2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 tire sensor

296 OperationTires and wheelsChecking tire pressure electronically
with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), (USA only)The TPMS only functions on wheels that
are equipped with the proper electronic
sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pres-
sure, as selected by the driver, in all four
tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a
decrease in pressure in one or more of the
tires.
iThe T
ire P
ressure M
onitoring S
ystem
(TPMS) is equipped with a combination
low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale in the instrument cluster
(
page 27). Depending on how the
telltale illuminates, it indicates a low
tire pressure condition or a malfunction
in the TPMS system itself:


If the telltale illuminates continu-
ously, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. There is
no malfunction in the TPMS.


If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds
and then stays illuminated, the
TPMS system itself is not operating
properly.
Warning!
G
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always
adjust tire inflation pressure according to
the placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if
available, the supplemental tire pressure in-
formation on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care-
fully applying the brakes and avoiding
abrupt steering maneuvers.
Warning!
G
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure
label. If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or the tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly underinflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-
minates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significant-
ly underinflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.

357 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Tire pressure monitor
currently
unavailable
The TPMS is unable to monitor the tire
pressure due to

a nearby radio interference source.


excessive wheel sensor tempera-
tures.
As soon as the causes for the malfunction
are no longer present, the TPMS
automatically becomes active again after a
few minutes driving.
Tire pressure
displayed after
driving for a
a few minutes
The tire inflation pressure is being
checked.

Drive the vehicle for a few minutes.
Tire pressure monitor
inoperative
No wheel sensors
There are wheels without wheel sen-
sors mounted (e.g. winter tires).

Have the TPMS checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Have the wheel sensors installed by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

358 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Tire pres. monitor
Wheel sensor missing
One or more sensors malfunction
(e.g. battery in one or more wheel
sensor is empty).
One or more wheels without wheel
sensors mounted (e.g. spare tire).

Have the TPMS checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Have the wheel sensors installed by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tire pressure monitor
inoperative
The TPMS is malfunctioning.

Have the TPMS checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You may lose control of the vehicle. Contin-
ued driving with a flat tire will cause exces-
sive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

453 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
ABC
(A
ctive B
ody C
ontrol)
Active, computer-controlled system
that hydraulically adjusts the suspen-
sion at all four wheels in response to
various driving situations.
Accessory weight
(
page 310)
Air pressure
(page 310)
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The alignment
bolt, or centering bolt, is an aid used
when changing a tire to align the wheel
with the wheel hub.
Aspect ratio
(page 310)BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp 7 on the glove box comes on
and remains illuminated).
BabySmartTM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger front airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed. See
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
Bar
(
page 310)BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bead
(
page 310)
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(Customer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.

461 Index
A
ABC 219, 453
Messages in display 347
Oil level 277
ABS 83, 453
Indicator lamp 27, 333
Messages in the multifunction
display 349
Warning lamp 25, 332
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 166
Accessory weight 310
Accident 57
Active Body Control see ABC
Air conditioning system see Automatic cli-
mate control system
Air distribution 184, 185
Air pressure 310
Tire inflation pressure 291
Air pump 384, 408
Air recirculation mode 187
Air vents 181
Air volume 184, 186
AIRBAG OFF
Warning lamp 344Airbags 65
Children 66
Front 70
Head-thorax 70, 71
Knee bag 70
Passenger 70
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 407, 453
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 446, 451
Antiglare, Interior rear view mirror 177
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 91
Immobilizer 91
Tow-away alarm 93
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 229
Ashtray 29, 233
Aspect ratio 310
ATF 277
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 177
Automatic central locking 112
Control system 155Automatic climate control system 180
Air conditioning, Cooling 189
Air conditioning refrigerant 447
Air distribution 184, 185
Air recirculation mode 187
Air vents 181
Air volume 184, 186
Control panel 181
Deactivating system 183
Defrosting 179, 186
Residual heat utilization 190
Temperature 184
Temperature sensor 31
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 130
Automatic locking when driving 112
Automatic shift program 168

