2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Owner's Manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
SLK Class
Rating:
Table of Contents
Contents
3
Introduction
7
Product information
7
Operator’s Manual
8
Service and warranty information;Information:About service and warranty
8
California:Important notice
9
Maintenance
10
Roadside assistance
10
Change of address or ownership
10
Operating:Vehicle outside the USA and Canada
11
Symbols
13
Operating safety;Operating:Safety
14
Vehicle:Proper use of
14
Problems:With vehicle
15
Safety defects:Reporting;Reporting:Safety defects
16
Reporting safety defects
16
At a glance
17
Cockpit;Instruments and controls see Cockpit
18
Instrument cluster
20
Center console
23
Center console:Upper part
23
Center console:Lower part
24
Overhead control panel
25
Getting started
27
Unlocking
28
Unlocking:With the remote control;Remote control:Unlocking with
28
Adjusting
30
Adjusting:Seats;Seats:Adjusting
30
Adjusting:Telescoping steering column*;Telescoping steering column*:Adjusting;Height adjustment:Tele
34
Mirrors:Adjusting;Adjusting:Mirrors
35
Driving:General instructions
37
Seat belts:Fastening;Fastening the seat belts;Safety belts see Seat belts;Occupant safety:Fastening
37
Starting the engine
40
Switching on:Headlamps;Headlamps:Switching on;Activating:Headlamps;Activating:Exterior headlamps
43
Turn signals;Combination switch:Turn signals
43
Windshield wipers;Combination switch:Windshield wipers;Switching on:Windshield wipers;Windshield wip
44
Problems:While driving;Driving:Problems;Difficulties:While driving see Problems while driving
45
Parking;Locking
47
Parking brake:Engaging
47
Headlamps:Switching off;Switching off:Headlamps;Deactivating:Headlamps
48
Turning off:Engine;Engine:Turning off with the key;Switching off:Engine
48
Safety and Security
51
Occupant safety;Safety:Occupant
52
Airbags;Occupant safety:Airbags
53
Seat belts
57
Child safety;Occupant safety:Children in the vehicle
60
Panic alarm;Panic alarm:Panic button on remote control
65
Activating
65
Deactivating
65
Driving:Safety systems;Safety systems:Driving;Driving systems:Driving safety systems
66
Driving safety systems:ABS;ABS
66
Driving safety systems:BAS;BAS
68
Driving safety systems:ESP;ESP;Electronic Stability Program see ESP
68
Anti-theft systems
71
Immobilizer;Activating:Immobilizer
71
Anti-theft systems:Anti-theft alarm system;Alarm system:Anti-theft
71
Tow-away alarm
72
Controls in detail
73
Locking;Unlocking;Remote control with folding key:Locking and unlocking
74
Keys
74
Cargo compartment:Trunk;Opening:Trunk;Trunk:Opening;Cargo area see Cargo compartment;Trunk see Cargo
77
Trunk:Closing;Closing:Trunk
77
Opening:Doors from the inside;Doors:Opening from inside vehicle
78
Trunk lid emergency release
78
Automatic locking when driving
78
Central locking:From inside;Central locking:Unlocking from inside
80
Seats
81
Seats:Heater*;Heated seats*;Front seats:Heater*
81
Head restraints
82
Lighting
83
Exterior lamp switch;Lighting:Exterior lamp switch;Front lamps:Switching on;Lighting:Low beam;Lighti
83
Combination switch
84
Hazard warning flasher
85
Interior lighting;Lighting:Interior;Passenger compartment:Interior lighting
86
Instrument cluster
88
Instrument cluster:Illumination;Adjusting:Instrument cluster illumination;Lighting:Instrument cluste
88
Instrument cluster:Coolant temperature gauge;Coolant:Temperature gauge
88
Resetting:Trip odometer;Trip odometer:Resetting
89
Tachometer
89
Outside temperature indicator;Instrument cluster:Outside temperature indicator
90
Setting:Clock;Clock:Setting
90
Gear shift lever for manual transmission
91
Manual transmission:Shifting into reverse;Shifting:Into reverse (manual transmission);Reverse (manua
92
Automatic transmission
93
One-touch gearshifting;Automatic transmission*:One-touch gearshifting
94
Gear range:Automatic transmission*;Automatic transmission*:Gear ranges
95
Automatic transmission*:Gear selector lever position;Gear selector lever:Position;Shifting:Gear sele
96
Program mode selector switch:Automatic transmission*;Automatic transmission*:Program mode selector s
97
Automatic transmission*:Accelerator position;Accelerator position, automatic transmission*
98
Automatic transmission*:Gear shifting malfunctions
98
Good visibility
99
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors <$nopage>
99
Headlamps:Cleaning system*;Cleaning*:Headlamps
100
Sun visors
101
Climate control
