MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG 2011 R170 Owner's Manual

Safety systems
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions7
The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine. The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passenger to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.
X
Fasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine. 7
The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after
starting the
engine. You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.
X
Fasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding. 7
The red seat belt
telltale comes
on while the
vehicle is
standing still
and

the engine is
running or while
driving. You and/or your passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat
belts.
X
Fasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out. There are items placed on the passenger seat and therefore the
system senses the passenger seat as being occupied.
X
Remove the items from the passenger seat and put them in a
safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out. 7
The red seat belt
telltale flashes
while driving. In
addition, an
intermittent
warning chime
sounds with
increasing
intensity. The vehicle’s speed once exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) and you
and/or your passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat belts.
X
Fasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding. There are items placed on the passenger seat and therefore the
system senses the passenger seat as being occupied.
X
Remove the items from the passenger seat and put them in a
safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding. What to do if …
259
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 259 Z

i
After 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a door is
opened. Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions+
The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving. There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency

Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.
X Drive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. G
Warning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated
as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated

when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury. Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutionsd
The yellow 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.
X Switch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions:
(Y page 50).
X If leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
X If the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible. d
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running. The ESP
®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!
X Read and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.
X Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible. 260
What to do if …
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 260

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutionsd
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving. The ESP
®
or the Electronic Traction System (ETS) has come into
operation because of detected traction loss in at least one tire.
X When driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.
X While driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.
X Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.
X Do not deactivate the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: (Y page 50).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident. Vehicle
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions8
The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.
In addition the
message
Reserve Fuel
appears in the
multifunction
display. The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.
X
Refuel at the next gas station.
After refueling you will see the message 1 Message in the
multifunction display.
X Press reset button . to confirm the message ( Y page 92).8
The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running. The fuel cap is not closed properly.
X
Close the fuel cap. What to do if …
261
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 261 Z

Engine
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running. There may be a malfunction in
R
the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may
switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon

as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements. Tires
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutionsh
USA only:
Combination
low

tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously. The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.
X Read and observe messages in the multifunction display
(Y page 236).
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. h
USA 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.
X
Read and observe messages in the multifunction display
(Y page 236).
X Have 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. 262
What to do if …
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 262

G
Warning!
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
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
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.
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 then
remain 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
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions04
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.
X
Have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Read and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps (Y page 236). What to do if …
263
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 263 Z

G
Warning!
If the 04 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.
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions04
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
does not illuminate
and/or does not
remain illuminated with
the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a
standard child restraint
or less on the
passenger seat.
The system is malfunctioning.
X
Make sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.
X Make sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.
X If the passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains out,
have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
X Read and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps (Y page 236). G
Warning!
If the 04 indicator lamp does not
illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint or less on the passenger seat, do not
transport a child on the passenger seat until
the system has been repaired. Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey, unlock the driver’s door and the
trunk using the mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will trigger when
you
R unlock the driver’s door or the trunk with
the mechanical key
and
R open the driver’s door or the trunk
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey into
the starter switch. Removing the mechanical key
X
Move locking tab : in the direction of
arrow.
X Slide mechanical key ; out of the housing.264
Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 264

Unlocking the driver’s door
X
Insert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
X Turn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1 until the locking knob moves
up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
X Pull the door handle to open the driver’s
door.
X Turn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
Unlocking the trunk A minimum height clearance of 5.78 ft
(1.76 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
X
Insert mechanical key = into the trunk lid
lock.
X Turn mechanical key = counterclockwise
to position 2 and simultaneously pull
handle : and lift trunk lid. !
When you open the trunk, the trunk lid
swings open upwards. Always make sure
there is sufficient overhead clearance.
X Turn mechanical key = back and remove
it from the trunk lid lock. Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey, lock it as follows:
X Open the driver’s door.
X Close the passenger door and the trunk.
X Press the central locking switch
(Y page 59).
X Check to see whether the locking knob on
the passenger door has moved down.
X If necessary, push it down manually.
X Exit the vehicle and close the driver’s door.
X Remove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 264).
X Check whether the trunk is locked.
X If it is not locked, lock it with the
mechanical key ( Y page 61).
Except for the driver’s door, the vehicle
should now be locked. X
Insert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
X Turn mechanical key ; clockwise to
position 1.
The driver’s door is locked.
X Turn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock. Unlocking/locking manually
265Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 265 Z

i
This procedure does not arm the anti-
theft alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel
filler flap and the storage compartments. Manually unlocking the gear selector
lever
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the gear selector lever could
remain locked in park position P. In this case
the gear selector lever can be unlocked
manually, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
X Engage the parking brake. !
Do not use sharp objects to loosen the
gear selector lever cover in the center
console, as this could damage the gear
selector lever cover or the center console.
X Insert a flat, blunt object into the left edge
of gear selector lever cover : at the
positions indicated by the arrows.
X Loosen gear selector lever cover : using
this object.
X Pull gear selector lever cover : out and
remove.
X Simultaneously push down release ; and
move the gear selector lever out of park
position P.
The gear selector lever is unlocked.
i The gear selector lever is locked again as
soon as you move it back to park position
P. Opening/closing manually
Raising retractable hardtop manually
G
Warning!
If the retractable hardtop does not completely
open or close, the roof hydraulics will lose
pressure and the retractable hardtop is
lowered
R after approximately 7 minutes when the
ignition is switched on
R after approximately 15 seconds when the
ignition is switched off
Shortly before the hardtop is lowered, a
warning will sound. In the multifunction
display you will see K and the message
Retractable Roof Lowering.
Properly lock retractable hardtop before
continuing to drive. G
Warning!
Manually closing the retractable hardtop is a
complicated and technically demanding
procedure and should only be performed by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
qualified technician.
Attempting to manually close the retractable
hardtop may cause damage to the retractable
hardtop and/or personal injury. G
Warning!
To prevent possible accidents, drive the
vehicle only with the retractable hardtop
either completely closed and locked, or fully
lowered into its storage compartment. Replacing SmartKey batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 266
Replacing SmartKey batteriesPractical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 266

G
Warning!
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive
substances. Therefore, keep the batteries out
of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately. G
Warning!
SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Check with
your local government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm.
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method
of disposal. Many states (USA only) or
provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.
When inserting the batteries, make sure they
are clean and free of lint.
When replacing batteries, always replace
both batteries.
i The required replacement batteries are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.
X Remove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 264). X
Press mechanical key ; into the SmartKey
opening until battery compartment
cover : opens. Do not keep the cover
shut. X
Remove the battery compartment cover.
X Pat the SmartKey against the palm of your
hand until battery = falls out.
X Insert the new battery with the positive
terminal (+) facing up. Use a lint-free cloth.
X Insert the tabs of the battery compartment
cover into the housing and press the cover
closed.
X Check the operation of the SmartKey. Replacing bulbs
Safety notes
Safe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling to a large
degree.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
headlamp adjustment. G
Warning!
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Allow
the lamp to cool down before changing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children. Replacing bulbs
267Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 267 Z

Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A
bulb can explode if you
R
touch or move it when hot
R drop the bulb
R scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician. i
Since replacing bulbs is a technically
highly
demanding process, we recommend
to have them replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i If the headlamps or front fog lamps are
fogged up on the inside as a result of high
humidity, driving the vehicle a distance with
the lights on should clear up the fogging. 268
Replacing bulbs
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 268