2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 warning

352 Technical termsCockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.
Collapsible tire
An especially compact spare tire that
must be inflated with a provided air
pump before using. It should only be
used to bring the vehicle to the nearest
service station.
COMAND
(Co
ckpit Man
agement and
D
ata System)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and CD
changer, as well as for other optional
equipment (e.g. telephone).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to ad-
just settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.
Distronic*
A driving convenience cruise control
system which helps the driver maintain
a pre-selected speed:


If there is no vehicle directly ahead,
the system operates in the same
way as conventional cruise control.


If a slower moving vehicle is ahead,
Distronic* will reduce your vehicle
speed to the extent permitted by re-
duced throttle and up to 20% brak-
ing power to maintain the preset
minimum following distance.
DTR
(->Distr
onic*)Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency Tensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRS
FSS
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the multifunction
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.

353 Technical terms
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.
Head-thorax airbag
Installed in the doors, these airbags
protect occupants during side impact
collisions exceeding a preset thresh-
old. Unlike normal side airbags,
head-thorax airbags are also designed
to provide protection for the head area.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a key.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.Memory function
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each key and, if so equipped,
KEYLESS-GO* feature.
Menu
The control system displays are ar-
ranged in menus. Each menu contains
a number of commands for particular
systems. In the Audio menu, for exam-
ple, you will find the commands Select
radio station or Operate CD player. Us-
ing commands you can directly change
the settings for your vehicle.
MON
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.

357 Index
A
ABC 183, 351
Messages in display 258
Oil level 230
Setting vehicle level 184
ABC switch 24
ABS 68, 351
Malfunction indicator lamp 21, 251
Messages in display 259
Warning lamp 70, 251
ABS/ESP
Warning lamp 250
ABS/ESP warning lamp 21
Activating
Air circulation mode 152
Air conditioning (cooling) 155
Anti-theft alarm system 76
Central locking (control system) 128
Distance warning function* 180
Distronic* 175
Easy-entry/exit feature 129
Electric air pump 316
ESP 72
Exterior lamps 102
Hazard warning flasher 105
High beams 104Ignition 29
Immobilizer 48, 75
Parktronic* 189
Rear window defroster 153
Residual heat 154
Seat heater 97, 98
Seat ventilation* 96
Steering wheel gearshift control
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 143
Tow-away alarm 77
Windshield wipers 44
Active Body Control (ABC) switch 24
Adjusting
Air distribution 151
Air volume 150
Backrest tilt 33
Exterior rear view mirrors 35
Head restraint height 33
Head restraint tilt 34
Inside rear view mirror 35
Lumbar support 93
Mirrors 35
Multicontour backrest* 93
Seat cushion depth 33
Seat cushion tilt 33
Seat height 33Seat in the lumbar region 94
Seat in the shoulder region 94
Seats 32
Steering wheel 34
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 155
Turning on 155
Air conditioner refrigerant 343
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric 289
Turning on 316
Air recirculation mode 152
Air volume adjustment 150
Airbags 53
Children 54
Front 57
Head-thorax 57, 58
Kneebag 57
Passenger 57
Alarm
Audible 67, 75
Canceling 76
Visual 75
Alignment bolt 351
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 288, 314
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 342, 346

359 Index
Brakes 216
Warning lamp 253
Break-in period 214
Bulbs, replacing
Backup lamps 299
Brake lamps 296
Front lamps 295, 298
License plate lamps 300
Parking lamps 299
Rear fog lamp 299
Standing lamps 299
Tail lamp assemblies 299
Turn signal lamps, front 298
Turn signal lamps, rear 299
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 351
CAN System 351
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 342
Catalytic converter 223
CD player
Operating 116
Center air vents 23
Center console
Lower part 24
Upper part 23Centigrade
Setting temperature units 122
Central locking
Automatic 91
Central locking switch 92
Switching on/off (control
system) 128
Unlocking from inside 92
Central locking switch 23
Central unlocking switch 23
Changing
Batteries (key) 293
Batteries (KEYLESS-GO* card) 294
Key setting 81
KEYLESS-GO* card setting 86
Vehicle level 185
Charging
Vehicle batteries 321
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 21, 256
Checking
Batteries (KEYLESS-GO* card) 87
Coolant level 230
Oil level 226, 228
Tire inflate pressure 226
Vehicle lighting 226Vehicle lock status (KEYLESS-GO*
card) 87
Child safety
Airbags 54
Automatic child seat recognition 64
Infant and child restraint systems 52
Cigarette lighter 23, 197
Cleaning
Headlamps 146
Windshield 44
Clock 19
Closing
Glove box 190
Hood 228
Retractable hardtop (electronic
key) 164
Retractable hardtop (switch) 161
Side windows 158
Side windows (KEYLESS-GO*) 88
Sunshade* 167
Trunk lid 83, 91
Cockpit 352
Collapsible tire 352
COMAND 23
COMAND* 352
COMAND*, radio and telephone 222