102
Temperature:Setting interior temperature;Setting:Temperature (interior);Climate control:Setting the
104
Air volume:Adjusting;Adjusting:Air volume;Climate control:Adjusting air volume
104
Air distribution:Adjusting;Adjusting:Air distribution;Climate control:Adjusting air distribution
104
Air recirculation mode;Climate control:Air recirculation mode
105
Rear window defroster;Climate control:Rear window defroster
105
Air conditioning;Climate control:Air conditioning
106
Residual heat utilization;Climate control:Residual heat utilization;Residual ventilation;Climate con
107
Basic settings heater and air conditioner
108
Special settings
108
Climate control:Deactivating the climate control system
110
Audio systems
111
Audio system:Audio and telephone, operation;Operating:Audio system;Operating:Telephone
111
Audio system:Operating safety;Operating safety:Audio system
111
Audio system:Operating and display elements;Display elements:Audio system
112
Anti-theft system
114
Audio system:Button and soft key operation;Button:Audio system;Soft keys:Audio system
115
Audio system:Operation
115
Audio system:Radio mode;Radio mode;Radio see Radio mode <$nopage>
116
Audio system:Cassette mode;Casette mode:Playing cassettes
118
Audio system:CD mode;CD mode;CD changer*;Changing CDs
121
Audio system:Telephone operation;Operating:Telephone*;Telephone*:Operation
124
Power windows;Power windows:Side windows
127
Side windows:Opening;Side windows:Closing;Opening:Windows;Closing:Windows
127
Retractable hardtop
129
Opening/closing retractable hardtop
129
Wind screen
134
Driving systems
136
Cruise control;Driving systems:Cruise control;Cruise control lever
136
Useful features
139
Interior storage spaces;Useful features:Interior storage spaces
139
Ashtray;Useful features:Ashtray
142
Cigarette lighter;Useful features:Cigarette lighter;Lighter see Cigarette lighter
143
Telephone*;Useful features:Telephone*
143
Tele Aid;Useful features:Tele Aid
144
Garage door opener;Useful features:Garage door opener
152
Operation
157
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
158
Driving:General instructions;Driving instructions
159
Drive sensibly – save fuel
159
Drinking and driving
159
Pedals
159
Power assistance
160
Brakes
160
Driving off
161
Parking
161
Tires:Driving instructions
162
Hydroplaning;Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning<nopage>
163
Tire traction
163
Tire speed rating
163
Winter driving instructions;Driving:In winter
164
Standing water:Driving instructions;Deep water see Standing water;Driving:Through standing water
165
Passenger compartment
165
Traveling abroad;Driving:Traveling abroad
165
Control and operation of radio transmitters;Radio transmitters, control and operation;Operating:Radi
166
Catalytic converter
166
Emission control
167
Coolant:Temperature
167
Tanken
169
Regular checks
170
Engine:Compartment;Engine compartment
171
Hood;Engine compartment:Hood;Hood:Opening
171
Engine oil:Checking level;Oil:Dipstick
172
Transmission see Automatic transmission*;ATF (automatic transmission fluid)*;Automatic transmission*
176
Coolant:Checking level;Checking:Coolant level;Coolant;Coolant level:Checking
176
Battery, vehicle
178
Windshield:Washer fluid;Windshield washer fluid:Refilling;Headlamps:Cleaning system;Headlamp cleanin
179
Tires;Wheels:Tires and wheels
180
Important guidelines
180
Service life (tires);Tires:Service life
181
Direction of rotation (tires);Tires:Direction of rotation
181
Tire inflation pressure:Checking;Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure;Tire inflation pressure:Ch
181
Rotating wheels;Wheels:Rotating
182
Winter driving
183
Winter driving:Tires;Tires:Winter;Winter tires
183
Block heater;Winter driving:Block heater
184
Snow chains;Winter driving:Snow chains
184
Service (maintenance)
185
Service indicator:Clearing
185
Service:Overdue;Overdue service;Service:Types
186
Service:Calling up the service indicator;Service indicator:Calling up;Calling up:Service indicator
186
Resetting:Service indicator (FSS);Service indicator:Clearing;Service indicator:Calling up
186
Vehicle care
187
Washing the vehicle
187
Practical hints
193
What to do if...
194
Practical hints:Lamps in instrument cluster
194
Additional indicators in the speedo\x05meter display
204
Practical hints:Lamp in center console;Center console:AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp;AIRBAG OFF indicator
205
Where will I find ....?
