ABS MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012 Owner's Manual

the maximum engine speed for each gear
without overrevving the engine.XShift the automatic transmission from
current gear : into the next higher gear.
The fuel supply will otherwise be
interrupted to prevent the engine from
overrevving.
Downshifting
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
XBriefly press the gear selector lever to the
left in the D- direction.
or
XBriefly pull left gearshift control :
( Y page 108).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next lower gear.
i For maximum acceleration, press and
hold the gear selector lever to the left in the
D- direction or pull and hold the left
gearshift control. Depending on the engine
speed the automatic transmission selects
the optimal gear for maximum
acceleration.
i When you brake or stop, the automatic
transmission shifts down into a gear from
which you can easily accelerate or take off.
Kickdown
Using the kickdown while driving in manual
program mode M is not possible.
Deactivating manual shift program
XAll models except SL 63 AMG: Press the
program mode selector switch repeatedly
until C or S appears in the right
multifunction display.XSL 63 AMG: Turn the program mode
selector dial until C or S appears in the right
multifunction display.
or
XRestart the engine.
The automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode C.
Manual program mode M is not stored.
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode)
If vehicle acceleration becomes less
responsive or sluggish or the automatic
transmission no longer shifts, the automatic
transmission is most likely operating in limp-
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear R
can be selected.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting.XRestart the engine.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D (for second gear) or reverse gear
R .XHave the automatic transmission checked
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
( Y page 30).
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
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Dialing a number from the phone book
When your telephone is ready to receive calls,
you may select and dial a number from the
phone book. You can add new numbers to the
phone book with the telephone, see separate
operating instructions.
XPress button U or V repeatedly until
the message TEL appears in the left
multifunction display.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the desired name appears in the right
multifunction display.
If you press and hold button & or
* for longer than 1 second, the system
scrolls rapidly through the list of names
until you release the button again.
The stored names are displayed in
alphabetical order.
XPress button 6.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
If the connection is successful and this
feature is supported by your network
provider, the name of the party (if stored in
your phone book) you are calling will
appear in the multifunction display.
The control system stores the dialed
number in the redial memory.
or
XPress button ~ if you do not want to
make the call.
Redialing
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
XPress button U or V repeatedly until
the message TEL appears in the left
multifunction display.
XPress button 6.
The first number in the redial memory
appears in the right multifunction display.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the desired number or name appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button 6.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
RCruise control
RDistronic
RDistance warning function (only available
with Distronic)
RActive Body Control (ABC)
RParktronic system
RHill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG)
RRACE START (SL 63 AMG)
The driving safety systems ABS, BAS, ESP®
and the electro-hydraulic brake system are
described in the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 54).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
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The wind screen is stored in the trunk.
Installing
XLeave the wind screen folded and place it
on the roll bar.
XMake sure the fastening straps are
unbuckled.
XSlide the wind screen into the roll bar until
guide tabs : on each side latch
underneath the roll bar.
Make sure the fastening straps do not get
caught.
iThe fastening straps must be directed
into the vehicle interior.
XAdjust the roll bar to a height (Y page 51)
that allows you to reach easily underneath
it.
XGuide the fastening straps around the top
of the roll bar and close buckles ;.
XTighten the fastening straps if necessary.XLower the roll bar (Y page 51).XFold the upper section of the wind screen
up towards the head restraints until it
stops.
Removing
XFold the upper section of the wind screen
back.
XAdjust the roll bar to a height (Y page 51)
that allows you to reach easily underneath
it.
XUndo the buckles on the upper section of
the roll bar by pressing release button :.
XLower the roll bar (Y page 51).
Make sure the fastening straps do not get
caught.
XPull the wind screen out towards the front
of the vehicle.
Be careful not to damage interior trim with
the guide tabs.
XStore the wind screen in a safe place.
Luggage cover
The luggage cover covers luggage/cargo in
the trunk.
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Load identification
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
In addition to the load index, special load
identification : may be molded into the tire
sidewall following the letter designating the
speed symbol B (Y page 201).
RNo specification given: absence of any text
(like in above example) indicates a
standard load (SL) tire.
RXL or Extra Load: designates an extra load
(or reinforced) tire.
RLight Load: designates a light load tire.
RC, D, E: designates load range associated
with the maximum load a tire can carry at
a specified pressure.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations require each new tire
manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a TIN
into or onto a sidewall of each tire produced.
The TIN is a unique identifier. The TIN
facilitates efforts by tire manufactures to
notify purchasers in recall situations or other
safety matters concerning tires. It gives
purchasers the means to easily identify such
tires.
The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s
identification mark” ;, “Tire size” =, “Tire
type code” ? and “Date of manufacture”
A.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
Tire branding symbol : denotes that the tire
meets requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark
Manufacturer’s identification mark ;
denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four
symbols. For more information on retreaded
tires, see (Y page 186).
Tire size
Code = indicates the tire size.
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Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake imarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESP ®
in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section ( Y page 299).
Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle.
After installing winter tires:XCheck the tire inflation pressure and adjust
it if necessary ( Y page 189).XRestart the Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System ( Y page 190).
Snow chains
! When driving with snow chains, always
select setting 1 of the vehicle level control.
Other settings may result in damage to your
vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 299).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESP ®
(Y page 56)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the 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 vehicle
not facing the wind.
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GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 208).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
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.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
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Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury.GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of the most important warning
and malfunction messages that may appear.
For your convenience the messages are
divided into text messages ( Y page 227) and
symbol messages ( Y page 237).
Text messages
Safety systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsABSABS, ESP
Inoperativ
e
See Oper.
Manual.The electro-hydraulic brake system is still functioning
normally but due to a malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the
ESP ®
, and the hill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are
unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
ABSABS, ESP
Unavailabl
e
See Oper.
ManualThe self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The display will clear after driving a short distance at a vehicle
speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display227Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 227Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsABSABS, ESP
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualThe electro-hydraulic brake system is still functioning
normally but due to a malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the
ESP ®
, and the hill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are
unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
ESPESP
Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualThe electro-hydraulic brake system is still functioning
normally but due to a malfunction the ESP ®
, and the hill-start
assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are unavailable.
The ABS may not be operational.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
ESPESP
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualThe electro-hydraulic brake system still functions normally
but due to insufficient power supply the ESP ®
and the hill-
start assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are unavailable.XSynchronize the ESP ®
. With the vehicle stationary, turn the
steering wheel completely to the left and then to the right.
! When synchronizing the ESP ®
, make sure you can turn the
steering wheel in both directions as far as it will go without
the wheels hitting any objects, e.g. a road curb.
If the message in the multifunction display does not
disappear:
XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and switched off. The BAS,
the ESP ®
, and the hill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are
also switched off.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is still functioning normally but
without the systems specified above available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as
the navigation system or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has switched off due to insufficient power supply.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
and the battery checked.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.What to do if …255Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 255Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions÷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 switch off the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
Version 2
Depending on vehicle production date, the indicator and warning lamps in the instrument
cluster differ. This section describes version 2 of the instrument cluster. Refer to the
“Instrument cluster” section (Y page 30) to determine which version your vehicle is equipped
with.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdAll models,
except
SL 63 AMG:
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp comes 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 57).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.dSL 63 AMG only:
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The SPORT handling mode is switched on.
Risk of accident!
When the SPORT handling mode is switched on, it will only stabilize
the vehicle to a limited extent if the system recognizes that the
vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel is spinning.XSwitch the the SPORT handling mode off ( Y page 58).
The message ESP-ON appears in the multifunction display.260What to do if …Practical hints
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