2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CL600 manual transmission

Contents
Instrument cluster ............................. 114
Instrument cluster illumination .... 114
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 115
Trip odometer .............................. 115
Tachometer .................................. 115
Outside temperature indicator ..... 116
Control system .................................. 117
Multifunction display .................... 117
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 118
Menus .......................................... 120
Standard display menu ................ 122
AUDIO menu ................................ 122
CD changer operating mode ........ 123
TEL menu* ................................... 125
NAVI menu ................................... 127
Distronic* menu........................... 128
Trip computer menu..................... 129
Malfunction memory menu .......... 130
Settings menu .............................. 131Automatic transmission...................... 143
One-touch gearshifting ................. 144
Gear ranges .................................. 145
Gear selector lever position .......... 146
Program mode selector switch ..... 147
Accelerator position...................... 148
Emergency operation
(Limp home mode) ........................ 148
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) and manual
shift program CL 55 AMG ............. 149
Good visibility ..................................... 151
Rear view mirror ........................... 151
Windshield wipers ......................... 154
Headlamp cleaning system ........... 154
Sun visors ..................................... 155
Rear window sunshade ................. 156Automatic climate control .................. 157
Setting the temperature ............... 160
Adjusting air distribution .............. 161
Adjusting air volume ..................... 162
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 162
Defrosting ..................................... 162
Air recirculation mode .................. 163
Charcoal filter ............................... 164
Rear window defroster.................. 165
Deactivating the climate
control system .............................. 166
Air conditioning ............................ 166
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 167
Ventilated storage compartment
under armrest ............................... 167
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ...................... 168

143 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
Information on driving with an automatic
transmission is found in the “Getting start-
ed” section (
page 43).
Your transmission adapts its gear shifting
process to your individual driving style by
continually adjusting the shift points up or
down. These shift point adjustments are
performed based on current operating and
driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change the au-
tomatic transmission reacts by adjusting
its gear shift program.The automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, depending on:


the selector lever positionD with gear
ranges4, 3, 2, 1 (
page 145)


the selected shift program (C/S)
(page 147)


the position of the accelerator pedal
(page 148)


the vehicle speed
The current selector lever position and
shift program (
C/S) appear in the tachom-
eter display (
page 22). When the selector lever is in positionD,
you can influence transmission shifting by:


limiting the gear range


changing gears manually
iDuring the brief warm-up the transmis-
sion upshifting is delayed. This allows
the catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperature.
Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out
of P or N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the en-
gine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

144 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionOne-touch gearshifting
Even with an automatic transmission you
can change the gears manually when the
selector lever is in positionD.
Downshifting
Briefly press the selector lever to the
left in the D–direction.
The transmission will shift from the current
gear to the next lower gear. This action si-
multaneously limits the gear range of the
transmission (
page 145).Upshifting

Briefly press the selector lever to the
right in the D+direction.
The transmission will shift from the current
gear to the next higher gear as permitted
by the shift program. This action simulta-
neously extends the gear range of the
transmission.Canceling gear range limit

Press and hold the selector lever in the
D+direction until
D reappears in the ta-
chometer display.
The transmission will shift from the current
gear range directly to gear rangeD.
Shifting into optimal gear range

Press and hold the gear selector lever
in the D–direction.
The transmission will automatically select
the gear range suited for optimal accelera-
tion and deceleration. This will involve
shifting down one or more gears.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
iTo avoid overrevving the engine when
the selector lever is moved to the
D–direction, the transmission will not
shift to a lower gear if the engine's
max. speed would be exceeded.

149 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) and manual shift program CL 55 AMG
The CL 55 AMG can be driven in both the
automatic and manual shift program
modes. In the manual shift program mode
you can change the gears manually on the
steering wheel or by using the selector le-
ver.
1Right button: upshift
2Left button: downshiftTo do so, you must first select the manual
shift program M on the program mode se-
lector switch.
3Program mode selector switch
S Sport For standard driving
C Comfort For comfort driving
M Manual For manual gear shiftingActivating steering wheel gearshift
control

Press the program mode selector
switch repeatedly until the
M for manual
shift program appears in the tachome-
ter display.
Automatic gear shifting is activated.
!Never change the program mode when
the selector lever is out of positionP. It
could result in a change of driving char-
acteristics for which you may not be
prepared.

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.

351 Technical terms
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (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.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out
of positionP without key turned and
brake pedal depressed.
Speedshift
Steering wheel gearshift control and
manual shift program. In the manual
shift program mode you can change
the gears yourself on the steering
wheel or by using the selector lever. SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.Telematics
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

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