2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS clutch

144 Starting and turning off the enging
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Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector
lever is in position “P” or “N” (gearshift lever in
neutral). Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
Starting
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn key in steering
lock clockwise to the stop and release. The starter will
engage until the engine is running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn key completely to the left and repeat starting the
engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Vehicles with manual transmission:
Do not depress accelerator. Fully depress clutch pedal,
otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the
integrated safety interlock.
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop. Release
key only when the engine is firing regularly.
Important!
Due to the installed starter nonrepeat feature, the key
must be turned completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below
-4°F(-20°C) we recommend that an engine block heater
be installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
advise you on this subject, see page 165.
Turning off
Turn the key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the
engine.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
The key can only be removed with your foot off the
brake pedal and the selector lever in position “P”.

163 Driving instructions
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Snow chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to advise you on this subject.
Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow
the manufacturer’s mounting instructions.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered
roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km / h).
Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on
roads without snow.
When driving with snow chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF, see page 175.
Important!
Use of snow chains is not permissible with tire size
225 / 50 R 16, with the collapsible spare tire, or with tire
size 245 / 40 ZR 17 (Sport Package).Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to
drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking
and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move
selector lever to position “N” or in case of manual
transmission declutch. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking
efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary
to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated
roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.

168 Driving systems
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Notes:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently
while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the
cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the
following will assist in maintaining the set cruise
controlled speed:
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Downshift occurs (max. to 3rd gear) to maintain the set
cruise controlled speed by using the engine’s braking
power.
As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
The set cruise controlled speed is switched off when
declutching exceeds four seconds during downshifting a
gear.
Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control
is switched off.
Use the lever to resume the previously set speed.
Wa r n i n g !
Only use the cruise control if the traffic and
weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a
steady speed.
• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a steady
speed.• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.The “Resume” function should only be operated if
the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed
and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.