2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER instrument cluster

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

multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking 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.
GWARNING
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions
Selector lever
jPark position with selector lever lockkReverse geariNeutralhDrive
Transmission position and drive
program display
:Transmission position display;Drive program display
The current position of the selector lever is
shown by the indicators next to the selector
lever.
The indicators light up when the SmartKey is
inserted into the ignition lock. The indicators
go out when the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock.
140Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Fuel" section
( Y page 325).
Refueling
Fuel filler flap:Fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Tire pressure table?Fuel type
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap 8 is
displayed in the instrument cluster. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XKEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to SmartKey position 0:
"SmartKey removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.XPress the fuel filler flap in marked area :.
Fuel filler flap : swings up.XTurn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.Refueling147Driving and parkingZ

XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing
XReplace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.XClose fuel filler flap :.
i
If you drive with the fuel filler cap open,
reserve fuel warning lamp 8 flashes. In
addition, the ; Check Engine warning
lamp may light up. A message appears in
the multifunction display ( Y page 219).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 234).
148RefuelingDriving and parking

Switching off the engine
Important safety notesGWARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Vehicles with manual transmission
XShift to either first gear or reverse gear R.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.XApply the electric parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the electric parking brake.XShift the transmission to position P.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
i The SmartKey can only be removed if the
transmission is in position P.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 131).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
i When the driver's door is closed, this
corresponds to SmartKey position 1. When
the driver's door is open, it corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 or "SmartKey
removed".
If you attempt to switch off the engine while
the selector lever is in a position other than
P , a message appears in the multifunction
display and you hear a tone.
Electric parking brake
General information
i The electric parking brake performs a
function test at regular intervals while the
engine is switched off. The sounds that can
be heard while this is occurring are normal.
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 parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P , either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Applying/releasing manually
XTo apply: press handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed.
XTo release: switch on the ignition.XPull handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i The electric parking brake cannot be
released unless the SmartKey is in position
1 in the ignition lock or if the ignition has
150ParkingDriving and parking

been switched on using the Start/Stop
button.
Applying automatically
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is
applied automatically if DISTRONIC PLUS
(vehicles with automatic transmission only)
or the HOLD function stops your vehicle or is
keeping your vehicle stationary. In addition,
at least one of the following conditions must
be fulfilled:
R the engine is switched off.
R the driver's door is open and the seat belt
is not fastened.
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
Releasing automatically
i The electric parking brake can only be
released automatically on vehicles with
automatic transmission.
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is
automatically released if all of the following
conditions are met:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position D or R.
R the seat belt has been fastened.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R, the trunk
lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you have shifted out of position P or you
have previously driven faster than 2 mph
(3km/h).
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake.
XWhile driving, push handle : of the electric
parking brake ( Y page 150).
i
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
the handle of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
R a warning tone sounds.
R the Please Release Parking Brake
message appears.
R the red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster flashes.
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge.
XConnect a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.Parking151Driving and parkingZ

Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roadsGWARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if the electric
parking brake is being tested on a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 57).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the SLK 55 AMG.
GWARNING
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
154Driving tipsDriving and parking

too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured.GWARNING
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
Your undivided attention to street and traffic
conditions is necessary at all times whether
DISTRONIC PLUS is active or not.
The use of DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to stationary
objects on the road (for example, a vehicle
stopped in traffic or an abandoned vehicle).
DISTRONIC PLUS likewise does not react to
oncoming vehicles.
Deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:
R when changing to the right lane, if the
vehicles in the left lane are driving slower
R when driving into a filter lane or an
expressway exit
R in complex driving situations, for example
in construction sites on an expressway
In these situations DISTRONIC PLUS will
maintain the set speed if it is not deactivated.
DISTRONIC PLUS is intended only for
maintaining a set speed and a set distance
from the objects moving in front of the
vehicle.
GWARNING
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC PLUS
system calculates that the distance to the
vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current
speed indicate that the DISTRONIC PLUS will
not be capable of slowing the vehicle
sufficiently to maintain the preset following
distance, which creates a danger of a
collision.
Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
your distance to the preceding vehicle. The
warning sound is intended as a final caution
in which you should intercede with your own
braking inputs to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation. Do not wait for the
operation of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking. This will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking
which will not always result in an impact being
avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a
maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
).
This corresponds to approximately 40% of
your vehicle's maximum braking force.
To avoid a collision, you must apply the brakes
yourself. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle
just enough to restore the preset speed or the
preset distance to the vehicle in front.
GWARNING
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals during a critical traffic
situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not
recognized the collision risk, has been
deactivated or is malfunctioning.
Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS
is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers
responsibility to apply the brakes in order to
control the vehicle and avoid a collision.
160Driving systemsDriving and parking