warning MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 Owners Manual

Placing wiper arms in vertical position
Wiper arms in vertical position
XMake sure the hood is fully closed.
Vehicles with SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1.
XTurn the combination switch to wiper
setting II.
XWith wiper arms in vertical position, turn
the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
XTurn off the engine.
With the driver’s door closed, the starter
switch is now in position 1.
XTurn the combination switch to wiper
setting II.
XWith wiper arms in vertical position, open
the driver’s door.
The starter switch is set to position 0, same
as the SmartKey removed from the starter
switch.
XTurn the combination switch to wiper
setting 0.Removing wiper blades
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
XFold the wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
XTurn the wiper blade at a right angle to
wiper arm.
XSlide the wiper blade sideways out of the
retainer.
Installing wiper blades
XSlide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm in
opposite direction of arrow (Y page 276).
XRotate the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.
XFold the wiper arm backward to rest on the
windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blades are installed
properly. Improperly installed wiper blades
may cause windshield damage.
Flat tire
Safety notes
GWarning!
The dimensions of the spare wheel are
different from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
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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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GWarning!
When turning the wheel wrench to loosen the
wheel bolts, make sure you position your
hands on the wrench in such a way that you
avoid injury to yourself, such as scraping your
hands against the wheel. Make sure turning
the wheel wrench will not scratch or damage
the wheel rim.
! Do not position the jack on the body of
the vehicle, as this may cause damage to
the vehicle.
Jack support tube cover (except SL 63 AMG,SL 65 AMG, and vehicles with Sport Package)
Jack support tube cover (SL 63 AMG, SL 65 AMG,and vehicles with Sport Package only)
XOpen cover \000G by pressing at point
indicated by arrow.
or
XInsert a flat blade screwdriver in the
opening of cover \000G and pry it out.
XRemove cover \000G, taking care not to
damage the locking tabs.
XInsert jack arm \000

! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the wheel
bolts and wheel hub threads.
XRemove the wheel.
Attaching the spare wheel
GWarning!
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is
properly attached.
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
air pump before lowering the vehicle.
GWarning!
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged
or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened
wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Make sure to
use the correct wheel bolts.
GWarning!
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts.
Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could
fall off the jack.
XClean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel
hub.
! To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while
installing first wheel bolt.
XGuide the spare wheel onto the alignment
bolt and push it on.
XInsert the wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
XUnscrew the alignment bolt.XInstall the last wheel bolt and tighten it
slightly.
XInflate the collapsible tire (Y page 280).
Inflating the collapsible tire
GWarning!
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is
properly attached.
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
air pump before lowering the vehicle.
GWarning!
Observe safety instructions on air pump label.
! Do not lower the vehicle before inflating
the collapsible tire. Otherwise the rim may
be damaged.
Your vehicle may be equipped with either of
two versions of the electric air pump:
RVersion 1: The air hose with pressure
gauge and the electrical plug are located
behind a flap.
RVersion 2: The pressure gauge is located
in the pump housing. The air hose and
electrical plug are located at the bottom of
the pump housing.
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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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warning lamp comes on and warning
messages appear in the multifunction display
while driving. To brake, the driver must then
apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much further
to obtain the expected braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased! For
more information, see “Electro-hydraulic
brake system” in this in this Operator’s
Manual.
If there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system, we recommend that
the vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or one axle raised only so far as necessary to
have the vehicle moved to a safe location
where the recommended towing methods
can be employed.XSwitch off the tow-away alarm before
towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or one axle raised ( Y page 64).
!
Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.
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.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
( Y page 283) or “Jump starting”
( Y page 285).
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located in the compartment
underneath the trunk floor ( Y page 224).
XTake the vehicle tool kit out of the trunk.
Removing cover in front bumper
XPress mark on cover 0046 as indicated by the
arrow.XLift cover 0046 off to reveal the threaded hole
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USA onlyXPress mark on cover \000F as indicated by the
arrow.
XLift cover \000F off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Canada only
XPress mark on cover \000F as indicated by the
arrow and pull on lower edge
simultaneously.
XLift cover \000F off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Removing cover in rear bumper
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot.
Example illustration USA, bumper in Canada differsslightly
XInsert flat, blunt object as a lever into upper
left or right recess of cover \000F.
XLoosen cover \000F using the lever.XFold cover \000F down in direction of arrow to
reveal the threaded hole for the towing eye
bolt.
Fixing towing eye bolt
Example illustration front bumper
XTake the towing eye bolt and, if so
equipped, the wheel wrench from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 224).
XScrew towing eye bolt \000G clockwise into
threaded hole to its stop.
XInsert wheel wrench into towing eye and
tighten towing eye bolt \000G by turning it
clockwise.
or
XIf your vehicle is not equipped with a wheel
wrench, use a suitable object to turn the
towing eye bolt.
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