2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class lock

254 Raising soft top manually
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Raising soft top manually
In case of malfunction, the power soft top can also be
raised manually. This procedure should be performed
with great care by 2 persons.
A combination open-end/Allenhead wrench in the
vehicle tool kit is required for this job.
1. Open doors or lower windows.
2. Lower roll bar with roll bar switch. If the roll bar
cannot be lowered, the soft top can be carefully
guided over the roll bar.
3. For safety reasons, remove key from steering lock.
4. Unlock soft top storage compartment lock, located
on vehicle right side:
Place open-end wrench on bolt between roll bar and
storage compartment cover. Turn wrench (1)
towards rear of vehicle.
Open storage compartment cover and place in
upright position (2).
Wa r n i n g !
Do not place your hands near the roll bar, soft top
frame, upper windshield area or soft top storage
compartment while the soft top is being locked.
Serious personal injury may occur.
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256 Raising soft top manually
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
9. Pivot sun visors to side. Remove left and right
caps (6).10. Using Allenhead wrench, lock left and right of soft
top frame (5) to windshield header - turn wrench in
3 stages towards center of vehicle:
1. Left lock to first notch.
2. Right lock to second notch.
3. Left lock to second notch.
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257 Raising soft top manually
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 11. Close storage compartment cover (2). - Lock storage
compartment lock on right side: Place open-end
wrench on bolt between roll bar and storage
compartment cover. Turn wrench (1) towards front
of vehicle.
12. Lower soft top bow (4). The rear section of the soft
top cannot be locked during manual operation.

258 Replacing wiper blade
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Replacing wiper blade insert
Windshield wiper blade
Removal:
Fold wiper arm forward. Press safety tab down (1), push
wiper blade downward (2) and remove.
Installation:
Press down safety tab of new wiper blade. Insert wiper
blade between the tabs (3) on the wiper arm. Then press
safety tab upward until it locks in place. Notes:
Do not open engine hood with wiper arm folded forward.
Do not allow the wiper arm to contact the windshield
glass without a wiper blade inserted. The glass may be
scratched or broken.
Make certain that the wiper blade is properly installed.
An improperly installed wiper blade may cause
windshield damage.
3
2
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260 Manual release of fuel filler flap
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Manual release of fuel filler flap
The manual release knob is located behind cover (2) in
the right slide trunk panel.
In case the central locking system does not release the
fuel filler flap:
1. Unscrew wing nut (1)
2. Pull panel (2) away from trunk wall.
3. Pull the manual release knob (3) (arrow) while
simultaneously opening the fuel filler flap.Trunk lamp
1Switching off
2Switching on
Switch off trunk lamp if the trunk is to remain open for
a long period of time. This prevents the vehicle battery
from being discharged.
When the trunk lid is closed, the switch will reset and
turn on the lamp the next time the lid is opened.

265 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wiper and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the windshield,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Note:
For ease of cleaning, the cup holder between the front
seats can be removed by pulling it up when in its closed
position.

266 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner, shelf behind roll bars, and other hard
plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.
Soft top
Clean soft top with soft top raised and locked. Lower the
soft top into the storage compartment only if the top is
completely dry. If the top is kept in the storage
compartment for a lengthy period, raise it and air it out
with the windows down about every 4 months. Dry cleaning:
Brush top (always from front to rear) with a soft-bristled
brush.
Wet cleaning:
Brush the dry top. Wash with a mild detergent and an
ample supply of lukewarm water by wiping with a soft-
bristled brush or sponge from front to rear. Then rinse
thoroughly with clear water.
If only parts of the top have been washed, wet the entire
top and allow it to air-dry before lowering it into the
storage compartment.
Wipe the rear window with a cloth soaked with a mild,
non-abrasive detergent, rinse and rub dry.
Do not use sharp-edged instruments for the removal of
ice and snow.
Notes:
Never run the vehicle through an automatic car wash
with the soft top in place or use a power washer to clean
it, as you may damage the soft top material.
Remove bird droppings immediately. The organic acid
damages the material and causes the soft top to leak.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely
weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.

267 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex In general, regular spraying or cleansing with clear
water is sufficient to keep the top clean.
Wash the top only when heavily soiled.
Light colored soft tops should be cleaned frequently to
prevent spots and dirt from setting in, which could stain
and discolor the soft top material permanently.
Caution!
Never use any gasoline, thinner, tar and stain removers,
glass cleaner, or similar organic solvents to clean the
soft top, plastic window or wind screen. They will cause
damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Headliner
Soft top:
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.Wind screen
Use only water or mild detergent to clean the wind
screen.
Automatic antenna
For trouble-free operation of the automatic antenna, we
recommend that you clean the antenna mast
periodically.
Wiper blade
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, remove key from steering lock before
cleaning the wiper blade, otherwise the wiper motor
can suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Headlamp cleaning system
The condition of the wiper blades is important for
satisfactory cleaning of the headlamp lenses. We
therefore recommend that the blades be inspected
regularly.