2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class steering

123 Retractable hardtop
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Raising Hardtop
1.E n ga g e p a r k i n g b ra ke .
2.Turn key in steering lock to position 2.3.Slide hardtop switch forward (2) and hold:
•The indicator lamp in the hardtop switch lights
up.
Note:
If indicator lamp blinks slowly, a malfunction
has occurred in the system.
If indicator lamp blinks rapidly, the trunk lid
and / or the luggage cover may be open, and need
to be closed.
•The door windows lower.
•The trunk lid opens rearward.
•The hardtop is raised from its storage
compartment, simultaneously the shelf behind
roll bars opens and rear quarter windows close.
•The shelf behind the roll bars closes.
•The trunk lid closes, and the hardtop locks.
•The indicator lamp in the hardtop switch goes
out - the closing procedure is completed.
2
P77.39-2031-26

124 Retractable hardtop
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the hardtop switch is held or is released and slid
forward again within approximately 30 seconds, the
door windows will close.
However, the door windows can also be closed / opened
later on. Slide hardtop switch twice forward / backward
and hold.For safety reasons, the hardtop cannot be raised while
driving. However, if the hardtop is not completely locked
after raising it, you can then lock it while driving by
pushing the hardtop switch forward.
If t he ind ica tor lamp in th e h ardtop switch bl inks slowly
while activating the switch,
•the battery voltage may be insufficient – start
engine and let run while activating switch,
•the system may be overloaded (for example after
lowering or raising the hardtop approximately
5 consecutive times) - after approximately
10 minutes the hardtop switch may be activated
again.
I f t h e i nd ic a tor l a mp c on t in u e s to b l in k , l oc k t h e h a rd top
manually, see page 226.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Wa r n i n g !
The hardtop is not fully closed and locked:
• if the indicator lamp in the hardtop switch
does not go out (key in steering lock
position 2),
• if the indicator lamp blinks, and a warning
sounds for 10 seconds when starting to drive.Stop the vehicle and before continuing to drive,
close and lock the hardtop:
The key should be in steering lock position 2.
Slide the hardtop switch forward.To prevent possible accidents, drive the vehicle
only with the hardtop either completely closed and
locked, or fully lowered into its storage
compartment.

127 Contents - Driving
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 128
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 129
Maintenance ................................... 129
Tele Aid ........................................... 130
Catalytic converter ........................ 138
Emission control ............................ 139
Steering lock ................................... 140
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 142
Manual transmission .................... 143Automatic transmission ............... 144
Parking brake .................................153
Driving instructions .......................154
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel ........154
Drinking and driving .................154
Pedals ...........................................154
Power assistance .........................155
Brakes ...........................................155
Driving off ....................................156
Parking .........................................156
Tires ..............................................157
Snow chains ................................160
Winter driving
instructions .................................160Block heater ................................ 162
Deep water .................................. 162
Passenger compartment ........... 162
Traveling abroad ........................ 162
Cruise control ................................. 163
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 166
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 168
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 170
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 174
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 176

130 Tele Aid
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Te l e A i d
Important!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be
performed by completing the subscriber agreement and
placing an acquaintance call using the “SOS” button.
Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a
system that is not activated. If the system is not
activated the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button stays
on after turning electronic key in starter switch to
position 2.
If you have any questions regarding activation, please
call the Response Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
(Te l ematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response;
automatic and manual emergency, roadside assistance
and information.
The Tele Aid system is operational providing that the
vehicle’s battery is charged and properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is available. To
activate, press the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button or the Information button¡,
depending on the type of response required.Shortly after the completion of your Acquaintance Call,
you will receive a user ID and password via first call
mail. By visiting www.mbusa.com and selecting
“Tele Aid” (USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock and more.
System self-check
Initially, after turning the key in steering lock to
position 2, malfunctions are detected and indicated (the
indicator lamps in the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button and the Information
button¡ stay on longer than 10 seconds or do not
come on).
Important!
Always make sure that the indicator lamps in the
“SOS” button, in the “Roadside Assistance” button and
in the “Information” button do not remain illuminated
constantly in red after the system self check.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above, have the
system checked at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.

133 Tele Aid
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Roadside Assistance button 
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside
Assistance button. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds), will initiate a call to
a Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The
button will flash while the call is in progress. The
Tele Aid system will transmit data generating the
vehicle identification number, model, color and location
(subject to availability of cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be
established. The nature of the need for assistance can
then be described. The Mercedes-Benz Roadside assistance dispatcher will
either dispatch a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or
arrange to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such as labor and/
or towing charges may apply. Refer to the Roadside
Assistance manual for more information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•Sign and Drive services: Serv ices su ch as jump sta rt,
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a f lat tire
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle
data.
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button remains illuminated in red for
approximately 10 seconds during the system self-check
after turning key in steering lock to position 2 (together
with the “SOS” button and the Information
button¡).
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a
safe location. The Response Center will
automatically contact local emergency officials
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they
receive an automatic “SOS” signal and cannot make
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.

134 Tele Aid
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
See system self-check on page 130 when the indicator
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than
approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button is illuminated continuously and there was
no voic e connec tion to th e Response Cente r establ ish ed,
then the Tele Aid system could not initiate an Roadside
Assistance call (e.g. the relevant cellular phone network
is not available).
Information button ¡
Located below the center armrest cover is the
Information button¡. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds), will initiate a call to
t h e C l i e n t A s s ista n c e C e nt e r. T h e b u t to n w il l f l a sh w h i l e
the call is in progress. The Tele Aid system will transmit
data generating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to availability of
cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Client Assistance
Center representative and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established. Information regarding the operation
of your vehicle, the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or
Mercedes-Benz USA products and services is available
to you.For more details concerning Tele Aid, please visit
www.mbusa.com and use your ID and password, sent to
you separately, to learn more (USA only).
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Information button¡
remains illuminated in red for approximately
10 seconds during the system self-check after turning
key in steering lock to position 2 (together with the
“SOS” button and the Roadside Assistance button).
See system self-check on page 130 when the indicator
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than
approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Information button¡ is
illuminated continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center established, then the
Tele Aid system could not initiate an Information call
(e.g. the relevant cellular phone network is not
ava il ab l e ) .

140 Steering lock
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Steering lock
0The key can be withdrawn in this position only. The
steering is l ocked w hen th e key is removed f rom th e
steering lock. If necessary, move steering wheel
slightly to allow the locking mechanism to engage.
In vehicles equipped with automatic transmission,
the key can only be removed with the selector lever
in position “P”. After removing the key or with the
key in steering lock position 0, the selector lever is
locked in position “P”.1Steering is unlocked.
(If necessary, move steering wheel slightly to allow
the key to be turned clockwise to position 1.)
Most electrical consumers can be operated. For
detailed information see respective subjects.
2Driving position.
3Starting position.
See page 142 for instructions on starting and turning off
the engine.
2
3
0
1
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause serious personal
injury.

141 Steering lock
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
while the key is in steering lock position 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
a nd-go tra ff ic. This preca ution h elps to avoid d ra ining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window
defroster.Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the key from the steering
lock. Do not leave the key in steering lock position 0.