2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CABRIOLET Owner's Manual

294 Emergency operation of soft top
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
19. Turn locking handle 90
° clockwise and pull soft top
frame carefully down until it meets the windshield
header attachment points.
Turn locking handle counterclockwise to the stop to
lock the soft top.
Fold locking handle up until lock button engages.
Note:
Have the soft top operation checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

295 Emergency operation of soft top
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Antenna
The non-retractable antenna should be removed before
entering an automatic car wash, to avoid damage to the
antenna mast or vehicle paint finish.Do not use tools (e.g. pliers) for the antenna mast
removal.
To r e m ove :
Unscrew antenna counterclockwise (1).
To i n st a l l :
Carefully position antenna mast on threaded socket and
turn clockwise (2) until hand tight.

296 Manual release for fuel filler flap
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Manual release for fuel filler flap
The manual release knob is located behind the right
side trunk panel.
In case the central locking system does not release the
fuel filler flap, pull the manual release knob while
simultaneously opening the fuel filler flap.Replacing wiper blade insert
For safety reasons, remove electronic key from steering
lock before replacing the wiper blade, otherwise the
motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Notes:
Do not open engine hood with wiper arm folded forward.
Do not allow the wiper arm to contact the windshield
glass without a wiper blade inserted. The glass may be
scratched or broken.
Make certain that the wiper blade is properly installed.
An improperly installed wiper blade may cause
windshield damage.
P80.20-2051-26

297 Replacing wiper blade insert
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Removal:
Fold wiper arm forward. Press safety tab down (1), push
wiper blade downward (2) and remove.
Place wiper blade on firm support. Press down both tabs
and slide (direction of arrow) the wiper blade insert out
of the retainer claws.Installation:
Slide (direction of arrow) wiper blade insert into
retainer claws until tabs are engaged.
Insert wiper blade between tabs (3) on the wiper arm,
and slide into end of wiper arm. Press safety tab upward
until it locks in place.
3
2
1
P82.30-0333-26

298 Replacing wiper blade insert
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index

299
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care of the
vehicle ........................................300
Power washer .............................. 301
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 301
Engine cleaning ..........................302
Tar stains .....................................302
Vehicle washing .........................302
Ornamental moldings ................302
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal
lenses ...........................................303
Window cleaning ........................303
Plastic and rubber parts ............303Wiper blade ................................ 303
Light alloy wheels ..................... 303
Instrument cluster ..................... 304
Steering wheel and gear selector
lever ............................................. 304
Cup holder .................................. 304
Seat belts ..................................... 304
Headliner .................................... 304
Upholstery .................................. 305
Hard plastic trim items ............. 305
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 305
Wind screen .............................. 305
Rubber weatherstrip ................ 305
Soft top ........................................ 306

300 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints IndexTe ch n i c a l
data Car care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying
climatic conditions, but also by air polution, road salt,
tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree resins
etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint
damage. Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example, near the ocean, in
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during
winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be
repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged
areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz
because of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
We have selected car-care products and compiled
recommendations which are specially matched to our
vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow
the instructions on the particular container.
Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when
cleaning the inside.Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle.

301 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Additional information can be found in the booklet titled
“Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at soft top, electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).