2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER clutch

Removing the Start/Stop button
You can remove the Start/Stop button from
the ignition lock and start the vehicle as
normal using the SmartKey.
X Remove Start/Stop button :from ignition
lock ;.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R starting the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation. G
WARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
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 X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
i You can only start the engine when the
clutch pedal is fully depressed. Driving
141Driving and parking Z

Automatic transmission
X
Shift 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 X
Turn the SmartKey to position 3in the
ignition lock (Y page 139) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
i To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine 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 in 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.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Press the Start/Stop button once
(Y page 139).
The engine starts. Pulling away
Manual transmission !
Change gear in good time and avoid
spinning the wheels. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.X
Release the electric parking brake
(Y page 160).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature (Y page 205).
Automatic transmission G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor
R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position Pto the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the shift lock released.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electric parking brake (Y page 160) is
automatically released.
The red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time. 142
DrivingDriving and pa
rking

If cylinder shut-off is not active, the engine
will operate with all eight cylinders. In this
case, the number of active cylinders 8is
shown in the ¤symbol.
Automatic engine switch-off Method of operation
The ECO start/stop function is operational
and the ¤symbol is displayed in green in
the multifunction display, if:
R the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green.
R the outside temperature is within the
comfort range.
R the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
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 the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off are fulfilled, the ¤symbol is
shown in yellow.
i All of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine has been stopped
automatically.
i All vehicles (apart from AMG
vehicles): automatic engine switch-off can
take place a maximum of four times
consecutively (initial stop then repeated
three times). The ¤symbol is shown in
yellow in the multifunction display after the
engine has been started automatically for
the fourth time. When the ¤symbol is
shown in green in the multifunction display,
automatic engine switch-off is again
possible. i
AMG vehicles: times which the engine
can be automatically switched off.
i The HOLD function can be activated 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
the accelerator pedal, the engine starts
automatically and the braking effect of the
HOLD function is deactivated.
Vehicles with manual transmission The ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically at low speeds.
X Brake the vehicle.
X Engage neutral N(follow gearshift
instruction :to engage neutral N, if
necessary).
X Release the clutch pedal.
The engine is switched off automatically.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in Dor
N, the ECO start/stop function switches off
the engine automatically.
Automatic engine start Method of operation
The engine starts automatically if:
R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you switch to drive program Sor M(AMG
vehicles).
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door.
R the vehicle starts to roll. 144
DrivingDriving and parking

R
the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior
deviates from the set range.
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.
Vehicles with manual transmission
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal
is depressed.
The engine is started automatically if you:
R fully depress the clutch pedal.
R depress the accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is started automatically if you:
R release the brake pedal when HOLD is not
activated and the transmission is in
position Dor N.
R depress the accelerator pedal.
R move the transmission out of position P.
i Shifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine.
i If you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again once the ¤symbol reappears in
green in the multifunction display.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function ECO button Deactivating (except for AMG vehicles)
X
Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;and the ¤symbol in
the multifunction display go out.
Activating (except for AMG vehicles)
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
¤ symbol is shown in green in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
¤ symbol is shown in yellow in the
multifunction display. If this is the case, the
ECO start/stop function is not available.
Deactivating (AMG vehicles)
X Press button :in drive program C.
or
X Switch to drive program Sor M
(Y page 151).
Indicator lamp ;and the ¤symbol in
the multifunction display go out.
Activating (AMG vehicles)
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. If drive
program Sor Mis active, the automatic
transmission switches to drive program C.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
¤ symbol is shown in green in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
¤ symbol is shown in yellow in the
multifunction display. If this is the case, the
ECO start/stop function is not available.
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. Driving
145Driving an d parking Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The coolant
temperature display is
showing more than
248 ‡ (120 †). The
coolant warning lamp
may also be lit and a
warning tone may
sound. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X
Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 277). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary. If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic. Manual transmission
Gear lever
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal
is depressed.
! When shifting between 5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever all
the way to the right. You could otherwise
shift unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear
and damage the transmission.
If you shift down at too high a speed
(transmission braking), this can cause the
engine to overrev, leading to engine
damage.
Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill by
using the clutch pedal. There is otherwise
a risk of damaging the clutch. Gear lever
k
Reverse gear
1 to6
Forward gears Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Move the gear lever firmly to the left
beyond the point of resistance and then
forwards. 148
Manual transmissionDriving and parking

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.
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up. Program selector button
General notes Example: program selector button
X
Press program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
i Further information about permanent
drive program M(Y page 153). As well as this permanent drive program
M, you can also activate temporary drive
program
M(Ypage 152).
In AMG vehicles, drive program Eis called
drive program C. E
Economy
C Controlled
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
driving
S
Sport Sporty driving style
M
Manual Manual gear shifting
Only change from automatic drive program
E
or Sto manual drive program Mwhen the
vehicle is stationary.
i When the engine is started, the automatic
transmission always switches to automatic
drive program E(drive program Cin AMG
vehicles).
i AMG vehicles: when in drive program C
and with a small load demand, the engine
will automatically only operate with four
cylinders. This is the case in city traffic or
on a country road, for example. This
reduces fuel consumption. Cylinder shut-
off is inactive in drive programs Sand M,
so that the engine will operate with all eight
cylinders.
i For further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Y page 152). Automatic transmission
151Driving and parking Z

Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged,
the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper
cables. Observe the following points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
R You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
R Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R when the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal
clamp do not come into contact with other metal sections.
R the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts which can move when the engine
is running, such as the V-belt pulley or the fan.
X Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.
X Manual transmission: depress the clutch pedal fully and shift to neutral.
X Automatic transmission: move the selector lever to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window defroster, lighting, etc.
X Open the hood. Jump-starting
299Breakdown assistance Z

Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could
otherwise damage the brake system.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 111).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions ( Ypage 300). Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 111).
i When towing with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal a change of
direction. In this case, only the indicator
lamps for the direction of travel flash. When
you reset the combination switch, the
hazard warning flashers start flashing
again.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed. X
Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal fully and shift to
neutral.
or
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 300). Transporting the vehicle
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal fully and shift to
neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Move the selector lever to N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
fully depress the clutch pedal and engage
first or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
move the selector lever to P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X Secure the vehicle. 302
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance