2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 ESP

3 Contents
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 176
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 177
Maintenance ................................... 177
Catalytic converter ........................ 178
Emission control ............................ 179
Tele Aid ........................................... 180
Steering lock ................................... 190
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 192
Automatic transmission ............... 193
Parking brake .................................202
Driving instructions ......................203
Drive sensibly – save fuel .........203
Drinking and driving .................203
Pedals ...........................................203
Power assistance ........................204
Brakes ..........................................204Driving off ................................... 205
Parking ........................................ 205
Tires ............................................. 206
Snow chains ............................... 209
Winter driving
instructions ................................ 209
Deep water ...................................210
Passenger compartment ............ 211
Traveling abroad ......................... 211
Cruise control .................................212
Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................215
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................217
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ............................................ 219
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 223
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 225
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................228
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................228
Brake warning lamp ..................229
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................230
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ....................230
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 231
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 231
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 231
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp .............................232
Seat belt warning lamp .............232

7 IntroductionProduct information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories
explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible
for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other
agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance
or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on
permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

20 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Center console1ESP control switch, see page 221
2Program mode selector switch, see page 200
3Switch for rear window sunshade, see page 152
4Airbag Off indicator lamp, see page 232
5Left power window switch, see page 147
6Trunk lid release switch, see page 40
7Mirror adjustment switch, see page 80
8Right power window switch, see page 147
P68.10-2192-27
2
5
1
6
7
8
43

33 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Panic button
To activate press and hold button (1) for at least one
second. An audible alarm and blinking exterior lamps
will operate for approximately 3 minutes.
To deactivate press button (1) again, or insert electronic
key in steering lock.Note:
For operation in the USA only: This device complies
with Part 15, Subpart C, Section 209 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
WARNING: Changes or modification not expressly
approved by party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Mechanical keys
The mechanical keys work only in the driver’s door,
trunk, and storage compartment locks.
Notes:
The mechanical key does not operate the central locking
system or antitheft alarm system.
The fuel filler flap cannot be locked or unlocked with
the mechanical key.
P80.35-2035-26
1

48 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Memory storing and recalling
6Memory button
7Position buttonsStoring
Three sets of seat/head restraint and exterior rear view
mirror positions may be programmed into memory.
After the seat/head restraint and exterior rear view
mirrors are positioned, push memory button (6),
release, and within 3 seconds push position button “1”.
A second and third set of positions for the same seat/
head restraint and exterior rear view mirrors can be
programmed into memory by pushing first memory
button (6) and then “2”, respectively “3”.
Note:
See page 80 for instructions on adjustment of mirrors.

49 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Recalling
To recall a seat/head restraint and exterior rear view
mirror position, push and hold position button “1”, “2”
or “3” until seat/head restraint and exterior rear view
mirror movement has stopped. The seat/head restraint
and exterior rear view mirror movement stops when the
position button is released.
Caution!
Do not operate the power seats using the memory
button if the seat backrest is in an excessively reclined
position. Doing so could cause damage to front or rear
seats.
First move the backrest to an upright position.Synchronizing power seats and head restraints
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the power seats and head
restraints are no longer adjusted automatically.
To resynchronize the adjustment feature, turn
electronic key in steering lock to position 2, move the
seat completely forward and the head restraint fully
down, and hold respective buttons for approx.
2seconds.

72 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
• Sit properly belted in an upright position with
your back against the backrest.• Adjust the driver’s seat as far as possible
rearward, still permitting proper operation of
vehicle controls. The distance from the center
of the driver’s breastbone to the center of the
airbag cover on the steering wheel must be at
least ten i nch es (25 cm ) or m ore. You shou ld be
able to accomplish this by a combination of
adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any problems, please see your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.• Do not lean wit h your h ead or chest close to th e
steering wheel or dashboard.• Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel
rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim
can increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury when the driver front airbag
inflates.
• Adjust the front passenger seat as far as
possible rearward from the dashboard when
the seat is occupied.• Occupants, especially children, should never
lean their heads in the area of the door where
the side airbag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the airbag be
triggered. Always sit upright, properly use the
seat belts, and appropriate size infant or child
restraint system.• Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-
Benz authorized BabySmart
TM c om p at i bl e ch i l d
seat, which operates with the BabySmart
TM
system installed in t he veh icle to deac tivate t he
passenger front airbag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the
airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury can result.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe or fatal injuries to you or other occupants.

73 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexSafety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning retractor and airbag
Wa r n i n g !
Accident research shows that the safest place for
children in an automobile is in the rear seat.
Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or
under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle,
you m ust properly use a BabySmart
TM child
restraint which will turn off the passenger side
front airbag. BabySmart
TM will not, however, turn
off the passenger’s side impact airbag.
It should be noted however that there is a
possibility for a side airbag related injury if
occupants, especially children, are not properly
seated or restrained when next to a side airbag
which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in
order to do its job.To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow
these guidelines: (1) occupants, especially
children, should never place their bodies or lean
their heads in the area of the door where the side
airbag inflates. This could result in serious
injuries or death should the side airbag be
activated; (2) always sit upright, properly use the
seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or
child restraint system for all children 12 years old
or under; and (3) always wear seat belts properly.
Wa r n i n g !
• Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced and
their anchoring points must also be checked.
Use only belts installed or supplied by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.• Do not pass belts over sharp edges.• Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the belts.• Airbags and ETR’s are designed to function on
a one-time-only basis. An airbag or emergency
tensioning retractor (ETR) that was activated
must be replaced.