2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK55AMG warning

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our prod uct is a de monstration of you r tru st in our company na me. Fu rt her, it exemplif ies you r 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 .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 27
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 27
Central locking system ................... 28
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 28
Opening and closing windows
and sliding/pop-up roof from
outside ........................................... 32Panic button ................................. 33
Mechanical keys .......................... 33
Doors ................................................. 34
Central locking switch .................... 36
Automatic central locking .......... 37
Emergency unlocking in
case of accident .......................... 37
Trunk ................................................. 38
Trunk lid release switch ................ 40
Trunk lid emergency
release ...........................................41
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm ............................... 44
Power seats, front ............................ 45
Front head restraints ...................51
Rear head restraints .................... 52
Backrest ............................................ 54
Multicontour seat ............................ 55
Heated seats ..................................... 56
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 58
Seat belts .......................................... 58
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 59BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system .................... 65
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 65
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 66
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 66
Airbags .............................................. 67
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 73
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 75
Adjusting telescoping
steering column .......................... 78
Inside rear view mirror .................. 79
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 80
Instrument cluster ........................... 84
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 86
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 90

2 Contents
Trip and main odometer,
vehicle speed, FSS and
engine oil level indicator ........... 94
Audio systems .................................. 95
Radio .............................................. 95
CD player ....................................... 96
Cassette player ............................. 97
Telephone .......................................... 98
Telephone book ............................ 98
Redialing ..................................... 100
Incoming call .............................. 102
Navigation system .......................... 103
Trip computer ................................. 104
Malfunction message
memory ...................................... 106
Individual settings ......................... 108
Setting the audio volume ...............110
Flexible service system
(FSS) .............................................111
Engine oil level indicator ...............114
Engine oil consumption .................115Exterior lamp switch ...................... 116
Night security illumination .......... 117
Headlamp cleaning system ........... 118
Combination switch ....................... 119
Hazard warning flasher
switch ..........................................121
Automatic climate control ............ 122
Display and controls ................. 124
Basic setting -
automatic mode ......................... 124
Economy ...................................... 125
Special settings .......................... 125
Rear window defroster .............. 126
Air recirculation ........................ 127
Residual engine heat
utilization .................................... 127
Dust filter .................................... 128
Audio and telephone,
operation .................................... 129
Power windows .............................. 147
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 149Interior lighting ............................. 151
Rear window sunshade ................. 152
Sun visors ....................................... 152
Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 153
Interior ............................................ 153
Storage compartments,
armrest and cup holder ........... 153
Glove box ..................................... 154
Ashtrays .......................................... 157
Lighter ............................................. 159
Enlarged cargo area –
split folding rear
seat backrest .............................. 160
Loading instructions ..................... 162
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 163
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 164
Telephone, general ........................ 164
Cellular telephone ......................... 165
Garage door opener ....................... 166
Ski sack ........................................... 170

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

4 Contents
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the center console ................232
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................232
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display ...............233
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................234
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........235
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................236
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................236
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............237
BRAKE FLUID .............................237
PARKING BRAKE .......................238
ENGINE FAN ...............................238
COOLANT
(coolant level) .............................239
COOLANT TEMP.
(coolant temperature) ................240
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 241LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 242
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. .......... 242
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 243
ELEC. STABIL. PROGRAM.
(Electronic stability
program) ..................................... 244
REMOVE KEY ............................. 244
WASHER FLUID ......................... 245
TELE AID ..................................... 246
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ..................................... 248
Shelf below rear window .............. 248
Stowing things in
the vehicle ................................. 248
Fuses ............................................... 249
Hood ................................................ 251
Checking engine oil level ............. 253
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 254
Coolant level ................................... 254
Adding coolant ........................... 255Windshield washer / headlamp
cleaning system ........................256
Windshield and
headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio .......................256
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................257
Vehicle jack .....................................258
Wheels .............................................259
Tire replacement ........................259
Rotating wheels ..........................260
Spare wheel .................................... 261
Changing wheels ...........................262
Tire inflation pressure ..................267
Battery .............................................268
Jump starting ..................................270
Towing the vehicle .........................272
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ................... 274
Exterior lamps ................................275
Headlamp assembly ................... 276
Taillamp assemblies ..................278
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............280

8 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, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

13 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: Displays and 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.

19 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see index on page 313.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to automatic climate
control, see page 122.
1Side air outlet, adjustable
2Air volume control for side air outlet
3Exterior lamp switch, see page 116
4Parking brake release, see page 202
5Parking brake pedal, see page 202
6Hood lock release, see page 251
7Combination switch, see page 119
8Cruise control switch, see page 212
9Multifunction steering wheel, see page 90
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
10Instrument cluster, see page 84
11Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
12Steering lock with ignition/starter
switch, see page 19013Center air outlets, adjustable
14Air volume control for center air outlets
15Left front seat heater switch, see page 56
16Headlamp washer switch, see page 118
17Switch for rear seat head restraints, see page 52
18Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 121
19Central locking switch, see page 36
20Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 44
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see
page 42
21Right front seat heater switch, see page 56
22Automatic climate control, see page 122
Rear window defroster switch, see page 126
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in
steering lock position 1 or 2), see page 154
24Audio system, see page 129
25Storage compartment
26Ashtray with lighter, see page 157