sensor MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG 2008 R230 Owner's Guide

350 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
EThe white Distronic* indicator
lamp comes on while driving.The Distronic* distance sensor has recog-
nized a preceding vehicle.
EThe red distance warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle
ahead of you.

The distance warning system has
recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.
Apply the brakes immediately.
Carefully observe the traffic situation.
You may need to brake or maneuver
to avoid hitting an obstacle.
AThe yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp lights when the
engine is running.The fuel level has dropped below the reserve
mark.Refuel at the next gas station
(
page 279).
The fuel filler cap is not closed tightly.Check the fuel filler cap (page 279).

366 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left displayRight displayPossible cause/consequencePossible solution
DISTRONICCurrently
Unavailable.
See
Oper. ManualDistronic* is deactivated because:

The Distronic* cover in the radiator
grille is dirty.

The functionality is impaired by
heavy precipitation or fog.

The functionality is impaired by ex-
ternal interferences, e.g. high-fre-
quency sources such as toll
stations, speed measuring systems
etc.

The Distronic* sensor has not
sensed any other vehicles or ob-
jects, e.g. road sign or such, for a
long time.
Distronic* becomes operational again and
the message in the multifunction display
disappears when:

Dirt on the radiator grille has fallen off
while driving (e.g. slush or snow).

The system recognizes full sensor avail-
ability due to lessening rain, because the
road is drying, or because you have left
the area of an external interference for
example.
If the message in the multifunction display
does not disappear:
Clean the Distronic* cover in the radiator
grille (
page 336).
Restart the engine.

374 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left displayRight displayPossible cause/consequencePossible solution
Tire pressuredisplayed after
driving for
a few minutes.Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*:
The tire inflation pressure is being
checked.Drive the vehicle for a few minutes.
Tire Pressure MonitorInoperativeThe TPMS or Advanced TPMS* is
malfunctioning.Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tire Pressure MonitorInoperative
No Wheel SensorsThere are wheels without appropriate
wheel sensors mounted (e.g. winter
tires).Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have appropriate wheel sensors in-
stalled by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Tire Pressure Monitor
Wheel Sensor MissingVehicles with Advanced TPMS*:
One or more sensors defect
(e.g. empty sensor battery).
The respective tire is indicated by
---
instead of the tire inflation pressure in
the multifunction display.
Have Advanced TPMS* checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have appropriate wheel sensors in-
stalled by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

375 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left displayRight displayPossible cause/consequencePossible solution
Tire Pressure Monitor
Wheel Sensor MissingVehicles with Advanced TPMS*:
One or more wheels without
appropriate wheel sensors
mounted (e.g. spare wheel).
The respective tire is indicated by
--- instead of the tire inflation
pressure in the multifunction
display.
Have the Advanced TPMS* checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have appropriate wheel sensors installed
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tire Pressure MonitorCurrently
UnavailableThe TPMS or Advanced TPMS* is
unable to monitor the tire pres-
sure due to a nearby radio interfer-
ence source.As soon as the causes for the malfunction
are no longer present, the TPMS or
Advanced TPMS* automatically becomes
active again after a few minutes driving.
Warning!G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You may lose control of the vehicle. Contin-
ued driving with a flat tire will cause exces-
sive heat build-up and possibly a fire.
Warning!G
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from being over-
heated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping
distance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.

392 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left displayRight displayPossible cause/consequencePossible solution
FKey Detected
In VehicleA SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* left
in the vehicle was recognized while
locking the vehicle from the out-
side.Take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* out of
the vehicle.
.3rd Brake LampThe high mounted brake lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
AUTO Light
InoperativeThe light sensor is malfunctioning.
The headlamps switch on automati-
cally.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
To switch off the headlamps (U.S. vehicles only):
In the control system, set lamp operation to
manual mode (
page 163).
Switch on headlamps using the exterior lamp
switch (
page 131).
Brake Lamp
Left
Auxiliary Bulb OnThe left brake lamp is malfunction-
ing. An auxiliary bulb has been
brought into use.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Brake Lamp
Right
Auxiliary Bulb OnThe right brake lamp is malfunction-
ing. An auxiliary bulb has been
brought into use.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

424 Practical hints
Flat tire
Detach the electric air pump.
Stow the electrical plug and the air
hose behind the flap and place the air
pump back in the trunk.
Lowering the vehicle
Lower vehicle by turning crank coun-
terclockwise until the full weight of the
vehicle is resting on the ground.
Pull the jack out of the jack support
tube.1 - 5 Wheel bolts
Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly,
following the diagonal sequence
illustrated (1 to 5), until all bolts
are tight. Observe a tightening torque
of 96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Warning!G
Follow recommend inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.
iThe flat tire may be transported in the trunk
when the retractable hardtop is raised. If avail-
able, use a protective sheet on the spare wheel.
Vehicles with TPMS or Advanced TPMS*:
Do not activate the tire inflation pressure moni-
tor until a full size wheel/tire with functioning
sensor has been placed back into service on the
vehicle.
Warning!G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).


