lock MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2001 R129 Service Manual

79 Instrument cluster
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Trip odometer
To reset:
• Press adjusting knob (1) once (with key in steering
lock position 2).
• Press adjusting knob (1) twice (with key removed or
in steering lock position 0 or 1).Clock
Adjusting clock one minute ahead or back:
Pull out adjustment knob (2), briefly turn to the right
respectively left and release knob.
Adjusting clock more than one minute ahead or
back:
Pull out adjustment knob (2), turn to the right
respectively left and hold until the desired time is set.
Within the first 2 seconds, the minute hand advances
8 minutes and advances another 8 minutes every
additional second thereafter.
Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer denotes excessive
engine speed.
Avoid this engine speed, as it may result in serious
engine damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted
if the engine is operated within the red marking.

80 Flexible service system
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Flexible service system (FSS)
(service indicator)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is
directly related to the operating conditions of the
vehicle.
The symbol 9 or š appears in the main odometer
display field prior to the next suggested service.
Depending on operating conditions throughout the year,
the next service is calculated and displayed in days
š or distance 9 remaining.The symbols 9 or ´ indicate the type of service
to be performed:
9Service A
´Service B
The message is displayed for approximately 10 seconds
when turning the key in steering lock to position 2, or
while driving when reaching the service warning
threshold. It can be canceled manually by pressing
button (1).
Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus
symbol 9 or š, preceded by a – (minus symbol)
blinks for approx. 30 seconds and a signal sounds every
time when turning the key in steering lock to position 2.
The FSS display can also be called up for approx.
10 seconds with display illuminated by pressing
button (1) twice within 1 second.
Following a completed A or B service the Mercedes-Benz
Center sets the counter to 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000
km) and 365 days.

81 Flexible service system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1. Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
2. Within 4 seconds press button (1) twice.
3. The present status for days or distance is displayed.
Within 10 seconds turn key in steering lock to
position 0.
4. Press and hold button (1), while turning key in
steering lock to position 2 again. The present status
for days or distance is displayed once more.
Continue to hold button (1).
After approx. 10 seconds a signal sounds, and the
display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) for
approx. 10 seconds.
5. Release button (1).
If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.Note:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more
days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such
days not counted by FSS can be added by your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The interval between services is determined by the kind
of vehicle operation. For example driving at extreme
speeds, and cold starts combined with short distance
driving in which the engine does not reach normal
operating temperature, reduce the interval between
services.
Model SL 500
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles
(Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles (Canada:
30 000 km), or from 365 to 730 days between services.
Model SL 600
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles
(Canada: 15 000 km) and 16 000 miles (Canada:
25 000 km), or from 365 to 730 days between services.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet
must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.

82 Checking engine oil level
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Engine oil level indicator in odometer display field
(Model SL 500)
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and
wait until the symbols : and I appear in the
odometer display field.
Within 1 second press button “1” twice.The following messages are available:
“OK”
“-1.0 Q” (Canada: -1.0 L)
“-1.5 Q” (Canada: -1.5 L)
“-2.0 Q” (Canada: -2.0 L)
If the message “-2.0 Q” (Canada: -2.0 L) blinks and a
signal sounds, add oil to upper (max) mark of the
dipstick.
“HI”
The message “HI” blinks and a signal sounds.
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could
cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The symbol I flashes in the odometer display field if
a proper oil level check cannot be performed.
The oil level check can be repeated after a short time.
Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot
be completed via the odometer display field.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Center.

85 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Standing lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the street the standing
lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned
on, making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles.
The standing lamps cannot be operated with the key in
steering lock position 2.
Daytime running lamp mode
When the engine is running and the selector lever is in
a driving position, the low beam headlamps (includes
parking lamps, side marker lamps, taillamps and
license plate lamps) are automatically switched on.
When shifting from a driving position to position “N”
or “P”, the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay).
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should
be turned to position B to permit activation of the
high beam headlamps.Night security illumination
When exiting the vehicle after driving with the exterior
lamps on, they switch on again for added illumination
for approximately 30 seconds after closing the last door.
The lamp-on time period can be changed at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.

87 Combination switch
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 6Press switch briefly:
One wipe without washer water
(select only if windshield is wet).
Press switch past resistance point:
Windshield washer, windshield wiper;
headlamp cleaning system only in exterior lamp
switch positions C or B (except xenon
lamps).
Canada only: also in position D when the engine
is running.7Windshield wiper
0Wiper off
I Intermittent wiping
One initial wipe, pauses between wipes are
automatically controlled by a rain sensor
monitoring the wetness of the windshield.
Notes:
With switch in this position, one wipe occurs
when turning the key in steering lock from
position 0.
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Wiper will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and wiper
may be damaged as a result.
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed
Note:
The windshield washer reservoir, hoses and nozzles are
automatically heated.
7
6
P54.25-0313-26

88 Combination switch
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Blocked windshield wiper
If the windshield wiper becomes blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wiper.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate combination switch again (key in steering lock
position 1).
Windshield wiper smears
If the windshield wiper smears the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.Windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water
1 part “S” to 100 parts water
(40 ml “S” to 1 gallon water).
For temperature below freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and
commercially available premixed windshield washer
solvent /antifreeze.
1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
(40 ml “S” to 1 gallon solvent).

89 Hazard warning flasher switch
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Hazard warning flasher switchThe hazard warning flasher can be activated manually
via the switch located in the dashboard.
To activate hazard warning flasher, press switch once.
To deactivate, press switch again.
Note:
With the hazard warning flasher activated, and the
combination switch in position for either left or right
turn with key in steering lock position 2, only the
respective left or right side turn signals will operate.
P82.25-2055-26

95 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Rear window defroster
(only functions with hardtop installed)
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
To select, press F button.
To cancel, press F button again.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power.
To keep the battery drain to a minimum, turn off the
defroster as soon as the window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after a
maximum of 12 minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the defroster will automatically turn
itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside
the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns itself back on.Air distribution
Press b button repeatedly until the requested
symbol is displayed.
Air volume
Press “-” or “+” side of rocker switch ï until the
requested blower speed is attained. A choice of 7 blower
speeds is available.
To switch the automatic climate control off, press
“-” side of rocker switch ï until symbol OFF is
displayed.
The fresh air supply to the car interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only temporarily,
otherwise the windshield could fog up.
To switch the automatic climate control on again,
pressU, P, or “+” side ofï.

96 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the car’s interior.
To select, press O button.
To cancel, press O button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air:
• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures
below approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside temperatures
above approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 5 minutes, if button S is pressed.
Notes:
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing
the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially
fresh air within 20 minutes.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To select:
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or
remove electronic key.
Press T button.
This function selection will not activate if the battery
charge level is insufficient.
To c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off:
• If you turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2,
•after approx. 30minutes,
• if the battery voltage drops.