2005 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CABRIOLET catalytic converter

ContentsSoft top .............................................. 244
Opening and closing the soft top . 244
Driving systems ................................. 255
Cruise control............................... 255
Parktronic system
(Parking assist)* ........................... 260
Loading .............................................. 264
Ski sack* ...................................... 264
Loading instructions ..................... 268
Useful features .................................. 269
Storage compartments................. 269
Ashtrays ....................................... 273
Cigarette lighter ........................... 274
Electrical outlet in the
rear passenger compartment ....... 275
Floormats* ................................... 275
Telephone*................................... 276
Tele Aid ........................................ 277
Garage door opener ..................... 284
Operation......................................... 289
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 290
Driving instructions............................ 291
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 291
Drinking and driving ..................... 291
Pedals .......................................... 291
Power assistance ......................... 291
Brakes .......................................... 292
Driving off .................................... 294
Parking ......................................... 294
Tires ............................................. 295
Hydroplaning ................................ 295
Tire traction.................................. 296
Tire speed rating .......................... 296
Winter driving instructions ........... 297
Standing water ............................. 298
Passenger compartment .............. 299
Driving abroad.............................. 299
Control and operation
of radio transmitters .................... 299
Catalytic converter ....................... 300
Emission control .......................... 300
Coolant temperature .................... 301At the gas station .............................. 302
Refueling ...................................... 302
Check regularly and
before a long trip ......................... 304
Engine compartment ......................... 305
Hood ............................................ 305
Engine oil ..................................... 306
Transmission fluid level ................ 309
Coolant ........................................ 310
Battery ......................................... 311
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 312
Tires and wheels................................ 313
Important guidelines .................... 313
Tire care and maintenance........... 314
Direction of rotation..................... 316
Loading the vehicle ...................... 316
Recommended
tire inflation pressure ................... 322
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 324
Tire labeling ................................. 326
Load identification ....................... 330
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 330
Maximum tire load ....................... 332
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 332

49 Getting started
Driving
Parking brake
1Parking brake release handle
2Parking brake pedal
Release the parking brake by pulling on
handle1.
The indicator lamp ; (USA only)
or3 (Canada only) in the clock
goes out.Driving

Depress the brake pedal.

Move gear selector lever in
positionDorR.

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-
matic central locking system engages and
the locking knobs drop down.After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake, which could result in an acci-
dent and/or serious personal injury.
iYou can open a locked door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions
are safe to do so.
You can deactivate the automatic
locking using the control system
(page 155).
!If you hear a warning signal and the
message
Parking brake Release
brake!
appears in the multifunction
display when driving off, you have for-
gotten to release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.

54 Getting startedDrivingProblems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires

An ignition cable may be damaged.


The engine electronics may not be op-
erating properly.


Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.

Give very little gas.

Have the problem repaired by an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.The coolant temperature is
above 248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
and turn off the engine. Allow engine
and coolant to cool.

Check the coolant level and add
coolant if necessary (
page 310).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:

Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.

Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de-
termined:

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If no damage can be determined on the


major assemblies


fuel system


engine mount:

Start the engine in the usual manner.

163 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
For more information on driving with an
automatic transmission, see “Automatic
transmission” (
page 47).
Your vehicle’s transmission adapts its gear
shifting process to your individual driving
style by continually adjusting the shift
points up or down. These shift point adjust-
ments are performed based on current
operating and driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its shift program.
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
The automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, depending on:

the gear selector lever
positionD(
page 167) with
gear ranges (page 166)


the selected program mode:
(C/S) (
page 169)
or
(M/C/S) (CLK 55 AMG only)
(
page 173)


the position of the accelerator pedal
(page 170)


the vehicle speed
iDuring the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperature.

300 OperationDriving instructionsCatalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments to the engine should therefore
be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly accord-
ing to Mercedes-Benz servicing require-
ments. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

308 OperationEngine compartmentOther display messages
If the SmartKey is not turned to position2
in the starter switch, the following
message will appear:Turn on ignition
to see engine oil level!
Switch on the ignition (
page 36).
If you see the message:
Observe waiting time
If engine is at operating temperature,
wait five minutes before repeating
check procedure.

If engine is not at operating
temperature yet, wait 30 minutes
before repeating check procedure.If you see the message:
Engine oil level
Not when engine on!
Turn off the engine.

If the engine is at operating
temperature, wait five minutes before
checking oil.

If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait
30 minutes before checking oil.
If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at operating temperature, the following
message will appear:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
!

Have excess oil siphoned or drained
off. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.More information on messages in the
display concerning engine oil can be found
in the “Practical hints” section
(
page 380). !Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

309 Operation
Engine compartment
Adding engine oil
1Filler cap

Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.

Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.

Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 453) and (
page 455).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the automatic transmission.
!Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles). For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet in your vehicle
literature portfolio, or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those
expressly required for the Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter
at change intervals longer than those
called for by the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehi-
cles) will result in engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

380 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
:
USA only:Add 1 qt. engine oil
at next refuelingCanada only:Add 1 liter engine oil
at next refueling
The engine oil level is too low.

Add engine oil (
page 309) and check
the engine oil level (
page 307).
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level!
You have added too much engine oil.
There is a risk of damaging the engine or
the catalytic converter.

Have oil siphoned or drained off. Ob-
serve all legal requirements with re-
spect to its disposal.
Engine oil level
Stop, engine off!
There is no oil in the engine. There is a
danger of engine damage.

Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt as
soon as possible.

Turn off the engine.

Add engine oil (
page 309) and check
the engine oil level (
page 307).