2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK ROADSTER Owners Manual

38

Useful information
..............................40
Panic alarm .......................................... 40
Occupant safety .................................. 40
Children in the vehicle ........................51
Pets in the vehicle .............................. 59
Driving safety systems .......................60
Protection against theft .....................68 39Safety

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 24). Panic alarm
X
To activate: press!button :for
approximately one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.
X To deactivate: press!button :
again.
or
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
or X Press the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the vehi-
cle.
i The panic alarm function is only available
in certain countries. Occupant safety
Introduction to the restraint system
The restraint system reduces the risk of vehi- cle occupants coming into contact with parts
of the vehicle's interior in the event of an
accident. The restraint system can also
reduce the forces to which vehicle occupants
are subjected during an accident.
The restraint system includes the:
R seat belt system
R airbags
The components of the restraint system work
in conjunction with each other. They can only
offer protection if all vehicle occupants
always:
R have the seat belt correctly fastened
(Y page 43)
R have the seat and head restraint adjusted
properly (Y page 97)
As the driver, you must also make sure that
the steering wheel is also adjusted properly.
Observe the information on the correct driv-
er's seat position (Y page 96).
In addition, you must make sure that the air-
bags can inflate properly if they are deployed (Y page 45).
An airbag supplements a correctly worn seat belt. As an additional safety device, the airbag
increases the level of protection for vehicle
occupants in the event of an accident. The
airbags are not deployed, for example, in the event of an accident in which sufficient pro-
tection is offered by the seat belt. In addition,
only those airbags, which in the applicable
accident situations offer additional protec-
tion, are deployed in the event of an accident.
However, the seat belt and airbag generally
do not protect against objects penetrating
the vehicle from the outside.
Information on how the restraint system
operates can be found under "Deployment of
belt tensioners and airbags" (Y page 47).
See "Children in the vehicle" for further infor- mation on children travelling in the vehicle as 40
Occupant safetySafety

well as on child restraint systems
(Y
page 51). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the restraint system is modified, it may no
longer work as intended. The restraint system
may then not perform its intended protective function by failing in an accident or triggering
unexpectedly, for example. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Never modify parts of the restraint system. Do not attempt to modify the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify an airbag system
for a person with physical disabilities, contact a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for details. Restraint system warning lamp
The functions of the restraint system are
checked after the ignition is switched on and at regular intervals while the engine is run-
ning. Therefore, malfunctions can be detec-
ted in good time.
The 6 restraint system warning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up when the igni- tion is switched on. It goes out no later than afew seconds after the engine is started. The
components of the restraint system are in
operational readiness.
A malfunction has occurred if the 6
restraint system warning lamp:
R does not light up after the ignition is
switched on
R does not go out after a few seconds with
the engine running
R lights up again while the engine is running G
WARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or might not be trig- gered at all in the event of an accident with a
high rate of vehicle deceleration. This can
effect belt tensioners or airbags, for example. There is an increased risk of serious or even
fatal injuries.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
:
and PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator
lamp ;are part of the automatic child seat
recognition on the front-passenger seat.
A permanently lit PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp informs you that the front-
passenger front airbag is disabled.
When the ignition is switched on, the
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
lights up:
R briefly, if the sensor system for the auto-
matic child seat recognition in the front-
passenger seat detects a special
Mercedes-Benz child restraint system with
a transponder.
R for 60 seconds if the system determines
that the front-passenger seat is occupied.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp does not light up. Occupant safety
41Safety Z

