2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS instrument cluster

Vehicle equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Occupant safety
Introduction
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts
R Child restraints
Additional protection potential is provided by:
R Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with
- Air bags
- Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
- Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
seat belts
- Seat belt force limiter
R Air bag system components with
- Passenger front air bag off indicator lamp
- Passenger seat with Occupant
C lassification System (OCS)
Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions work in conjunction with
each other.
GWarning!
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See “Children in the vehicle”
( Y page 57) for information on
R infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle
R restraint systems for infants and children
SRS indicator lamp
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of system malfunctions.
The SRS indicator lamp 6 in the
instrument cluster comes on when the
ignition is switched on. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the engine has been
started.
GWarning!
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction when the SRS indicator lamp
6
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury. The SRS
might also deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury
as well.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
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recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information:
RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the system senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
with the weight of a standard appropriate
child restraint on the passenger seat.
RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
passenger seat will be seriously injured or
even killed if the passenger front air bag
inflates in a collision which could occur
under some circumstances, even with the
air bag technology installed in your vehicle.
RIf you install a rear-facing child restraint on
the passenger seat, make sure the 4
5 indicator lamp is illuminated,
indicating that the passenger front air bag
is deactivated. Should the 4 5
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while
the restraint is installed, please check
installation. Periodically check the 4
5 indicator lamp while driving to make
sure the 4 5 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 4 5 indicator
lamp goes out or remains out, do not
transport a child on the passenger seat
until the system has been repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
passenger seat will be seriously injured or
even killed if the passenger front air bag
inflates.
RIf you place a child in a forward-facing child
restraint on the passenger seat, move the
seat as far back as possible, use the proper
child restraint recommended for the age,
size and weight of the child, and secure
child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt
according to the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions. For children larger than the
typical 12-month-old child, the passenger
front air bag may or may not be activated.
Deployment of the driver front air bag does
not mean that the passenger front air bag also
should have deployed.
The OCS may have determined
Rthat the seat was empty or occupied by the
weight up to or less than that of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard
child restraint – both of which are instances
where the system suppresses deployment
of the passenger front air bag even though
the impact met the criteria and was of
sufficient severity to deploy the driver front
air bag
Rthat the seat was occupied by a small
individual (such as a young teenager or a
small adult) or a child who weighs more
than the weight of a typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child restraint – both of
which are instances where the system may
suppress deployment of the passenger
front air bag even though the impact met
the criteria and was of sufficient severity to
deploy the driver front air bag
4 5 indicator lamp : will be
illuminated, except with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch or with the
starter switch in position 0.
GWarning!
If the red SRS indicator lamp 6 in the
instrument cluster and the 4 5
indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there
is a malfunction in the OCS. The passenger
front air bag will be deactivated in this case.
Have the system checked by qualified
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more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
iThe ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest.
GWarning!
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Correct driver seat adjustment
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
Rseat adjustment
Rsteering wheel adjustment
Rrear view mirror adjustment
Rfastening of seat belts
Steering wheel
GObserve Safety notes, see page 245.XPosition steering wheel : properly.
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.
Seat belt
GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.XFasten and position your seat belt ;
correctly (Y page 54).
Make sure:
RThe seat belt is always fitted snugly.
RAdjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder.
RPlace the lap portion of the seat belt as low
as possible on your hips.
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Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R EBP ( Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC ( Electronic Stability Control)
R Trunk Wing
Safety notes
GWarning!
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 from 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.
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.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.GWarning!
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.
XKeep 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
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functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuverXKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESC 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
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
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.
XApply 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.
GWarning!
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.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 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 ESC 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
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ÷ 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 ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position
0 or 1, or SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the rear axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESC engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESC. 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 ESC, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching ESC SPORT on or off
GWarning!
ESC SPORT should not be switched on during
normal driving.
Switching ESC SPORT on will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R system-supported traction control is
limited
ESC SPORT is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on ESC SPORT.
Do not switch on ESC SPORT when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
ESC SPORT. 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 gravelGWarning!
Switch off ESC SPORT and switch on the ESC
immediately if the aforementioned
circumstances do not apply anymore.
Otherwise ESC SPORT will only stabilize the
vehicle to a limited extent when it is starting
to skid or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch on ESC SPORT
R the ESC stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
R the engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that 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 ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
R the cruise control cannot be activated
R the cruise control switches off if activated
i When ESC SPORT is switched on and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
stabilize the vehicle only to a limited extent.
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XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESC-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESC SPORT switches off automatically when
you turn off the engine. When starting the
engine, the ESC is activated automatically.
Switching the ESC off or on
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESC OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESC.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
Rthe ESC will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
Rthe cruise control cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control switches off if activated
iWhen ESC is switched off and one or more
drive wheels are spinning, the ESC warning
lamp ÷ in the instrument cluster does
not flash. The ESC will not stabilize the
vehicle.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : until the ESC OFF
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warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The message ESC-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp ÷ and the
ESC OFF warning lamp å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, 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 ESC.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
The ESC OFF warning lamp å in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESC-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. Adaptive Brake takes driver and
vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addition, Adaptive Brake provides the hill-
start assist system (Y page 293).
For more information on the brake system,
see (Y page 349).
Trunk Wing
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Trunk Wing enhances the vehicle’s
driving stability. It adapts the aerodynamics
of the vehicle to the driving conditions
according to the speed.
Trunk Wing switch : should be used for
cleaning only, see “Trunk Wing”
(Y page 360). It is not needed for Trunk Wing
operation.
The Trunk Wing extends at a vehicle speed of
above 75 mph (120 km/h) automatically.
Trunk Wing switch : flashes for as long as
the Trunk Wing extends. It remains
illuminated in red when the Trunk Wing is fully
extended.
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