2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 emergency key

326 Practical hintsLocking/unlocking in an emergencyUnlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of
6.2 ft (1.89 m) is required to open the
trunk lid.
If you are unable to unlock the trunk with
the SmartKey, open the trunk with the me-
chanical key.
The handle is located above the rear li-
cense plate recess.Trunk lid lock1Unlocking
2Handle

Insert the mechanical key into the
trunk lid lock.

Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise to position 1 and hold it in this
position.

Pull the trunk lid handle 2 and lift lid.Unlocking interior storage compart-
ments
Locking storage areas in the passenger
compartment include:


the glove box


the storage compartment under the
armrest


the rear storage compartments
If these cannot be unlocked by means of
the SmartKey, the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*, or the central locking but-
ton, use the mechanical key to open the
glove box.
iUnlocking your vehicle with the me-
chanical key will trigger the anti-theft
alarm system. To cancel the alarm, do
one of the following:

Press button Œ or ‹on the
SmartKey.


Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.


Press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button (
page 33).


Grasp the outside door handle (ve-
hicles with KEYLESS-GO* only).
iThe storage compartment under the
armrest and the rear storage compart-
ments can only be unlocked at the
glove box lock using the mechanical
key.

327 Practical hints
Locking/unlocking in an emergency
1Separately unlock storage compart-
ments
2Centrally lock/unlock storage com-
partments
3Separately lock storage compartments
Slide mechanical key out of SmartKey
housing (
page 325).

Insert the mechanical key into the
glove box lock and turn it to
position2.
All storage compartments are now un-
locked.
Locking the vehicle
If you are unable to lock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, lock it with the mechanical
key as follows:
Close the passenger door and the trunk
lid.

Press the central locking switch in the
center console (
page 105).

Check to see whether the locking knob
on the passenger door is still visible. If
necessary push it down manually.

Slide the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey.

Lock the driver’s door with the me-
chanical key.
Lowering the load assist manually
If the load assist feature does not fully low-
er the retractable hardtop into the trunk
compartment and you are unable to close
the trunk lid, follow the instructions below.
1Hex-socket wrench
2Locking screw
Remove the trunk floor from the trunk.

Lift up the lid located at the lower left
side of the trunk.

Have a second person lift and hold the
retracted hardtop.


328 Practical hintsLocking/unlocking in an emergency
Using the hex-socket wrench provided
in the vehicle tool kit, carefully turn the
locking screw 2 approximately one
quarter turn.

Hook luggage cover into holders
(page 185).

Let go of the hardtop.
It should gradually lower into the trunk.

When top is completely lowered, return
locking screw 2 to its original posi-
tion.

Close the lid.

Replace the trunk floor.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.Replacing batteries in the SmartKey/
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
If the batteries in the SmartKey or the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* are dis-
charged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.SmartKey
1Mechanical key
2Battery compartment
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.
!Do not overtighten the screw.
Warning!
G
Keep the batteries out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.
iWhen replacing batteries, always re-
place both batteries. The required re-
placement batteries are available at
any Mercedes-Benz Center.


329 Practical hints
Locking/unlocking in an emergency

Remove mechanical key (
page 325).

Insert the mechanical key1in side
opening and push gray slide.
The battery compartment is unlatched.

Pull battery compartment2out of the
SmartKey housing in direction of ar-
row.

Remove the batteries.
3Battery
4Contact spring

Using a lint-free cloth, insert new bat-
teries under the contact spring with the
plus (+) side facing up.

Return battery compartment into hous-
ing until it locks into place.SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
1Battery
2Tilt battery up
3Mechanical key
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.
iThe required replacement batteries are
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.


330 Practical hintsLocking/unlocking in an emergency
Remove mechanical key (
page 325).

Insert the mechanical key in side open-
ing and push gray slide.
The battery compartment is unlatched.

Pull the battery compartment out of the
SmartKey housing.

Using mechanical key3, apply pres-
sure to position 2.
Battery 1 tilts up slightly.

Pull battery 1 out in direction of ar-
row.

Using a lint-free cloth, insert new bat-
teries under the contact spring with the
plus (+) side facing up.

Return battery compartment into hous-
ing until it locks into place.


401 Technical terms
Retractable hardtop
Hardtop roof that can be opened and
closed at the push of a button and
stored in the trunk.
Roll bar
Occupant protection system which
consists of tubular steel sheathed in
plastic. The roll bar is lowered into the
car body during normal driving condi-
tions and raised automatically. It may
also be manually raised and lowered by
operating a button during critical driv-
ing situations.
RON
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line 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
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the gear selector lever from
being inadvertently moved out of posi-
tion P without SmartKey turned and
brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(Tele
matic A
larm I
dentification on D
e--
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.

409 Index
Doors
Message in display 306
Opening from inside vehicle 99
Storage compartments 215
Downhill driving
Cruise control 194
Downshifting 156
Drinking and driving 239
Drive sensibly - save fuel 239
Driving 40, 45
Driving abroad 246
Driving hints
Distronic* 205
SBC brake system 83
Driving instructions 239
Driving off 242
Driving safety systems 75
ABS 75, 76
BAS 77
ESP 78Driving systems 193
ABC 207
Cruise control 193
Distronic* 196
Parktronic* 210
Vehicle level control 208
DTR see Distronic
E
Easy-entry/exit 148
Interrupting movement 107, 148
Messages in display 306
Easy-entry/exit feature 107
Electric air pump 324, 354
Electrical consumer battery 260
Electrical outlet 222
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system*
Initiating emergency call 226
Requirements 223
Emergency engine shut-down 55Emergency operation
Locking the vehicle 327
Lowering load assist 327
Unlocking storage
compartments 326
Unlocking the trunk 326
Unlocking the vehicle 325
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 165
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) 68,
398
Emission control 248
Emission control label 374
Engine
Compartment 253
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 44
Starting with the SmartKey 43
Turning off 53
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 54
Turning off with the SmartKey 53
Engine number 398

413 Index
Coolant 286
DTR* 198
Engine diagnostics 285
ESP 78
Fuel reserve 287
SBC 81
Seat belts 289
Service indicator 271
SRS 59, 289
Turn signals 23
Language
Multifunction display 141
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 280
License plate lamps 142, 332
Replacing bulbs 336
Light sensor 313
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting
Instruments 124
Interior 122
Settings (control system) 142
Trunk 123Limiting the gear range 157
Limp Home Mode 165
Load assist 221
Lowering manually 327
Lock buttons 30
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 55
Trunk (KEYLESS-GO*) 98
Locking 51
Automatic while driving 105
Centrally from inside 105
Fuel filler flap 250
Global (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 96
Global (SmartKey) 91
Storage compartments 216
Trunk separately 103
Vehicle in an emergency 327
Low beam headlamps 117, 332
Replacing bulbs 334
Lowering
Load assist manually 327
Roll bar 70
Luggage compartment, rear 218Luggage cover 185
Messages in display 322
Opening/closing 185
Lumbar support adjustment 108
M
Main fuse box 369
Maintenance 271
Malfunction memory 136
Calling up 136
Clearing 136
MANUAL
Shift program mode
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 163
Manual operation
Interior lighting control 123
Locking the vehicle 327
Lowering load assist 327
Unlocking storage
compartments 326
Unlocking the driver’s door 325
Unlocking the trunk 326
Massage function 110