2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CL55AMG tow

345 Practical hints
Flat tire
1Jack support tube cover
Move cover1 toward rear by pressing
at point indicated by arrow.

Remove cover1 carefully to avoid
damage to the locking tabs.1Jack arm
2Jack support tube hole
3Crank

Insert jack arm1 fully into tube
hole2 up to the stop.

Keeping jack in this position, turn
crank3 clockwise until the jack base
meets the ground. Make sure the jack
is vertical (plumb line).

Continue to turn the crank until the tire
is a maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the
ground.
Warning!
G
Insert the jack arm fully into the jack sup-
port tube hole up to the stop. Otherwise the
vehicle may fall from the jack and cause per-
sonal injury or damage to the vehicle.
Warning!
G
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehi-
cle briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited
for performing maintenance work under the
vehicle.

Never start the engine when the vehicle
is raised.


Never lie down under the raised vehicle.

351 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only use 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Jump starting with a more
powerful battery could damage the ve-
hicle’s electrical system, which will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure that the jumper ca-
bles are not on or near pulleys, fans or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several un-
successful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.!Do not tow-start the vehicle.

353 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with SmartKey in starter switch
turned to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 84) and the automatic central
locking (
page 153).
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1). Otherwise, the ESP will immedi-
ately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the selector lever must
be in positionN and the SmartKey
must be in starter switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

354 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
!
To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the drive train, however, we
recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange for
any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage. Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey
is in starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch posi-
tion 0 for an extended period of time, it can
no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.iThe gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP and the SmartKey
will not turn in the starter switch if the
battery is disconnected or discharged.
See notes on the battery (
page 348)
or on jump starting (
page 351).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate the combina-
tion switch for the left or right turn sig-
nal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.

355 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on right side of front bumper
2Cover on right side of rear bumperRemoving cover

Press mark on cover in direction of ar-
row.

Lift cover off to reveal threaded hole for
towing eye bolt.
Installing towing eye bolt

Take towing eye bolt and wheel wrench
out of trunk (
page 329).

Screw towing eye bolt clockwise into
its stop and tighten with wheel wrench.
Removing towing eye bolt

Loosen towing eye bolt counterclock-
wise with wheel wrench.

Unscrew towing eye bolt.

Store towing eye bolt and wheel
wrench in trunk.
Installing cover

Fit cover and snap into place.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button in position2, the ve-
hicle doors lock if the left front wheel
as well as the right rear wheel are turn-
ing at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph
(15 km / h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 84).
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (
page 153).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.

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

395 Index
Limiting opening height of
trunk lid 153
Rear window defroster 182
Residual heat 184
Seat heater 113, 114
Seat ventilation* 115
Tow-away alarm 84
Deactivating steering wheel gearshift
control 166
Deceleration
With Distronic* 201
Deep water see Standing water 253
Defrosting 179
Delayed switch-off
Interior illumination 152
Dialing
A number (telephone) 140
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 52
Digital clock 23
Digital speedometer 134
Direction of rotation (tires) 271
Discharged battery
Jump starting 351Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 349
Displays
Digital speedometer 134
Distronic* 200
Messages 263, 299
Service indicator 282
Showing malfunctions 145
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 206
Increasing in Distronic* 206
Setting in Distronic* 205
Warning function 206
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 143
Distance warning function* 206
Activating 207
Deactivating 207
Distronic* warning lamp 206
Intermittent warning sound 206
Symbol in multifunction display 142
Distronic* 198, 384
Activated 202
Activating 203
Calling up settings 142, 201Cleaning system sensor 287
Cruise control lever 202
Deactivated 202
Deactivating 205
Deceleration 201
Decreasing distance 206
Decreasing time interval 205
Displays in the speedometer dial 200
Distance warning function 206
Driving hints 207
Fine adjustment 204
Increasing distance 206
Increasing time interval 205
Intermittent signal tone 200
Menu 201
Messages in display 302
Resetting stored speed 204
Sensor cover 287
Setting a higher speed 203
Setting a lower speed 204
Setting following distance 205
Setting the current speed 203
Warning and indicator lamps 200
Door control panel 19, 28