2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class ABS

167 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is combined
with the BAS malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is
possible that now only partial engine output will be
available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will
require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
BA S is op erational .
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated,
have the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

168 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent of road surface conditions.At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.

169 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a
m a l f u n c t i on a n d h a s sw i tch e d o f f . I n t h is c a s e , t h e b ra ke
system functions in the usual manner, but without
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 182.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.I f t h e m a lf u n c t i on i n d i c a to r la mp st ays il lu m in a t e d , h ave
the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

171 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
Th e m alf unction indicator l amp for t he ESP is combined
with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with
the engine running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.

177 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster ......................................... 178
On-board
diagnostic system ....................... 178
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 178
Brake warning lamp .................. 179
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................. 180
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................. 180Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................180
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning .................... 181
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ................181
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 181
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................182
Telescoping steering
column warning lamp ................182
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp ..............................183Low windshield and
headlamp washer system
fluid level warning lamp ........... 183
Low engine oil level
warning lamp .............................. 184
Charge indicator lamp ............... 184
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp ............................. 185
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) .......... 185
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the
center console ........................... 185
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ..... 185

182 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in
steering lock position 2 and should go out
with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and
warning in the instrument cluster come on while the
engine is running, it indicates that the ABS has detected
a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the
brake system functions in the usual manner, but
without antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page 168 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).Telescoping steering column warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on. It should go out when the engine
is running.
If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, the adjustable steering column is not locked
properly.
Important!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked
the steering column.
ABS

221 Exterior lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Parking, standing and turn signal lamp
(2357 NA [28.5 / 8.3W / 30 / 2.2 cp] bulb)
Open hood.
Insert screwdriver (supplied in vehicle tool kit) into hole
for release lever (5). Move screwdriver sideways toward
radiator and then rearward. Remove the released lamp
assembly.
Twist bulb socket (1) counterclockwise and pull out.
Push bulb into socket, turn counterclockwise and
remove.Insert new bulb in socket, push in and twist clockwise.
Reinstall bulb socket.
To reinstall lamp assembly, slide its tabs (6) into
guides (7), continue to push lamp in until it engages in
lock.
5
1
P82.10-2353-26
P82.10-2354-26
7
6
7
6

231 Replacing wiper blade insert
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Replacing wiper blade insert
For safety reasons, remove key from steering lock before
replacing a wiper blade, otherwise the wiper motor can
suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Removal:
Fold wiper arm forward. Tilt wiper blade downward.
Press sa fety tab (1), push wiper blade d ow nward (2) and
remove.
Place wiper blade on firm support. Press down both tabs
with a screw driver and slide (direction of arrow) the
wiper blade insert out of the retainer claws.Installation:
Slide (direction of arrow) wiper blade insert into
retainer claws until tabs are engaged.
Slide wiper blade into end of wiper arm until it locks in
place.
The wiper with air spoiler should be mounted on the
driver’s side.
2
1
P82.30-2049-26