2002 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CABRIOLET power steering

217 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the electronic
stability program (ESP) is combined with the BAS
malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is
possible that now only partial engine output will be
available. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system
functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
BAS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS is also switched
off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the
engine running.
If the BAS warning message is displayed, have the BAS
or ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
J_A208.book Seite 217 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

218 Driving systems
Technical
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.
J_A208.book Seite 218 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

221 Driving systems
Technical
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 245.
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 c omes on ). For t his r eason , all wheels , i nclud in g t he
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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245 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
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 221
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
REMOVE KEY!
P54.30-3573-21
J_A208.book Seite 245 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

273 Battery
Technical
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.Notes:
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), and the
electronic stability program (ESP) (see page 221).
If the soft top is in a half open position, it also has to be
synchronized. To do so, raise and lock soft top manually
(see page 291).
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.
J_A208.book Seite 273 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

278 Towing
Technical
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 flange 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 222).
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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291 Emergency operation of soft top
Technical
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 two persons.
We r ecom men d to take off your watch or ot her j ewelry to
prevent personal injury.
A combination open-end / hex-socket wrench in the
vehicle tool kit is required for this job.
1. Engage parking brake.
2. Lower windows and open doors.
3. Lower roll bar with roll bar switch.
Note:
If the roll bar cannot be lowered, carefully guide the
soft top across the roll bar. Lift the rear window over
the roll bar.
4. For safety reasons, remove electronic key from
steering lock. Important!
Ensure that the trunk lid is closed while raising the soft
top manually. Otherwise there is the possibility of
contact between the trunk lid and the soft top
compartment cover.
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 or between the soft top rods while the
soft top is being raised and locked. Serious personal injury may occur.
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301 Contents – Vehicle care
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................302
Power washer ..............................303
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................303
Engine cleaning ..........................304
Tar stains .....................................304
Vehicle washing .........................304
Ornamental moldings ................304
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................305
Window cleaning ........................305
Plastic and rubber parts ............305Wiper blade ................................ 305
Light alloy wheels ..................... 305
Instrument cluster ..................... 306
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 306
Cup holder .................................. 306
Seat belts ..................................... 306
Headliner .................................... 306
Upholstery .................................. 307
Hard plastic trim items ............. 307
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 307
Wind screen .............................. 307
Rubber weatherstrip ................ 307
Soft top ........................................ 308
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