2004 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 83

Safety and Security Driving safety systems The SBC brake system is automatically activated when you unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* open the driver's or passenger door turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*, press start/stop button on gear selector lever once depress the brake pedal release the parking brake i If the SBC brake system is activated as the brake pedal is first depressed, you may feel a reduced pedal resistance and longer pedal travel than normal. When releasing the pedal, you may also feel the brake pedal pulsate and you may hear a sound which is caused by the activation of the SBC pump. This is normal and not an indication of a malfunction. Pedal travel returns to normal when you release the brake pedal and the sound soon ceases. If you experience the above while driving and the red brake warning lamp ( page 284) illuminates and/or warning messages appear in the multifunction display ( page 299), the brake system is malfunctioning. Follow the instructions of the warning message(s) and have the brake system checked immediately. Warning! G Have brake pad replacement and other work on the SBC brake system carried out by qualified technicians only. Contact your Mercedes-Benz Center for further information. The SBC brake system must be deactivated prior to working on the system. High pressure is intermittently built up in the system as part of its automatic self-test. In addition, the system is automatically activated when the vehicle is unlocked by remote control, when the driver or passenger door is opened, when the SmartKey in the starter switch is turned to position 1 or the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button is pressed once, when the brake pedal is depressed or when the parking brake is released. Failure to deactivate the system prior to maintenance will cause brake pistons to extend and brake fluid to leak, which may result in injuries (contusions and acid burns). Extended brake pistons may also cause injury. 82