2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 REPLACING WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES

277 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the Distronic* system sensor
cover
1Distronic* system sensor cover
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water to clean sen-
sor cover1.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor cover. Do
not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a
dry cloth or sponge.Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors
1Parktronic* system sensors

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water to clean sen-
sors 1.
When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 4 in (10 cm) at
sensors1.To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and only use a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensors. Do not
attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Wiper blades

Turn on the wipers and place them in a
vertical position.
For information on how to position the wip-
ers in a vertical position, see “Replacing
wiper blades” (
page 337).
!Fold the windshield wiper arms away
from the windshield to a vertical posi-
tion only. They could otherwise dam-
age the hood.


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

Turn on the wipers and place them in a
vertical position.
For information how to position the wipers
in a vertical position, see “Replacing wiper
blades” (
page 337).

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 blade. 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 to 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 wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor might suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
!Fold the windshield wiper arm 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.


338 Practical hintsReplacing wiper bladesInstalling wiper blades
Slide the wiper blade onto the wiper
arm until it locks in place.

Rotate the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.

Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the windshield. Make sure you hold on
to the wiper when folding the wiper arm
back.
!Never open the hood when the wiper
arms are folded forward.
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.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact
the windshield glass without a wiper
blade inserted.
Make sure the wiper blades are proper-
ly installed. Improperly installed wiper
blades may cause windshield damage.
For your convenience, we recommend
that you have this work carried out by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

424 IndexVIN (vehicle identification number) 374,
402
Voice control system* 21, 402
Hands-free microphone 27
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function* 204
Distronic* 198
Drivers seat belts 65
Warranty coverage 373
Washing the vehicle 276
Wear pattern (tires) 267
Wheel bolts
Tightening torque 356
Wheel change 350
Tightening torque 356
Wheel wrench 324
Wind screen 190, 402
Installing 190
Removing 191Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Refilling washer fluid 261
Washer fluid 48, 261
Washer system 261
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 393
Windshield washer fluid 48
Filler neck 261
Messages in display 322
Mixing ratio 393
Refilling 261
Windshield wipers 21, 47, 168
Fast wiper speed 48
Intermittent wiping 48
Replacing wiper blades 337
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 48
Winter driving
Snow chains 269
Tires 268
Winter driving instructions 245Winter tires 268
Wood trims
Cleaning 280
Wrench, wheel (vehicle tool kit) 324
X
Xenon headlamps 402