Mercedes-Benz SL 500 2002, SL-Class 2002, SL 600 2002 User Manual

SL

Operator’s Manual

SL 500 SL 600

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.

Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:

•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.

•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.

•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety of the vehicle operator and occupants.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.

DaimlerChrysler AG

	Introduction		Choosing global or
	Product information	7	selective mode on
			remote control ...............................	31
	Operator’s manual .............................	8	Opening the trunk ........................	31
	Where to find it ................................	13	Panic button .................................	32
	Problems with your vehicle ...........	14	Start lock-out ....................................	33
	Reporting Safety Defects ................	15	General notes on the
	Instruments and controls		central locking system ...............	33
			Doors .................................................	34
	Instruments and controls	18	Central locking switch ....................	36
			Automatic central locking	37
	Door control panel	20
			Emergency unlocking in case of
	Overhead control panel	21
			accident	38
	Dashboard	22
			Trunk	38
	Center console	24
			Trunk lid release switch	39
	Operation		Trunk lid emergency release ........	40
	Vehicle keys	28	Power windows .................................	41
			Antitheft alarm system ...................	42
	Remote control with		Tow-away alarm ...............................	43
	folding master key .......................	28	Power seats	44
	Central locking system	29
			Storing position in memory	46
	Remote control	29
			Backrest	48
	Locking and unlocking	30
			Multicontour seats	49
			Seat heater ........................................	50

Seat belts and integrated
restraint system ..........................	52
Seat belts ...........................................	52
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................	53
Fastening of seat belts .................	54
BabySmartTM airbag
deactivation system ....................	58
Self-test BabySmartTM
without special child
seat installed ................................	58
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................	59
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) .............................	59
Airbags ..............................................	60
Front airbags ................................	62
Side impact airbags .....................	62
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag .....................	67
Infant and child
restraint systems ..........................	68
Adjusting steering column .............	70

Contents

1

Contents

2

Storing steering column
position in memory .....................	70
Rear view mirrors ............................	71
Inside rear view mirror ...............	71
Antiglare night position ..............	71
Exterior rear view mirrors ..........	72
Storing mirror positions in
memory ..........................................	73
Instrument cluster ...........................	74
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster .......................	76
Additional function indicator
lamps ..............................................	77
Instrument lamps .........................	77
Display illumination ....................	77
Coolant temperature gauge ........	78
Outside temperature
indicator ........................................	78
Trip odometer ...............................	79
Clock ..............................................	79
Tachometer ....................................	79
Flexible service system (FSS) ........	80
Engine oil level indicator in odometer
display field .................................	82

Fuel consumption gauge ................	83
Engine oil temperature gauge .......	83
Engine oil consumption .................	83
Exterior lamp switch .......................	84
Standing lamps ............................	85
Night security illumination .......	85
Combination switch ........................	86
Blocked windshield wiper ..........	88
Windshield wiper smears ..........	88
Windshield and
headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio ..................................	88
Hazard warning flasher
switch ...........................................	89
Automatic climate control ..............	90
Display and controls ...................	92
Basic setting -
automatic mode ...........................	93
Economy ........................................	93
Special settings ............................	94
Audio and telephone, operation ....	98
Power windows ...............................	116
Express opening of
door windows ..............................	117

Synchronizing
power windows ............................	117
Roll bar .............................................	118
Interior lighting .............................	120
Interior lamps .............................	120
Reading lamps ............................	120
Entrance lamps in footwells,
exit lamps in doors ....................	120
Sunshade, manual .........................	121
Power sunshade .............................	122
Sun visors .......................................	123
Illuminated vanity mirror ............	123
Interior ............................................	124
Storage compartment
(eyeglasses compartment)
in the dashboard .......................	124
Interior central
locking system ............................	125
Integration with vehicle
central locking system ..............	126
Separate locking of storage
compartments .............................	126
Armrest ...........................................	127

