2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS ESP

128 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Cup holder
To open compartment:
Slide cover (1) back.
To open cup holder (2):
Lift handle in direction of arrow.
To close cup holder (3):
Lift handle in direction of arrow.Parcel net in passenger footwell
A small convenience parcel net is located in the
passenger footwell. It is for small and light items, such
as road maps, mail, etc.
Wa r n i n g !
Keep cup holder closed while traveling. Place only
containers that fit into the cup holder to prevent
spills.Do not fill containers to a height where the
contents could spill during vehicle maneuvers,
especially hot liquids.Wa r n i n g !
Do not place heavy or fragile objects, or objects
having sharp edges, in the parcel net.In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, they could be thrown around inside
the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants.

134 Garage door opener
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
For operation in the USA only: This device complies
with Part 15, Subpart C, Section 209 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Warning: Changes or modification not expressly
approved by party responsible for compliance could void
the user’ s authority to operate the equipment.
Programming or reprogramming the integrated
remote control:
1. Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1
or 2.
2. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter of the
device you wish to train approximately 2 to 5 inches
(5 cm to 12 cm) away from the surface of the
integrated remote control located on the inside rear
view mirror, keeping the indicator lamp in view.3. Using both hands, simultaneously push the hand-
held transmitter button and the desired integrated
remote control button. Do not release the buttons
until completing step 4.
4. The indicator lamp on the integrated remote control
will flash, first slowly and then rapidly. When the
indicator lamp flashes rapidly, both buttons may be
released (the rapid flashing lamp indicates
successful programming of the new frequency
signal). To program the remaining two buttons,
follow ste ps 1 through 4.
Note:
If, after repeated attempts, you do not successfully
program the integrated remote control device to learn
the signal of the hand-held transmitter, the garage door
opener could be equipped with the “rolling code
feature”.

144 Soft top
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Lowering soft top
1. Engage parking brake.
2. Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
3. Slide soft top switch (1) back and hold:
• The side windows lower
• The roll bar lowers.
• The indicator lamp in the soft top switch lights
up.• The soft top is lowered into the soft top storage
compartment.
• The storage compartment cover closes and locks.
• The indicator lamp in the switch goes out - the
lowering procedure is completed.
If the soft top switch is held or is released and slid back
again within approx. 2 seconds, the side windows will
close. If the roll bar was previously in the upright
position, it will return to that position.
However, the side windows and the roll bar can also be
activated using their respective switches.
Note:
A wet or frozen soft top must not be folded until thawed
and dry.
1
P65.00-0287-26

145 Soft top
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Raising soft top1. Engage parking brake
2. Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
3. Fold down sun visors.
4. Slide soft top switch (2) forward and hold:
• The side windows lower.
• The roll bar lowers.
• The indicator lamp in the soft top switch lights
up.
• The soft top closes and locks.
Note:
If the soft top does not engage in the windshield
header attachment points, then release the soft
top switch. Reach into the grip (3) and guide the
pins into their respective locks while pulling
down, slide soft top switch (2) forward again.
• The indicator lamp in the soft top switch goes
out - the closing procedure is completed.
2
P65.00-0288-26

146 Soft top
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the soft top switch is held or is released and slid
forward again within approx. 2 seconds, the side
windows will close. If the roll bar was previously in the
upright position, it will return to that position.
However, the side windows and the roll bar can also be
activated using their respective switches.
3
P77.30-0331-26
Wa r n i n g !
The soft top is not locked:• if the indicator lamp in the soft top switch does
not go out (key in steering lock position 2),• if the indicator lamp blinks, and a warning
sounds for 10 seconds when starting to drive.Stop the vehicle and before continuing to drive,
lock the soft top:The key should be in steering lock position 2.Slide soft top switch forward.If the soft top is not locked, it may fold back or
forward when driving.During soft top operation, do not place your hands
near the roll bar, soft top frame, upper windshield
area or soft top storage compartment. Serious
personal injury may occur.

153 Contents - Driving
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Driving Control and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 154
Radio and telephone .................. 154
Telep ho n es an d
two-way radio .............................. 154
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 155
Maintenance ................................... 155
Tele Aid ........................................... 156
Catalytic converter ........................ 163
Emission control ............................ 164
Steering lock ................................... 165
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 167
Before starting ............................ 167
Starting ........................................ 167
Turning off .................................. 167
Automatic transmission ............... 168
Driving ......................................... 168
Accelerator Position ................... 169
Selector lever positions ............. 169
Maneuvering ............................... 172Stopping ...................................... 172
Program mode
selector switch ........................... 173
Emergency Operation ................174
Parking brake ................................ 175
Driving instructions ....................... 176
Drive sensibly - Save fuel .......... 176
Drinking and driving ................. 176
Pedals ........................................... 176
Power assistance ........................ 177
Brakes .......................................... 177
Driving off ................................... 178
Parking ........................................ 178
Tires ............................................. 179
Aquaplaning ................................180
Tire traction .................................180
Tire speed rating ........................181
Snow chains ................................ 181
Vehicles with sport package .....181
Deep water ...................................182
Winter driving
instructions .................................182
Winter driving .............................183
Block heater .................................183Traveling abroad ........................ 183
Cruise control ................................. 184
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 188
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 190
ABS control ................................. 191
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) ........................................... 192
Synchronizing ESP .................... 193
ESP Control Switch .................... 194
Level control system ...................... 196
Level control
switch positions ......................... 196
Normal Level ............................... 197
Wheel Change Switch ............... 198
Ad aptive Da mping System
(ADS) ........................................... 199
Adaptive damping system
adjustment .................................. 199
What you should know
at the gas station .......................200
Fuel supply ..................................200
Fuel ...............................................200
Check regularly and
before a long trip ......................202

154 Control and operation of radio transmitters
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Control and operation of radio transmitters
Radio and telephone
1 Observe all legal requirements.
Telephones and two-way radio
Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a
citizens band unit should only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is
installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions
regarding use of an external antenna.
Wa r n i n g !
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate
the radio or telephone
1 if road and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e v e r y s e c o n d .
Wa r n i n g !
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.

156 Tele Aid
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tele Aid
Important!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be
performed by completing the subscriber agreement and
placing an acquaintance call using the “SOS” button.
Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a
system that is not activated. If the system is not
activated, the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button stays
on after turning electronic key in starter switch to
position 2.
If you have any questions regarding activation, please
call the Response Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
(Telematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response;
automatic and manual emergency, roadside assistance
and information.
The Tele Aid system is operational, providing that the
vehicle’s battery is charged and properly connected, not
damaged and the cellular and GPS coverage is available.
To activate, press the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button• or the Information button¡,
depending on the type of response required.Shortly after the completion of your Acquaintance Call,
you will receive a user ID and password via first call
mail. By visiting www.mbusa.com and selecting
“Tele Aid” (USA only), you will have access to account
information and more.
System self-check
Initially, after turning the key in steering lock to
position 2, malfunctions are detected and indicated (the
indicator lamps in the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button• and the Information
button¡ stay on longer than 10 seconds or do not
come on).
Important!
Always make sure that the indicator lamps in the
“SOS” button, in the “Roadside Assistance” button and
in the “Information” button do not remain illuminated
constantly in red after the system self check.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above, have the
system checked at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.