battery MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG 2004 R230 Owner's Guide

360 Practical hintsBatteriesDisconnecting the batteries Disconnecting the battery for electrical
consumers

Unhook the luggage cover in the trunk.

Remove the trunk floor.
The battery for electrical consumers is
located in the right hand area of the
trunk (
page 323).

Use the 10 mm open-end wrench from
the vehicle tool kit to disconnect the
battery negative lead.

Remove the cover from the positive ter-
minal.

Disconnect the battery positive lead.Disconnecting the starter battery

Use the 10 mm open-end wrench from
the vehicle tool kit to disconnect the
battery negative lead.

Remove the cover from the positive ter-
minal.

Disconnect the battery positive lead.
!To avoid damage to electrical compo-
nents, always disconnect the battery
for electrical consumers (in trunk) first.
This applies even if you only wish to
charge the starter battery. Otherwise
the electronics of the vehicle can be
damaged.

361 Practical hints
Batteries
Removing the batteries
Removing the battery for electrical con-
sumers
Remove the screws securing the bat-
tery in the trunk.

Remove the battery support and brack-
et. Take out the battery.
Removing the starter battery

Remove the screws securing the start-
er battery in the engine compartment.

Lift the retaining bracket and remove
the battery.
Charging and reinstalling batteries
Charge batteries in accordance with
the instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.

Reinstall the charged battery. Follow
the previously described steps in re-
verse order.
Reconnecting the batteries
Reconnecting the starter battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover.

Connect the negative lead.
Warning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
!To avoid damage to electrical compo-
nents, always reconnect the starter
battery (in engine compartment) first. !Never invert the terminal connections!!The battery, its filler caps, and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.

362 Practical hintsBatteriesReconnecting the battery for electrical
consumers
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover.

Connect the negative lead.

Reinstall the trunk floor.

Rehook trunk luggage cover into hold-
ers.
!Never invert the terminal connections!iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):

Resynchronize the ESP
(page 295).


Resynchronize side windows
(page 183).

363 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the starter battery is discharged, the en-
gine can be started with jumper cables and
the battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or oth-
er parts that move when an engine is
started or running.
Warning!
G
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
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Jump starting may only be performed
on the battery installed in the engine
compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.

364 Practical hintsJump startingThe starter battery is located on the right
side of the engine compartment.
Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Apply parking brake.

Shift gear selector lever to positionP.

Remove the red cover from positive ter-
minal on both vehicles (
page 358).1Negative terminal of charged battery
2Negative terminal of discharged
battery
3Positive terminal of discharged battery
4Positive terminal of charged battery

Connect positive terminals 3 and 4
of the batteries with the jumper cables.
Clamp cable to charged battery 4
first.

Start the engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.

Connect negative terminals 1 and 2
of the batteries with the jumper cables.
Clamp cable to charged battery 1
first.

Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.
You can now turn on the electrical con-
sumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.

Remove the jumper cables first from
negative terminals 1 and 2 and then
from positive terminals 3 and 4.
You can now turn on the lights.

Have the battery checked at the near-
est Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 260).
!Never invert the terminal connections.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.

367 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical power
to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. To brake, the driver
must then apply significantly greater brake
pedal pressure and depress the pedal much
further to obtain the expected braking ef-
fect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the
brake pedal. Brakes are only applied to the
front wheels. Stopping distance is in-
creased! Adapt your driving style according-
ly. SBC brake system (
page 81).
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 ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button in position2, the ve-
hicle doors lock if the left front wheel
as well as the right rear wheel are turn-
ing at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph
(15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (
page 105).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.
iThe gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP and the SmartKey
will not turn in the starter switch if the
battery is disconnected or discharged.
See notes on the battery (
page 358)
or on jump starting (
page 363).

383 Technical data
Electrical system
Electrical system
Model
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
Generator (alternator)
14 V/150 A
14 V/180 A
14 V/180 A
Starter motor
12 V/1.7 kW
12 V/1.7 kW
12 V/1.7 kW
BatteryStarter battery
12 V/35 Ah
12 V/35 Ah
12 V/35 Ah
Battery for electrical consumers
12 V/70 Ah
12 V/70 Ah
12 V/70 Ah
Spark plugs
Bosch F 8 DPER
NGK PFR5R11
NGK IFR6QG
NGK ILFR6A
Electrode gap
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
0.027 in (0.7 mm)
0.031 in (0.8 mm)
Tightening torque
15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)
15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)
18 – 22 lb-ft (25 – 30 Nm)

401 Technical terms
Retractable hardtop
Hardtop roof that can be opened and
closed at the push of a button and
stored in the trunk.
Roll bar
Occupant protection system which
consists of tubular steel sheathed in
plastic. The roll bar is lowered into the
car body during normal driving condi-
tions and raised automatically. It may
also be manually raised and lowered by
operating a button during critical driv-
ing situations.
RON
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the gear selector lever from
being inadvertently moved out of posi-
tion P without SmartKey turned and
brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(Tele
matic A
larm I
dentification on D
e--
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.

405 Index
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 109
Shoulder region 109
Backrest tilt 35
Backup lamp bulbs 332
Backup lamps 335
BAS 75, 77, 397
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 328
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 329
Check lamp 98
Batteries, vehicle 260
Charging 361
Disconnecting 360
For electrical consumers 260, 324,
358
For starter 260, 358
Messages in display 297, 298
Reconnecting 361
Removing 361
Service 358Battery
For electrical consumers 324
Bi-Xenon* 397
Bi-Xenon* headlamps 397
Block heater 269
Brake fluid 252, 386, 389
Brake lamp bulb, high mounted 332
Brake lamp bulbs, left and right 332
Brake pads
Message in display 298
Brake system
Messages in display 302
Brakes 240
Warning lamp 284
Break-in period 238
Bulbs, replacing
Backup lamps 335
Brake lamps 332
Front lamps 331, 334
License plate lamps 336Parking lamps 335
Rear fog lamp 335
Standing lamps 335
Tail lamp assemblies 335
Turn signal lamps, front 334
Turn signal lamps, rear 335
C
CAC see Customer Assistance Center
CAN System 398
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 386
Catalytic converter 247
CD player
Operating 134
Center air vents 25
Center console
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 140

409 Index
Doors
Message in display 306
Opening from inside vehicle 99
Storage compartments 215
Downhill driving
Cruise control 194
Downshifting 156
Drinking and driving 239
Drive sensibly - save fuel 239
Driving 40, 45
Driving abroad 246
Driving hints
Distronic* 205
SBC brake system 83
Driving instructions 239
Driving off 242
Driving safety systems 75
ABS 75, 76
BAS 77
ESP 78Driving systems 193
ABC 207
Cruise control 193
Distronic* 196
Parktronic* 210
Vehicle level control 208
DTR see Distronic
E
Easy-entry/exit 148
Interrupting movement 107, 148
Messages in display 306
Easy-entry/exit feature 107
Electric air pump 324, 354
Electrical consumer battery 260
Electrical outlet 222
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system*
Initiating emergency call 226
Requirements 223
Emergency engine shut-down 55Emergency operation
Locking the vehicle 327
Lowering load assist 327
Unlocking storage
compartments 326
Unlocking the trunk 326
Unlocking the vehicle 325
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 165
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) 68,
398
Emission control 248
Emission control label 374
Engine
Compartment 253
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 44
Starting with the SmartKey 43
Turning off 53
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 54
Turning off with the SmartKey 53
Engine number 398