2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK32AMG warning

45 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Seat belt nonusage warning system
With the key in steering lock position 2, a warning
sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt is not
fastened.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position
your seat belt greatly increases your risk of
injuries and their likely severity in an accident.
You and your passenger should always wear seat
belts.If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be
considerably more severe without your seat belt
properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled,
you are much more likely to hit the interior of the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed.In the same crash, the possibility for injury or
death is lessened if you are wearing your seat belt.
Wa r n i n g !
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there
are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in
the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate
seat belt.

63 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Infant and child restraint systems
Use only a BabySmart
TM compatible child restraint in
this vehicle.
We recommend that all infants and children be properly
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The passenger lap-shoulder belt has a special seat belt
retractor for secure fastening of a child restraint.
To fasten a child restraint follow chi ld re straint
instructions for routing. Then pull shoulder belt out
completely and let it retract. During the seat belt
retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt
is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up
any slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner.
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in
all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system properly
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of
compliance with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside
of vehicle and to infant or child restraint.Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.

71 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Coolant temperature gauge, see page 75
2Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement
warning lamp, see page 185
3Outside temperature indicator, see page 75
4Push button for activating the instrument cluster,
intensity of instrument lamps, for trip odometer, and
for Flexible service system (FSS) indicator, see
pages 74, 76 and 77
5Left turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 83
6Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp,
system is adjusting to road conditions, see page 1857Right turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 83
8Speedometer
9Trip odometer, see page 76
10Main odometer, Flexible service system (FSS)
indicator, see page 77
11Push button for setting clock, see page 76
12Tachometer, see page 76
13Clock, see page 76
14Gear range indicator display, see selector lever
position, page 150
Notes:
Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see page 72

72 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
High beam
ABS malfunction, see page 186
Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged, see page 183
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged, see page 183
BAS malfunction, see page 185
ESP malfunction, see page 185
ESP warning lamp. Adjust driving to road
condition, see page 185
Fasten seat belts, see page 184
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low, see page 187
Coolant level low, see page 187
Engine oil level low, see page 188Brake pads worn down, see page 184
Battery not being charged properly,
see page 188
Exterior lamp failure, see page 189
Telescoping steering column not locked,
see page 186
SRS malfunction, see page 184
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel
management system, emission control
system, systems which impact emissions, or
the fuel cap is not closed tight. In all cases,
we recommend that you have the
malfunction checked as soon as possible, see
page 182
ABS

75 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Coolant temperature gauge
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Outside temperature indicator
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper
area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by
road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This
means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature
can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer
placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external
displays (e.g. bank signs etc.).
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of
temperature change.
Wa r n i n g !
• Driving when your engine is badly overheated
can cause some fluids which may have leaked
into the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.• Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns and can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if
you see or hear steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
Wa r n i n g !
The outside temperature indicator is not designed
to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore
unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated
temperatures just above the freezing point do not
guarantee that the road surface is free of ice.

77 Flexible service system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Flexible service system (FSS)
(service indicator)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is
directly related to the operating conditions of the
vehicle.
The symbol 9 or ´ appears in the main odometer
display field prior to the next suggested service.
Depending on operating conditions throughout the year,
the next service is calculated and displayed in days
š or distance 9 remaining.The symbols 9 or ´ indicate the type of service
to be performed:
9Service A
´Service B
The message is displayed for approximately 10 seconds
when turning the key in steering lock to position 2, or
while driving when reaching the service warning
threshold. It can be canceled manually by pressing
button (1).
Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus
symbol 9 or ´ preceded by a – (minus symbol)
blinks for approximately 30 seconds and a signal
sounds every time when turning the key in steering lock
to position 2.
The FSS display can also be called up for approximately
10 seconds with display illuminated by pressing
button (1) twice within 1 second.
Following a completed A or B service the
Mercedes-Benz Center sets the counter to 10 000 miles
(Canada: 15 000 km).
P54.30-4499-26
1

80 Checking engine oil level
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot
be completed via the odometer display field. In this case
we recommend that you have the system checked at a
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes:
If the symbols : and I are continuously
illuminated after pressing left button on the instrument
cluster twice and there is no change in the odometer
display field or the low engine oil level warning lamp
comes on, a malfunction has occurred to the system.
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick.
If no oil leaks are noted continue to drive to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center to have the system checked.Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption.

81 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Exterior lamp switch
DOff
CParking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps,
license plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low
beam is additionally switched on.
BParking lamps plus low beam or high beam
headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
ˆStanding lamps, right (turn left one stop)
‚Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops)‡Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking
lamps and / or low beam headlamps on. Green
indicator in lamp switch comes on.
†Rear fog lamp (pull out to second detent) in
addition to the front fog lamps. Yellow indicator in
lamp switch comes on.
Standing lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the street the standing
lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned
on, making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles.
The standing lamps cannot be operated with the key in
steering lock position 2.
Notes:
With the key removed and a door open, a warning
sounds if the vehicle’s exterior lamps (except standing
lamps) are not switched off.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and / or
the low beam headlamps on. Fog lamps should only be
used in conjunction with low beam headlamps. Consult
your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding allowable lamp operation.
P82.10-2476-26