Console storage compartments ... 127

Cup holder ......................................	128
Parcel net in
passenger footwell ....................	128
Door pockets ...................................	129
Rear storage compartment ...........	129
Ashtray with lighter ......................	130
Lighter .............................................	131
Telephone, general ........................	132
Garage door opener .......................	133
Hardtop or panorama roof ............	137
Removing hardtop ......................	137
Attaching hardtop ......................	140
Soft top ............................................	143
Lowering soft top ........................	144
Raising soft top ...........................	145
Wind screen ....................................	148
Antenna ...........................................	151
Driving
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ...............................	154
Radio and telephone ..................	154
Telephones and
two-way radio ..............................	154

Contents

The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ..................................	155
Maintenance ...................................	155
Tele Aid ............................................	156
Catalytic converter .........................	163
Emission control .............................	164
Steering lock ...................................	165
Starting and turning off
the engine ...................................	167
Before starting .............................	167
Starting .........................................	167
Turning off ...................................	167
Automatic transmission ................	168
Driving .........................................	168
Accelerator Position ...................	169
Selector lever positions .............	169
Maneuvering ..............................	172
Stopping ......................................	172
Program mode
selector switch ...........................	173
Emergency Operation ................	174
Parking brake ................................	175
Driving instructions .......................	176
Drive sensibly - Save fuel ..........	176

3

Drinking and driving .................	176
Pedals ...........................................	176
Power assistance ........................	177
Brakes ..........................................	177
Driving off ...................................	178
Parking ........................................	178
Tires .............................................	179
Aquaplaning ...............................	180
Tire traction ................................	180
Tire speed rating ........................	181
Snow chains ................................	181
Vehicles with
sport package ..............................	181
Deep water ..................................	182
Winter driving
instructions .................................	182
Winter driving ............................	183
Block heater ................................	183
Traveling abroad ........................	183
Cruise control .................................	184
Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................	188
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................	190

Level control system ...................... 196 Level control

switch positions .......................... 196 Normal Level ............................... 197

ESP Control Switch .................... 194

Contents

4

	ABS control .................................	191	Instrument cluster display
	Electronic Stability Program		Malfunction and indicator
	(ESP) ...........................................	192
	Synchronizing ESP	193	lamps in the
			instrument cluster	204

Wheel Change Switch ...............	198
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS) ...........................................	199
Adaptive damping system
adjustment ..................................	199
What you should know
at the gas station .......................	200
Fuel supply ..................................	200
Fuel ...............................................	200
Check regularly and
before a long trip .......................	202

On-board
diagnostic system ......................	204
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................	204
Brake warning lamp ..................	205
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................	205
Seat belt warning lamp .............	206
Supplemental
restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................	206
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ...................	207
Electronic stability program
(ESP)- warning lamp .................	207
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................	207
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................	208

Low engine coolant
level warning lamp ....................	209
Low windshield and
headlamp washer
system fluid level
warning lamp ..............................	210
Low engine oil level
warning lamp ..............................	210
Charge indicator lamp ...............	211
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp .............................	211
Roll bar warning lamp ...............	212
ADS indicator lamp ....................	212
High beam
indicator lamp .............................	213
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) ..........	213
Malfunction and
indicator lamp
(in the dashboard) ....................	213
Passenger airbag
indicator lamp .............................	213

Practical hints
First aid kit .....................................	216
Stowing things in the vehicle ......	216
Vehicle tools ....................................	217
Vehicle jack .....................................	218
Fuses ................................................	219
Hood .................................................	220
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................	222
Checking engine oil level .............	222
Coolant level ...................................	224
Adding coolant ...............................	225
Windshield and
headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio ......................	226
Wheels .............................................	227
Tire replacement ............................	227
Rotating wheels ..............................	228
Spare wheel ....................................	229
Changing wheels ...........................	231
Tire inflation pressure ..................	235
Battery .............................................	237
Battery Recycling .......................	238