467 Index
A
ABC 230
Messages in the multifunction
display 361
Oil level 287
ABS 89
Indicator lamp 29, 344
Messages in the multifunction
display 363, 364
Warning lamp 27, 342
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 175
Accessory weight 322
Accident 61
Active Body Control see ABC
Air bags 70
Children in the vehicle 84
Front 73
Head-thorax 74
Knee bag 74
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 74Passenger 74
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 78
Safety guidelines 72
Air conditioning system see Automatic
climate control system
Air distribution 192, 194
Air pressure 322
Tire inflation pressure 300
Air pump 422
Air recirculation mode 196
Air vents 189
Air volume 193, 195
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 421
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 458, 464
Antiglare, Interior rear view mirror 185
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 98
Immobilizer 98
Tow-away alarm 100
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 239Ashtray 31, 244
Aspect ratio 322
ATF 287
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 185
Automatic central locking 122
Control system 166
Automatic climate control system 188
Air conditioning, Cooling 198
Air conditioning refrigerant 460
Air distribution 192, 194
Air recirculation mode 196
Air vents 189
Air volume 193, 195
Control panel 190
Deactivating 191
Defrosting 187, 195
Residual heat utilization 199
Temperature 193
Temperature sensor 33
Ventilated glove box 200

470 Index
Control system submenus 147
Convenience 166
Instrument cluster 160
Lighting 163
Time 161
Vehicle 166
Convenience feature 206
Coolant 463
Anticorrosion/antifreeze mixing ratio
and quantity 464
Checking coolant level 288
Coolant warning lamp 348
Messages in the multifunction
display 383, 385
Temperature 278
Temperature gauge 141
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 136
Replacing bulbs 409
Courtesy lighting 139
Cruise control 214
Messages in the multifunction
display 364, 365
Cup holder 243
Curb weight 323D
Daytime running lamp mode 133
Setting 163
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging, Windshield 196
Defrosting, Front 195
Defrosting, Rear 187
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lamps 164
Interior lighting 165
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 60
With starting the engine 54
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 149
Dimensions, Vehicle 455
Dipstick see Oil dipstick
Direction of rotation (tires) 294
Displays
Digital speedometer 149
Distronic* 156, 220, 222
Maintenance service indicator 330
Multifunction display 143Outside temperature 142, 149
Symbol messages 376
Text messages 361
Vehicle status message memory 156
Vehicle status messages 359
Distance to empty (range), Trip
computer 169
Distance warning function* 229
Activating 230
Deactivating 230
Intermittent warning sound 229
Symbol 222
Distronic* 218
“Resume” function 225
Activating 223
Cleaning system sensor cover 336
Control system 156, 222
Distance warning function* 229
Driving hints 227
System sensor cover 336
Warning and indicator
lamps 27, 220, 221, 229, 350

475 Index
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 108
Batteries 407
Battery check lamp 108
Checking the batteries 113
Factory setting 111
Global locking 111, 112
Global unlocking 111, 112
Locking/unlocking 39, 65, 108
Loss of 113
Messages in the multifunction
display 390, 391
Opening, Trunk 115
Opening/closing retractable
hardtop 206
Remote control 108
Replacing batteries 407
Reprogramming 112
Restoring to factory settings 112
Selective setting 112
Starter switch positions 41
Starting the engine 54
Turning off the engine 64
Unlocking, Trunk lid 114KEYLESS-GO*
Closing windows 203
Important notes 109
Locking/unlocking 39, 65, 108
Messages in the multifunction
display 390
Start/stop button 31, 41, 54
Starter switch positions 41
Starting the engine 54
Turning off the engine 64
Unlocking, Trunk lid 114
Kickdown 175
Kilopascal 323
Knee bag 74
L
Labels, identification 444
Lamp bulbs, exterior 409
Lamps, exterior
Delayed switch-off 164
Exterior lamp switch 25, 57
Front 410
Light sensor 392
Replacing bulbs for rear 410, 414
Switching off 131
Switching on 131Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 29, 344
ABS/ESP
®342
Brakes 345
CHECK ENGINE 346, 347
Coolant 348
Distronic* indicator and warning
lamp 27, 221
Electro-hydraulic brake system 94
Engine diagnostics 346, 347
Engine malfunction 29
ESP
®91
Fuel reserve 350
Passenger front air
bag off 74, 78, 357
Seat belt telltale 352
Seat belts 352–353
SRS 69, 354
Turn signals 27
Language
Multifunction display 160
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 340
License plate lamps 163, 410, 414
Light alloy wheels, cleaning 338

476 Index
Light sensor 392
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting
Instruments 140
Interior 138
Settings (control system) 163
Trunk 139
Limp-home mode 184
Load assist 245
Lowering manually 406
Loading terminology 322
Loading the vehicle 294
Lock buttons 38
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 66
Locking the vehicle 62
In an emergency 405
Low beam headlamps 57, 131, 410
Replacing bulbs 412
Lowering
Load assist manually 406
Roll bar 84
Luggage compartment, rear 242
Luggage cover 210
Messages in the multifunction
display 399
Lumbar support adjustment 124M
Main fuse box 438
Maintenance
Calling up maintenance service
indicator display 332
Clearing maintenance service
indicator message 331
Maintenance service indicator
message 330
Maintenance service term
exceeded 331
Resetting maintenance service
indicator 332
Maintenance service
When due 330
Maintenance service indicator 330
Maintenance System 330
Malfunction memory 156
Calling up 157
Clearing 157
Manual operation
Interior lighting control 139
Locking the vehicle 405
Lowering load assist 406
Unlocking storage
compartments 404Unlocking the driver’s door 403
Unlocking the trunk 404
Manual shift program SL 55 AMG and
SL 65 AMG 182
Deactivating 184
Massage function 125
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL 195
Maximum inflation pressure 324
Maximum load rating 323
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 323
Mechanical key
Loss of 113
Menus 145
AMG 150
AUDIO 153
Distronic* 156, 222
NAV 155
Standard display 149
TEL* 169
Trip computer 167
Vehicle status message memory 156
Menus see Control system menus
Miles/kilometers in speedometer 160
Minimum distance (Parktronic*) 235