2010 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK300 brake

as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP ®
. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road
conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching off the ESP ®G
Warning!
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel G
Warning!
Switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning. When you switch off the ESP
®
,
R the ESP ®
does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESP ®
continues to operate when you
are braking
R the cruise control cannot be activated
R the cruise control switches off if activated
i When the ESP ®
is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP ®
will
then not stabilize the vehicle. X
With the engine running, press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP ®
is switched off. G
Warning!
When the ESP ®
warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
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driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument cluster”
(Y page 256).
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can
no longer be turned in the starter switch.
In this case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from the starter switch and
reinsert.
The steering is locked when the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.
X Always remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch when the engine is not in
operation.
This

will help to prevent accelerated vehicle
battery discharge or a completely
discharged vehicle battery.
If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter
switch, the vehicle battery may not be
sufficiently charged.
X Check the vehicle battery and charge it if
necessary ( Y page 283).
or
X Get a jump start (Y page 283). Seats
Safety notes
G
Warning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control
the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts G
Warning!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest

in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body. G
Warning!
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust

the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible. The center of
the head restraint must support the back of
the head at eye level.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. G
Warning!
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the

size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see section “Children in the
vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints 62
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!
Vehicles with rain sensor: Do not leave
windshield wipers on an intermittent
setting when the vehicle is taken to an
automatic car wash or during windshield
cleaning. Windshield wipers will operate in
the presence of water sprayed on the
windshield, and windshield wipers may be
damaged as a result.
! Vehicles with rain sensor: If you have set
intermittent wiping, dirt on the surface of
the
rain sensor or optical effects may cause
the windshield wipers to wipe in an
undesired fashion. This could then damage
the windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield. You should therefore switch off
the windshield wipers when weather
conditions are dry.
Vehicles with rain sensor: Intermittent wiping
interval is dependent on the wetness of the
windshield. After the initial wipe, pauses
between wipes are controlled by the rain
sensor automatically.
X Turn the combination switch to position I.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
vehicle
is at a standstill and a door is opened.
This protects persons getting into or out of
the vehicle from being sprayed.
Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed and
R the clutch pedal is depressed (vehicles with
manual transmission)
or
R the automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R (vehicles with
automatic transmission)
the automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R
or
R the wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch Single wipe X
Press the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow A to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
Wiping with washer fluid X
Press the combination switch in direction
of arrow A past the resistance point.
The

windshield wipers operate with washer
fluid.
i To prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
washer

fluid every now and then even when
it is raining.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 196).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 74). Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For

safety reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Remove blockage.
R Turn the windshield wipers on again. Wipers
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Closing when a door window is blocked
G
Warning!
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
and be seriously or even fatally injured when
closing a door window with greater force or
without automatic reversal function.
If the upward movement of a door window is
blocked during the closing procedure, the
door window will stop and open slightly.
X Immediately after the door window has
stopped because it was blocked, pull and
hold
the respective switch upward until the
door window is fully closed.
The door window closes with greater force.
If the door window is blocked again and opens
slightly:
X Immediately after the door window was
blocked, pull and hold the respective
switch

upward until the door window is fully
closed.
The door window closes without automatic
reversal function. G
Warning!
Pulling and holding the switch to close the
door window immediately after it had been
blocked

two times will cause the door window
to close without any reversal function for as
long as you hold the switch.
Opening and closing the rear side
windows when the hardtop is closed X
Opening: Open the door window.
X Press switch : or ; again.
The corresponding rear side window will
open completely.
X Closing: Close the door window.
X Pull and hold switch : or ;.
The
corresponding rear side window moves
upward until you release the switch. Synchronizing power windows
The windows must be synchronized after the
battery has been disconnected or if the
windows cannot be fully closed (express
operation).
Each window must be synchronized
separately.
X Close all doors.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Pull and hold switch : or ; (Y page 78)
until the respective window is closed.
The window opens again slightly.
X Pull and hold the respective switch once
more immediately until the window is
closed completely.
X Hold the respective switch for
approximately 1 second.
The window is synchronized. Driving and parking
Safety notes
G
Warning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets

in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury. G
Warning!
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. Adapt your driving accordingly. Driving and parking
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Starting the engine
G
Warning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Manual transmission Gearshift pattern for manual transmission
k
Reverse gear
1 to 6 Forward gears
For more information, see “Manual
transmission” (Y page 84).
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Make sure the manual transmission is in
the neutral position (no gear selected).
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
Otherwise the engine cannot be started
due to the integrated safety interlock. Automatic transmission Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission
j
Park position with gear selector lever lock
k Reverse gear
i Neutral position
h Drive position
For more information, see “Automatic
transmission” (Y page 85).
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
Starting X
Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
X Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 3 (Y page 61) and hold until the
engine starts.
i Vehicles with automatic transmission:
You can also use the “touch-start” function.
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 3 and release it again immediately.
The engine then starts automatically.
Starting difficulties !
Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the starter switch.
In this case, the steering is locked.
X To unlock, remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch and reinsert. 80
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The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
X
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
X Get a jump start (Y page 283).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
X Let the starter cool for about 2 minutes.
X Repeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance. Driving off
G
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result
in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! If an acoustic warning sounds and the
message Release Parking Brake
appears in the multifunction display when
driving off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.
! Avoid

spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the
automatic central locking function engages
and the locking knobs in the doors move
down.
The automatic central locking function can
be switched off ( Y page 108).
Manual transmission X
Depress the brake pedal.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
! Only shift the manual transmission into
reverse

gear R when the vehicle is stopped.
Otherwise the manual transmission could
be damaged.
X Shift the manual transmission into 1st
gear
or reverse gear R.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Simultaneously slowly release the clutch
pedal

and carefully depress the accelerator
pedal. Driving and parking
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!
Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds.
This may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Shift gear in a timely manner.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 221).
Automatic transmission G
Warning!
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission
out of park position P or neutral
position N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Only shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the
automatic transmission could be damaged.
X Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever lock is released.
X Shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
i Shifting
the automatic transmission out of
park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Only depressing the brake pedal releases
the gear selector lever lock.
X Wait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows the catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
For

more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 221). Problems while driving
The
engine runs erratically and misfires R
An ignition cable may be damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
X Give very little gas.
X Have the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡
(120†) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
X
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Allow the engine and coolant to cool off.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 196).
In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
X
Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.
X Exit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.
X Notify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance. 82
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If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
X
Start the engine in the usual manner. Parking
G
Warning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement can cause serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do
the following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Manual transmission: Shift the manual
transmission into 1st gear or reverse gear
R.
R Automatic transmission: Shift the
automatic transmission into park position
P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch.
R Take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving. G
Warning!
Manual transmission:
Wait until the vehicle is stationary before
removing the SmartKey from the starter
switch. The vehicle cannot be steered when
the SmartKey is removed from the starter
switch. Parking brake G
Warning!
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock
up. You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s
brake lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged. G
Warning!
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. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P (manual transmission: shift into the neutral
position), either of which could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury. X
Releasing: Pull up slightly on parking brake
lever : and press release button ;.
X Push parking brake lever : down to its
original position.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning lamp
$ (USA only) or J (Canada only) in
the instrument cluster goes out.
X Engaging: Pull up parking brake lever :
firmly.
When the engine is running, the brake
warning lamp $ (USA only) or J
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
comes on. Driving and parking
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