The doors can be unlocked by pulling on the inside door
handle, pressing and releasing the top portion of the
central locking switch located in the console, or by
pressing and releasing the Unlock transmit button on the
key fob. Both doors can also be unlocked by turning the
key counterclockwise in the driver’s door.
NOTE:If the key in the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position, the vehicle cannot be locked or
unlocked with the remote control.
When you lock the vehicle, both door lock buttons
should move down. If either one stays up, the respective
door is not properly closed. You should then unlock the
vehicle, open and reclose the door, and lock the vehicle
again.
Each individual door can be locked with the respective
door lock button - the driver’s door can only be locked
when it is closed. If the vehicle has previously been
locked from the outside, only the door being opened
from the inside will unlock, and the alarm will come on.
The other door, the rear liftgate/decklid, fuel filler door,
and center console (roadster only) will remain locked.
NOTE:In case of a malfunction in the central locking
system, the doors can be locked and unlocked individu-
ally. To lock, turn the key in the driver’s door lock
clockwise, or push down the lock buttons. To unlock,
turn the key in the driver’s door lock counterclockwise,
or pull the inside door handles.
WARNING!
For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive and
when you park and leave the vehicle.
Central Locking Switch
The central locking switch is located in the console. The
doors and rear liftgate/decklid can only be locked with
the central locking switch if both doors are closed.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the remote
control or key, the doors and rear liftgate/decklid cannot
be unlocked with the central locking switch. If the vehicle
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•The door mounted side airbag deploys with con-
siderable force. Being too close to the door panel
during airbag deployment could cause serious
injury or death.
•All occupants must be in the appropriate restraint
for their size and age, especially children 12 and
under.
•To help avoid the potential for serious injury and
death should the side airbag be activated, please
follow these guidelines:
1. Occupants, especially children, should never lean
against the door in the area where the side airbag
inflates;
2. Occupants need to sit upright in the center of the
seat to give the side airbag room to inflate;
3. Always use the appropriate restraint for the occu-
pant and ensure it is properly used.
Passenger Front Airbag On/Off Switch
The on/off switch is located at the right end of the
instrument panel and is accessible by opening the pas-
senger door.
The on/off switch is to be used only when the passenger
is:
•an infant (less than 1 year old),
•a child, age 1 to 12,
•an adult with a medical condition which makes pas-
senger airbag inflation (deployment) a greater risk for
the passenger than the risk of hitting the dashboard
(instrument panel) or windshield in a crash.
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
To Open And Close The Hood.............71
Interior Lights.........................72
▫Front Map/Reading Lights...............73
▫Battery Saver Feature...................73
▫Instrument Panel Lighting................73
▫Night Security Illumination...............73
Exterior Lights.........................74
▫Headlights And Parking Lights............74
▫Daytime Running Lights (Where Applicable) . . .74
▫Fog Lights...........................74
▫Standing Lights.......................75
Multifunction Control Lever...............75
▫Turn Signals..........................75
▫Headlight Dimmer Switch................76
▫Passing Light.........................77
▫Windshield Wipers And Washer............77▫Mist Function.........................78
Telescoping Steering Column..............79
Tire Pressure Monitor System..............80
Brake Assist System (BAS)................82
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)...........83
▫Synchronizing ESP.....................85
Electronic Speed Control..................86
▫To Vary The Speed Setting................87
▫To Deactivate.........................88
▫To Resume Speed......................88
▫Using Speed Control On Hills.............89
Garage Door Opener....................89
▫Programming The Universal Transceiver......90
▫Gate Operator/Canadian Programming......92
▫Using The Universal Transceiver...........93
▫Erasing Universal Transceiver Buttons........93
50 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONSOLE FEATURES
The console has a power outlet/cigar lighter, an ash tray
with a coin holder, a cupholder, and the passenger airbag
light. In addition, there are switches to control the heated
seats, electronic stability program (ESP), hazard flashers,
central locking, rear defroster and towing alarm.
Operating controls for the heating and air conditioning
systems, power windows, power mirrors, convertible top
switch (if equipped), and the automatic transmission
program mode selector switch (if equipped) are also
located in the console.
Storage Compartments
There is a storage compartment in the console. To open
the storage compartment, lift the lid with the finger
depressions on either side. To close, lower the lid until
the lock engages.
62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:Changes and modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)
WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. Thesystem applies maximum power boost to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s brak-
ing style. This can help reduce braking distances. The
BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS). Ap-
plying the brakes very quickly results in maximum BAS
assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you must
apply continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
The malfunction indicator lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program is combined with the BAS. The yellow
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instrument
cluster and the yellow ESP warning light in the speed-
ometer dial come on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ON/RUN position. They should go out
with the engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either sys-
tem.
If the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have
the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited. The ESP warning light,
located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the upper half of
the ESP switch.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins
to spin, the brake is applied by the ESP system until the
wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction control
engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
If the ESP warning light begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle
as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. When the ESP warning
light is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
in the speedometer dial goes out). Avoid spinning one
drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drive
train and is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler war-
ranty.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To
re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi-
cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be
recalibrated.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and
then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right.
4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position.
5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85
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