Problems with the seat heating
The seat heating has switched itself off
prematurely. The vehicle's electrical system
voltage is too low because too many electrical
consumers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers that you do
not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.XOnce the battery is sufficiently charged,
switch on the seat heating again.
AIRSCARF
Switching on/off
GWARNING
Very hot air can flow out of the AIRSCARF
vents in the head restraints when AIRSCARF
is in operation. This can cause burns on
unprotected skin near the AIRSCARF vents.
Lower the heating output in good time, when
necessary.
The AIRSCARF function warms the head and
neck area of vehicle occupants with warm air.
The warm air flows out of the holes in the head
restraints.
The three red indicator lamps in the button
indicate the heating level you have selected.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.XTo activate: press button :.
Three red indicator lamps in the button light
up. The blower starts up after a preheating
phase of seven seconds.XPress button : repeatedly until the
desired heating level is set.XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
i The blower continues running for seven
seconds to cool down the heating
elements.
i If the battery voltage is too low, AIRSCARF
may switch off.
Problems with AIRSCARF
AIRSCARF has switched off prematurely or
will not switch on. The vehicle's electrical
system voltage is too low because too many
electrical consumers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.XSwitch on AIRSCARF again.
Steering wheel
Important 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.
96Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 ÃAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps 3
Illustration: light switch with the
c symbol for
the automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps 3
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 107).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.XTurn the light switch to c or à .
Low-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to c or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
3 Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the fog lamps function.Exterior lighting105Lights and windshield wipers
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
:p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off;| Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off=p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off?c Switches the interior lighting on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
The color and brightness of the ambient
lighting may be set using the on-board
computer ( Y page 192).
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
( Y page 193).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the interior lighting on/off:
press the c button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
SmartKey.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
GDANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change the Xenon bulbs yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified workshop.
Replacing bulbs109Lights and windshield wipersZ
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
If the indicator lamp in the ¤ rear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board
voltage is too low or the roof is open. The rear
window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
or
XClose the roof.
The rear window defroster can be activated
again.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. When air-recirculation mode
is activated automatically, the indicator
lamp in the g button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
XTo deactivate: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
Depending on the equipment level, the
control panel has either the Ì or the
Á button.
The "residual heat" function is only available
in Canada.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
Operating the climate control systems125Climate controlZ
iIf you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock or remove it.XTo activate: press the Ì or Á
button.
The indicator lamp in the Ì or Á
button comes on.XTo deactivate: press the Ì or Á
button.
The indicator lamp in the Ì or Á
button goes off.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air inlet grille on the hood and in
the engine compartment on the front-
passenger side free of blockages, such as
ice, snow or leaves.
R never cover the air vents or air intake grilles
in the vehicle interior.
i You can tilt the adjuster for the air vents
vertically or horizontally to alter the
direction of the airflow.
i For optimal climate control in the vehicle,
open the air vents completely and set the
adjusters to the central position.
Setting the center air vents
1To open the center air vent2To close the center air vent=Center air vent, right?Center air vent, leftXTo open the center air vent: turn the
adjuster in center air vent = or ? in the
direction of the arrow to position 1.XTo close the center air vent: turn the
adjuster in center air vent = or ? in the
direction of the arrow to position 2 until
it engages.126Setting the air ventsClimate control
ECO start/stop function
Important safety notesGWARNING
If the ECO symbol appears in the
multifunction display when the engine is
switched off, the engine was switched off
automatically. However, all vehicle systems
remain active. If you open the door, unfasten
your seat belt or remove your foot from the
brake pedal, the engine will automatically
start. The vehicle may begin moving. There is
a risk of an accident.
To prevent the vehicle from pulling away
unintentionally, only remove your foot from
the brake pedal if you want to drive on.
Do not leave the vehicle until you have
switched off the ignition and secured the
vehicle to prevent it from rolling away.
! Always switch the ignition off and take the
key with you when leaving the vehicle.
General notes
The ECO start/stop function is only available
for the SLK 55 AMG.
The ECO start/stop function is only available
in drive program C.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving.
The engine starts automatically when the
driver wants to pull away again. The ECO
start/stop function thereby helps you to
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions
of your vehicle.
The system is operational if all conditions for
automatic engine switch-off have been
fulfilled ( Y page 135) and the ¤ symbol is
shown in the multifunction display. In
addition, the Stop/Start active message
is shown in the AMG menu in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off are fulfilled, the border of the ECO
symbol disappears in the multifunction
display. In addition, the Stop/Start
inactive message is shown in the AMG
menu in the multifunction display.
If the ECO start/stop function is deactivated
( Y page 136), the ¤ symbol and the
Stop/Start active or Stop/Start
inactive message are not shown.
i If automatic cylinder shut-off is active in
drive program C, the number of active
cylinders 4 is also shown in the ¤
symbol. This means that the engine is
operating with four cylinders.
If cylinder shut-off is not active, the engine
will operate with all eight cylinders. In this
case, the number of active cylinders 8 is
shown in the ¤ symbol.
Automatic engine switch-off
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is
braked to a standstill and the brake remains
depressed with the transmission in position
D or N.
The engine is only switched off if:
R the vehicle is at a standstill.
R the outside temperature is within the range
which is suitable for the system.
R the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the hood is closed.
R no engine-relevant diagnostics are active.
R the front door is closed and the seat belt is
fastened.
i You can still activate the HOLD function
when the vehicle is stationary, even if the
engine has been switched off
automatically. It is then not necessary to
continue applying the brakes during the
automatic stop phase. When you depress
Driving135Driving and parkingZ
the accelerator pedal, the engine starts
automatically and the braking effect of the
HOLD function is deactivated. Depress the
accelerator pedal carefully, as the engine
must be started first.
i If you shift the transmission from R to D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again once the ¤ symbol reappears in
the multifunction display.
i Automatic engine switch-off can take
place a maximum of three times
consecutively. The automatic engine
switch-off is then available again after the
border of the ECO symbol appears in the
multifunction display.
Automatic engine start
The engine starts automatically if:
R you deactivate the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R you switch to drive program S or M.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the system detects moisture on the
windshield when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the charge level of the battery is too low.
R the driver's seat belt is removed or the
driver's door is opened.
R you shift the transmission from position D
to R.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you release the brakes when in
transmission position D or N and when the
HOLD function is not active.
R you steer the vehicle.
i Shifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function
Example: ECO button
i If indicator lamp ; is off, the ECO start/
stop function has been deactivated
manually or as the result of a malfunction.
The engine will then not be switched off
automatically when the vehicle stops.
i Each time the engine is started, the ECO
start/stop function switches to the status
(on or off) that was selected before
switching off the engine.
Deactivating
XPress button : in drive program C.
or
XSwitch to drive program S or M
( Y page 142).
Indicator lamp ; on button : and the
¤ symbol in the multifunction display go
out.
The Stop/Start active or Stop/Start
inactive message in the AMG menu in the
multifunction display goes out.
Activating
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. If drive
program S or M is active, the automatic
transmission switches to drive program C.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Y page 135) are fulfilled, the
¤ symbol is shown in the multifunction
display. In addition, the Stop/Start 136DrivingDriving and parking
Problems with the engineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.R There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.XBefore attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey
in the ignition back to position 0 or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.XTry to start the engine again ( Y page 132). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 285).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 262). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.138DrivingDriving and parking