
page 102).
Warning!G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run

there is a malfunction in the brake
system

there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
as that will be necessary to adequately
control the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
Warning!G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised, the gear selector lever* must be in
positionN (manual transmission: gear shift lever
in neutral position) and the engine must be shut
off (SmartKey in starter switch position0or1).
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, the gear selector lever* must be in
positionN (manual transmission: gear shift lever
in neutral position) and the SmartKey must be in
starter switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or the front axle raised, the vehicle
may be towed only for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).

432 Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
SLK 280, SLK 350
1Idler pulley
2Idler pulley
3Automatic belt tensioner
4Power steering pump
5Air conditioning compressor
6Crankshaft
7Coolant pump
8Generator (alternator)SLK 55 AMG
1Automatic belt tensioner
2Power steering pump
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley

444 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Power steeringAll models1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or,
depending on vehicle production date, Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)
1
Front wheel hubsAll modelsapprox. 2.1oz (60g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Brake systemAll models0.5 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling systemSLK 280approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent
SLK 350approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)
SLK 55 AMGapprox. 11.7 US qt (11.1 l)
Fuel tankAll modelsapprox. 18.5 US gal (70.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum posted Octane 91 (average of
96 RON/86 MON)
including a reserve ofSLK 280, SLK 350
SLK 55 AMGapprox. 2.4 US gal (9.0 l)
approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
Air conditioning systemAll modelsR-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant oil
(never R-12)
Hydraulic system for
retractable hardtopAll models0.19 US qt (0.18 l)MB Hydraulic Fluid
Windshield washer
system and headlamp
cleaning system*All models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield washer concentrate2
1For detailed information, please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.2Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate“MB SummerFit” and water for temperatures above freezing point or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”
and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 450).

452 Index
Deactivating 185
Defrosting 170, 188
Residual heat utilization 192
Sun sensor 25
Temperature 186
Automatic shift program 161
Automatic transmission*
Accelerator position 159
Automatic shift program 161
Automatic transmission fluid
(ATF) 300
Driving 53
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) 167
Fluid level 300
Gear ranges 160
Gear selector lever 155
Gear selector lever
(Unlocking manually) 389Gear selector lever control one-touch
gearshifting 162
Gear selector lever positions 157
Gear shifting malfunctions 167
Gearshift pattern 52
Kickdown 159
Kickdown, manual shift
program* 167
Manual shift program* 165
Program mode selector switch 161
Shifting procedure 156
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting* 163
B
Backup lamp
Messages in the multifunction
display 377
Replacing bulbs 395Bar 328
BAS 86
Batteries (SmartKey)
Replacing 391
Battery (Vehicle) 303, 415
Charging 417
Jump starting 419
Messages in the multifunction
display 366
Bead 328
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 394
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brakes 280
Brake fluid 292, 446
Messages in the multifunction
display 367
SLK 55 AMG 281
Warning lamp 348
Break-in period 278
Bulbs
Messages in the multifunction
display 375–380
Replacing 393

458 Index
H
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning 342
Hazard warning flasher 115, 116
Head restraint height (Seats) 42
Headlamps
Bi-Xenon* 394
Cleaning system* 168, 302, 450
Night security illumination (Control
system) 144
Switching off 61
Switching on 55
Headliner, cleaning 342
Head-thorax air bag 70
Heating
Seats* 104
Steering wheel* 276
High beam
Flasher 113
Headlamps 55, 113
Headlamps, bulbs 394
High beam headlamps 109
High mounted brake lamp 395
High-performance brake system 281
Hood 294
Horn 25
Hydroplaning 284I
Identification labels see Labels
Ignition (Position in starter switch) 37
Immobilizer see Anti-theft systems
Infant and child restraint systems see
Children in the vehicle
Instrument cluster 27, 118
Clock 120
Lamps, indicator and warning 346
Overview 26
Instruments and controls see Cockpit
Interior rear view mirror see Mirrors
Intermittent/interval wiping see
Windshield wipers
J
Jack (Vehicle tool kit) 382
Lifting vehicle 407
Lowering vehicle 413
Jump starting 419K
Kickdown 159
Kilopascal 328
Knee bag see Air bags
L
Labels 430
Lamp in center console 354
Lamps in instrument cluster 346
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 346, 347
Battery (SmartKey) 97
Brakes 348
CHECK ENGINE 349
ESP
®87, 350
Passenger front air bag off 74, 354
Fuel reserve 353
Passenger front air bag off 354
Seat belts 351–352
SRS 65, 353

460 Index
Manual transmission 153
Driving 53
Gearshift pattern 51
Starting with SmartKey 51
Maximum inflation pressure 329
Maximum load rating 328
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 328
Mechanical key see SmartKey
Memory function* 107
Menus see Control system menus
Messages in the multifunction display see
Multifunction display messages
Mirror lamp* see Sun visors
Mirrors 168
Additional turn signals 394
Adjusting 46
Antiglare position 168
Auto-dimming* 169
Exterior rear view mirrors 46
Interior rear view mirror 46Mobile phone see Telephone*
MOE tires* see MOExtended system*
MOExtended system* 317, 414
MON 292, 447
Motor Octane Number see MON
MP3 210
Multifunction display 121
Multifunction display messages 356
ABS 358
Air bags 361–364
Battery, Vehicle 366
Brake fluid 367
Brakes 367
Bulbs 375–380
Coolant 368–370
Cruise control 358
Doors 371
Engine oil 372–373
ESP
®358, 359Passenger front air bag 363
Fuel 374
Hood 375
Maintenance service indicator 334
Parking brake 366
Retractable hardtop 374, 381
Run Flat Indicator* 365
Seat belt 381
SmartKey 375
SRS 360
Symbol messages 366
Telephone* 381
Text messages 358
Transmission 360
Trunk lid 381
Vehicle status message memory 135
Washer fluid 381
Multifunction steering wheel 28, 122
Heating* 276