Depending on the person in the front-
passenger seat, the front-passenger front air-
bag must either be disabled or enabled; see
the following points. You must make sure of
this both before and during a journey.
R Children in a child restraint system:
whether the front-passenger front airbag is
enabled or disabled depends on the instal-led child restraint system, and the age and size of the child. Therefore, always observe
the information on "Children in the vehicle" (Y page 51). There you will also find
instructions on backwards and forwards-
facing child restraint systems on the front- passenger seat.
R All other persons: the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp must be off. Be
sure to observe the notes on "Seat belts"
(Y page 42) and "Airbags" (Y page 45).
There you can also find information on the
correct seat position.
Observe the information on automatic child
seat recognition in the front-passenger seat
(Y page 52). Seat belts
Introduction A correctly worn seat belt is the most effec-
tive means of restraining the movement of
vehicle occupants in the event of a collision or
if the vehicle overturns. This reduces the risk
of vehicle occupants coming into contact with
parts of the vehicle interior or being ejected
from it. The seat belt also helps to keep the
vehicle occupants in the best position in rela-
tion to the airbag being deployed.
The seat belt system consists of:
R seat belts
R belt tensioners and belt force limiters
If the seat belt is pulled quickly or sharply by
the belt loop, the inertia reel locks. The belt
strap cannot be pulled out any further.
The belt tensioner tightens the seat belt in the
event of a collision so that it fits tightly across your body. However, it does not pull the vehi-
cle occupants back in the direction of the seat backrest.
The belt tensioner does not, however, correctan incorrect seat position or correct the rout-
ing of a seat belt that is worn incorrectly.
When triggered, seat belt force limiters help
to reduce the peak force exerted by the seat
belt on the vehicle occupant.
The belt force limiters are synchronised with
the front airbags, which take on a part of the
deceleration force. This can reduce the forces
to which the vehicle occupants are subjected during an accident.
! If the co-driver's seat is not occupied, do
not engage the seat belt tongue in the
buckle on the co-driver's seat. Otherwise,
the belt tensioner could be triggered in the
event of an accident and would have to be
replaced.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The seat belt cannot perform its intended pro- tective function if it is not fastened correctly. Also, an improperly fastened seat belt can
cause additional injuries in the event of an
accident, sudden braking or abrupt changes
of direction. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Always make sure that all vehicle occupants
are wearing their seat belt and positioned cor-
rectly. G
WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest 42
Occupant safetySafety

is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seatbelt is routed
across the centre of your shoulder. G
WARNING
Persons under 1.50 mtall cannot wear the
seat belts correctly without a suitable, addi-
tional restraint system. The seat belt cannot
perform its intended protective function if it is not fastened correctly. Also, an improperly
fastened seat belt can cause additional inju-
ries in the event of an accident, sudden brak-
ing or abrupt changes of direction. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Secure persons less than 1.50 mtall in a suit-
able restraint system.
If a child younger than 12 years old and under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehicle:
R always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for this Mercedes-Benz
vehicle. The child restraint system must be appropriate to the age, weight and size of
the child
R always observe the instructions and safety
notes on "Children in the vehicle" in this
Owner's Manual (Y page 51) in addition
to the child restraint system manufactur-
er's installation instructions G
WARNING
Seat belts cannot protect as intended, if:
R they are damaged, have been modified, are
extremely dirty, bleached or dyed
R the seat belt buckle is damaged or
extremely dirty
R modifications have been made to the belt
tensioners, belt anchorages or inertia reels
Damage caused to safety belts in an accident may not be visible, e.g. by splinters of glass.
Modified or damaged seat belts can tear or
fail, for example in the event of an accident.
Modified seat belt tensioners may be
deployed unintentionally or fail to be deployed
when required. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal. Never modify safety belts, seat belt tension-
ers, seat belt anchorages and inertia reels.
Ensure that seat belts are not damaged or
worn and are clean. After an accident, have
the seat belts checked immediately at a quali- fied specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use seat belts which have been approved
specifically for your vehicle by Mercedes-
Benz. Any such modifications could invalidate
the vehicle's general operating permit.
Correct seat belt use Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 42).
All vehicle occupants must be wearing the
seat belt correctly before beginning the jour-
ney. Also make sure that all vehicle occu-
pants are always wearing the seat belt cor-
rectly while the vehicle is in motion.
When fastening the seat belt, always make
sure that:
R the seat belt tongue is only inserted to the
belt buckle belonging to that seat.
R the seat belt is tight across your body.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter
coat.
R the seat belt is not twisted.
Only then can forces which occur be dis-
tributed across the surface of the seat belt.
R the shoulder section of the belt is always
routed across the centre of your shoulder.
The shoulder section of the seat belt should
not touch your neck nor be routed under
your arm.
R the lap belt passes across your lap as
tightly and as low down as possible.
The lap must always be routed across your hip joints and never across your abdomen.
This applies particularly to pregnant
women. If necessary, press the lap belt
down into your hip joints and pull tight with the shoulder section of the belt. Occupant safety
43Safety Z

