2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 child seat

269 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Lamp in center consoleProblem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp lights up.
A BabySmart
TM child seat is installed on the
front passenger seat. Therefore the front
passenger airbag is switched off.
The system is malfunctioning if there is no
BabySmart
TM child seat installed on the front
passenger seat.

Have the system checked as soon as
possible by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp does not light up with a BabySmart
TM
child seat properly installed on the front
passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.

Make sure that there is nothing be-
tween seat cushion and child seat and
check installation of the child seat.

If the light remains out, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not use the BabySmart
TM restraint
to transport children on the front pas-
senger seat until the system has been
repaired.

347 Technical terms
ABC
(A
ctive B
ody C
ontrol)
Active, computer-controlled system
that hydraulically adjusts the suspen-
sion at all four wheels in response to
various driving situations.
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.BabySmart
TM
airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (PASSENGER
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp in the cen-
ter console lights up). See your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
BabySmart
TM
compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger side airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.Bi-Xenon headlamps
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.

350 Technical termsMON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Multifunction display
Display field in the speedometer used
to present information provided by the
control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.Parktronic*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing:


Engine


Clutch/torque converter


Transmission


Transfer case


Drive shaft


Differential


Axle shafts/axlesProgram mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between sport operationS and
comfort operationC.
CL 55 AMG with steering wheel gear-
shift control and manual shift program:
in addition toS andC (see above), you
can use theM for manual operation.
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.

355 Index
Automatic transmission 143
Accelerator position 148
Activating steering wheel gearshift
control 149
Deactivating steering wheel
gearshift control 150
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 148
Fluid level 242
Gear ranges 145
Gear selector lever position 146
Gear shifting malfunctions 148
Kickdown 148
One-touch gearshifting 144
Program mode selector switch 147
Selector lever position 143
Starting the engine 43
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) and manual shift pro-
gram S 55 AMG 149
Transmission fluid 242
Winter program mode 147, 149
Auxiliary cup holder 204
Inserting 204
Removing 205B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 65, 347
Compatible child seats 65, 347
Self-test 66
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 99
Shoulder region 99
Backup lamps 303, 305
Bulbs 303
BAS 73, 347
Messages in display 273, 283
Batteries, KEYLESS-GO* card
Changing 300
Check lamp 85
Checking 85
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 299
Check lamp 81
Checking 82
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking 82
Battery discharged
Jump starting 316Battery, vehicle 243, 313
Charging 314
Disconnecting 314
Reconnecting 315
Reinstalling 314
Removing 314
Bi-Xenon headlamps 347
Block heater* 253
Blocking
Rear window operation 69
Brake assist system (BAS) 347
Brake fluid 236, 340
Brake lamp bulbs 303
Brake lamp, high mounted 303
Brake pads
Message in display 275
Brakes 226
Warning lamp 267
Break-in period 224

356 IndexBulbs, replacing 302
Additional turn signals 302
Backup lamps 303
Brake lamps 303
Fog lamps 302
Front lamps 302
High beam 302
High mounted brake lamp 303
License plate lamps 303, 306
Low beam 302
Parking lamps 302, 303, 305
Rear fog lamp 303, 305
Side marker lamps 302, 305
Standing lamps 302, 303, 305
Tail lamp assemblies 303, 305
Turn signal lamps 302, 303
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 347
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Distronic* settings 128
Range (distance to empty) 130
Service indicator 255
CAN system 347
Cargo tie-down hooks 198Catalytic converter 232
CD changer* 123
CD mode 123
CD player
Operating 123
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 269
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 134
Central locking
Automatic 94
From inside 95
Switch 95
Switching on/off (control
system) 139
Unlocking from inside 95
Central locking switch 95
Changing
Batteries (KEYLESS-GO* card) 300
Batteries (SmartKey) 299
Key setting 140
KEYLESS-GO* card setting 84
Vehicle level 192
Changing CDs 123Charcoal filter 164
Activating 164
Deactivating 164
Charging
Vehicle battery 314
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 268
Checking
Batteries (KEYLESS-GO* card) 85
Coolant level 242
Oil level 236, 238
Oil level with the oil dipstick 240
Tire inflate pressure 236
Vehicle lighting 236
Vehicle lock status
(KEYLESS-GO* card) 86
Child safety 63
Airbags 56
Infant and child restraint systems 60,
63
LATCH child seat mounts 68
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 69
Cigarette lighter 207

