2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 window

253 Operation
Driving instructions
Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
For more information on winter driving, see
“Winter driving” (
page 280).
Standing water
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endager any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. In-
dicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.
!Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary equip-
ment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing wa-
ter, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the passenger compartment
or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result
in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake causing severe
internal engine damage. Any such dam-
age is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

256OperationDriving instructions
Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions,
e.g. stop-and-go traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to approx. 248°F
(120°C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature over 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive with at least one window
fully open at all times.
Warning!
G


Driving when your engine is badly over-
heated can cause some fluids, which
may have leaked into the engine com-
partment, to catch fire. You could be se-
riously burned.


Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the hood. Stay away from
the engine if you see or hear steam com-
ing from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.

284OperationVehicle care
Vehicle careCleaning and care of vehicle
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:


Air pollution


Road salt


Tar


Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:


Grease and oil


Fuel


Coolant


Brake fluid


Bird droppings


Insects


Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and / or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:


near the ocean


in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)


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 corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry 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 ap-
plied later.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.

288OperationVehicle care
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning

Turn on the wipers and place it in a ver-
tical position.
For information on placing the wipers to a
vertical position, see “Replacing wiper
blades” (
page 341).

Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the wiper blades, otherwise the
wiper motor might suddenly turn on and
cause injury.!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms away
from the windshield in a vertical posi-
tion only. They could otherwise dam-
age the hood. Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the windshield, otherwise the wiper
motor might suddenly turn on and cause in-
jury.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.

289 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow the instructions on container.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Only use clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.
Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.

350 Practical hintsBatteryReconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover 4.

Connect negative lead3.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.!Never invert the terminal connections.!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnect-
ing):

Set the clock (see COMAND opera-
tor’s manual).


Resynchronize the ESP
(page 303).


Resynchronize side windows
(page 190).


Resynchronize sliding/pop-up roof
(page 194).

389 Index
A
ABC 210, 383
Messages in display 300
Setting vehicle level 211
ABS 23, 77, 383
Malfunction indicator lamp 292
Messages in display 301
Warning lamp 292
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 163
Accident
In case of 52
Activating
Air conditioner (cooling) 183
Air recirculation mode 179
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Central locking (control system) 153
Charcoal filter 181
Distance warning function* 207
Distronic* 203
Easy-entry/exit feature 154
ESP 81
Exterior headlamps 49
Exterior lamps 120Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 168
Front and rear fog lamp 121, 122
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 49
High beams 123
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button 33
Immobilizer 55, 82
Limiting opening height of
trunk lid 153
Rear window defroster 182
Residual heat 183
Seat heater 113, 114
Seat ventilation* 115
Tow-away alarm 84
Windshield wipers 50
Activating steering wheel gearshift control
Downshifting 162, 165
Upshifting 162, 165
Adding
Coolant 267
Engine oil 265Additional turn signals 336
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 185
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 177
Air volume 178
Backrest tilt 35
Exterior rear view mirror 40
Folding forward front seat
backrests 37
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Instrument cluster illumination 126
Interior rear view mirror 40
Lumbar support 111
Mirrors 40
Multicontour backrest* 111
Seat cushion depth 35, 111
Seat cushion tilt 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35
Seat height 35
Seat in the lumbar region 112
Seat in the shoulder region 111
Seats 34

390 Index
Steering column height 39
Steering column in or out 39
Steering column up or down 39
Steering wheel 39
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 183
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 271
Air recirculation mode 179
Activating 179
Deactivating 180
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 185
Air volume
Adjusting 178
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 298
Airbags 61
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 71, 383
Children 62
Front 65
Passenger 65
Safety guidelines 64
Side impact 65
Window curtain 65Alarm
Audible 76, 82, 83
Canceling 83
Visual 82
Alarm system
Anti-theft 82
Anti-theft alarm system indicator
lamp 25
Alignment bolt 346
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 329, 383
Antiglare
Automatic 167
Antilock brake system (ABS) 383
Antilock Brake System see ABS 23
Anti-theft alarm system
Activating 83
Canceling alarm 83
Deactivating 83
Anti-theft systems 82
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Anti-theft alarm system indicator
lamp 25
Immobilizer 82
Tow-away alarm 84Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 222,
223
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 222
Ashtray 227
At the gas station 257
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 266
AUDIO menu 134
Operating
Cassette player 136
CD player 136
Selecting radio station 135
Selecting satellite radio* station 135
Audio system
CD mode 137
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 167
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating
(control system) 153
Automatic climate control 173
Air recirculation mode 179
Defrosting 179
Rear window defroster 182
Setting the temperature 176