464 IndexCorner-illuminating front fog lamps* 127
Replacing bulbs 391
Courtesy lighting 131
Cruise control 204, 454
Messages in the multifunction
display 349, 350
Cup holder 232
Cup holders
Cleaning 329
Curb weight 310, 454
Customer Assistance Center see CAC
D
Daytime running lamp mode 125
Setting 152
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging, Windshield 187
Defrosting, Front 186
Defrosting, Rear 179
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lamps 154
Interior lighting 155
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 56
With starting the engine 50
Digital clock see ClockDigital speedometer 140
Dimensions, Vehicle 443
Direction of rotation (tires) 284
Displays
Digital speedometer 140
Distronic* 209
Maintenance service indicator 318
Multifunction display 135
Outside temperature 134, 140
Symbol messages 359
Text messages 347
Vehicle status message memory 144
Vehicle status messages 345
Distance to empty (range), Trip
computer 158
Distance warning function* 215
Activating 216
Deactivating 216
Intermittent warning sound 215
Symbol 143, 211
Distronic indicator lamp* 25Distronic* 207, 454
“Resume” function 214
Activating 212
Cleaning system sensor cover 325
Control system 143, 211
Distance warning function 215
Driving hints 216
System sensor cover 325
Warning and indicator lamps 209,
215, 338
Door
Control panel 32
Handle, Inside 32
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 35, 62
Locking/unlocking, Mechanical
key 385, 387
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 34, 62
Messages in the multifunction
display 369
Opening from inside 107
Storage compartment 228
Door control panel 32
Door handle 32
DOT 311, 454
Drinking and driving 257

471 Index
Oil see Engine oil
One-touch gearshifting 169
Canceling gear range limit 169
Downshifting 169
Upshifting 169
Opening
Doors from the inside 107
Fuel filler flap 269
Hood 272
Luggage cover 196
Retractable hardtop (SmartKey) 199
Retractable hardtop (switch) 196
Side windows 193
Storage compartment in the
armrest 229
Storage compartment in the center
console 229
Sunshade 203
Trunk from inside vehicle 108
Trunk lid 108
Windows 192
Operating
CD player 142
Navigation system 143
Radio 141
Telephone* 159Ornamental moldings 325
Overdue maintenance service 319
Overhead control panel 31
Overspeed range 133, 457
P
Paintwork code see Certification label
Panic alarm 81
Panic button on SmartKey 81
Panorama roof*
Sunshade 203
Sunshade closing 203
Sunshade opening 203
Parcel net
In front passenger footwell 231
Parcel net in trunk 231
Parking 261
Parking assistance (Parktronic*) 223
Parking brake
Engaging 59
Releasing 51
Parking brake pedal 23
Parking lamps 392
Switching on 123
Parktronic* 30, 223, 457
Activating 226
Cleaning system sensors 326Malfunctioning 227
Minimum distance 225
Range 224
Rear sensors 225
System sensors 326
Warning indicators 23, 225
Parktronic* deactivation switch 30
Parts service 428
Passenger side
Front airbag 70
Head-thorax airbag 71
Pedals 257
Phone book* 160
Loading 160
Quick search 160
Phone number*
Dialing 160
Redialing 161
Poly-V-belt drive 457
Layout 431
Potential problems associated with under-
inflated and overinflated tires 299
Pounds per square inch see PSI
Power assistance 258
Power outlet 237

476 IndexTelephones and two-way radios 266
Temperature
Outside temperature indicator 134
Sensor, Interior 31
Tires 292
Tightening torque 410, 458
Time
Settings (control system) 150
TIN 312, 458
Tire
Vehicle maximum load on 313
Tire and Loading Information 285
Tire and loading terminology 310
Tire care and maintenance 282
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure 401
Checking 271, 291, 293
Tire inflation pressure see the placard on
the fuel filler flap
Tire inspection 282
Tire load rating 312, 458
Tire ply composition and material
used 312
Tire Pressure Monitoring System see
TMPS (USA only)
Tire speed rating 263, 303, 312, 459Tire terminology 310
Tire traction 263
TIREFIT
Instructions for use 399
TIREFIT kit 384, 399
Tires 281
Cleaning 283
Direction of rotation 284
Driving instructions 261
Low tire pressure telltale 342
Messages in display 380
Messages in the display 357
MOExtended system* 411
Retreads 281
Rims and tires 434
Rotating 313
Run Flat Indicator 293
Service life 282
Temperature 292, 309
TPMS malfunction telltale 342
Tread depth 283, 316
Wear pattern 313
Winter 315
Tools 383
Tow-away alarm 93
Tow-away alarm switch 30Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 423
Towing eye bolt see Vehicle tool kit
Towing the vehicle 421
TPMS (USA only) 296
Traction 168, 312, 459
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Tread 312, 459
Tread depth 283
Treadwear indicators 312, 459
Trip computer 157
Trip odometer 25
Resetting 133
Trunk
Closing the lid 109
Lighting 131
Load assist 236
Lock button (KEYLESS-GO*) 105
Messages in display 382
Opening from inside vehicle 108
Parcel net 231
Trunk lid lock 386
Unlocking (KEYLESS-GO*) 106
Unlocking in an emergency 386
Unlocking separately 99
Valet locking 110