transmission MERCEDES-BENZ SLK230 2004 R171 Owner's Manual

ContentsControls in detail............................... 73
Locking and unlocking ......................... 74
Keys ............................................... 74
Opening the doors from the inside . 77
Opening the trunk .......................... 77
Closing the trunk ............................ 78
Trunk lid emergency release .......... 78
Automatic central locking .............. 79
Locking and unlocking from the
inside ............................................. 80
Seats.................................................... 81
Removing and installing head
restraints ........................................ 81
Heated seats* ................................ 82
Lighting ................................................ 83
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 83
Combination switch........................ 85
Hazard warning flasher................... 86
Interior lighting ............................... 87
Instrument cluster ............................... 89
Instrument cluster illumination....... 89
Coolant temperature gauge............ 89
Trip odometer................................. 90
Tachometer .................................... 90
Outside temperature indicator ....... 91Setting clock .................................. 91
Manual transmission ........................... 92
Shifting into reverse ....................... 92
Automatic transmission* ..................... 93
One-touch gearshifting................... 94
Gear ranges.................................... 95
Gear selector lever position ........... 95
Program mode selector switch....... 97
Accelerator position ....................... 98
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode)............................................. 98
Good visibility ...................................... 99
Headlamp cleaning system* .......... 99
Rear view mirror............................. 99
Sun visors .................................... 100
Rear window defroster ................. 101
Climate control .................................. 102
Setting the temperature ............... 104
Adjusting air volume .................... 105
Adjusting air distribution .............. 105
Air recirculation mode .................. 106
Air conditioning ............................ 106
Residual heat ............................... 107
Basic settings............................... 108
Special settings............................ 109Deactivating the climate control
system ......................................... 110
Audio system ..................................... 111
Audio and telephone, operation ... 111
Operating safety .......................... 111
Operating and display elements... 112
Anti-theft system ......................... 114
Button and soft key operation...... 115
Operation ..................................... 115
Radio mode .................................. 116
Cassette mode............................. 118
CD mode ...................................... 121
Telephone* operation .................. 125
Power windows ................................. 128
Opening and closing the windows 128
Retractable hardtop........................... 130
Opening and closing the
retractable hardtop ...................... 130
Wind screen ................................. 135
Driving systems ................................. 136
Cruise control .............................. 136
Useful features .................................. 139
Interior storage spaces ................ 139
Ashtray ........................................ 142
Cigarette lighter ........................... 143
Telephone* .................................. 143

Contents
Tele Aid ........................................ 144
Garage door opener ..................... 153
Operation......................................... 159
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 160
Driving instructions............................ 161
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 161
Drinking and driving ..................... 161
Pedals .......................................... 161
Power assistance ......................... 162
Brakes .......................................... 162
Driving off .................................... 163
Parking......................................... 163
Tires ............................................. 164
Hydroplaning................................ 165
Tire traction ................................. 165
Tire speed rating .......................... 166
Winter driving instructions ........... 167
Standing water ............................. 168
Passenger compartment .............. 168
Driving abroad.............................. 168
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 168
Catalytic converter....................... 169
Emission control .......................... 170Coolant temperature..................... 170
At the gas station ............................... 171
Refueling....................................... 171
Check regularly and before a
long trip ........................................ 172
Engine compartment .......................... 174
Hood ............................................. 174
Engine oil ...................................... 175
Transmission fluid level................. 180
Coolant ......................................... 180
Battery .......................................... 183
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*.......... 184
Tires and wheels................................. 185
Important guidelines ..................... 185
Life of tire ..................................... 186
Direction of rotation...................... 186
Checking tire inflation pressure .... 186
Rotating wheels ............................ 187
Winter driving ..................................... 188
Winter tires ................................... 188
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 189
Snow chains.................................. 189
Maintenance....................................... 190
Clearing the service indicator ....... 190
Service term exceeded ................. 191Calling up the service indicator .... 191
Resetting the service indicator ..... 191
Vehicle care ....................................... 192
Cleaning and care of vehicle ......... 192
Practical hints.................................. 199
What to do if … ................................... 200
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 200
Additional indicators in the
speedometer display .................... 210
Lamp in center console ................ 211
Where will I find ...? ............................ 212
First aid kit.................................... 212
Vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack ......... 212
Spare wheel (SLK 230
Kompressor, SLK 320) .................. 213
TIREFIT kit (SLK 32 AMG only) ...... 214
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 216
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 216
Locking the vehicle ....................... 217
Changing batteries in remote
control .......................................... 218
Synchronizing remote control ....... 219
Fuel filler flap ................................ 219