362 IndexGear selector lever
Cleaning 260
Position 146
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission 43
Global
Locking 81
Unlocking 81
Global Positioning System (GPS) 349
Glove box 21, 199
Closing 199
Opening 199
Good visibility 151
GPS 210, 349
H
Hand-held transmitter
Programming integrated remote
control 218
Hands-free microphone 27
Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 260
Hazard warning flasher 111
Switching off 111
Switching on 111
Head restraints 97
Headlamp cleaning system 236Headlamps
Automatic control 109
Bi-Xenon 347
Cleaning 258
Cleaning system 154, 244, 344
Refilling washer fluid 244
Switching off 50
Switching on 46
Headliner
Cleaning 261
Heated steering wheel* 208
Height adjustment
Head restraints 36
Steering wheel 37
Height adjustments
Vehicle level 191
High beam flasher 46, 111
High beam headlamps
Messages in display 286
Replacing bulbs 302
Switching on 111
High mounted brake lamp 303
Hood 237
Closing 238
Message in display 284
Opening 237Hydroplaning 229
I
Identification labels
Certification label 328
Emission control label 328
Engine number 328
Information label, California version
Vacuum line routing for emission
control system 328
VIN (vehicle identification
number) 328
VIN, visible 328
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 76
Activating 76
Deactivating 76
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Infant and child restraint systems 63
Installing 67
LATCH child seat mounts 68
Information
About service and warranty 10
Button for Tele Aid 214

364 IndexKEYLESS-GO* card 83
Central locking 84
Changing the batteries 299
Checking the batteries 82, 85
Checking vehicle lock status 86
Factory setting 84
Locking the vehicle 86
Loss of 87
Messages in display 276
Reprogramming 84
Restoring to factory setting 81
Turning off the engine 51
Unlocking 83
Unlocking with 32
Keys 80
Kickdown 148, 349
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 134
Km/h or mph in speedometer 134
L
Lamp bulbs, exterior 302
Lamps, exterior
Front 302
Light sensor 285
Messages in display 287
Rear 303Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 265
Battery (SmartKey) 81
Brakes 267
CHECK ENGINE 268
Coolant 277
Distronic*
DTR* 181, 265
Engine diagnostics 268
ESP 75, 264
Fuel reserve 268
Instrument cluster 264–268
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF 65, 269
Seat belts 266
Service indicator 254
SRS 55
Tow-away alarm 78
Turn signals 23
Language
Multifunction display 135
Setting 135
LATCH child seat anchors 68
LATCH child seat mounts 68
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 329
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 261Lever
For cruise control 183
License plate lamps
Replacing bulbs 303, 306
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 260
Light sensor 285
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 207
Lighting 108
Automatic headlamp mode 109
Combination switch 111
Daytime running lamp mode 110
Exterior lamp switch 108
Front fog lamps 110
High beam flasher 111
High beams 111
Instrument cluster illumination 114
Interior 112
Locator lighting 110
Low beam 108
Manual headlamp mode 109
Night security illumination 110
Parking lamps 108
Rear fog lamp 110
Settings (control system) 135
Limiting the gear range 145

366 IndexMirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 152
Adjusting 38
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 151
Exterior rear view mirror 38
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 142
Exterior rear view mirror parking
positions 142
Inside rear view mirror 38
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing position 107
MON (Motor Octane Number) 235, 350
Mph or km/h in speedometer 134
Multicontour seat* 99
Multifunction display 24, 117, 350
Selecting language 135
Standard display 121Multifunction display messages
ABC 271
ABS 272
BAS 273, 283
Brake fluid 275
Brake pads 275
Check engine 268
Coolant 278
Coolant level 277
Distronic* 280
Doors 280
Engine 268
Engine oil level 282
Entry position 294
Fuel reserve tank 284
Hood 284
Key 284
KEYLESS-GO* card 276
Lamps 287
Parking brake 288
Selector lever 280
Tele Aid 293
Telephone* 294
Tires 291
Trunk 294
Washer fluid 294Multifunction
steering wheel 24, 118, 350
Buttons 118
N
Navigation system
Operating 127
See separate COMAND* operating in-
structions
Night security illumination 110
O
Occupant safety 54
Airbags 55
Children and airbags 56
Children in the vehicle 63
Fastening the seat belt 40
Infant and child restraint systems 63
LATCH child seat mounts 68
Seat belts 40, 58
Odometer, main 23
Odometer, trip 23