2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK-CLASS power steering

203 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Caution!
When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the
load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear to use
the engine’s braking power. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some
time, rather than immediately parking, so the air stream
will cool down the brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road
is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on
the engine until the operating temperature has been
reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one
drive wheel to spin for an extended period with the ESP
switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the
drive train which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.Parking
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever
parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move
selector lever to position “P”.
When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.
Wa r n i n g !
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of
vehicle movement, before
turning off the engine
and leaving the vehicle, always:
1. Keep right foot on the service brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to position “P”.
4. Slowly release the service brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.
6. Turn the electronic key to steering lock
position 0 and remove.
7. Take the electronic key and lock vehicle when
leaving.
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215 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.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
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.
Wa r n i n g !
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.
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218 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
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 and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should
go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, have the BAS
or ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 242.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.
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242 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program)
1 A malfunction has been detected in the system. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine
output will be available.
2 This message may be displayed if the power supply was
interrupted (battery disconnected or empty).
3 Synchronize ESP. See page 218.
REMOVE KEY
This message plus an audible alarm indicate that the
electronic key is in steering lock position 0 or 1, and the
driver’s door is open.
Line 1 Line 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. VISIT WORKSHOP!
1, 2, 3
Line 1 Line 2
RE MOVE KEY!
P54.30-3573-21
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267 Battery
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery
and its filler caps must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation. During removal and
installation always protect the disconnected battery
positive (+) terminal with the cover attached to the
battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components would be
damaged.Note:
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock (see
page 106), resynchronize the front seats (see page 49),
front seat head restraints (see page 49), the express
feature of the power windows (see page 147), the
sliding/pop-up roof (see page 149)and the electronic
stability program (ESP) (see page 218).
Battery recycling
Batteries contain material that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.
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271 Towing
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h). The electronic key must be in steering lock
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft
be disconnected at the rear axle drive f lange for any
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with
electronic key in steering lock turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning
flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off
the tow-away alarm (see page 44) as well as the ESP (see
page 219).
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking 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.
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289 Contents – Vehicle care
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................290
Power washer .............................. 291
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 291
Tar stains ..................................... 291
Engine cleaning ..........................292
Vehicle washing .........................292
Ornamental moldings ................292
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................292Window cleaning ....................... 293
Wiper blade ................................ 293
Light alloy wheels ..................... 293
Instrument cluster ..................... 293
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 293
Cup holder .................................. 294
Seat belts ..................................... 294
Hard plastic trim items ............. 294
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .................... 294
Upholstery .................................. 294
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 294
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298 Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
3VIN, visible (lower edge of windshield)
4Engine number
5Body number and paintwork number
6Emission control label
7Information label, California version
Vacuum line routing for emission control systemLayout of poly-V-belt drive
1Automatic belt tensioner
2Crankshaft
3Air conditioner compressor
4Coolant pump
5Generator (alternator)
6Idler pulley
7Power steering pump
6
5
7
3
4
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