2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER ignition

Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
General information
i AMG vehicles: the exhaust flap of the
exhaust system will be checked after every
cold start. A resulting noise can be heard
during this process.
i During a cold start, the engine runs at
higher speeds to enable the catalytic
converter to reach its operating
temperature. The sound of the engine may
change during this time.
Manual transmission
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XFully depress the clutch pedal.XShift to neutral N.
i
You can only start the engine when the
clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Automatic transmission
XShift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i
You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
i To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3 in the
ignition lock (Y page 131) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine
GWARNING
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. 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.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle manually without inserting
the SmartKey into the ignition lock. The
Start/Stop button must be inserted into
the ignition lock and the SmartKey must be
in the vehicle. This mode for starting the
engine operates independently of the ECO
start/stop automatic engine start function.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XPress the Start/Stop button ( Y page 131)
once.
The engine starts.
Pulling away
Manual transmission
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XFully depress the clutch pedal.XShift to either first gear or reverse gear R.XRelease the electric parking brake
( Y page 150).Driving133Driving and parkingZ

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

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

Transmission positionsBPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P(Y page 149) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. In addition to
engaging the parking lock, you
must always apply the parking
brake to secure the vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
if the transmission is in position P.
If the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock, the selector lever
is locked.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the selector lever
may be locked in position P. To
release the selector lever lock, see
"Releasing the parking lock
manually" ( Y page 146).CReverse gear
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program ( Y page 142)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Driving tips
Double-clutch function
When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected.
Automatic transmission141Driving and parkingZ

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

Problems with fuel and the fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock immediately
and remove it ( Y page 131).XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap cannot be unlocked using the button on the
SmartKey.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 70).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. Do not park the vehicle on
dry grassland or harvested grain fields. These
materials could be ignited by the hot exhaust
system and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement can cause serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do
the following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the parking brake.
R shift the manual transmission to first gear
or reverse gear R.
R shift the automatic transmission to park
position P.
R
slowly release the brake pedal.
R when parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.GWARNING
Manual transmission: Wait until the vehicle is
stationary before removing the SmartKey
from the starter switch. The vehicle cannot be
steered when the SmartKey is removed from
the starter switch.
Parking149Driving and parkingZ

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