2005 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 443

Technical terms ESP (Electronic Stability Program) Improves vehicle handling and directional stability. ETD (Emergency Tensioning Device) Device which deploys in certain frontal and rear collisions exceeding the system's threshold to tighten the seat belts. ->SRS FSS (Canada vehicles) (Flexible Service System) Service indicator in the multifunction display that informs the driver when the next vehicle maintenance service is due. Gear range Number of gears which are available to the automatic transmission for shifting. The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to specific operating conditions using the gear selector lever. GPS (Global Positioning System) Satellite-based system for relaying geographic location information to and from vehicles equipped with special receivers. Employs CD digital maps for navigation. Head-thorax airbag Installed in the doors, these airbags protect occupants during side impact collisions exceeding a preset threshold. Unlike normal side airbags, head-thorax airbags are also designed to provide protection for the head area. Instrument cluster The displays and indicator/warning lamps in the driver's field of vision, including the tachometer, speedometer, engine temperature and fuel gauge. KEYLESS-GO* System for entering and operating the vehicle without the use of a key. Kickdown Depressing the accelerator past the point of resistance shifts the transmission down to the lowest possible gear. This very quickly accelerates the vehicle and should not be used for normal acceleration needs. Lock button Button on the door which indicates whether the door is locked or unlocked. Pushing the lock button down on an individual door from inside will lock that door. Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) Maintenance service indicator in the multifunction display that informs the driver when the next vehicle maintenance service is due. The Maintenance system tracks distance driven and teh time elapsed since the last maintenance service, calculates other maintenance service work required, and calls for the next service accordingly. 441