Contents
Manually unlocking the
transmission selector lever .......... 220
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 221
Raising retractable hardtop
manually ...................................... 221
Replacing bulbs ................................. 226
Bulbs ............................................ 226
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 228
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 230
Adjusting headlamp aim
(Halogen headlamps only) ............ 231
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 233
Removing wiper blades ................ 233
Installing wiper blades.................. 234
Flat tire .............................................. 235
Preparing the vehicle.................... 235
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 1 ..... 235
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 2 ..... 240
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 244
Battery ............................................... 251
Disconnecting the battery ............ 252
Removing the battery ................... 252
Charging and reinstalling battery . 252
Reconnecting the battery ............. 252
Jump starting ..................................... 254Towing the vehicle ............................. 256
Towing eye ................................... 258
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 259
Fuses ................................................. 260
Main fuse box............................... 260
Auxiliary fuse box ......................... 261
Technical data................................. 263
Spare parts service ............................ 264
Warranty coverage............................. 265
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 265
Identification labels ........................... 266
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 267
SLK 230 Kompressor ................... 267
SLK 320 ....................................... 267
SLK 32 AMG................................. 267
Engine................................................ 268
Rims and Tires ................................... 269
Same size tires ............................. 270
Mixed size tires ............................ 271
Spare wheel with collapsible tire.. 273
Electrical system ............................... 274
Main Dimensions ............................... 275
Weights.............................................. 276Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 277
Capacities .................................... 277
Engine oils ................................... 279
Engine oil additives ...................... 279
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 279
Brake fluid.................................... 279
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 280
Fuel requirements ........................ 280
Gasoline additives ........................ 280
Coolants ...................................... 281
Windshield washer system and
headlamp washer system* .......... 283
Consumer information ....................... 284
Uniform tire quality grading ......... 284
Technical terms............................... 287Index................................................. 293

24 At a glanceCenter consoleLower Part
Item
Page
1
Selector lever for
automatic transmission*
93
Gearshift lever for manual
transmission
92
2
Storage compartment
3
Indicator lamp
7
62
4
Switch for opening/closing
windows on passenger
side
128
5
Exterior rear view mirror
adjustment
35
6
Switch for opening/closing
the hardtop
130
7
Storage compartment
140
Cigarette lighter
143
Item
Page
8
Parking brake lever
42
9
Switch for opening/closing
windows on the driver’s
side
128
a
Program mode selector for
automatic transmission*
93
b
Ashtray
142
Coin holder
142

29 Getting started
Unlocking
Steering lock positionsSteering lock0For removing key
The steering is locked when the key is
removed from the steering lock. If nec-
essary, move steering wheel slightly to
allow the locking mechanism to en-
gage.
1Power supply to some electrical con-
sumers, such as seat adjustment
2Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
3Starting position
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the steering lock and lock the vehi-
cle. Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehi-
cle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment
may cause an accident and/or serious per-
sonal injury.iThe key can only be withdrawn in
position0.
If necessary, move steering wheel
slightly to allow the key to be turned
clockwise to position1.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
The key can only be removed from the
steering lock with the gear selector
lever in positionP.
!To prevent accelerated battery dis-
charge and a possible dead battery,
always remove the key from the
steering lock when the engine is not in
operation.

40 Getting startedDrivingStarting the engine Manual transmission
Gearshift pattern for manual transmission
Depress the brake pedal.

Make sure the gearshift lever is in neu-
tral position.

Fully depress clutch pedal.
Otherwise the engine cannot be start-
ed due to the integrated safety inter-
lock.
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (
page 92).
Starting

Do not depress the accelerator.

Turn the key in the steering lock to
position3 and hold until the engine
starts (
page 29).
For information on turning off the engine
(
page 48).
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as garage) which are not properly ven-
tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes
are entering the vehicle while driving, have
the cause determined and corrected imme-
diately. If you must drive under these condi-
tions, drive only with at least one window
fully open.

41 Getting started
Driving
Automatic transmission*Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmissionPPark position with selector lever lock
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (
page 93).Starting

Make sure the gear selector lever is set
toP.

Do not depress the accelerator.

Turn the key in the steering lock to
position3. Release when the engine is
firing regularly (
page 29).

Depress the brake pedal.
The selector lever lock is released.
For information on turning off the engine
(
page 48).
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (
page 92).Starting difficulties
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:

Turn the key in steering lock to
position0 and repeat starting proce-
dure.
Remember that extended starting at-
tempts can drain the battery

Get a jump start (
page 254).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

42 Getting startedDrivingParking brake
1Brake lever
2Release button

Pull up slightly on brake lever1 and
press release button2.
Return brake lever1 down to its orig-
inal position.
The indicator lamp; (USA only)
or3 (Canada only) in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Driving

Move selector lever to positionD orR
(manual transmission: first or reverse
gear)

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-
matic central locking system engages
and the locking knobs drop down.After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the steering lock and lock the vehi-
cle. Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehi-
cle. Children could release the parking
brake, which could result in an accident
and/or serious injury.
iYou can open a locked door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions
are safe to do so.
!If you hear a warning signal when driv-
ing off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.iVehicles with automatic transmission:
Wait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.

43 Getting started
Driving
Switching on headlampsExterior lamp switch1Off
2Low beam headlamps on
Turn the switch toB.More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (
page 83).
Turn signals and high beam
The combination switch is on the left of the
steering column.Combination switch1Turn signals, right
2Turn signals, left
Press the combination switch up1 or
down2.
Warning!
G
Vehicles with automatic transmission: It is
dangerous to shift the selector lever out of
P
or
N if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control
of the vehicle and hit someone or some-
thing. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.


47 Getting started
Parking and locking
Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Parking brake
1Brake lever
2Release button
Pull up brake lever1 firmly.
When the engine is running, the indica-
tor lamp; (USA only) or3
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated.
Warning!
G
Wait until the vehicle is stationary before re-
moving the key from the starter switch. The
vehicle cannot be steered when the key is
removed.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
system. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.
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.


Pull up the brake lever firmly.


Move the selector lever to position
P
(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 position
0
and remove.