Contents
Practical hints................................. 361
What to do if … .................................. 362
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 362
Lamp in center console................ 367
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 368
Where will I find...? ............................ 388
First aid kit ................................... 388
Vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack......... 388
Spare wheel with collapsible tire.. 391
Spare wheel bolts ........................ 392
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 394
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 394
Locking the vehicle ...................... 395
Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever
(automatic transmission*) ........... 396
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 397
Raising retractable hardtop
manually ...................................... 397
Replacing SmartKey batteries ........... 398
SmartKey ..................................... 399Replacing bulbs .................................. 400
Bulbs ............................................. 401
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 403
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 405
Replacing wiper blades....................... 406
Removing wiper blades ................. 406
Installing wiper blades .................. 407
Flat tire ............................................... 408
Preparing the vehicle .................... 408
Sealing tires with TIREFIT.............. 408
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 412
Battery................................................ 421
Disconnecting the battery............. 422
Removing the battery.................... 422
Charging and reinstalling battery .. 423
Reconnecting the battery.............. 423
Jump starting ...................................... 424
Towing the vehicle .............................. 426
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 428
Fuses .................................................. 430
Aids for replacing fuses ................ 430
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 431
Fuse box in engine compartment.. 432
Technical data.................................. 433
Parts service ...................................... 434
Warranty coverage ............................. 435
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 435
Identification labels ............................ 436
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 437
SLK 280, SLK 350 ........................ 437
SLK 55 AMG ................................. 437
Engine ................................................ 438
Rims and tires .................................... 439
Same size tires ............................. 441
Mixed size tires ............................. 443
Spare wheel with collapsible tire .. 445
Electrical system ................................ 446
Main Dimensions................................ 447
Weights .............................................. 448
362 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during thebulb self-check when switching on ignition
(
page 36), have the respective bulb
checked and replaced if necessary.
Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS indicator lamp comes on
while driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction
and has switched off. The BAS and
ESP
® are also switched off (see mes-
sages in display).
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS avail-
able.
If the ABS control unit is malfunction-
ing, other systems such as the
automatic transmission* may also be
malfunctioning.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.
Read and observe messages in the
multifunction display (
page 368).
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ABS has switched
off.
The battery might not be charged suf-
ficiently.
Switch off electrical consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat
heating*.
If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
371 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
ESP
malfunction
Visit workshop
The ESP
® was deactivated because of
a malfunction.
The ABS might not be operational.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP
® avail-
able.
Continue driving with added caution.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
The self-diagnosis has not been com-
pleted.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP
® avail-
able.
The display will clear after driving a short dis-
tance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The charging voltage has fallen below
ten volts. The ESP
® has switched off.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP
® avail-
able.
Continue driving with added caution.
When the voltage is above this value again,
the ESP
® is operational again.
If necessary, have the generator and bat-
tery checked.
374 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Symbol messagesDisplay symbol
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
#
Battery/Alternator
Visit workshop
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
Alternator malfunctioning
Broken poly-V-belt
Do not forget that the brake system
requires electrical energy and may
be operating with restricted capa-
bility. Considerably greater brake
pedal force is required and the stop-
ping distance is increased.
Stop immediately and check the poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:
Do not continue to drive. Notify an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is in order:
Drive immediately to the nearest autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center. Adjust driv-
ing to be consistent with reduced
braking responsiveness.
423 Practical hints
Battery
Charging and reinstalling battery
Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Reinstall the charged battery. Follow
the previously described steps in re-
verse order.
Reconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover.
Connect the negative lead.
Reinstall the water tray.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.
Warning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the bat-
tery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for infor-
mation and availability. Charge battery in
accordance with the separate instructions
for the accessory battery charger.
!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.!Never invert the terminal connections!
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):
Set the clock (
page 139).
Synchronize the power windows
(page 251).