2009 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR electrical

211 Controls in detail
Useful features
Ashtray
Removing ashtray insert
Pull ashtray insert2 upwards.
Replacing ashtray insert

Press the ashtray insert into the holder
until you hear it click into place.Cigarette lighter

Switch on the ignition (
page 40).

Push in cigarette lighter 1.
The cigarette lighter pops out automat-
ically when hot.
Warning!
G
Remove ashtray insert only with vehicle
standing still.
Warning!
G
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure that any children traveling with
you do not injure themselves or start a fire
with the hot cigarette lighter.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
!
The lighter socket can accommodate
12V DC electrical accessories (up to a maximum
of 85 W) designed for use with the standard
“cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in mind, how-
ever, that connecting accessories to the lighter
socket (for example extensive connecting and
disconnecting, or using plugs that do not fit prop-
erly) can damage the lighter socket. With the
socket damaged, the lighter may no longer be
able to be placed in the heating (pushed-in) posi-
tion, or the lighter may pop out too early with the
lighter not hot enough.
To help avoid damaging the cigarette lighter
socket, we recommend connecting 12V DC elec-
trical accessories designed for use with a stan-
dard “cigarette lighter” plug type to the
12-volt power outlets in your vehicle whenever
possible.

212 Controls in detailUseful featuresPower outlet
The power outlet is located on the left side
in the trunk.
1Power outlet
Switch on the ignition (
page 40).

Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigar lighter type).
Telephone
Your vehicle is equipped with Bluetooth
®.
The Bluetooth
® interface is located in the
storage compartment between the back-
rests (
page 210).Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit, should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
The external antenna must be approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Please contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for informa-
tion on the installation of an approved
external antenna. Refer to the radio trans-
mitter operation instructions regarding use
of an external antenna.
i
The power outlet can be used to accommo-
date 12V DC electrical accessories (e.g. air
pump, auxiliary lamps) up to a maximum
of 180 W or as a battery charging point
(
page 371).
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and personal
injury.

236 OperationDriving instructionsPower assistance
Brakes
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 84).
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical energy
for operation.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. In such a case, the
red brake warning lamp (
page 307) and
warning messages (
page 319) in the in-
strument cluster come on while driving. To
brake, the driver must then apply signifi-
cantly greater brake pedal pressure and de-
press the pedal much further to obtain the
expected braking effect. If necessary, apply
full pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes are
only applied to the front wheels. Stopping
distance is increased! If there is a malfunc-
tion in the electro-hydraulic brake system,
we recommend that the vehicle be trans-
ported with all wheels off the ground using
flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is only permissible for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, see “Towing the vehicle”
(page 373).
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle.
i
The brake system is designed to decelerate
your SLR from high speeds at the best possible
rate. Depending on the applied brake force,
speed, and ambient conditions, the brake sys-
tem may produce a squeak-type noise when you
apply the brakes at a moderate rate, e.g. at city
traffic. If you experience this noise, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the brakes
by applying above-normal braking pressure at
high speeds. Please perform this braking proce-
dure three times. This will also enhance the grip
of the brake pads. If the noise continuous,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.

243 Operation
Driving instructions
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 292).
Standing water
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the
road surface is free of ice.
!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water
of unknown depth. Before driving through water,
determine its depth. Never accelerate before
driving into water. The bow wave could force
water into the engine and auxiliary equipment,
thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water, drive
slowly to prevent water from entering the pas-
senger compartment or the engine compart-
ment. Water in these areas could cause damage
to electrical components or wiring of the engine
or transmission, or could result in water being in-
gested by the engine through the air intake caus-
ing severe internal engine damage. Any such
damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

256 OperationTrunkBatteries
Your vehicle is equipped with two
batteries:

Starter battery in the trunk


Consumer battery in the trunk
These batteries should always be suffi-
ciently charged in order to achieve its rat-
ed service life. A flat battery must be fully
recharged. Refer to Maintenance Booklet
for battery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for
short-distance trips, you will need to have
the battery charge checked more
frequently.
When replacing batteries, always use bat-
teries approved by Mercedes-Benz. Have
this work only carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.For more information on battery mainte-
nance, see “Batteries” (
page 370).
Warning!
G
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking
are prohibited when handling
batteries. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective cloth-
ing, especially gloves, apron and
faceguard.
Wear eye protection.
Rinse any acid spills immediate-
ly with clear water. Contact a
physician if necessary.
Keep children away.
Follow the instructions in this
Operator’s Manual.
!
You must not jump start the vehicle, other-
wise the vehicle electrical systems could be
damaged.

295 Operation
Maintenance
Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested main-
tenance service term, you will see the fol-
lowing message in the right multifunction
display:Service Exceeded By .. Days
Service Exceeded By .. MilesAny authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance
service.Calling up the maintenance service due
date
Switch on the ignition (
page 40).

Press buttonè orÿ on the
multifunction steering wheel repeated-
ly until the standard display appears in
the multifunction display (
page 117).

Press button k or j on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance service indicator service
symbol 9 appears in the left multi-
function display and the maintenance
service deadline appears in the right
multifunction display.
i
If the vehicle is not be used for a longer pe-
riod of time, do not disconnect the consumer
battery. Instead, maintain the condition of the
battery by using the battery charger approved by
Mercedes-Benz for use on the SLR and supplied
with the car (
page 372). This charger automat-
ically controls the charge rate, and can be left
connected to the car for long periods without
damage to the battery.
If the battery supplying the vehicle’s electrical
consumers is disconnected, the days of discon-
nection will not be included in the count shown
by the maintenance service indicator. To arrive
at the true maintenance service deadline, you
will need to subtract these days from the days
shown in the maintenance service indicator.
Do not confuse the maintenance service indica-
tor with the engine oil level indicator:.

332 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...Symbol messagesLeft display
Right display
Possible cause/
consequence
Possible solution
<
Airbrake
Malfunction
The Airbrake locking mecha-
nism is malfunctioning.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
#
Battery/Alternator
Stop Car
The battery is malfunctioning.
The electro-hydraulic brake
system requires electrical
energy and therefore has only
limited operation. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is
required and the pedal travel is
longer. The stopping distance is
increased. If necessary, apply
full pressure to the brake pedal.

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Adjust
driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.

Do not drive any further.

Call Roadside Assistance.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.

333 Practical hints
What to do if ...
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/
consequence
Possible solution
#
The battery is no longer
charging. Possible causes:

alternator malfunctioning


broken poly-V-belt
Do not forget that the brake
system requires electrical
energy and may be operating
with restricted capability.
Considerably greater brake
pedal force is required and the
pedal travel is longer. The stop-
ping distance is increased. If
necessary, apply full pressure
to the brake pedal.

Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location and
check the poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:
Do not continue to drive. Otherwise, the engine will
overheat due to an inoperative water pump which
may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is in order:

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center imme-
diately. Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced
braking responsiveness.

Read and observe additional messages in the
multifunction display.
The starter battery has been
charged with a battery charger
or jump started.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
There is a malfunction in the
electronic system.

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.