2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG brake

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analyses.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R RACE START
R Hill-start assist system
R Parktronic system
R Rear view camera
The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, BAS, EBP, ESC and Trunk Wing are
described in the “Safety and security” section
( Y page 61).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds.
GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.GWarning!
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
0046Setting current or higher speed0047Setting current or lower speed008ACanceling the cruise control0088Activating the cruise control or resuming
to last set speed
Activating cruise control
You can activate the cruise control at a
vehicle speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
You cannot activate the cruise control
R when you brake
R when you have engaged the electronic
parking brake
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Rwhen the transmission is in park position
P , reverse gear R, or neutral position N
R the ESC is switched off or has switched off
due to a malfunction
The vehicle speed displayed in the
speedometer can briefly vary from the speed
setting for the cruise control system.
Setting current speed XAccelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.XBriefly lift the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 0046 or press in direction
of arrow 0047.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
i On uphill grades, the cruise control may
not be able to maintain the set speed. Once
the grade eases, the set speed will be
resumed.
On downhill grades, the cruise control
maintains the set speed by braking with the
vehicle’s brake system. In addition, on
longer downhill grades the transmission
will downshift automatically.
Canceling cruise control
XDepress the brake pedal.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 008A.
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The cruise control switches off automatically
when you depress the brake pedal or you
engage the electronic parking brake.
The cruise control also switches off
automatically when
R the vehicle speed falls below 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R the ESC is in operation
R the ESC is switched off with the ESC switch
Rthe ESC has switched off due to a
malfunction
R you shift the transmission into neutral
position N while driving
An acoustic warning will sound. Observe
additional messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the cruise control. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the cruise
control will resume the last set speed.
Changing the set speed GWarning!
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
You can increase or decrease the set speed
in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments or in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments.
When you use the cruise control lever to
decelerate, the brake system will brake the
vehicle automatically if the engine’s braking
power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.
XIncreasing: Lift the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 0046 and hold it up until
the desired speed is reached.XDecreasing: Press the cruise control lever
in direction of arrow 0047 and hold it down
until the desired speed is reached.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
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increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down to the
resistance point.XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up to the resistance point in direction
of arrow 0046.XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down to the resistance point
in direction of arrow 0047.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down past the
resistance point.
XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up past the resistance point in
direction of arrow 0046.XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down past the resistance
point in direction of arrow 0047.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
has reached the set speed.
Setting stored speed (Resume function)
GWarning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 0088.
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
RACE START
RACE START enables optimum acceleration
from a standing start with suitable high-grip
road surface conditions.
GWarning!
RACE START is only available when ESC
SPORT is activated. ESC SPORT only
stabilizes the vehicle to a certain extent if it is
swerving or the wheels are spinning.
RACE START may only be used on closed
roads. Always adapt your speed and driving
style to suit the current road and weather
conditions.
Conditions for activation
RACE START can be activated when
R the doors are closed
R the trunk is closed
R the hood is closed
R the engine is running and the transmission
and the engine have reached their
operating temperature. The engine has
reached its operating temperature when
the engine oil temperature indicator in the
multifunction display stops flashing.
R ESC SPORT is switched on ( Y page 62)
R the multifunction steering wheel is in the
straight-ahead position
R the vehicle is standing still and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot)
R the transmission is in drive position D
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Activating RACE STARTXDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.XTurn the program mode selector dial
clockwise ( Y page 267) until the RS lamp
on the dial comes on.
The message RACE START Confirm:
Paddle UP Cancel: Paddle DOWN
appears in the multifunction display.
i When the activation conditions are not
fulfilled anymore, RACE START is canceled.
The message RACE START Canceled
appears in the multifunction display.
XTo cancel: Pull left steering wheel gearshift
control ( Y page 267).
or
XTo confirm: Pull right steering wheel
gearshift control ( Y page 267).
The message RACE START Available
Depress gas pedal. appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The message RACE START Not
Possible See Operator’s Manual
appears in the multifunction display.
XDepress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed increases.
The message RACE START Release
brake to start appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The message RACE START
Canceled appears in the multifunction
display.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal while
keeping the accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The message RACE START Active appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START deactivates at a vehicle speed
of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). The transmission
switches to program mode S+. ESC SPORT
remains switched on.
RACE START is canceled immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal while RACE
START is active or when the activation
conditions are not fulfilled anymore. The
message RACE START Not Possible See
Operator’s Manual appears in the
multifunction display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly in a
short period of time, it is only available
again after having driven the vehicle a
certain distance.
Hill-start assist system
On uphill grades, the hill-start assist system
maintains the pressure in the brake system
for approximately 1 second after you have
released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can
start off smoothly without the vehicle moving
immediately after releasing the brake pedal.
GWarning!
The hill-start assist system is not designed to
function as a parking brake. It does not
prevent the vehicle from moving when parked
on an incline.
Always engage the electronic parking brake
in addition to shifting the transmission into
park position P.
XDepress the brake pedal.XShift the transmission into drive position
D or reverse gear R.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the transmission in neutral position N
R with the electronic parking brake engaged
R if the ESC has switched off due to a
malfunction
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Parktronic system
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle
visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
Ryou switch on the ignition
and
Ryou release the electronic parking brake
or
Ryou start the engine
and
Rshift the transmission into drive position
D, reverse gear R, or neutral position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the transmission into park position
P or engage the electronic parking brake and
turn off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with four
sensors in the front bumper and four sensors
in the rear bumper.
Example illustration, sensors in the front bumper
To function properly, sensors \000F must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors \000F regularly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage sensors \000F, see “Cleaning
the Parktronic system sensors”
(Y page 357).
GWarning!
The Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the need
for extreme care. The responsibility during
parking and other critical maneuvers always
remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below
the height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs,
painted posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The
Parktronic system will not detect such
objects at close range and damage to your
vehicle or the object may result.
! Ultrasonic signals from outside sources
(e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers) may impair the operation of
the Parktronic system.
Range of the sensors
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As your vehicle approaches an object, one or
more distance segments will illuminate,
depending on the distance. When the seventh
distance segment illuminates, you have
reached the minimum distance.
RFront area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. The signal is canceled
when the transmission is shifted into park
position P.
RRear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. The signal is canceled
when the transmission is shifted into drive
position D or park position P.
Switching the Parktronic system on/off
The Parktronic system switches on
automatically when the ignition is switched
on.
XSwitching off: Press Parktronic
switch \000G.
Indicator lamp \000F comes on.
XSwitching on: Press Parktronic switch \000G
again.
Parktronic system malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp \000F in Parktronic switch \000G comes on.
XHave the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp \000F in Parktronic switch \000G
comes on.
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean the Parktronic system sensors
(Y page 357).
XSwitch on the ignition.
or
XCheck the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.
Rear view camera
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid.
The area behind the vehicle appears in the
COMAND system display as a mirror image,
like in the rear view mirror.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
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RVehicle lighting (Y page 400)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 325)
RBrake fluid level (Y page 325)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever \000F.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
XPush handle \000G under the hood upwards.XPull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
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XUsing a rag, slowly open cap \000F
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure.
XContinue turning cap \000F counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: reaches the top of the
mark (plastic bridge) in coolant
expansion tank \000G
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap \000F back on and tighten it.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 425) and
(Y page 428).
Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
GWarning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir.
! 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 425).
XOpening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap \000F upwards.
XRefill the washer fluid reservoir.XClosing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap \000F onto filler hole until it engages.
For more information, see “Washer system
and headlamp cleaning system”
(Y page 425).
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.
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