traction control MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER 2013 C197 Owner's Manual

Distance recorder
............................. 148
see Trip odometer
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 155
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .69
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .62
Display message .................... 180, 182
Emergency locking ........................... 70
Emergency unlocking .......................69
Important safety notes ....................67
Opening (from inside) ......................68
Draft stop ............................................. 78
Drinking and driving .........................131
Drive program ................................... .120
Automatic ...................................... 122
Manual .......................................... .123
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........157
Drive program display ......................119
Driver's door see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................219
Symmetrical low bea m.................... 92
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads ..................133
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......55
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 58
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............55
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) ..................................... 58
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 56
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....56
Important safety information ...........54
Overview .......................................... 54
Driving systems
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 136
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 141
Cruise control ................................ 134
Display message ............................ 176PARKTRONIC
................................. 137
Rear view camera .......................... 140
Driving tips
AMG ceramic high-performance
compound brake system ...............133
Brakes ........................................... 131
Break-in period .............................. 112
Downhill gradient ........................... 131
Drinking and driving .......................131
Driving abroad ................................. 92
Driving in winter ............................ .133
Driving on wet roads ......................133
Exhaust check ............................... 131
Fuel ................................................ 130
General .......................................... 130
Hydroplaning ................................. 133
Icy road surfaces ........................... 134
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 132
Snow chains .................................. 250
Symmetrical low bea m.................... 92
Wet road surface ........................... 132
DVD audio (on-board computer) ......151
DVD video (on-board computer) ......151 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................156
Function/notes ................................ 86
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ............................. 87
Function/notes ................................ 86
Switching on/off ........................... 156
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 162
Function/notes ................................ 58
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 69
Trunk ............................................... 73
Vehicle ............................................. 69 Index
7

Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .50
Safety guideline s............................. 37
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Display message ............................ 172
Engine number ............................... 276
Irregular running ............................ 116
Starting .......................................... 114
Starting problems ..........................116
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 114
Starting with the KEYLESS-GO
start function ................................. 114
Switching off .................................. 128
Engine diagnostics warning lamp ....191
Engine electronics Problem (malfunction) ...................116
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 216
Additives ........................................ 280
Checking the oil level ..................... 215
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 215
Display
message ................................ 174, 175
Filling capacity ....................... 277, 280
Notes about oil grades ................... 279
Notes on oil level/consumption ....215
Temperature (on-board computer) .157
Temperature gauge ........................ 146
Viscosity ........................................ 280
E-SELECT lever ................................... 117
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Deactivating/activating ...................56
Display message ............................ 166
Function/notes ................................ 56
Important safety information ...........56
Warning lamp ................................. 190
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 56
Exhaust check ................................... 131
Exhaust pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 224Exterior lighting
Setting options ................................ 92
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 87
Dipping (automatic) .........................88
Folding in/out (automatically). ........88
Folding in/out (electrically). ............88
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 156
Out of position (troubleshooting) .....88
Setting ............................................. 88
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 89
Storing the parking position ............. 89 F
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap
First-aid kit ......................................... 228
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 232
Preparing the vehicle .....................229
Raising the vehicle .........................233
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 229
Floormat ............................................ .212
Fuel Additives ........................................ 279
Consumption statistics ..................148
Displaying the range ......................149
Driving tips .................................... 130
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Grade (gasoline) ............................ 278
Important safety notes ..................277
Problem (malfunction) ...................127
Refueling ........................................ 124
Tank content/reserve fuel .....277, 278
Fuel filler flap, opening/closing ....... 125
Fuel filter (display message) ............176
Fuel level Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 149
Fuel tank
Capacity ................................ 277, 278
Problem (malfunction) ...................127
see Fuel tank 8
Index

G
WARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident. Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with the rear
axle raised.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
When SPORT handling mode is activated, the
0074 warning lamp lights up in the instrument
panel.
When ESP ®
is deactivated, the 00BBand
0089 warning lamps light up in the instrument
panel.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 190) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 166).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ® ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 0089ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 54). 56
Driving safety systemsSafety

flashes. ESP
®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
R engine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning wheels produce a
cutting effect for better traction.
Characteristics when ESP ®
is deactivated
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the 0089warning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 56).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. G
WARNING
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 54).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also features the hill start assist
function ( Ypage 115). For further
information, see Driving tips (Y page 131). Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
engine off and open the driver's door.
X To activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada). ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the trunk lid 58
Theft deterrent locking systemSafety

to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever 0043
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
0044 To store the current speed or a lower
speed
0087 To deactivate cruise control
0085 To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the lower section of the
multifunction display.
Storing and maintaining the current
speed You can store the current speed if you are
driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h ).
X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up 0043 or down 0044to the pressure point.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise control maintains the
stored speed on downhill gradients by
automatically applying the brakes.
Storing the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed G
WARNING
If you call up the stored speed and it differs
from the current speed, the vehicle
accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know
the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate
or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an
accident.
Pay attention to the road and traffic
conditions before calling up the stored speed.
If you do not know the stored speed, store the
desired speed again.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you 0085.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the current speed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed.
Setting a speed Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to
the speed set.
X
Press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point, up 0043for a higher speed or
down 0044for a lower speed.
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until
the desired speed is reached.
X Release the cruise control lever.
The new speed is stored.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For
example, if you accelerate briefly to
overtake, cruise control adjusts the Driving systems
135Driving and parking Z

