2000 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 operation

82 Checking engine oil level indicator
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Engine oil level indicator in odometer display field
(Model SL 500)
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and
wait until the symbols : and I appear in the
odometer display field.
Within 1 second press button “1” twice.The following messages are available:
“OK”
“-1.0 Q” (Canada: -1.0 L)
“-1.5 Q” (Canada: -1.5 L)
“-2.0 Q” (Canada: -2.0 L)
If the message “-2.0 Q” (Canada: -2.0 L) blinks and a
signal sounds, add oil to upper (max) mark of the
dipstick.
“HI”
The message “HI” blinks and a signal sounds.
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could
cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The symbol I f la sh es in th e od ome ter display f ield if
a proper oil level check cannot be performed.
The oil level check can be repeated after a short time.
Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot
be completed via the odometer display field.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Center.

83 Checking engine oil level indicator
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
If the symbols : and I are continuously
illuminated after pressing button (1) twice and there is
no change in the odometer display field or the low
engine oil level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction
has occurred to the system. Perform the engine oil level
check with the dipstick.
If no oil leaks are noted continue to drive to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center to have the system checked.
Observe the engine oil temperature gauge.
Fuel consumption gauge
While driving, instantaneous fuel consumption is
indicated in miles per gallon (mpg), or in Canada liters
per 100 kilometers (l/100 km).
With the engine switched off, the needle reads “0”.
Due to system design, minimum consumption is
indicated at idle speed.Engine oil temperature gauge
Normal operating engine oil temperatures are from
175 F (80 C) to 250 F (120 C).
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go
traffic, the engine oil temperature may rise close to the
red marking.
The engine should not be operated with the engine oil
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
When the engine oil temperature is close to the red
marking, relieve the load on the engine by decreasing
vehicle speed to lower engine oil temperature.
Once the engine oil temperature returns to the normal
temperature range, the engine oil level should be
checked. See page 82 or 221.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption.

84 Exterior lamp switch
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Exterior lamp switch
DOff
CParking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps,
licence plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low
beam is additionally switched on.
BParking lamps plus low beam or high beam
headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
ˆStanding lamps, right (turn left one stop)
‚Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops)…Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking
lamps and/or low beam headlamps on. Green
indicator in lamp switch comes on.
„Rear fog lamp (pull out to second detent) in
addition to the front fog lamps. Yellow indicator in
lamp switch comes on.
Note:
With the key removed and a door open, a warning
sounds if the vehicle’s exterior lamps (except standing
lamps) are not switched off.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and/or
the low beam headlamps on. Fog lamps should only be
used in conjunction with low beam headlamps. Consult
your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding allowable lamp operation.
Fog lamps are automatically switched off when the
exterior lamp switch is turned to position D.

85 Exterior lamp switch
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Standing lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the street the standing
lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned
on, making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles.
The standing lamps cannot be operated with the key in
steering lock position 2.
Daytime running lamp mode
When the engine is running and the selector lever is in
a driving position, the low beam headlamps (includes
parking lamps, side marker lamps, taillamps and
license plate lamps) are automatically switched on.
When shifting from a driving position to position “N”
or “P”, the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay).
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should
be turned to position B to permit activation of the
high beam headlamps.Night security illumination
When exiting the vehicle after driving with the exterior
lamps on, they switch on again for added illumination
for approximately 30 seconds after closing the last door.
The lamp-on time period can be changed at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.

86 Combination switch
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and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Combination switch
1Low beam (exterior lamp switch position B)
2High beam (exterior lamp switch position B)
3High beam flasher (high beam available
independent of exterior lamp switch position)
4Turn signals, right
5Turn signals, leftTo signal minor directional changes, such as changing
lanes on a highway, move combination switch to the
point of resistance only and hold it there.
To operate the turn signals continuously, move the
combination switch past the point of resistance (up or
down). The switch is automatically canceled when the
steering wheel is turned to a large enough degree.
Turn signal failure
If one of the turn signal lamps fails, the turn signal
indicator system flashes and sounds at a faster than
normal rate.

87 Combination switch
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 6Press switch briefly:
One wipe without washer water
(select only if windshield is wet).
Press switch past resistance point:
Windshield washer, windshield wiper;
headlamp cleaning system only in exterior lamp
switch positions C or B (except xenon
lamps).
Canada only: also in position D when the engine
is running.7Windshield wiper
0Wiper off
I Intermittent wiping
One initial wipe, pauses between wipes are
automatically controlled by a rain sensor
monitoring the wetness of the windshield.
Notes:
With switch in this position, one wipe occurs
when turning the key in steering lock from
position 0.
Do not leave in inte rmittent se tting w hen vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Wiper will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and wiper
may be damaged as a result.
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed
Note:
The windshield washer reservoir, hoses and nozzles are
automatically heated.
7
6
P54.25-0313-26

88 Combination switch
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Blocked windshield wiper
If the windshield wiper becomes blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wiper.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate combination switch again (key in steering lock
position 1).
Windshield wiper smears
If the windshield wiper smears the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.Windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water
1 part “S” to 100 parts water
(40 ml “S” to 1 gallon water).
For temperature below freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and
commercially available premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze
1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
(40 ml “S” to 1 gallon solvent).

89 Hazard warning flasher switch
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Hazard warning flasher switchThe hazard warning f lasher can be activated manually
via the switch located in the dashboard.
To activate hazard warning flasher, press switch once.
To deactivate, press switch again.
Note:
With the hazard warning flasher activated, and the
combination switch in position for either left or right
turn with key in steering lock position 2, only the
respective left or right side turn signals will operate.
P82.25-2055-26