2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class lock

60 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Airbags 1Driver airbag
2Passenger front airbag
3Side impact airbags
The most effective occupant restraint system yet
developed for use in production vehicles is the seat belt.
In some cases, however, the protective effect of a seat
belt can be further enhanced by an airbag.
In conjunction with wearing the seat belts, the driver
and passenger airbags can provide increased protection
for the driver and passenger in certain frontal impacts
exceeding preset thresholds. Door mounted side impact
airbags can provide increased protection to belted
occupants on the impacted side of the vehicle in side
impacts exceeding its preset thresholds.
The operational readiness of the airbag system is
verified by the indicator lamp "SRS" in the instrument
cluster when turning the key in steering lock to
position 2. If no fault is detected, the lamp will go out
after approximately 4 seconds: after the lamp goes out,
the system continues to monitor the components and
circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a
malfunction by coming on again. If the lamp does not

61 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index come on at all or if it fails to extinguish after
approximately 4 seconds or if it comes on thereafter, a
malfunction in the system has been detected.
The following system components are monitored or
undergo a selfcheck: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition
circuits, seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning
retractors, seat sensor.
Initially, when the key is turned from steering lock
position 0 to positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the crash-
sensor are detected and indicated (the “SRS” indicator
lamp stays on longer than 4 seconds or does not come
on). In the operational mode, after the indicator lamp
has gone out following the initial check, interruptions or
short circuits in the airbag ignition circuit and in the
driver and passenger seat belt buckle harnesses, and
low voltage in the entire system are detected and
indicated.Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
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 visit 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 unnecessary which could also
result in injury.

68 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
When you sell the vehicle we strongly urge you to give
notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with
an “SRS” by alerting him to the applicable section in the
Operator’s Manual.Infant and child restraint systems
Use only a BabySmart
TM compatible child restraint in
this vehicle.
We recommend that all infants and children be properly
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The passenger lap-shoulder belt has a special seat belt
retractor for secure fastening of a child restraint.
To fasten a child restraint follow child restraint
instructions for routing. Then pull shoulder belt out
completely. Slide switch located on side of passenger
seat to position N. Let the belt retract. During the
seat belt retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to
indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated.
The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to
take up any slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner.
• For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the airbag unit or
emergency tensioning retractor, our safety
instructions must be followed. These
instructions are available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.• Given the considerable deployment speed and
the textile structure of the airbags, there is the
possibility abrasions or other injuries
resulting from airbag deployment.
Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.

70 Adjusting steering column
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Adju st in g steerin g c olu mn
Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or 2 (with either
door open, the steering column can be operated with the
key removed or in steering lock position 0).
To extend or retract:
Move switch (1) in desired direction.
To raise or lower:
Move switch (1) in desired direction.Storing steering column position in memory
The steering column position is stored in memory
together with the seat/head restraint/exterior rear view
mirror position and can be recalled when necessary,
see memory recalling on page 46.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the telescoping adjustment locked
could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

71 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Rear view mirrors
Inside rear view mirror
Manually adjust the mirror.
Use your inside mirror to determine the size and
distance of objects seen in the passenger side convex
mirror.
Antiglare night position
With the key in steering lock position 2, the mirror
reflection brightness responds to changes in light
sensitivity.
With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior lamp switched on, the mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.Note:
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the
mirror.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the
liquid come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing,
or respiratory system. In cases it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek medical
help if necessary.

72 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Exterior rear view mirrors
The switch is located on the center console.
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
First select the mirror to be adjusted - turn switch:
1Left mirror
2Right mirror
To adjust, toggle the switch forward, backward or to
either side.With the key in steering lock position 2, the driver’s
side mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in
light sensitivity.
With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior lamp switched on, the driver’s side mirror
brightness does not respond to changes in light
sensitivity.
Notes:
The exterior mirrors have electrically heated glass. The
heater switches on automatically, depending on outside
temperature.
If the mirror housing is forcibly pivoted from its normal
position, it must be repositioned by applying firm
pressure until it snaps into place.
2
1
P82.00-0359-26
Wa r n i n g !
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
mirror. The passenger-side exterior mirror is
convex (outwardly curved surface for a wider field
of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they
appear. Check your inside rear view mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

75 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement
warning lamp (yellow), see page 207
2Coolant temperature gauge, see page 78
3Fuel consumption gauge, see page 83
4Engine oil temperature gauge, see page 83
5Left turn signal indicator lamp (green),
see combination switch on page 86
6K nob for intensity of instrum ent l amps, see pa ge 77,
for resetting trip odometer, see page 79 and
for calling up FSS indicator, see page 80
7Speedometer8EPS warning lamp (yellow), see page 207
9Odometer display field, see page 82
10Main/trip odometer, see page 79
or FSS indicator, see page 80
or engine oil level indicator, see page 82
11Outside temperature indicator, see page 78
12Right turn signal indicator lamp (green),
see combination switch on page 86
13Tachometer, see page 79
14Knob for setting clock, see page 79
15Clock, see page 79

77 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Additional function indicator lamps
(in the odometer display)
FSS indicator (distance, Service A),
seepage80.
FSS indicator (distance, Service B),
seepage80.
FSS indicator (days, Service A),
seepage80.
FSS indicator (days, Service B),
seepage80.
Start lock-out malfunction, see page 33.Instrument lamps
1Ad justing knob
Rotate adjusting knob (1) to vary intensity of instrument
lamps.
Display illumination
Press adjusting knob (1) to briefly illuminate the display
(with key removed or in steering lock position 0 or 1).