warning MERCEDES-BENZ SLK320 2002 R170 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your
desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 5
Operator’s manual ............................. 6
Where to find it ................................ 11
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 13Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 16
Center console .............................. 18
Overhead control panel ............... 19OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Remote control with
folding master key ...................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 23
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 23
Central locking system ................... 24
Remote control ............................. 24
Panic button .................................. 26
Mechanical keys ........................... 27Doors ................................................. 28
Central locking switch .................... 30
Automatic central locking ...............31
Emergency unlocking in
case of accident .......................... 32
Trunk ................................................. 33
Emergency release
for trunk lid ................................. 35
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm ............................... 37
Seats .................................................. 38
Seat heater ........................................ 42
Seat belts and
integrated restraint system ....... 44
Seat belts .......................................... 44
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 45
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ....................51
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ..........51
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ............................................. 52Emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) ............................................. 53
Airbags .............................................. 54
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................... 61
Infant and
child restraint systems ............... 63
Adjusting telescoping
steering column .......................... 65
Rear view mirrors ............................ 66
Instrument cluster ........................... 70
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 77
Checking engine oil level .............. 79
Engine oil consumption .................. 80
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 81
Headlamp cleaning system ............ 82
Combination switch ........................ 83
Hazard warning flasher switch ..... 85
Climate control ................................. 86
Rear window defroster .................... 90
Audio and telephone, operation .... 93
Power windows ................................ 111

2 Contents
Interior lighting ............................. 112
Night security illumination ......... 112
Sun visors with Vanity Mirror ......113
Interior .............................................113
Cup holder and glove box ..............114
Storage compartments ...................115
Ashtrays ...........................................116
Coin Holder ......................................116
Lighter ..............................................117
Parcel net in passenger footwell ..118
Shelf behind roll bars .....................118
Cellular telephone ..........................118
Garage door opener ........................119
Retractable hardtop ....................... 122
Wind screen .................................... 127
Luggage cover ................................. 128
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 130
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 131
Maintenance ................................... 131Tele Aid ............................................132
Catalytic converter ........................ 140
Emission control ............................. 141
Steering lock .................................. 142
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 144
Manual transmission .................... 145
Automatic transmission ............... 147
Parking brake .................................156
Driving instructions .......................157
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel ........157
Drinking and driving .................157
Pedals ...........................................157
Power assistance .........................158
Brakes ...........................................158
Driving off ....................................159
Parking .........................................159
Tires ..............................................160
Snow chains ................................163
Winter driving instructions ......163
Block heater .................................165
Deep water ...................................165
Passenger compartment ............165
Traveling abroad .........................165Cruise control ................................. 166
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 169
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 171
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 173
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 177
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 179
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster .................... 182
On-board diagnostic system ..... 182
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 182
Brake warning lamp .................. 183
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................. 184
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................. 184

3 ContentsSupplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................. 184
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning .................... 185
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 185
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 185
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 186
Telescoping steering column
warning lamp .............................. 186
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp .............................. 187
Low windshield and headlamp
washer system fluid level
warning lamp .............................. 187
Low engine oil level
warning lamp .............................. 188
Charge indicator lamp ............... 188
Exterior lamp failure i
ndicator lamp .............................. 189
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) .......... 189Malfunction and indicator lamp
in the center console ................190
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....190
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ......................................192
Stowing items in the vehicle ........192
Fuses ................................................192
Hood .................................................194
Automatic transmission
fluid level ....................................196
Checking engine oil level ..............197
Coolant level ....................................198
Adding coolant ............................198
Windshield and
headlamp washer system .........199
Air pump, spare wheel,
vehicle tools,
storage compartment
(except SLK 32 AMG) .............. 200
Ve h i c l e j a c k
(except SLK 32 AMG) .............. 201Storage box, TIREFIT-Kit,
air pump, Vehicle tools
(SLK 32 AMG only) ...................202
Wheels .............................................203
Tire replacement ........................203
Rotating wheels ..........................204
Spare wheel ....................................205
Spare wheel bolts .......................206
Changing wheels ...........................207
Inflating the collapsible
spare tire ..................................... 212
Storing spare wheel in
wheel well ................................... 213
TIREFIT ........................................... 214
Tire inflation pressure .................. 219
Battery .............................................220
Jump starting ..................................222
Towing the vehicle .........................224
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ..................229
Exterior lamps ................................230
Headlamp assembly ................... 231
Taillamp assemblies ..................234

6 Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

11 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
•Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
•Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
•Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

17 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Side defroster outlet, adjustable
2Cruise control switch, see page 166
3Side air outlet, adjustable
4Combination switch, see page 83
5Exterior lamp switch, see page 81
6Hood lock release, see page 194
7Instrument cluster, see page 70
8Horn (with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
9Airbag
10Steering wheel adjustment handle, see page 65
11Steering lock with ignition / starter switch,
seepage142
12Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
13Cup holder, see page 114
14Center air outlets, adjustable15Air volume control for center air outlets
16Climate control, see page 86
Rear window defroster, see page 90
17Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock
position 1 or 2), see page 114
18Audio system, see page 93
19Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 85
20Central locking switch, see page 30
21Left seat heater switch, see page 42
22Headlamp washer switch, see page 82
23ESP control switch, see page 175
24Tow- away alarm s witch, s ee page 3 7
25Right seat heater switch, see page 42
26Ashtray, coin holder, see page 116
27Storage compartment

20 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Remote control with
folding master key ...................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 23
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 23
Central locking system ................... 24
Remote control ............................. 24
Panic button .................................. 26
Mechanical keys ........................... 27
Doors .................................................. 28
Central locking switch .................... 30
Automatic central locking .............. 31
Emergency unlocking in
case of accident ........................... 32
Trunk ................................................. 33Emergency release
for trunk lid ................................. 35
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm ............................... 37
Seats .................................................. 38
Seat heater ........................................ 42
Seat belts and
integrated restraint system ....... 44
Seat belts .......................................... 44
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 45
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ....................51
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ..........51
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ............................................. 52
Emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) ............................................. 53Airbags .............................................. 54
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................... 61
Infant and
child restraint systems ............... 63
Adjusting telescoping
steering column .......................... 65
Rear view mirrors ............................ 66
Instrument cluster ........................... 70
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 77
Checking engine oil level .............. 79
Engine oil consumption .................. 80
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 81
Headlamp cleaning system ............ 82
Combination switch ........................ 83
Hazard warning flasher switch ..... 85
Climate control ................................. 86

45 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Seat belt nonusage warning system
With the key in steering lock position 2, a warning
sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt is not
fastened.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position
your seat belt greatly increases your risk of
injuries and their likely severity in an accident.
You and your passenger should always wear seat
belts.If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be
considerably more severe without your seat belt
properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled,
you are much more likely to hit the interior of the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed.In the same crash, the possibility for injury or
death is lessened if you are wearing your seat belt.
Wa r n i n g !
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there
are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in
the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate
seat belt.

63 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Infant and child restraint systems
Use only a BabySmart
TM compatible child restraint in
this vehicle.
We recommend that all infants and children be properly
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The passenger lap-shoulder belt has a special seat belt
retractor for secure fastening of a child restraint.
To fasten a child restraint follow chi ld re straint
instructions for routing. Then pull shoulder belt out
completely and let it retract. During the seat belt
retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt
is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up
any slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner.
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in
all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system properly
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of
compliance with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside
of vehicle and to infant or child restraint.Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.