2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL65AMG brake

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshTire
Pressure
Check
TiresThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 276).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The high-
beam headlamp indicator lamp and 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.254What to do if …Practical hints
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BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and switched off. The BAS,
the ESP ®
, and the hill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are
also switched off.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is still functioning normally but
without the systems specified above available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as
the navigation system or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has switched off due to insufficient power supply.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
and the battery checked.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.What to do if …255Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 255Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is a malfunction in the electro-hydraulic brake system.
There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! 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.
Safety systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine.The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passenger to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.XFasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine.
7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after starting the
engine.You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.XFasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding.256What to do if …Practical hints
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Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÒThe white
Distronic
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.The Distronic distance sensor has recognized a preceding vehicle.ÒThe red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or the
distance warning system has recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.
Vehicle
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel cap is not closed properly.XClose the fuel cap.262What to do if …Practical hints
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change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible to have the
spare wheel replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.
XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.
XEngage the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in
position 0, same as with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch). The
driver’s door can then be closed again.
Open doors only when conditions are safe
to do so.
XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Mounting the spare wheel
Introduction
XPrepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 277).
XTake the following out of the vehicle:
Rspare wheel
Rjack
Rvehicle tool kit
Rwheel wrench
Relectric air pump
For information on where to find the
respective items, see “Where will I find ...?”
(Y page 224) and (Y page 225).
iVehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle. This section describes the
wheel change using the tools approved and
recommended for your vehicle.
Removing tensioning straps from spare
wheel
This description applies to vehicles with 19"
spare wheel with collapsible tire only.
A 19" spare wheel with collapsible tire has
two tensioning straps on it that must be
removed before mounting the spare wheel.
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XPress on both clips ; simultaneously to
release buckle :.
XStore the tensioning straps in a safe place.
You will need them to store the spare wheel
in the trunk after use (Y page 225).
Lifting the vehicle
GWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack tubes built into both
sides of the vehicle. Make sure the jack arm
is fully inserted in the jack tube. The jack must
always be vertical when in use, especially on
inclines or declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always engage the parking brake firmly and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects before raising the vehicle
with the jack. Do not disengage the parking
brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
blocking wheels with wheel chocks (not
included) or other sizeable objects.
When changing a wheel on a level surface:
XPlace a wheel chock or other sizeable
object in front of and another wheel chock
or other sizeable object behind the wheel
that is diagonally opposite to the wheel
being changed.
Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack on
a level surface. However, should
circumstances require you to do so on a hill:
XPlace wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects on the downhill side in front of both
wheels on the side opposite to the side on
which the wheel is to be changed.
GWarning!
Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on
slight inclines/declines. Otherwise, the
vehicle could fall off the jack and injure you or
others.
XOn the wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts
(approximately one full turn with wheel
wrench :).
The jack support tubes are located directly
behind the front wheel housings and in front
of the rear wheel housings.
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The following description applies to both
versions. Differences in usage are expressly
declared.
Version 1
Version 2
XVersion 1 only: Open flap : on electric
air pump.
XVersion 1 only: Pull out electrical plug
= and air hose with pressure gauge and
vent screw ?.
XVersion 2 only: Pull electrical plug = and
the air hose out of the pump housing
bottom.
XVersion 1 only: Close vent screw on air
hose ?.
XRemove the valve cap from the collapsible
tire valve.
XScrew union nut A onto the collapsible tire
valve.
XMake sure air pump switch ; is set to 0.XInsert electrical plug = into the cigarette
lighter socket (Y page 166) or a power
outlet (Y page 166).
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Press the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once. Do
not depress the brake pedal.
XPress I on electric air pump switch ;.
The electric air pump switches on and
inflates the collapsible tire.
XInflate the collapsible tire to the
recommended tire inflation pressure as
specified for your vehicle (Y page 303).
This should take approximately 5 minutes.
GWarning!
The air hose and the union nut can become
hot during inflation. Exercise proper caution
to avoid burning yourself when using the
equipment.
! Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than 8 minutes without interruption.
Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the air pump again after
it has cooled off.
! Compare the recommended tire inflation
pressure for your vehicle with the tire
inflation pressure on the yellow label
located on the spare wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow
label on the spare wheel rim differs from
the values given in this Operator’s Manual,
inflate the tire to the recommended tire
inflation pressure given on the yellow label
on the spare wheel rim.
XPress 0 on electric air pump switch ;.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Press the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button twice. Do
not depress the brake pedal.
XVersion 1 only: If the tire inflation pressure
is above the recommended tire inflation
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flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can
result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
! Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
on the starter battery installed in the engine
compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and may
present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have
loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch
any other metal part while the other end is
still attached to a battery.
If the starter battery is discharged, the engine
can be started with jumper cables and the
fully charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the batteryof the other vehicle, provide jump start
power by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter
are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the
battery if the battery is frozen. Let the
battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system, which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the
vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.
Jump starting should only be performed on
the starter battery. The starter battery is
located in the engine compartment on the
passenger side.XMake sure the two vehicles do not touch.XSwitch off all electrical consumers.XEngage the parking brake.XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.XOpen the hood ( Y page 180).286Jump startingPractical hints
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