Page 318 of 474

317 Operation
Tires and wheels
Checking 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 Tire Pressure Monitoring System 
(TPMS) is equipped with a combination low tire 
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the 
instrument cluster (
page 26). 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 continuously, one 
or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. 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.
iThis device complies with Part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following 
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
(2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device 
could void the user’s authority to operate the 
equipment.Warning!G
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for 
wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always 
adjust tire inflation pressure according to 
the Tire and Loading Information placard on 
the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the 
supplemental tire pressure information 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. 
     
        
        Page 339 of 474

338 Operation
Maintenance
Clearing the maintenance service 
indicator message
The maintenance service indicator 
message is automatically cleared:
after approximately 10 seconds when 
you switch on the ignition or when 
reaching the service threshold while 
driving
after approximately 30 seconds once 
the suggested maintenance service 
term has passed
You can also clear it yourself.
Press reset buttonJ(page 26) on 
the instrument cluster.
The maintenance service indicator 
message is cleared and the standard 
display appears in the multifunction 
display (
page 127).
Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested main-
tenance service term, you will see the fol-
lowing message in the multifunction 
display:
Service A Exceeded By XXXXX Miles (Km)
Service A Exceeded By XXX Days
Service A Exceeded By X Day
In addition, a signal sounds when the 
message appears.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will 
reset the maintenance service indicator 
following a completed maintenance 
service.Calling up the maintenance service 
indicator display
You can call up the maintenance service in-
dicator display at any time to check when 
the next maintenance service is due.
Switch on the ignition (page 37).
The standard display menu appears in 
the multifunction display (
page 127).
Press buttonjork on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel repeatedly 
until the maintenance service indicator 
display with the service symbol 9 
appears in the multifunction display.
iThe menu overview can be found on 
(
page 124). 
     
        
        Page 349 of 474

348 Practical hints
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during thebulb self-check when switching on ignition 
(
page 37), have the respective bulb 
checked and replaced if necessary.
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
-The yellow ABS indicator lamp comes on 
when the engine is running.The ABS has detected a malfunction 
and has switched off. The BAS and 
ESP
® are also switched off (see mes-
sages in the multifunction display).
The brake system is still functioning 
normally but without the systems 
specified above.
If the ABS control unit is malfunction-
ing, other systems such as the naviga-
tion system* or the automatic 
transmission* may also be malfunc-
tioning.
Continue driving with added caution. 
Wheels may lock during hard braking, 
reducing steering capability.
Read and observe messages in the 
multifunction display (
page 360).
Have the system checked at an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as 
soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below 
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
The battery might not be charged suf-
ficiently.When the voltage is above this value 
again, the ABS is operational again an the 
ABS indicator lamp should go out.
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out:
Have the generator (alternator) and 
battery checked. 
     
        
        Page 361 of 474

360 Practical hints
What to do if …
Vehicle status messages in the 
multifunction display
Warning and malfunction messages 
appear in the multifunction display located 
in the instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messag-
es are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and 
follow the additional instructions given in 
this Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the vehicle status message 
memory menu in the control system 
(
page 135) displays both cleared and 
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the 
multifunction display in red color.Certain messages of high priority cannot 
be cleared from the multifunction display 
using the reset buttonJ(
page 26) or 
buttonj, k, ·, orè on the 
multifunction steering wheel.
Other high-priority messages and 
messages of less immediate priority 
(regular display colors) can be cleared 
from the multifunction display using the 
reset buttonJ(
page 26) or 
buttonj, k, ·, orè on the 
multifunction steering wheel. They are 
then stored in the vehicle status message 
memory (
page 135). Remember that 
clearing a message will only make the mes-
sage disappear. Clearing a message will 
not correct the condition that caused the 
message to appear.
Warning!G
All categories of messages contain impor-
tant information which should be taken note 
of and, where a malfunction is indicated, 
addressed as soon as possible at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause 
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty, or result in property dam-
age or personal injury. 
     
        
        Page 362 of 474
361 Practical hints
What to do if …
On the pages that follow, you will find 
a compilation of the most important warn-
ing and malfunction messages that may 
appear in the multifunction display.
For your convenience the messages are 
divided into two sections:
Text messages (page 362)
Symbol messages (page 371)
Warning!G
No messages will be displayed if either the 
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative. 
Contact your nearest authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
iSwitching on ignition (page 37) causes all 
instrument cluster lamps (except high beam 
headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indica-
tor lamps unless activated) as well as the multi-
function display to come on. Make sure the 
lamps and multifunction display are in working 
order before starting your journey. 
     
        
        Page 366 of 474

365 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display message Possible cause/consequencePossible solution
Front-passenger
Airbag Enabled
See Operator’s
ManualThe passenger front air bag and the 
passenger-side knee bag are 
activated while driving even though a 
child, small individual, or object below 
the system’s weight threshold is on 
the passenger seat, or the passenger 
seat is empty. Objects on the seat or 
forces acting on the seat may make 
the system sense supplemental 
weight.Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and check the 
passenger seat for the following:
Switch off the ignition (page 37).
Apply the parking brake (page 59).
Remove child and child restraint from passenger seat.
Make sure that no objects which are applying supplemental weight 
onto the seat are present. The system may recognize such supple-
mental weight and sense that an occupant on the passenger seat is 
of a greater weight than actually present.
Keep the seat unoccupied, close the passenger door and switch on 
the ignition (
page 37).
Monitor the 75indicator lamp on the center console 
(
page 29) and the multifunction display in the instrument cluster 
(
page 121) for the following:
(Continued on next page) 
     
        
        Page 368 of 474
367 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
Front-passenger
Airbag Disabled
See Operator’s
ManualThe passenger front air bag and the 
passenger-side knee bag are 
deactivated while driving even though 
an adult or someone larger than a 
small individual is occupying the front 
passenger seat. Forces acting on the 
seat may make the system sense a 
decrease in weight.Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and check the 
passenger seat for the following:
Switch off the ignition (page 37).
Apply the parking brake (page 59).
Have the passenger vacate the seat and exit the vehicle.
Keep the seat unoccupied, close the passenger door and switch on 
the ignition (
page 37).
Monitor the 75indicator lamp on the center console 
(
page 29) and the multifunction display in the instrument cluster 
(
page 121) for the following:
(Continued on next page) 
     
        
        Page 409 of 474

408 Practical hints
Flat tire
The SLK 55 AMG with Performance 
Package* is equipped with a TIREFIT kit.
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle in a safe distance from 
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface 
when possible.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel so that the 
front wheels are in a straight ahead 
position.
Set the parking brake (page 53).
Move the gear selector lever* toP 
(manual transmission to first or reverse 
gear).
Turn off the engine (page 61).
Remove the SmartKey from the starter 
switch.
Have any passenger exit the vehicle at 
a safe distance from the roadway.
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
Small tire punctures, particularly those in 
the tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient tempera-
tures down to -4°F (-20°C).Foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails) 
should not be removed from the tire.
Take TIREFIT, the sticker, and the 
electric air pump out of the trunk 
(
page 389).
Two-part sticker
1Sticker for instrument cluster
2Sticker for wheel
Attach sticker part 1 where it will be 
easily seen by the driver on the instru-
ment cluster.
Attach sticker part 2 to the damaged 
tire (close to the tire valve).iOpen door only when conditions are safe to 
do so.
iSLK 55 AMG with Performance Package* 
only.
Warning!G
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT 
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger 
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire 
damage caused by driving with extremely 
low tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or 
a damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such circum-
stances.
Contact the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center 
for assistance or call Roadside Assistance.