Mercedes SL500 owner's manual

Mercedes-Benz

SL Owners Manual

SL 320 SL 500 SL 600

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Product information

Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:

We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.

Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:

• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.

• Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.

• Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety of the vehicle operator and occupants.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.

DaimlerChrysler AG

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Operator's manual

This Operator's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving.

For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.

Service and warranty information

The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including:

• New Car Limited Warranty,

• Emission System Warranty,

• Emission Performance Warranty,

• California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty (California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),

• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

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Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to perform the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

Maintenance

The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.

Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

Roadside assistance

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number:

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)

1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

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Change of address or ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

• Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,

• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,

• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:

In the USA: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NI 07645-0350

In Canada: Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

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We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator's Manual might differ from your vehicle.

Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator's Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

The Operator's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

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The First 1000 Miles (1500km)

The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds.

During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds.

Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend to select positions "3", "2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).

After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See Index

Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet.

Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet may result in vehicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz. Limited Warranty.

Radio Transmitters

Warning!

Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without the telephone connected to an external antenna) from inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's electronic system, possibly resulting in an accident and personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit, should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle.

Introduction

Product information 2 Operator's manual 4 Consumer Information 141 Problems with your vehicle 140 Reporting Safety Defects 143

Index 144

Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls 10 Instrument Cluster 12 Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Catalytic Converter 14 Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Driving Instructions 16

Operation

Automatic Climate Control 22 Car Keys 26 Infrared Remote Control 27 Central Locking System 29 Doors 29 Interior Central Locking System 32 Anti-Theft Alarm System 33 Orthopedic Seat Backrest 37 Heated Seats 38 Armrest 39 Adjusting steering column 39 Seat Belts and Supplemental restraint system (SRS) 40 Seat belts 40 Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) 44 Airbags 45 Steering Lock 50 Exterior Lamp Switch 51 Combination Switch 52 Exterior Rear View Mirrors 54 Inside Rear View Mirror 54 Sun Visors 55 Vanity Mirrors 55 Instrument Lamps 56 Display Illumination 56 Trip Odometer 56 Setting Clock 56 Storage Compartment (Eyeglasses Compartment) in the Dashboard 57 Console Storage Compartments 57 Rear Storage Compartments 58 Lighter 58 Interior Lighting 59 Rear Window Defroster 60 Power Windows 61 Roll Bar 61 Hardtop 63 Soft top 67 Wind Screen 70 Antenna 72 Cellular Telephone 72

Driving

Drinking and Driving 74 Parking Brake 74 Driving Off 74 Automatic Transmission 75 Cruise Control 80 Charge Indicator Lamp 82 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil 82 Low Engine Oil Level Warning 82 Engine Oil Consumption 83 Fuel Consumption Gauge 83 Tachometer 83 Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp 84 Outside Temperature Indicator 84 Coolant Temperature Gauge 84

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Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Lamp 85

Low Windshield and Headlamp Washer System Fluid Level Warning Lamp 85 Roll Bar Warning Lamp 86 Seat Belt and Backrest Lock Warning Lamp 86 Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 86 Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 87 Brake Warning Lamp 87 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Lamp 88 Electronic Traction System (ETS) 89 Acceleration Slip Control (ASR) 90 Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 92 Emission Control On-Board Diagnostic System 93 Traveling Abroad 94 Winter Driving 94 Snow Chains 94

Practical Hints

Hood 96 Checking Coolant Level 97 Checking Engine Oil Level 98 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid Level 99 Trunk Lamp 100 Spare Wheel 100 First Aid Kit 100 Stowing Things in Vehicle 100 Vehicle Jack 101 Vehicle Tools 101 Wheels 103 Changing Wheels 103 Tire Inflation Pressure 106 Battery 107 Fuses 108 Exterior Lamps 109 Jump Starting 111 Towing the Vehicle 113 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 114 Testing Infrared Remote Control 118 Ashtray 121 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 121 Ski Rack 121 Replacing Wiper Blades 122 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 123 MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Parts Service 123

Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. Consumer Information

Identification Plates 126 Vehicle data Card 127 Warranty Coverage 127 Technical Data SL 320 128 SL 500 130 SL 600 132 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 134 Capacities 134 Engine Oils 136 Engine Oil Additives 136 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 136 Brake Fluid 136 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 136 Fuel Requirements 137 Gasoline Additives 137 Coolants 138 Consumer Information 139 Problems with your Vehicle 140 Reporting Safety Defects 141 Check regularly and before a long trip 148

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Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see Index.

P68-0021-B37D 11

Instrument Cluster

1 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index. 2 Coolant temperature gauge. See Index. 3 Fuel consumption gauge. See Index. 4 Engine Oil pressure gauge (bar) with warning lamp (red). See Index. 5 Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 6 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer. Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps. Depress knob: To reset trip odometer. 7 Speedometer 8 ASR warning lamp (yellow) or ETS warning lamp (yellow).See Index 9 Trip odometer. See Index 10 Main odometer 11 Outside temperature indicator. See Index. 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green) 13 Knob for setting clock. See Index. 14 Tachometer. See Index 15 Lock. See Index

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Indicator Lamp Symbols

Function Indicator Lamp

High beam

Warning Lamp

(should go out with the engine running unless)

ASR or ETS. Adjust driving to road condition. See Index

Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system low. See Index.

Coolant level low. See Index.

Engine oil level low. See Index.

Roll bar malfunction. See Index.

ABS malfunction. See Index.

ADS malfunction. See Index.

ASR malfunction. See Index.

ETS malfunction. See Index.

Exterior lamp failure. See Index.

Brake pads worn down. See Index.

Battery not being charged properly. See Index

Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake engaged. See Index.

Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake engaged. See Index.

SRS malfunction. See Index.

Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked. See Index.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the fuel injection system or emission control system. In either case, we recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible. See Index.

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Catalytic Converter

Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped with monolithic type catalytic converters, an important element in conjunction with the oxygen sensor to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating condition by following our recommended maintenance instructions as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.

Caution!

To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only 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.

Warning!

As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited.

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Starting and Turning off the Engine

Starter Lock-Out

Important! The engine can only be started, if the vehicle was unlocked from the outside.

Before Starting

Engage parking brake and ensure gearshift lever is in neutral (selector lever position "P" or "N" on automatic transmissions). Turn key in steering lock to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.

Cold Engine

Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in steering lock clock-wise to the stop. Do not depress accelerator. Release key only when the engine is firing regularly.

Hot Engine

Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in steering lock clock-wise to the stop. If the engine has not fired after approx. 4 seconds, depress accelerator and continue cranking until the engine is firing regularly. Release key and back off accelerator.

At very high coolant temperatures the engine starting time can be shortened if the accelerator is depressed slowly at the beginning of the starting process.

Turning Off

Turn the key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine.

The key can only be removed with the selector lever in position "P".

If the coolant temperature is very high (e.g. after hard driving on mountain roads), do not shut off the engine immediately, but allow it to run for 1-2 minutes at increased idle speed with selector lever in position "P" or "N".

I mportant!

Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the key must be turned completely to the left before attempting to start the engine again.

Observe the oil pressure gauge immediately after starting the engine. In a very cold engine the oil pressure will rise slowly after the engine has started. Do not speed up the engine before pressure is registered on the pressure gauge. If you do not see the gauge register oil pressure, stop the engine and have it checked.

The battery charge indicator lamp should go out as soon as the engine has started.

In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4°F (-20°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you on this subject.

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Driving Instructions

Power Assistance

Warning!

When the engine is not running, the brake and steering systems are without power assistance. Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.

Brakes

Caution!

When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into "3", "2" or "B" (for models SL 500 and SL 600). This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear. Do not exceed engine speed limits. Refer to Technical Data for downshift points.

After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time, rather than immediately parking, so the air stream will cool down the brakes faster.

Warning!

After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal pressure may be necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.

It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop the car in sufficient time to avoid an accident.

The condition of the parking brake system is checked each time the car is in the shop for the required maintenance.

All checks and maintenance work on the brake system should be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low.

Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.

Have the brake system inspected at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.

Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Warning!

If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be affected to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired.

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1801

Tires

Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These indicators are located in six places on the tread circumference and become visible at a depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced.

The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

Warning!

Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As tread depth approaches 1/16 in (1.5 mm), the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.

Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely.

Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures).

Warning!

Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose control of the car. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

Aquaplaning

Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, aquaplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.

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Tire Traction

The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road.

You should pay particular attention to the condition of the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to the freezing point.

Warning! If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution.

We recommend M + S radial-ply tires for the winter season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your stopping distance as compared with summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is wet or dry.

Tire Speed Rating

Your vehicle is factory equipped with "Z"-rated tires.

Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions.

Warning! Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of vehicle control and resulting in personal injury and possible death.

Parking

Warning! To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

1. Keep right foot on brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering lock position 0 and remove.

Important! It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move selector lever position " P". When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.

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Winter Driving Instructions

The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and steering action. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions.

When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move selector lever to position "N". Try to keep the vehicle under control by corrective steering action.

Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this is done without endangering other drivers on the road.

If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as possible after driving is resumed while observing the safety rules in the previous paragraph.

Warning! If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle with engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.

To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the car that is out of the wind.

Passenger Compartment

Warning! Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible.

In an accident, during hard braking or sudden maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle

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Operation

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Automatic Climate Control

1 Temperature selector 2 Temperature indicator 3 Conversion switch 4 Function selection buttons AUTOMATIC Normal setting Defrost EC Economy ( no cooling ) REST Residual engine heat utilization Air recirculation 0 Off

5 Fan speed buttons, 4 stages 6 Air distribution buttons

Air is directed to windshield Air is directed to windshield, foot area and doors Air is directed to foot area and doors Air is directed only to air outlets 8, 12 and 14 (open outlets)

7 Air volume control for center air outlet, turn left to open 8 Center air outlet, adjustable 9 Heated air supply button center air outlet (red indicator lamp) 10 Non-heated/cooled air supply button for center air outlet (blue indicator lamp) 11 Air volume control for left air outlet, turn left to open 12 Left air outlet, adjustable 13 Air volume control for right air outlet, turn left to open 14 Right air outlet, adjustable

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Notes: The temperature selected with the temperature selector is reached as quickly as possible.

The temperature selector should be left at the desired temperature setting.

With the center air outlet (8) open and the system in heating mode, switch outlet to warm air by pressing button 9 (red indicator lamp lights up), or to non-heated/cooled air by pressing button 10 (blue indicator lamp lights up).

The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a higher or lower temperature.

The automatic climate control only operates with the engine running.

Higher engine rpm results in higher coolant compressor rpm, thereby increasing cooling capacity.

The automatic climate control removes considerable moisture from the air during operation in the cooling mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground through ducts in the underbody.

Note: Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of snow and debris.

Dust Filter Dust particles (down to a certain size) and pollen are filtered out before outside air enters the passenger compartment through the air distribution system.

Important! This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system that uses HF-134a (ozone-friendly hydro-fluorocarbon) as a refrigerant.

Repairs should always be performed by a qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected in a recovery system for recycling.

1 Temperature Selector Select the desired temperature with the temperature selector.

A basic setting in the white field of the selector is recommended.

The selected temperature is shown in the indicator window 2. With conversion switch 3, the selected temperature can be displayed in either °F or °C.

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