One-touch gearshifting, Controls in detail – Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2009 Owners Manual User Manual
Page 122
Automatic transmission
120
will go to automatic program mode (
C or
S) when the engine is restarted.
X
All models except SL 63 AMG: Press the
program mode selector switch repeatedly
until the letter of the desired program mode
appears in the right multifunction display.
X
SL 63 AMG: Turn the program mode selec-
tor dial until the letter of the desired pro-
gram mode appears in the right multifunc-
tion display.
Selecting program mode
C means:
R
The vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
R
Traction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
R
Upshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower rpms and the wheels are less likely
to spin.
Selecting program mode
S means that
upshifts occur later.
With the automatic transmission in drive posi-
tion
D and driving in automatic program mode
C or S, you can limit or extend the gear range
using the gear selector lever or the steering
wheel gearshift contol.
U.S. vehicles: Steering wheel gearshift con-
trol is available on vehicles with AMG Sport
Package, on SL 63 AMG, and on SL 65 AMG
only.
SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG: For information
on using the gear selector lever or the steer-
ing wheel gearshift control in manual program
mode
M, see “Manual shift pro-
Steering wheel gearshift control (example illustra-
tion)
1
Limiting gear range
Downshift (in manual program mode
M)
2
Extending gear range
Upshift (in manual program mode
M)
i
You cannot shift with the steering wheel
gearshift control when the automatic trans-
mission is in park position
P, neutral posi-
tion
N, or reverse gear R.
Limiting gear range
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
Controls in detail