2000 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK CABRIOLET brake light

Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N”
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 204 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.
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Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Snow chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to advise you on this subject.
Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow
the manufacturer’s mounting instructions.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered
roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on
roads without snow.
When driving with snow chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF, refer to page209.
Wa r n i n g !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure
that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a
window slightly on the side of the vehicle not
facing the wind. Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to
drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking
and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move
selector lever to position “N”. Try to keep the vehicle
under control by corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking
efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary
to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road. If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated
roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
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Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
206

Check regularly and before a long trip
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Check regularly and before a long trip 1Engine oil level
See “Engine oil level, checking” on page110and
page246.
2Coolant level
See “Coolant level” on page248.
3Brake fluid
See “Brake fluid” on page309.
4Windshield washer system
Headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir see page249.
Ve h i c l e l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on
page269.
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Instrument cluster display
Malfunction and warning messages in the
multifunction display 222
Malfunction and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster 216 DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit) 223
On-board diagnostic system DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems) 223
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp 216 BATTERY/ALTERNATOR 224
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator lamp 218 ABS-SYSTEM 225
Fuel reserve and fuel cap BRAKE ASSIST 225
placement warning 218 BRAKE LINING WEAR 226
Electronic stability program(ESP) — warning lamp 219 BRAKE FLUID 226
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
219 PARKING BRAKE 227
ABS malfunction indicator lamp
219 ENGINE FAN 227
Telescoping steering column – indicator lamp 220 COOLANT (coolant level) 228
Seat belt warning lamp 220 COOLANT TEMP. (coolant temperature) 229
Malfunction and indicator lamps in the center console 221 LIGHTING SYSTEM 230
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 221 LIGHT SENSOR 231
Roll bar warning lamp 221 STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. 231
OIL TEMP. 232
ENGINE OIL LEVEL 232
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. (Electronic stability
program) 234
WASHER FLUID 235
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Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the
speedometer dial comes on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2.
It should go out with engine running.
See page208if the warning lamp lights up or flashes
when the vehicle is moving.
BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP
is combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. It should go
out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains
illuminated with the engine running, see page209
.ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2 and
should go out with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and
warning in the instrument cluster remains illuminated
while the engine is running, it indicates that the ABS
has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this
case, the brake system functions in the usual manner,
but without antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page206 for notes on the antilock brake system
(ABS).
BAS
ESP
ABS
219

Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHTING SYSTEMWhen the message appears after starting the engine, or
if it comes on while driving, this indicates a failure in
the parking lamp, taillamp, stop lamp, or low beam
headlamp. See page 269 for instructions on replacing
bulbs.
If an exterior lamp fails, the message will appear only
when that lamp is switched on.
If a brake lamp fails, the message will appear when
applying the brake and stays on until the engine is
turned off.
Note:
If additional lighting is installed (e.g. auxiliary
headlamps etc.) be certain to connect into the fuse
before the failure indicator monitoring unit order to
avoid damaging the system.
Line 1 Line 2
LAMP DEFECTIVE CHECK LAMPS!
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
2 C*
* C = Category, see page 2222
230

Jump starting
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine should be started
with jumper cables and the (12 V) battery of another
vehicle.
Only use 12 V battery to jump start your vehicle. Jump
starting with more powerful battery could damage the
vehicle’s electrical systems, which will not be covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor.
Warning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump
starting, you might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..Read all instructions before proceeding.Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
•Turn off engine and all lights and accessories,
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
•Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to
position “P”.
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