Rear spoiler
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00D4
Rear Spoiler Rear Spoiler
Control System Control System
Inoperative Inoperative The rear spoiler cannot be fully retracted and may extend again.
If the retraction of the rear spoiler is blocked, e.g. by ice:
X
Make sure that the cause of the block is eliminated.
X Switch off the engine and lock the vehicle.
X Start the vehicle after waiting a few minutes.
The rear spoiler returns to the original position.
If this problem persists or the cause cannot be identified:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 00D4
Rear Spoiler Rear Spoiler
Inoperative Limit
Inoperative Limit
200 km/h 200 km/h The rear spoiler cannot be fully extended and extends as far as
possible.
The speed of the vehicle is limited to 125 mph(200 km/h).
If the extension/retraction of the rear spoiler is blocked, e.g. by
ice:
X
Make sure that the cause of the block is eliminated.
X Switch off the engine and lock the vehicle.
X Start the vehicle after waiting a few minutes.
The rear spoiler returns to the original position.
If this problem persists or the cause cannot be identified:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Displays and operation
185On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0089
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while the
vehicle is in
motion. ESP
®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
X When pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
X Release the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 56).0074
The yellow
SPORT handling
mode warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. SPORT handling mode is activated. ESP
®
only stabilizes the vehicle
in extreme situations. ESP ®
intervention may not be able to
provide enough assistance in such situations, and the vehicle may
start to skid.
G WARNING
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 56).0089
00BB
The yellow ESP
®
and ESP ®
OFF
warning lamps
are lit while the
engine is
running. ESP
®
is not available due to a malfunction. ESP ®
will not stabilize
the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin. The brake
system continues to function normally, but without ESP ®
.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is unavailable due to a malfunction, the danger of skidding
and having an accident increases.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0075
The red SRS
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running. The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The air bags or ETDs
may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an
accident, not be triggered at all.
G WARNING
If the air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices are either
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, are not
triggered, there is an increased risk of injury.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. G
WARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational. 190
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

1-800-FOR-MERCede
s(1-800-367-6372)
or 1-866-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your PIN.
The next time you are inside the vehicle and
you switch on the ignition, the Tele Aid
Tele Aid
Doors Locked Remotely
Doors Locked Remotely message appears
in the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be locked
via the Internet or an iPhone in the "Owners
Online" section using your ID number and
password.
i The vehicle remote closing feature is
available when the relevant mobile phone
network is available and data connection is
possible.
Stolen vehicle recovery service If your vehicle has been stolen:
X
Notify the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident
report.
X This number will be forwarded to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center together with your PIN.
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center then attempts to locate the mbrace
system. The Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement agency if the vehicle
is located. However, only the law
enforcement agency is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system is active for
longer than 30 seconds, mbrace
automatically informs the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. Rear spoiler
The rear spoiler improves the handling of the
vehicle. It adapts the vehicle's aerodynamics to the operating conditions, dependent on the
speed of the vehicle.
Example: Coupe
i
If the vehicle is equipped with AMG
adaptive sport suspension system, the
button is in the switch strip above the air
conditioning control panel.
Only use button 0043to extend and retract the
rear spoiler manually for cleaning.
Button 0043is not used to operate the rear
spoiler.
If you drive at speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h), the rear spoiler extends
automatically. Button 0043flashes until the rear
spoiler has extended and then lights up in red.
If you drive at speeds above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear spoiler remains
extended. Button 0043remains lit in red.
If you drive at speeds below 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear spoiler retracts
automatically. Button 0043flashes until the rear
spoiler has retracted and then goes out.
Extending and retracting the rear
spoiler manually You can extend and retract the rear spoiler
manually for cleaning.
G
WARNING
During manual retraction of the rear spoiler,
make sure that nobody becomes trapped. If
there is a danger of someone becoming
trapped, release the rear spoiler button to 206
FeaturesStowage and features

Notes on high performance tires
G
WARNING
Due to the special tire tread in combination
with the optimized rubber compound, there is
an increased risk of hydroplaning and
skidding on a damp or wet road surface. tire
grip is also noticeably reduced at low outside
temperatures and low tire operating
temperatures. There is a risk of an accident.
Turn on ESP ®
and adapt your driving style
accordingly. When the outside temperature
falls below 10 †, use M+S tires.
i Different driving styles may lead to high
tire wear and the tires may reach the
minimum tire tread depth after only a short
time. Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tires
G
WARNING
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts,
punctures, tears, bulges on tires and
deformation or cracks or severe corrosion
on wheels) at least once a month, as well
as after driving off-road or on rough roads.
Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire
pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 249). If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface. R
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
install anything on the valve (such as tire
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
including the emergency spare wheel or the
spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips,
and correct the pressure as necessary
(Y page 251). Tire tread
G
WARNING
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the tread wear indicators (TWI) become
visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not use tires until they are excessively
worn as the tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread depth
is less than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced.
The recommended tread depth for summer
tires is at least 1
/ 8 in (3 mm). The
recommended tread depth for winter tires is
at least 1
/ 6 in (4 mm). Operation
249Wheels and tires Z

sidewall of the tire, even though these
regulations do not apply to Canada.
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
Where applicable, the tire grading
information can be found on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and maximum
tire width.
For example: Tread wear Traction Temperature
200 AA A
All passenger car tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in addition to
these grades. Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. government course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government test track as
a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions. Traction
G
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. G
WARNING
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with
extreme caution.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum tire
tread depth of 1
/ 6in (4 mm) for all four winter
tires (Y page 251) to maintain normal driving
characteristics in winter. Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow-covered
surfaces in comparison with summer tires.
The braking distance is still much further than
on surfaces that are not icy or covered with
snow. Take appropriate care when driving.
! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train. Temperature
G
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C. These represent the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor 262
Uniform Tire Quality Grading StandardsWheels and tires