traction control MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT ROADSTER 2018 Owner's Manual

Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's sea t
see Seat
Driving
Importan tsafet ynote s.................. 10 9
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Ben zService ................ .240
Driving on flooded roads .................. 134
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 59
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation ..................................... 61
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 58
ADAPTIVE BRAKE .............................6 4
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 59
Distance warning function ............... 60
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 64
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 62
Important safety information ........... 58
Overview .......................................... 58
Driving system
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 136
Parking assist PARKTRONIC .......... 147
Driving systems
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 147
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 153
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 155
Cruise control ................................ 134
Display message ............................ 188
HOLD function ............................... 144
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 157
Lane Tracking package .................. 155
RACE START .................................. 145
Rear view camera .......................... 150
Driving tips
AMG high-performance and
ceramic brakes .............................. 133
Automatic transmission ................. 120
Brakes ........................................... 132
Break-in period .............................. 109
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 142
Downhill gradient ........................... 132
Drinking and driving ....................... 131 Driving in winter ............................. 134
Driving on flooded roads ................ 134
Driving on wet roads ...................... 134
Exhaust check ............................... 131
Fuel ................................................ 131
General .......................................... 131
Hydroplaning .................................
134
Icy ro

ad surfaces ........................... 134
Important safety notes .................. 109
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 132
Snow chains .................................. 263
Subjecting brakes to a load ........... 132
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 109
Wet road surface ........................... 132
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 166
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 208
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ............ 116
E
E-SELECT lever................................... 117
EASY-ENTRY feature
Function/notes ................................ 90
EASY-EXIT feature
Function/notes ................................ 90
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 177
Function/notes ................................ 64
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 113
Deactivating/activating ................. 114
General information ....................... 113
Important safety notes .................. 113
Introduction ................................... 113
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 55
Index9

Emergency brakingsee BAS (Brake Assist System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 73
Trunk .............................................. .76
Vehicle .............................................7 3
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ........................................ .52
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 25
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp .......... .203
Display message ............................ 186
ECO start/stop function ................ 113
Engine number ............................... 286
Irregular running ............................ 115
Jump-starting ................................. 254
Starting problems .......................... 115
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 112
Starting with the Start/Stop but-
ton ................................................. 112
Switching off .................................. 128
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 259
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 285
Problem (malfunction) ................... 115
Engine oil
Adding ...........................................2 37
Additives ........................................ 289
Checking the oil level ..................... 235
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 235
Checking the oil level using the
on-board computer ........................ 236
Display message ............................ 187
Filling capacity ............................... 289
Notes about oil grades ................... 289
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 235
Temperature (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 170
Engine oil additives
see Additives (engine oil)
Ente ring an addre

ss
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................2 08
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program) ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 171
Characteristics ................................. 62
Deactivating/activating ................... 62
Deactivating/activating (button
in AMG vehicles) .............................. 63
Display message ............................ 175
Function/notes ................................ 62
General notes .................................. 62
Important safety information ........... 62
Warning lamp ................................. 200
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 62
Exhaust check ................................... 131
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instruc-
tions) ..................................................2 45
Exterior lighting
Cleaning ......................................... 244
see Lights
Exterior mirror
Calling up a stored setting (mem-
ory function) ....................................9 5
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ........................................ .92
Dipping (automatic) .........................9 3
Folding in/out (automatically) ......... 92
Folding in/out (electrically) ............. 92
Out of position (troubleshooting) ..... 93
Setting ............................................. 92
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ................................................. 94
Storing the parking position ............. 93
F
Favorites
Overview ........................................ 211
Features ............................................. 219
Filler cap
see Refueling
Flat tire
Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 279
Preparing the vehicle ..................... 249
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 250
Floormats ........................................... 232
Frequencies
Mobile phone ................................. 285
10Index

Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 279
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................278
Replacing ....................................... 279
Service life ..................................... 262
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 278
Speed rating (definition) ................ 278
Storing ...........................................2 80
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 277
Summer tires in winter .................. 263
Temperature .................................. 273
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 279
Tire bead (definition) ......................2 78
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 278
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 277
Tire size (data) ............................... 283
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 274
Tire tread ....................................... 262
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 278
Total load limit (definition) ............. 279
Traction ......................................... 273
Traction (definition) ....................... 279
Tread wear ..................................... 273
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 272
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 277
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 279
Wheel and tire combination ........... 283
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 277
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Touchpad
Changing the station/music
track .............................................. 211
Character suggestions ................... 210
Deleting characters ....................... 210
Entering a space ............................ 210
Entering characters ....................... 210
Gesture control .............................. 210
Handwriting recognition ................ 210
Operating the touchpad ................. 210
Overview ........................................ 210 Quick access for Audio .................. 211
Switching ....................................... 210
Switching input line ....................... 210
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 259
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 257
Installing the towing eye ................ 258
Removing the towing eye ............... 258
Transporting the vehicle ................ 259
With both axles on the ground ....... 258
Towing eye ......................................... 248
Traction system
see ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 208
Transmission
Driving tips .................................... 120
Selector lever ................................ 117
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 119
Transmission positions
General notes ................................ 117
Overview ........................................ 118
Transporting the vehicle .................. 259
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 246
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 162
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 161
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 162
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 195
Important safety notes .................... 73
Locking separately ........................... 76
Opening (automatically from
inside) .............................................. 75
Opening dimensions ...................... 291
Opening/closing (from the out-
side) ................................................. 74
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO ............ 74
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 291
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 185
Switching on/off .............................. 97
20Index

ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 58).
ESP
®monitors driving stability and traction, i.e.
power transmission between the tires and the
road surface.
If ESP
®detects that the vehicle is deviating from
the direction desired by the driver, one or more
wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. The
engine output is also modified to keep the vehi-
cle on the desired course within physical limits.
ESP
®assists the driver when pulling away on
wet or slippery roads. ESP®can also stabilize
the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 58).
ETS traction control is part of ESP
®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is transfer-
red to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP
®.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 58).
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
ESP
®is only deactivated if the åwarning
lamp is lit continuously.
When SPORT handling mode is activated, the
M warning lamp lights up in the instrument
panel. When the
åandh warning lamps light up
continuously, ESP
®is not available due to a mal-
function.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(
Ypage 200) and display messages which may
be shown in the instrument cluster
(
Ypage 175).
Only use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP
®function properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
If the ÷ ESP®warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP®is automatically
active.
If ESP
®intervenes, the ÷ESP®warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP
®intervenes:
XDo not deactivate ESP®under any circum-
stances.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle stops
moving. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP
®
remains in its previously selected status. Exam-
ple: if ESP®was deactivated before the engine
was switched off, ESP®remains deactivated
when the engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 58).
You can select between the following states of
ESP
®:
RESP®is activated
RSPORT handling mode is activated
RESP®is deactivated
62Driving safety systems
Safety

GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and acci-
dents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the sit-
uations described in the following.
In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP
®:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Ron specially designated roads when the vehi-
cle's own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP
®requires an extremely qualified and expe-
rienced driver.
Activate ESP
®as soon as the situations descri-
bed above no longer apply. ESP®will otherwise
not be able to stabilize the vehicle if the vehicle
starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
XTo activate SPORT handling mode: briefly
press button :.
The M handling mode warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. The SPORT
han‐dling modemessage appears on the multi-
function display.
XTo deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button :.
The M handling mode warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. ESP
®is activa-
ted
XTo deactivate ESP®: press button :.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. The ÷OFF
message appears on the multifunction dis-
play.
XTo activate ESP®:when SPORT handling
mode is activated or ESP®is deactivated,
press button :.
The å ESP
®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON
message appears on the multifunction dis-
play.
Characteristics of activated SPORT han-
dling mode
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one or
more wheels start to spin, the ÷ESP®warn-
ing lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. ESP®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
RESP®only improves driving stability to a limi-
ted degree
Rtraction control is still activated
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin
The spinning of the wheels results in a cut for
better traction on loose surfaces.
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly
Characteristics when ESP®is deactivated
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP
®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin
Driving safety systems63
Safety
Z

The spinning of the wheels results in a cut for
better traction on loose surfaces.
Rtraction control is still activated
RAdaptive Brake Assist is unavailable
Active Brake Assist is also not activated if you
brake firmly with assistance from ESP
®.
RPRE-SAFE®is unavailable
PRE-SAFE®is also not activated if you brake
firmly with assistance from ESP®.
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General information
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
on the rear wheels to improve driving stability
while braking.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 58).
GWARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (
Ypage 200) as well as display
messages (Ypage 177).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and
offers increased braking comfort. In addition to
the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also fea-
tures the hill start assist function (
Ypage 112).
Protection against theft
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO start-func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO: switch the ignition off
and open the driver's door.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Anyone
can start the engine if a valid SmartKey has been
left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be started
(yet the vehicle's battery is charged), the sys-
tem 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).
ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
XTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm system
is armed after approximately 15 seconds.
XTo disarm: unlock the vehicle with the Smart-
Key or KEYLESS-GO.
or
XWith KEYLESS-GO start function or vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO: press the Start/
Stop button.
The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
64Protection against theft
Safety

Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, for
example in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may not detect nar-
row vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rthere is snow or heavy rain
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for exam-
ple, in parking garages
If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC no longer detects a
vehicle in front, it may unexpectedly accelerate
to the speed stored.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a turning lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high in the right lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the left (in countries where
they drive on the right)
Rbe so high in the left lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the right (right-hand drive
countries)
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
:Activates or increases speed
;Activates or reduces speed
=Deactivates Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
?Activates at the current speed/last stored
speed
ASets a specified minimum distance
Activating Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
Activation conditions
To activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, the fol-
lowing conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine must be started. It may take up to two minutes of driving before Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC is ready for use.
Rthe electric parking brake must be released.
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
Rthe transmission must be in position h.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you
shift from jtoh or your seat belt must be
fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors must
be closed.
Activating
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ;, up :or down =.
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated.
XTo adjust the set speed in 1 mph incre-
ments (1 km/h increments): briefly press
the cruise control lever up :to the pressure
point for a higher speed, or down =for a
lower speed.
Every time the cruise control lever is pressed
up or down, the last speed stored is increased
or reduced.
or
XTo adjust the set speed in 5 mph incre-
ments (10 km/h increments): briefly press
the cruise control lever up :beyond the
138Driving systems
Driving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Cruise Control- - -mph
RAcondition for activating cruise control has no tbeen fulfilled .
You hav etried to store aspeed belo w20 mph (30 km/h), for exam-
ple
RES P®is deactivated. The yello wES P®OF Fwarning lamp is lit .
XIf conditionspermit ,drive at aspeed faste rthan 20 mph (30 km/h)
and store the speed.
or
XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control (Ypage 134).
or
XReactivate ESP®(Ypage 62).
Cruise Control OffCruise control has been deactivated.
If a warning tone also sounds, cruise control has deactivated auto-
matically (
Ypage 134).
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
PleaseCorrectTirePressureThe tire pressure is too low in at least one of the tires, or the tire
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.
XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity (Ypage 267).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
XRestart the tire pressure monitor (Ypage 269).
Check TiresThe tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly. The
wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
Tire pressures that are too low pose the following hazards:
Rthey may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed increase.
Rthey may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
Rthe driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may be
greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 127).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a flat
tire (Ypage 249).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 267).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
Display messages191
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
÷NThe yellow ESP®warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP®or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of skidding or at
least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated.
XWhen pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary.
XEase off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
XDo not deactivate ESP®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 62), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 62).
÷N The yellow ESP®warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus increase.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
åN The yellow ESP®OFF warning lamp is lit while the engine is running or the ECO
start/stop function is activated.
ESP
®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If ESP
®is switched off, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 62), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 62).
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP
®cannot be activated:
XDrive on carefully.
XHave ESP®checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster201
On-board computer and displays
Z

iDifferent driving styles may lead to high tire
wear and the tires may reach the minimum
tire tread depth after only a short time.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Check wheels and tires for damage at least once
a month. Check wheels and tires after driving
off-road or on rough roads. Damaged wheels
can cause a loss of tire pressure.
Pay particular attention to damage such as:
RCuts in the tires
RPunctures in the tires
RTears in the tires
RBulges on tires
RDeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width of
all tires (
Ypage 262). If necessary, turn the
front wheels to full lock in order to inspect the
inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect the
valve against dirt and moisture. Do not mount
anything onto the valve other than the standard
valve cap or other valve caps approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle. Do not use any
other valve caps or systems, e.g. tire pressure
monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires par-
ticularly prior to l
ong trips. Adjust the tire pres-
sure as necessary (Ypage 264).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
RDriving style
RTire pressure
RDistance covered
Notes on tire tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where speed is not adapted to suit the driving con-
ditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at differ-
ent locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
RSummer tires: âin (3 mm)
RM+S tires: ãin (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached.
Marking :shows where the bar indicator
(arrow) for tread wear is integrated into the tire
tread.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire tread.
They are visible once a tread depth of approx-
imately áin (1.6 mm) has been reached. If this
is the case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced.
Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
ROnly mount tires and wheels of the same type
and make.
262Operation
Wheels and tires