360 IndexCombination switch 19, 43, 104
Consumer information 348
Control system 110, 113, 352
AUDIO menu 115
Convenience submenu 129
Distronic* menu 117
Functions 111
Instrument cluster submenu 122
Lighting submenu 124
Malfunction memory menu 118
Menus 111
Multifunction display 110
Multifunction steering wheel 111
NAVI menu 117
Standard display menu 110, 115
Submenus 114
TEL* menu 133
Trip computer menu 131
Vehicle submenu 127
Coolant 345
Adding 231
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 346
Checking level 230
Messages in display 272, 273, 274
Temperature 224Temperature gauge 108
Temperature warning lamp 21
Warning lamp 254
Cooling see Air conditioner
Courtesy lighting 107
Cruise control 168, 262, 352
Canceling 169
Driving downhill 169
Driving uphill 169
Fine adjustment 170
Setting 170
Setting a higher speed 170
Setting a lower speed 170
Setting speed 169, 170
Cruise control lever 19, 168
For cruise control 168
For Distronic* 175
Cup holder 23, 190
Opening 190
Customer Assistance Center 351
D
Daytime running lamp mode 103
Setting 124
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 155
Air recirculation mode 152Alarm 76
Anti-theft alarm system 76
Automatic climate control 154
Central locking (control system) 128
Cruise control 169
Distance warning function* 180
Distronic* 178
Engine with KEYLESS-GO* 49
Engine with the key 48
ESP 71
Exterior lamps 102
Hazard warning flasher 105
Headlamps 48, 102
Immobilizer 75
Interior light delayed switch-off 127
Parktronic* 189
Rear window defroster 153
Residual heat 154
Seat heater 97, 98
Seat ventilation* 96
Steering wheel gearshift control
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 143
Tow-away alarm 77
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting 151

361 Index
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lamps 125
Interior lighting 127
Digital clock 19
Direction of rotation (tires) 235
Displays
Distronic* 173
Messages 287
Parktronic* 187
Service indicator 241
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 133
Distance warning function* 179
Activating 180
Deactivating 180
DTR* warning lamp 179
Intermittent warning sound 179
Symbol 117, 174
Distance warning function* switch 24
Distronic indicator lamp* 21
Distronic* 171, 352
Activating 175
Calling up settings 117, 174
Cleaning sensors 246
Cover 246
Cruise control lever 175Deactivating 178
Deceleration 174
Decreasing time interval 179
Displays 173
Distance warning function 179
Distance warning function switch 24
Driving hints 180
DTR warning lamp 173
Fine adjustment 177
Increasing time interval 179
Intermittent signal tone 173
Messages in display 262
Setting a higher speed 176
Setting a slower speed 177
Setting distance 24
Setting speed 176
Setting stored speed 177
Warning and indicator lamps 173
Distronic* warning lamp 21
Door control panel 19, 26
Door handle 26
Doors
Message in display 286
Opening 89
Opening from inside vehicle 89
Storage compartments 192Downhill driving
Cruise control 169
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 215
Drive sensibly - save fuel 215
Driving 37, 42
Driving abroad 222
Driving hints
Distronic* 180
SBC brake system 74
Driving instructions 215
Driving off 218
Driving safety systems 68
ABS 68
BAS 69
ESP 70
Driving systems 168
ABC 183
Cruise control 168
Distronic* 171
Parktronic* 186
Vehicle level control 184
DTR* see Distronic*

362 IndexE
Easy-entry/exit 129
Interrupting movement 130
Message in display 271
Easy-Pack 198
Lowering manually 292
Electric air pump 316
Electrical consumer battery 232
Electrical outlet 199
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system*
Initiating emergency call 203
Requirements 201
Emergency engine shut-down 50
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 144
Emergency operations
Locking the vehicle 292
Lowering Easy-Pack 292
Unlocking interior storage
compartments 291
Unlocking the trunk 291
Unlocking the vehicle 290
Emission control 224
Emission control label 334Engine
Compartment 227
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 40
Starting with the key 40
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 49
Turning off with the key 48
Engine number 352
Engine oil 228, 343
Adding 229
Additives 343
Checking level 228
Consumption 228
Filler neck 229
Messages in display 280
Engine oil level see Oil level 226
ESP 68, 70, 352
Messages in display 261
Switching off 71
Switching on 72
ESP control switch 24
ESP/ABS warning lamp 21
ETD (emergency tensioning device) 52,
60, 352F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 122
Fastening the seat belts 37
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 170
Distronic* 177
First aid kit 288
Flat tire 302
Spare wheel 312
TIREFIT kit 302, 308
Flexible Service System (FSS) 241
Fog lamp, rear 104, 296
Replacing bulb 299
Fog lamps, front 104
Replacing bulbs 296
Front airbags 57
Front lamps 296
Replacing bulbs 298
FSS (Flexible Service System) 241, 352

363 Index
Fuel 225
Additives 344
Fuel requirements 344
Fuel reserve warning lamp 21, 255
Gasoline additives 344
Premium unleaded gasoline 225,
342, 344
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 132
Since reset 132
Fuel filler flap 225
Locking 225
Opening 225
Unlocking 225
Fuel requirements 344
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 286
Fuel tank
Filler flap 225
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -
capacities 342
Functions (control system) 111
Fuse chart 288, 329Fuses 329
Fuse chart 288, 329
Fuse extractor 288, 329
Main fuse box 329
Spare fuses 288, 329
G
Garage door opener 25, 208
Gasoline see Fuel
Gear range
Automatic transmission 139
Indicator 21
Limiting 139
Shifting into optimal 138
Glove box 19, 190
Closing 190
Opening 190
GPS 353
H
Hands-free microphone 25
Hardtop open/close control 24
Hardtop see Retractable hardtop
Hardtop switch 160
Hazard warning flasher 105
Hazard warning flasher switch 23Head restraints
Adjusting height 33
Adjusting tilt 34
Headlamp switch-off delay see Delayed
switch-off, exterior lamps
Headlamps
Automatic mode 103
Headlamp cleaning system 146, 233
Manual mode 103
Refilling washer fluid 233
Head-thorax airbag 65, 353
Heated steering wheel* 197
Height adjustments
Head restraints 33
Seats 33
Steering column 35
Vehicle level 184
High beam flasher 105
High beam headlamp indicator 21
High beam headlamps 43, 102, 296
Replacing bulbs 298
Switching on 104
Hood 227
Messages in display 279
Horn 19
Hydroplaning 219