2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG instrument cluster

corresponds to the various starter switch
positions (Y page 242).
Pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
with the brake pedal firmly depressed will
start the engine (Y page 258).
The function of the SmartKey overrules the
KEYLESS-GO function.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
\000FUSA only\000GCanada only
Position 0
Before you press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button, the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0 (as with SmartKey removed).
Position 1
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
This supplies power for some electrical
consumers, e.g. wipers.
iWhen you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button
Ronce more, the ignition (position 2) is
switched on
Rtwice more the power supply is again
switched off
Ignition (or position 2)
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps
in the instrument cluster come on. The low-
beam headlamp indicator lamp, high-beam
headlamp indicator lamp, and the turn
signal indicator lamps will only come on if
activated. If a lamp in the instrument
cluster fails to come on when the ignition
is switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster remains on after
starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument
cluster” (Y page 388).
iWhen you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once and the driver’s
door is open, the power supply is switched
off.
iWhen you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once, the power supply
is again switched off.
SmartKey
GObserve Safety notes, see page 57.
The starter switch is located in the rear
storage compartment of the center console.
\000]For removing SmartKey\000JPower supply for some electrical
consumers, e.g. wipers
\000KIgnition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
\000LStarting position
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The low-
242Starter switch positionsControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 242

beam headlamp indicator lamp, high-beam
headlamp indicator lamp, and the turn signal
indicator lamps will only come on if activated.
If a lamp in the instrument cluster fails to
come on when the ignition is switched on,
have it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument cluster”
( Y page 388).XAlways 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.
XCheck the vehicle battery and charge it if
necessary ( Y page 410).
or
XGet a jump start ( Y page 413).
i
If the SmartKey does not belong to the
vehicle, the SmartKey can be turned in the
starter switch. However, the ignition does
not switch on and the engine does not start.
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
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 steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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 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.
GWarning!
The power seats can be operated at any time.
Therefore, 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.
Seats243Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 243Z

Seat heating
The red indicator lamps in seat heating
switch \000F come on to show which heating
level you have selected.
The seat heating switches from level 3 (high)
to level 2 after approximately 5 minutes.
The seat heating switches from level 2 to level
1 (low) after approximately 10 minutes.
After approximately 20 minutes in level 1, the
seat heating switches off automatically.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Press seat heating
switch \000F.
Three red indicator lamps in seat heating
switch \000F come on.
XPress seat heating switch \000F repeatedly
until the desired seat heating level is set.
If there is insufficient voltage the seat heating
switches off automatically.
The seat heating will switch back on again
automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is
available.
Multifunction steering wheel
Safety notes
GWarning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, 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.
Make sure
Ryou can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
Ryou can move your legs freely
Rall displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible
Steering wheel adjustment
XAdjusting steering wheel in or out: Move
stalk in direction of arrows \000F.
XAdjusting steering wheel up or down:
Move stalk in direction of arrows \000G.
iThe memory function (Y page 249) lets
you store the settings for the steering
wheel together with the settings for the
seat position and the exterior rear view
mirrors.
Easy-entry/exit feature
This feature allows the driver an easier entry
into and exit from the vehicle. When entering
and exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel is
in its uppermost position.
Multifunction steering wheel245Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 245Z

Exterior lamp switch004A 006FStanding lamps, left004B 0070Standing lamps, right004C 006CParking lamps 5
Daytime running lamp mode004D 0066Automatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode004E 0064Low-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
i The exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you open the driver’s
door with the ignition switched off or
remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
When the parking lamps are switched on
and you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch and open the driver’s door,
an acoustic signal sounds.
In addition the message Switch Off
Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
i For better detection of the vehicle, the
LED daytime running lamps are dimmed to
parking lamp level when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0064.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 5
R Green indicator lamp 0064 in the
instrument cluster
Automatic headlamp mode
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to 0066, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions. This could endanger
you and/or others. Thus, turn the exterior
lamp switch to 0064 under foggy conditions.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0066.
When ambient light is low: When the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has been
pressed once or when the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 1, the parking lamps 5
come on automatically.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on additionally.
When ambient light is bright: When the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has been
pressed once or when the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 1, all lamps are off.
When the engine is running, the daytime
running lamps 6
come on automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the green indicator lamp 0064 in the
instrument cluster comes on.
5 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.
6 USA only: The daytime running lamp mode must be activated via the control system.250LightingControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 250

Once the low-beam headlamps are on, the
high-beam headlamps are also available.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is activated by default.
XMake sure the daytime running lamp mode
is activated in the control system, see
“Switching daytime running lamp mode on
or off (USA only)” ( Y page 284).XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
0066 .
When the engine is running and the
ambient light is bright, the daytime running
lamps come on.
In low ambient lighting conditions, the
following lamps will come on additionally:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 5
R green indicator lamp 0064 in the
instrument cluster
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps when the low-beam headlamps
are on.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
Canada only
When the engine is running, and you
R shift from a driving position to park
position P with the vehicle at a standstill,
the daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps will go out with a delay of
3 minutes
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
006C , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps 5
come on in bright ambient
lighting conditions.
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
0064 , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 250).
USA only
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position 006C or
0064 , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 250).
Locator lighting
The locator lighting is described in the
“Control system” section, see “Switching
locator lighting on or off” ( Y page 285).
Combination switch
Turn signals
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow 0047 or 0088.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp 0026 or 0024 in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automatically
after major steering wheel movements.
5 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.Lighting251Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 251Z

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.
Carry out the following steps:XIf you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact 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.
XGet a jump start ( Y page 413).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.Driving offGWarning!
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.
Drive off immediately after starting the
engine to warm up the engine efficiently.
The engine must be at operating
temperature before using full engine
power. The engine has reached operating
temperature once the engine oil
temperature indicator in the AMG menu of
the control system has stopped flashing.
At engine temperatures below 32‡ (0†),
the engine’s maximum speed is restricted
in order to protect it from damage. Avoid
driving your vehicle at full speed when the
engine is cold to prevent premature engine
wear and/or diminished comfort.
! You have forgotten to release the
electronic parking brake when driving off if
R an acoustic warning sounds
R the message Release Parking Brake
appears in the multifunction display
R the red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake 0049 (USA only) or 0024
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
flashes
Release the electronic 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
Driving and parking259Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 259Z

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.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-SPEED
TransmissionGWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the 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 transmission into reverse
gear R or park position P when the vehicle
is stopped. Otherwise the transmission
could be damaged.
XDepress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be used.XShift the transmission into drive position
D or reverse gear R.
i
Shifting the 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.
XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically.The red indicator lamp 0049 (USA only)
or 0024 (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
After a cold start, the 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 258).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave 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.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 324).
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.260Driving and parkingControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 260

If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park in areas where the hot exhaust
system could come into contact with
combustible materials. Combustible
materials such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement could cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
RKeep right foot on the brake pedal.
REngage the electronic parking brake.
RShift the transmission into park position P.
RSlowly release the brake pedal.
RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button,
or turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Electronic parking brake
GWarning!
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 electronic parking brake and/or
shift the transmission out of park position P,
either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Engaging electronic parking brake
XPress handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
iYou can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Releasing electronic parking brake
manually
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Releasing electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
RThe engine is running.
RThe transmission is in drive position D or
reverse gear R. With the transmission in
reverse gear R the trunk lid must be closed.
RThe hood is closed.
RYou have fastened your seat belt.
RYou depress on the accelerator pedal.
Driving and parking261Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 261Z