Page 26 of 473
25 At a glance
Cockpit
ItemPage
1Automatic transmission*:
Steering wheel gearshift 
control*163
2Multifunction steering 
wheel28,
122
3Horn
4Instrument cluster26,
118
5Overhead control panel31,
116
6Glove box252
CD changer*216,
252
7Center console29, 30
8Sun sensor for automatic 
climate control*
9Starter switch37
ItemPage
aSteering wheel adjustment 
release handle, manual43
bSteering wheel adjustment 
stalk, electrical*44
Heated steering wheel 
stalk* (SLK 280, 
SLK 350, Canada only)276
cHeadlamp cleaning button*168
dHood lock release lever294
eExterior lamp switch55,
109
fCombination switch
High beam55
Turn signals55
Windshield wipers56
gPower window switches235
hInside door handle99
jCruise control lever247 
     
        
        Page 91 of 473

90 Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized 
persons from starting your vehicle.
Activating
Remove the SmartKey from the starter 
switch.
Deactivating
Switch on the ignition (page 37).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a 
visual and audible alarm is triggered when 
someone opens
a door
the trunk lid
the hood
the glove box
the storage/telephone* compartment 
in the center console
The alarm system will also be triggered 
when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle
opening the vehicle with the 
mechanical key
someone opens a door from the inside
someone opens the trunk lid with the 
emergency release button
iStarting the engine will also deactivate the 
immobilizer.
In case the engine cannot be started (yet the 
vehicle’s battery is charged), the system is not 
operational. Contact an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center or call 
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
iThe alarm will stay on, even if the activating 
element (e.g. a door) is immediately closed.
iIf the alarm stays on for more than 
30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is 
initiated automatically by the Tele Aid* system 
(
page 261), provided Tele Aid* service was 
subscribed to and properly activated, and that 
necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are 
available (
page 261). 
     
        
        Page 295 of 473

294 Operation
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood lock release lever
Warning!G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could 
be forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose 
and injure you and/or others.
Warning!G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the 
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is 
overheated, do not open the hood. Move 
away from the vehicle and do not open the 
hood until the engine has cooled. If neces-
sary, call the fire department.
Warning!G
You could be injured when the hood is open 
– even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To 
prevent burns, let the engine cool of com-
pletely before touching any components on 
the vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety 
precautions.
Warning!G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of 
moving parts when the hood is open and the 
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for 
approximately 30 seconds or may even 
restart after the engine has been turned off. 
Stay clear of fan blades.
Warning!G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized 
ignition system. Because of the high voltage 
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic 
socket) of the ignition system
with the engine running
while starting the engine
if ignition is “on” and the engine is 
turned manually 
     
        
        Page 296 of 473

295 Operation
Engine compartment
Pull hood lock release lever1 in direc-
tion of arrow.
The hood is unlocked.
2Lever for opening the hood
Push lever2 on the hood upward to 
release hood.
With the hood released, lift the hood by 
lifting it at the front edge.
The hood will be automatically held 
open at shoulder height by gas-filled 
struts.
ClosingLet the hood drop from a height of 
approximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully 
closed. 
If you can raise the hood at a point 
above the headlamps, then it is not 
properly closed. Open it again and let it 
drop with somewhat greater force.!To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or 
hood, never open the hood if the wiper arms are 
folded forward away from the windshield.
Warning!G
When closing the hood, use extreme caution 
not to catch hand or fingers. Be careful that 
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged be-
fore driving. Do not continue driving if the 
hood can no longer engage after an accident 
for example. The hood could otherwise 
come loose while the vehicle is in motion 
and injure you and/or others. 
     
        
        Page 350 of 473

349 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
USA only:
?
Canada only:
±
The yellow engine malfunction 
indicator lamp comes on when 
the engine is running.There is a malfunction in:
The fuel injection system
The ignition system
The emission control system
Systems which effect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in 
excessive emissions values and may 
switch the engine to its limp-home 
(emergency operation) mode.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
An on-board diagnostic connector is used 
by the service station to link the vehicle to 
the shop diagnostics system. It allows the 
accurate identification of system malfunc-
tions through the readout of diagnostic 
trouble codes. It is located in the front left 
area of the footwell near the hood release.
iSome states may by law require you to visit 
a workshop as soon as the engine malfunction 
indicator lamp comes on. Check local require-
ments. 
     
        
        Page 400 of 473

399 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Placing wiper arms in vertical position
1Wiper arms
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch 
to position1 (
page 37).
Turn combination switch to wiper 
settingII (
page 56).
With wiper arms 1 in vertical position, 
turn the SmartKey in the starter switch 
to position0.
Remover the SmartKey from the starter 
switch.
Warning!G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and 
remove the SmartKey from the starter 
switch before replacing a wiper blade. 
Otherwise, the motor could suddenly turn 
on and cause injury.
Warning!G
Wiper blades are components that are 
subject to wear and tear. Replace the wiper 
blades twice a year, preferably in the spring 
and fall. Otherwise the windows will not be 
properly wiped. As a result, you may not 
be able to observe surrounding traffic condi-
tions and could cause an accident. 
!To avoid damage to the hood: 
The wiper arms should only be folded for-
ward when in the vertical position.
Never open the hood when a wiper arm is 
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 wind-
shield.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact the wind-
shield glass without a wiper blade inserted.
For your convenience, we recommend that you 
have this work carried out by an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center. 
     
        
        Page 427 of 473
426 Practical hints
Fuses
Opening
Open the driver’s door.
Insert flat, blunt object as a lever into 
recess on the edge of cover1 at the 
position indicated by the arrow.
Loosen cover1 from dashboard using 
the lever.
Pull cover1 out and remove.
Closing
Attach cover1 in the front.
Fold cover1 in until it engages.
Fuse box in engine compartment
The fuse box is located in the engine com-
partment on the driver’s side.
1Fuse box
2Clamp
3Fuse box coverOpening 
Open the hood (page 294).
With a dry cloth, remove any moisture 
from the fuse box.
Release clamps2.
Remove fuse box cover3.
Closing 
Make sure the sealing rubber is 
properly positioned.
Press fuse box cover3 down and 
secure with clamps2.
!Do not use sharp objects such as a 
screw driver to open fuse box cover1 in the 
dashboard, as this could damage it.
!Fuse box cover3 must be properly 
positioned as described to prevent moisture or 
dirt from entering the fuse box and possibly 
impairing fuse operation.