2010 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG brakes

Automatic locking when driving
......108
Automatic shift program ....................88
Automatic transmission ..................... 85
Automatic shift program ..................88
Gear range indicator ........................88
Gear ranges ..................................... 88
Gear selector lever ...........................
86
Kickdown ......................................... 87
Kickdown (manual shift program) .... 92
Manual shift program ....................... 90
One-touch gearshifting ....................89
Program mode indicator ..................89
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ................88
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ....................90
Shifting procedure ........................... 86
Steering wheel gearshift control ...... 89
Transmission position indicator ....... 87
Transmission positions .................... 87
AUX socket ........................................ 145
Axle oils .............................................. 301B
Back button ....................................... 116
Backrest see Seats


Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 252
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 217
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 49
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................57
Replacing ....................................... 266
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 282
Charging ........................................ 283
Jump starting ................................. 283
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Bead (tire) .......................................... 217
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bluetooth ®
settings .......................... 120
Brake Assist System see BAS Brake fluid

Checking level ............................... 197
Messages in the multifunction
display

........................................... 244
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 229
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Brakes ................................................ 222
High-performance brake system .... 223
Parking brake ................................... 83
Warning lamp ................................. 257
Break-in period .................................. 190
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ...21
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for .............19
Calls (phone) ..............................

110, 146
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 300
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 231
CD player ............................................ 131
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 59, 108
Locking/unlocking from inside ........ 59
SmartKey ......................................... 56
Central locking/unlocking switch .....59
Certification label .............................. 292
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 33
Indicator lamp, passenger front
air bag off ........................................ 37
Infant and child restraint systems .... 45
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 37
Safety notes ..................................... 45
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 232
Cigarette lighter ................................ 177 Index
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Unlocking/locking manually ..........
264
Valet locking .................................... 61
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp .......................... 57
Checking batteries ........................... 57
Factory setting
................................. 57
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 57
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 57
Locking/unlocking ........................... 56
Loss of ............................................. 58
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 246
Remote control ................................ 56
Replacing ......................................... 58
Replacing batteries ........................ 266
Restoring to factory setting ............. 57
Selective setting .............................. 57
Starter switch positions ................... 61
Kickdown ............................................. 87
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..... 92
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ...........218
Knee bags ............................................ 36L
Labels
Certification ................................... 292
Emission control information

......... 293
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 205
Tire inflation pressure ....................200
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................ 71
Front .............................................. 269
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 252
Switching on/off .............................. 71
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 26, 257
Brakes ..................................... 27, 257
Engine malfunction .................. 26, 262
ESP ®
........................................ 26, 260
Fog lamps ........................................ 73
Fuel tank reserve ..................... 26, 261
High-beam headlamps ...............26, 74
Instrument cluster ...................26, 256 Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale ..................
26, 262
Passenger front air bag
off ...................................... 29, 37, 263
Seat belt telltale ................26, 42, 259
SRS ....................................

26, 32, 260
Turn signals ..................................... 26
Language, selecting ..........................104
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 253
Replacing bulbs ............................. 269
Light alloy wheels, cleaning .............230
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 70
Daytime running lamp mode ............72
Exterior ............................................ 71
Interior ............................................. 75
Limp-home mode ................................. 92
Load index (tires) ......................213, 218
Locator lighting ................................. 106
Locking the vehicle
Manually ........................................ 265
SmartKey ......................................... 56
Loss of
Key .................................................. 58
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 292
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 71
Exterior lamp switch ........................ 71
Switching on .................................... 71
Lubricants .......................................... 300
Luggage cover ................................... 173
Lumbar support ................................... 64 M
Maintenance ........................................ 19
Maintenance System Service indicator display

................226
Service indicator message ............. 225
Service term exceeded ..................226
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 71
Manual shift program .........................90
Manual transmission .......................... 84
Gearshift lever ................................. 8410
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i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes G
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the
natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear. ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48. G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the

brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely

braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal. 48
Driving safety systems
Safety and security
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G
Warning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance. BAS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency
situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated. G
Warning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore,

the braking distance may increase. ESP
® G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
) is
operational
as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP
®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®


is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged. G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically,

the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer
or when the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size Driving safety systems
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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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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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Transmission positions
The current transmission position appears in
the multifunction display. :
Transmission position indicator Effect
B
Park position
Shift the automatic transmission
into park position P only when the
vehicle is stopped. The park position
is not intended to serve as a brake
when the vehicle is parked. Rather,
the driver should always engage the
parking brake in addition to shifting
the automatic transmission into
park position P to secure the
vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in park position P.
With the SmartKey removed from
the starter switch, the gear selector
lever is locked in park position
P.
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the gear selector
lever could remain locked in park
position P. To unlock the gear
selector lever manually, see
“Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever” ( Y page 266). C
Reverse gear
Shift the automatic transmission
into reverse gear R only when the
vehicle is stopped. Effect
A
Neutral position
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle can
be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the
transmission, never shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N while driving.
Exception: If the ESP ®
is switched
off or malfunctioning, shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding.
! Coasting the vehicle, or driving
for any other reason with the
automatic transmission in neutral
position N can result in
transmission damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. 7
Drive position
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears are
available.
Driving tips
Kickdown Use the kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
X
U.S. vehicles except AMG vehicles:
Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
X Canada vehicles and AMG vehicles:
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear. Automatic transmission
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!
Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or deionized water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
washer fluid level sensor could be
damaged.
Fluid for the washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system is supplied from the washer
fluid reservoir.
During all seasons, use MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”. Mix it
with water or premixed washer solvent/
antifreeze depending on the ambient
temperature ( Y page 306). Example illustration: SLK 350
X
Opening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap : upwards.
X Refill the washer fluid reservoir.
X Closing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap : onto filler hole until it engages.
For more information, see “Washer system
and headlamp cleaning system”
(Y page 302). Brake fluid level
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks
immediately. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground. The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN)
; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir. Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase. G
Warning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct. G
Warning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if Tires and wheels
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