ESP MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 Owners Manual

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0067
0034SL 63 AMG only:
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp and the
yellow ESP OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 60).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.0067The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.0067The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp flashes
while driving.The ABS, the ESP ®
, or the Electronic Traction System (ETS) has
come into operation because of detected traction loss in at least
one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0077USA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.
Canada only:
Low tire
pressure telltale
for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 226).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
0077USA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 226).XHave the TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
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Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and thenremain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
Lamp in center console
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions007F0080
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 226).GWarning!
If the 007F0080 indicator lamp illuminates
and remains illuminated with the weight of a
typical adult or someone larger than a small
individual on the passenger seat, do not have
any passenger use the passenger seat until
the system has been repaired.266What to do if …Practical hints
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Replacing bulbs
Example illustration: Bulb socket passenger side
\000FTurn signal lamp\000GBackup lamp
iThe lamps on the driver’s side are
mirrored.
XDepending on which bulb needs to be
replaced, turn the respective bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove it.
XGently press onto the bulb and turn it
clockwise out of its bulb socket.
XGently press the new bulb into its bulb
socket and turn it counterclockwise until it
engages.
XAlign the respective bulb socket and press
it into the tail lamp unit until it audibly
engages.
XReinstall the trim.
License plate lamps
XLoosen screws \000F of lamp cover to be
removed.
XRemove lamp cover \000G.XReplace the bulb.XReinstall lamp cover \000G.XRetighten screws \000F.
Replacing wiper blades
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make sure the
vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0)
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! To avoid damage to the hood, the wiper
arms should only be folded forward when
in the vertical position.
! Never open the hood when a wiper arm is
folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding a wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
Do not allow a wiper arm to contact the
windshield glass without a wiper blade
inserted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
this work carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible to have the
spare wheel replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.
XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.
XEngage the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in
position 0, same as with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch). The
driver’s door can then be closed again.
Open doors only when conditions are safe
to do so.
XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Mounting the spare wheel
Introduction
XPrepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 277).
XTake the following out of the vehicle:
Rspare wheel
Rjack
Rvehicle tool kit
Rwheel wrench
Relectric air pump
For information on where to find the
respective items, see “Where will I find ...?”
(Y page 224) and (Y page 225).
iVehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle. This section describes the
wheel change using the tools approved and
recommended for your vehicle.
Removing tensioning straps from spare
wheel
This description applies to vehicles with 19"
spare wheel with collapsible tire only.
A 19" spare wheel with collapsible tire has
two tensioning straps on it that must be
removed before mounting the spare wheel.
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XPress on both clips \000G simultaneously to
release buckle \000F.
XStore the tensioning straps in a safe place.
You will need them to store the spare wheel
in the trunk after use (Y page 225).
Lifting the vehicle
GWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack tubes built into both
sides of the vehicle. Make sure the jack arm
is fully inserted in the jack tube. The jack must
always be vertical when in use, especially on
inclines or declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always engage the parking brake firmly and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects before raising the vehicle
with the jack. Do not disengage the parking
brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
blocking wheels with wheel chocks (not
included) or other sizeable objects.
When changing a wheel on a level surface:
XPlace a wheel chock or other sizeable
object in front of and another wheel chock
or other sizeable object behind the wheel
that is diagonally opposite to the wheel
being changed.
Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack on
a level surface. However, should
circumstances require you to do so on a hill:
XPlace wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects on the downhill side in front of both
wheels on the side opposite to the side on
which the wheel is to be changed.
GWarning!
Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on
slight inclines/declines. Otherwise, the
vehicle could fall off the jack and injure you or
others.
XOn the wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts
(approximately one full turn with wheel
wrench \000F).
The jack support tubes are located directly
behind the front wheel housings and in front
of the rear wheel housings.
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Be careful not to damage the locking tabs
or clamp the plastic retaining strap.
MOExtended system
The MOExtended system allows you to
continue driving your vehicle even if there is
a total loss of pressure in one or more tires.
You may only use the MOExtended system in
conjunction with the Advanced TPMS
( Y page 190).
The maximum distance in emergency mode
depends on the vehicle’s load. It is 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and
18 miles (30 km) if the vehicle is fully loaded.
The point at which the maximum driving
distance in emergency mode begins is when
the warning message appears in the
multifunction display indicating that there is
a loss of tire inflation pressure.
XDo not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).GWarning!
In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving
characteristics are diminished in such
situations as:
R driving around curves
R while braking
R while accelerating rapidly
Therefore, your driving style must be adapted
accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and driving
maneuvers, as well as driving over obstacles
(road curbs, potholes, or off-road areas). This
is especially important if the vehicle is heavily
loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be
achieved greatly depends on the demands
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed,
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions,
outside temperature, etc., the distance can be
significantly shorter or, if the vehicle is driven
cautiously, somewhat longer.
Do not continue driving in emergency mode if
R you notice knocking sounds
R the vehicle starts to shake
R smoke develops and you smell rubber
R ESP ®
is intervening continuously
R you notice tears on the tire sidewalls
After driving in emergency mode, you must
have the rims inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to check if they are
suitable for further use. The failed tire must
be replaced in any case.
When replacing individual or all tires on the
vehicle, make sure only tires marked with
“MOExtended” are mounted in the size
specified for your vehicle ( Y page 299).
Battery
Safety notes
These batteries should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve their rated service
life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for battery
maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-
distance trips, you will need to have the
battery charge checked more frequently.
When replacing a battery, always use a
battery approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.
GWarning!
Observe all safety instructions and
precautions when handling automotive
batteries.
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Risk of explosion.Fire, open flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling batteries.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Do
not allow it to come into
contact with skin, eyes or
clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, especially gloves,
apron and faceguard.
Wear eye protection.
Rinse any acid spills
immediately with clear
water. Contact a physician
if necessary.
Keep children away.Follow the instructions in
this Operator’s Manual.
A battery contains materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly. A
large 12 V storage battery contains lead.
Recycling of the battery is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states (USA only)
or provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept the old battery for
recycling.
GWarning!
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
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.
GWarning!
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.
! The battery is a Valve-Regulated Lead
Acid (VRLA) battery, also referred to as
“fleece” battery.
Such batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries
therefore do not have cell caps and the
battery cover is non-removable. Do not
attempt to open the battery as otherwise
the battery will be damaged.
VRLA batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. They cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level.
However, the battery condition must be
checked periodically by performing a
battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition
testing intervals.
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The factory-equipped battery may only be
replaced with a battery that
R has the same security features
R is of identical size
R is of identical voltage
R is of identical capacity
! 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 or
KEYLESS-GO button is in position 1.
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 Synchronize the ESP ®
(Y page 228).
R Synchronize the power windows
( Y page 98).Charging the batteryGWarning!
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.
XCharge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Jump starting
GWarning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
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
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Removing towing eye boltXLoosen towing eye bolt 0047 by turning it
counterclockwise.XUnscrew towing eye bolt 0047.XReinstalling front cover: Fit locking tabs
of cover 0046 (Y page 288) under the lower
edge of the opening in the bumper.XApply even pressure on the upper part of
the cover until it snaps into place.XReinstalling rear cover: Fit cover 0046
( Y page 288) and snap it into place.XStore the towing eye bolt 0047 and wheel
wrench back into the vehicle tool kit.
Towing with front axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch off the automatic central locking
( Y page 126).XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 92).
!
Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the vehicle
is being towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Towing with all wheels on the groundGWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 92).
!
The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
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