206
First aid kit;Practical hints:First aid kit
206
Vehicle tool kit;Tools;Practical hints:Vehicle tool kit
206
Unlocking:In an emergency;Emergency operations:Unlocking the vehicle;Vehicle:Unlocking in an emergen
210
Unlocking driver’s door and trunk
210
Locking:Driver’s door and trunk in an emergency
211
Batteries, remote control:Changing;Remote control:Changing batteries
212
Synchronizing the remote control
213
Fuel filler flap:Opening;Manual operations:Fuel filler flap;Opening:Fuel filler flap manually
213
Transmission selector lever:Unlocking manually;Unlocking:Transmission selector lever manually;Transm
214
Emergency operations:Opening hardtop;Opening:Hardtop in an emergency;Emergency operations:Closing ha
215
Retractable hardtop:Opening;Opening:Retractable hardtop;Retractable hardtop:Closing;Closing:Retracta
215
Bulbs, replacing;Replacing:Bulbs
221
Bulbs
221
Front lamps:Replacing bulbs;Replacing:Front lamp bulbs
223
Replacing:Brake lamp bulbs;Replacing:Backup lamp bulbs
225
Adjusting headlamp aim
226
Replacing:Wiper blades;Windshield wipers:Replacing wiper blades;Wiper blades:Replacing;Windshield:Re
228
Wiper blades:Removing;Removing:Wiper blades
228
Wiper blades:Installing;Installing:Wiper blades
228
Flat tire
229
Flat tire:Preparing the vehicle
229
TIREFIT kit:Sealing tires with TIREFIT;TIREFIT kit:TIREFIT kit 1
229
TIREFIT kit:Sealing tires with TIREFIT;TIREFIT kit:TIREFIT kit 2
234
Flat tire:Mounting the spare wheel;Spare wheel:Mounting
238
Battery, vehicle;Vehicle:Battery;Vehicle battery
245
Battery, vehicle:Disconnecting;Disconnecting:Vehicle battery
246
Battery, vehicle:Removing;Removing:Vehicle battery
246
Battery, vehicle:Charging;Charging:Vehicle battery;Battery, vehicle:Reinstalling;Reinstalling vehicl
246
Battery, vehicle:Reconnecting;Reconnecting:Vehicle battery
246
Jump starting;Discharged battery:Jump starting;Battery discharged:Jump starting
247
Towing the vehicle;Vehicle:Towing;Practical hints:Towing the vehicle
249
Towing the vehicle;Vehicle:Towing;Practical hints:Towing the vehicle
251
Towing the vehicle;Vehicle:Towing;Practical hints:Towing the vehicle
252
Fuses;Electrical fuses;Practical hints:Fuses
253
Fuses:Main fuse box
253
Fuses:Auxiliary fuse box
254
Technical data
255
Spare parts service;Parts see Spare parts service;Service:Spare parts
256
Warranty coverage
257
Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet;Service and Warranty Booklet:Loss of
257
Identification labels;Labels, identification
258
Layout of poly-V-belt drive;Poly-V-belt drive:Layout
259
SLK\x11230\x11Kompressor
259
SLK\x11320
259
SLK\x1132\x11AMG
259
Engine:Technical data;Technical data:Engine
260
Tires:Rims and tires;Rims;Tires;Technical data:Rims and tires
261
Same size tires
262
Mixed size tires
263
Spare wheel
265
Electrical system:Technical data;Technical data:Electrical system
266
Main dimensions;Technical data:Main dimensions
267
Weights;Technical data:Weights
268
Fuel:Technical data;Coolant:Capacities;Lubricants:Technical data;Technical data:Fuels;Technical data
269
Capacities:Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
269
Engine oil;Technical data:Engine oil
271
Engine oil:Additives;Technical data:Engine oil additives
271
Air conditioning refrigerant;Technical data;Air conditioning refrigerant;Refrigerant:Air conditionin
271
Brake fluid;Technical data:Brake fluid
271
Premium unleaded gasoline;Technical data:Premium unleaded gasoline;Fuel:Premium unleaded gasoline
272
Technical data:Fuel requirements;Fuel requirements;Fuel:Requirements
272
Technical data:Gasoline additives;Fuel additives;Gasoline see Fuel:Gasoline additives;Fuel:Additives
272
Coolant;Technical data:Coolants
273
Windshield:Washer system;Windshield washer system;Headlamps:Washer system;Technical data:Windshield
275
Consumer information;Tires:Consumer information
276
Uniform tire quality grading
276
Technical terms
279
Index
285
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Overview
Introduction
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class is a sophisticated blend of luxury and performance, offering an exhilarating open-air driving experience. With its stylish design and advanced engineering, the SLK Class appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate both aesthetics and adrenaline. This compact convertible embodies the spirit of the road, featuring a retractable hardtop that transforms the coupe into a cabriolet with ease. It stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to quality and innovation.
Powertrains
The 2003 SLK Class features a robust lineup of engines designed to deliver power and efficiency. The base model, the SLK230, is equipped with a 2.3-liter supercharged inline-four engine, producing 192 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the SLK320, which houses a 3.2-liter V6 engine generating 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a seamless 5-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience that enhances the sporty performance of the vehicle.
Trims
This model year offers several trims for buyers, including the SLK230 Kompressor and SLK320. Each trim is designed to cater to different driving preferences, with the SLK320 offering more power and luxurious touches. Despite the differences, both trims share the same dedication to comfort and feature-rich interiors, ensuring that every journey is enjoyable.
Features
The 2003 SLK Class comes packed with high-end features designed for convenience and luxury. Highlights include leather upholstery, a premium sound system, climate control, and power-adjustable seats. The optional navigation system enhances the driving experience, while an array of safety features such as traction control, ABS, and multiple airbags ensures peace of mind on the road.
Owners Manual
The comprehensive owner's manual for the 2003 SLK Class serves as an essential resource for owners, detailing maintenance schedules, troubleshooting tips, and operating instructions. This guide helps ensure that the vehicle remains in peak condition while enhancing the overall ownership experience.
User manual download
The Mercedes-Benz SLK Class owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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