G
Warning!
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use
leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information. i
After battery power was interrupted, do
the following:
R Set the clock
(Y page 105).
R Synchronize the power windows
(Y page 79). Charging the battery
G
Warning!
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
charging and could cause an explosion that
may
result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
Have the battery charged at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. If you charge the
battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
X Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer. Jump starting
G
Warning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and Jump starting
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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 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.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful 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. If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started with jumper cables and the fully
charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R
Access
to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the battery
of the other vehicle, provide jump start
power by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter
are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the
battery if the battery is frozen. Let the
battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system. Such
damage will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the
vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.
The jump-start contacts are located in the
engine compartment on the passenger side.
X Make sure the two vehicles do not touch.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (manual transmission to
Neutral).
X Open the hood (Y page 192). 284
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Position
B represents the charged battery of
another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
X Flip up cover : of positive terminal =.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
X Connect positive terminal ; of charged
battery B with positive terminal = with a
jumper cable. Clamp the cable to positive
terminal ; of charged battery B first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with charged
battery B and run at idle speed.
X Connect negative terminal ? of charged
battery B with negative terminal A with
a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal ? of charged battery
B first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.
X Remove the jumper cables from negative
terminals ? and A first. X
Remove the jumper cables from positive
terminals ; and =.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
X Close cover : of positive terminal =.
X Have the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or one axle raised only so far as necessary to
have the vehicle moved to a safe location
where the recommended towing methods
can be employed. Towing the vehicle
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explains the fuse allocation and fuse
amperages.
Before replacing fuses
X Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (manual transmission to
Neutral).
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Turn off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch. Fuse box in passenger compartment
! Do not use sharp objects such as a
screwdriver to open the fuse box cover in
the dashboard. You could damage the fuse
box cover or the dashboard. X
Open the driver’s door.
X Opening: Insert flat, blunt object as a lever
in recess on the edge of cover : at the
position indicated by the arrow.
X Loosen fuse box cover : from the
dashboard using the lever.
X Closing: Hook fuse box cover : into the
opening at the front.
X Press fuse box cover : back on until it
engages.
! The fuse box cover must be properly
positioned as described. Otherwise, moisture or dirt could enter the fuse box
and possibly impair fuse operation. Fuse box in engine compartment
X Open the hood. X
With a dry cloth, remove any moisture from
fuse box cover :.
X Opening: Release clamps ;.
X Remove fuse box cover =.
X Closing: Make sure the sealing rubber is
positioned properly.
X Press fuse box cover = down and secure
with clamps ;.
! The fuse box cover must be properly
positioned as described. Otherwise,
moisture or dirt could enter the fuse box
and possibly impair fuse operation.
X Close the hood after checking or replacing
fuses. Fuses
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For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent to
freeze protection to approximately -35‡
[-37†]).
If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection
to approximately -49‡ [-45†]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this amount
of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze should be used to
bring it up to the proper level (have cooling
system checked for signs of leakage). Please
make sure the mixture is in accordance with
label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you are not sure about the water quality,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum
parts. The use of aluminum components in
motor vehicle engines necessitates that
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in
such engines be specifically formulated to
protect the aluminum parts. Failure to use
such anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will
result
in a significantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or once
a year in hot southern regions), you should
have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked.
The coolant is also regularly checked each
time you bring your vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for service. Model Approximate freeze protection
-35‡ (-37†) -49‡ (-45†)
Cooling system
SLK 300
SLK 350 5.2 US qt (4.9 l) 5.7 US qt (5.4 l)
SLK 55 AMG 5.9 US qt (5.55 l) 6.5 US qt (6.1 l)Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
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