Contents

Jump starting .................................	239
Towing the vehicle ........................	241
Exterior lamps ...............................	243
Headlamp assembly
(Halogen) ....................................	244
Taillamp assemblies ..................	250
Changing batteries in the
remote control ...........................	252
Synchronizing ............................	253
Raising soft top manually ............	254
Replacing wiper blade .................	258
Manual release of
fuel filler flap ............................	260
Trunk lamp .....................................	260
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................	262
Power washer .............................	263
Tar stains ....................................	263
Paintwork, Painted Body
Components ................................	263
Engine cleaning .........................	264
Vehicle washing .........................	264

5

Ornamental moldings ................	264
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................	264
Window cleaning .......................	265
Light alloy wheels ......................	265
Instrument cluster .....................	265
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ......................	265
Cup holder ...................................	265
Seat belts .....................................	266
Headliner, shelf behind
roll bars, and other hard
plastic trim items .......................	266
Soft top .........................................	266
Headliner .....................................	267
Wind screen ................................	267
Automatic antenna .....................	267
Wiper blade .................................	267
Headlamp cleaning
system ..........................................	267
Leather upholstery .....................	268
Plastic and rubber parts ............	268
Illuminated door sill panels .....	268

Contents

6

Technical data		Index
Spare parts service ........................	270	Index ...............................................	285
Warranty coverage .........................	270
Identification labels .......................	271
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............	272
Engine ..............................................	273
Rims - Tires .....................................	274
Weights ............................................	276
Main Dimensions ...........................	276
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -
capacities ...................................	277
Engine oils ......................................	279
Engine oil additives .......................	279
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........	279
Brake fluid ......................................	279
Premium unleaded gasoline ........	280
Fuel requirements .........................	280
Gasoline additives .........................	281
Coolants ...........................................	281
Consumer information ..................	283

Product information

Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:

We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.

We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other

agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.

Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

Introduction

7

Introduction

8

Operator’s manual

This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving.

For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.

Service and warranty information

The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including:

•New Car Limited Warranty,

•Emission System Warranty,

•Emission Performance Warranty,

•California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty (California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),

•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to perform the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

Maintenance

The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.

Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

Introduction

9

Introduction

10

Roadside assistance

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number:

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)

1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

Change of address or ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

•Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,

•unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,

•gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:

In the USA:	In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC	Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department	European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive	849 Eglinton Avenue East
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350	Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

Introduction

11

Introduction

12

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might differ from your vehicle.

Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

The Operator’s Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

Where to find it

The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:

•Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.

•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.

•Driving: Important information on driving.

•Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.

•Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.

•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.

•Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.

•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.

Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.

Explanation of color used:

Warning notices for the protection of yourself and others appear on red background.

Introduction

13

Introduction

14

Problems with your vehicle

If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if necessary contact us at the following addresses:

In the USA:	Client Assistance Center
	Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
	One Mercedes Drive
	Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:	Customer Relations Department
	Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
	849 Eglinton Avenue East
	Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5

For the USA only:

The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.

Reporting Safety Defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393

(or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Introduction

15

Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls ...............	18
Door control panel .......................	20
Overhead control panel ...............	21
Dashboard .....................................	22
Center console ..............................	24

Contents - Instruments and controls

	Instruments	Operation	Driving
	and controls

	17
Instrument		Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
cluster display				data

Instruments

Operation

Driving

Instrument

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

Index

and controls

cluster display

data

Instruments and controls

18

Instruments and controls

1

2

3

1	Door control panel, see page 20	3	Dashboard, see page 22
2	Overhead control panel, see page 21	4	Center console, see page 24

Instruments and controls				19
Instruments	Operation	Driving	Instrument		Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
and controls			cluster display				data

	Instruments	Operation	Driving	Instrument
	and controls			cluster display

Instruments and controls

Door control panel

	Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
			data

20

1 Door handle, pull to open, see page 34

2Front seat adjustment, see page 44

Memory function (for storing seat, head restraint, steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror settings), see page 46

Overhead control panel

Instruments and controls

Instruments

Operation

Driving

Instrument

and controls

cluster display

1Hands-free microphone for Tele Aid, and optional telephone with voice recognition system

2 Interior lighting, see page 120

3 Tele Aid (emergency call system), see page 156

4 Rear view mirror, see page 71

5 Garage door opener, see page 133

21

	Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
			data

	Instruments	Operation	Driving	Instrument	Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
	and controls			cluster display			data
	Instruments and controls				22
	Dashboard

1 Side air outlet, adjustable, see page 91

2Level control switch and wheel change switch, see page 196

3 Exterior lamp switch, see page 86

4 Parking brake release, see page 175

5 Hood lock release, see page 220

6 Parking brake pedal, see page 175

7 Combination switch, see page 86

8 Cruise control switch, see page 184

9 Horn

10Airbag, see page 60

11Voice recognition system switch, see separate operating instructions

12Instrument cluster, see page 74

13Steering lock with ignition/starter switch, see page 165

14Center air outlets adjustable, see page 91

15Heated air supply button - center air outlet, see page 91

	Instruments and controls
	Instruments	Operation	Driving	Instrument
	and controls			cluster display

16Non-heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet, see page 91

17Storage/eyeglasses compartment, see page 124

18Air volume control for left air outlet, see page 91

19Air volume control for center air outlets, see page 91

20Air volume control for right air outlet, see page 91

21Airbag off indicator lamp, see page 213

22Automatic climate control, see page 90 Rear window defroster switch, see page 95

23Audio system, see page 98

24Trunk lid release switch, see page 39

25Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 43 Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see page 42

26Central locking switch, see page 36

27Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 89

28Adaptive damping system adjustment switch, see page 199

29ESP control switch, see page 194

30Roll bar operation switch, see page 118

23

	Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
			data

	Instruments	Operation	Driving	Instrument
	and controls			cluster display

Instruments and controls

Center console

	Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
			data

24

31Ashtray with lighter (to open press bottom of cover), see page 130

32Mirror adjustment switch, see page 72

33Soft/hardtop operation switch, see page 143

34Seat heater switch, see page 50

35Power window switch, see page 116

Instruments	Operation	Driving	Instrument		Practical hints	Car care	Technical	Index
and controls			cluster display				data
Instruments and controls				25

Instruments	Operation		Driving	Instrument		Practical hints		Car care		Technical	Index
and controls				cluster display						data
Contents - Operation				26
Operation				Antitheft alarm system ...................			42	Side impact airbags .....................			62
Vehicle keys			28	Tow-away alarm ...............................			43	Safety guidelines for the
				Power seats .......................................			44	seat belt, emergency tensioning
	Remote control with			Storing position in memory			46	retractor and airbag .....................			67
	folding master key		28					Infant and child
				Backrest			48
Central locking system			29					restraint systems			68
				Multicontour seats			49			..........................
	Remote control		29					Adjusting steering column			70
				Seat heater			50

	Locking and unlocking ................	30	Seat belts and integrated
	Choosing global or selective
			restraint system	52
	mode on remote control	31
			Seat belts	52
	Opening the trunk	31
			Seat belt nonusage
	Panic button	32
			warning system	53
	Start lock-out	33
			Fastening of seat belts	54
	General notes on the
		33	BabySmartTM airbag
	central locking system ...............		deactivation system	58
	Doors	34
			Self-test BabySmartTM
	Central locking switch ....................	36	without special child
	Automatic central locking ..........	37	seat installed ...............................	58

Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................	38
Trunk .................................................	38
Trunk lid release switch .................	39
Trunk lid emergency release .........	40
Power windows .................................	41

Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ...............................	59
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................	59
Airbags ..............................................	60
Front airbags ................................	62

Storing steering column
position in memory .....................	70
Rear view mirrors ............................	71
Inside rear view mirror ...............	71
Antiglare night position ..............	71
Exterior rear view mirrors ..........	72
Storing mirror positions in
memory ..........................................	73
Instrument cluster ...........................	74
Flexible service system (FSS) ........	80
Engine oil level indicator in odometer
display field .................................	82
Fuel consumption gauge ................	83
Engine oil temperature gauge ........	83
Engine oil consumption ..................	83
Exterior lamp switch .......................	84
Standing lamps .............................	85