R
the seat belt is not routed across sharp,
pointed or fragile objects.
If you have such items located on or in your
clothing, e.g. pens, keys or spectacles,
store these in a suitable place.
R only one person is using a seat belt.
Infants and children must never travel sit-
ting on the lap of a vehicle occupant. In the
event of an accident, they could be crushed between the vehicle occupant and seat
belt.
R objects are never secured with a seat belt if
the seat belt is also being used by one of the
vehicle's occupants.
Seat belts are only intended to secure and
restrain vehicle occupants. Always observe
the notes in the "Stowage options/compart-
ments" section for securing objects, luggage
or loads (Y page 264).
Fastening seat belts Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 42) and the notes on correct use of
seat belts (Y page 43). X
Adjust the seat (Y page 96).
The seat backrest must be in an almost
vertical position.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly out of belt loop
= and engage belt tongue ;into belt
buckle :.
The seat belt on the driver’s seat and the
front-passenger seat may be tightened
automatically; see "Belt adjustment"
(Y page 45).
X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
Releasing the seat belts !
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt. Dam- aged seat belts can no longer fulfil their
protective function and must be replaced.
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. X
Press release button :, hold belt
tongue ;firmly and guide it back to belt
loop =. 44
Occupant safetySafety

Seat belt adjustment
The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. This
function adjusts the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt to the upper body of the
occupants.
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
R the seat belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle and
R the ignition is switched on
The seat-belt adjustment will apply a certain
tightening force if any slack is detected
between the vehicle occupant and the seat
belt. Do not hold on to the seat belt tightly
while it is adjusting.
You can switch the seat-belt adjustment on
and off in the on-board computer
(Y page 217).
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger The
7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster is a reminder that all vehicle
occupants must wear their seat belts. It may
light up continuously or flash. In addition, a
warning tone may sound.
The 7 seat belt warning lamp goes out and
the warning tone ceases when the driver and
the front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
i For more information on the
7seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat
belt" (Y page 251). Airbags
Introduction The installation location of an airbag is iden-
tified by the AIRBAG symbol.
An airbag supplements a correctly worn seat
belt. It is not a replacement for the seat belt. The airbag offers additional protection in
applicable accident situations.
Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.
The different airbag systems work independ-
ently of each other (Y
page 47).
However, no system available today can com- pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
It is also not possible to completely rule out a risk of injury caused by an airbag due to the
speed at which the airbag must be deployed.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you deviate from the correct seat position,
the airbag cannot perform its intended pro-
tective function and can even cause addi-
tional injuries when deployed. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries. In order to avoid such risks, always ensure
that all vehicle occupants:
R fasten their seatbelts correctly, including
pregnant women
R are seated correctly and maintain the fur-
thest possible distance from the airbags
R observe the following notes
Always ensure that there are no objects loca-
ted between the airbag and the vehicle occu-
pant.
R Adjust the seats properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the
seat is in an almost upright position. The
centre of the head restraint must support
the head at about eye level.
R Move the driver's and front-passenger
seats as far back as possible. The driver's
seat position must allow the vehicle to be
driven safely.
R Only hold the steering wheel on the out-
side. This allows the airbag to be fully
deployed.
R Always lean against the backrest while driv-
ing. Do not lean forwards or lean against
the door or side window. You may other- Occupant safety
45Safety Z