2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS lights

50 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Seat heater (SL 500 optional)
The seat heater switches are located on the center
console.
The seat heaters can be switched on with the key in
steering lock positions 1 or 2.Press switch to turn on seat heater:
1Normal seat heating mode. One indicator lamp in
the switch lights up.
2Rapid seat heating mode. Both indicator lamps in
the switch light up. After approximately 5 minutes
in the rapid seat heating mode, the seat heater
automatically switches to normal operation and only
one indicator lamp will stay on.
Turning off seat heater:
If one indicator lamp is on, press upper half of switch.
If both indicator lamps are one, press lower half of
switch.
If left on, the seat heater automatically turns off after
approximately 30 minutes of operation.
P91.30-0270-26
12

138 Hardtop
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
4. Within 10 seconds of turning key in steering lock to
position 2 (engine not running), slide soft top
switch (2) back and hold.
Please note, if soft top switch is activated after
10 seconds have expired, turn the key back to
position 0 first before the hardtop removing
procedure can be started again at step 4.The unlocking procedure begins after approx.
2 seconds:
• The roll bar lowers.
• The indicator lamp in the soft top switch lights
up.
•The hardtop unlocks.
P65.00-0282-26
2

141 Hardtop
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 6. Tu rn key in steering lock to position 2. Th e indica tor
lamp in the soft top switch lights up.
7. Slide soft top switch (3) forward - the hardtop should
lock and the indicator lamp in the switch should go
out.8. Connect plug (4) for rear window defroster.
3
P65.00-0285-26
P65.00-0286-26
4

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

172 Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
only slight partial throttle.
Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off
and restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.
Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N”
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”.When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
towards the road curb.When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move
the selector lever from position “P”, which could
result in an accident or serious injury.

196 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Level control system
(SL 600 only)
The switch is located next to the exterior lamp switch
1Level control switch
2Wheel change switchLevel control switch positions
Press upper half of switch once for option 1. One
indicator lamp lights up.
Press upper half of switch twice for option 2. Both
indicator lamps light up.
Note:
The indicator lamps blink at first, and stay on
continuously once the selected level is attained.
Press lower half of switch once:
From option 2, system switches to option 1. Only one
indicator lamp is illuminated.
From option 1, system returns to Normal Level. Indicator
lamp goes out.
Press lower half of switch twice:
From option 2, system returns to Normal Level. Both
indicator lamps go out.
12
P32.35-0219-26

199 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(SL 600 only)
Depending upon road surface conditions, load, driving
style, ADS will automatically adjust the optimal ride
firmness.
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on with the key
in steering lock position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
If the malfunction indicator lamp stays on after the
engine is running or comes on while driving, then the
system has detected a malfunction.
Have the ADS checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the malfunction indicator lamp
will light up when the engine is running.
Turn the steering wheel from full left to full right lock
position. The light should go out. Adaptive damping system adjustment
The switch is located in the center console.
1Firm dampening program. This setting should be
used for sporty driving. During the setting for sporty
driving the indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
2Soft dampening program. This setting should be
used for regular driving.