2000 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 Level control system

212 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Roll bar warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
roll bar warning lamp comes on and goes out
with the engine running.
Have the roll bar system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.ADS indicator lamp
If the malfunction indicator stays on after
the engine is running, then the oil level in
the reservoir is low or the system has
detected a malfunction.
Have the ADS checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
For detailed information see page 199
Wa r n i n g !
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting
the engine, or if it comes on while driving, and the
indicator lamps in the roll bar switch blink
simultaneously, then the roll bar system is not
operating properly and may not activate in an
accident. In this case, raise the roll bar manually
(see page 118) before continuing to drive.

224 Coolant level
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Adding coolant
If coolant has to be add ed, a 50/50 mix ture of water and
MB anticorrosion/antifreeze should be added.
Model SL 500
The drain plugs for the cooling system are located on
the right side of the engine block and at the bottom of
the radiator.
Model SL 600
The drain plugs for the cooling system are located on
the right and left sides of the engine block and at the
bottom of the radiator.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze, see coolants on page 280.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury:
• Use extreme caution when opening the hood if
there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated.• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above 194°F
(90°C). Allow engine to cool down before
removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains
hot fluid and is under pressure.• Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 1/2
turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine
parts.

225 Coolant level
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
1Windshield washer/headlamp cleaning system
fluid reservoir
Ve h i c l e s w i t h o u t A D S :
Capacity approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 l)
Ve h i c l e s w i t h A D S :
Capacity approx. 3.2 US qt (3.0 l)The reservoir should be refilled with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or concentrate
commercially available premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze, depending on ambient
temperatures).
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).
1
P82.35-0231-26

247 Exterior lamps
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Adjusting headlamp aim
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely important.
To check and readjust a headlamp, follow steps 1
through 7. Please note:
• Adjustments to low beam simultaneously aim the
high beam.
• Vehicle should have a normal trunk load.
• Vertical aim adjustments change horizontal aim.1. Park vehicle on level surface approximately 25 ft.
(7.6 m) from a vertical test screen or wall. The
centerline of the vehicle must be at a 90° angle to
the test screen.
2. (Low beams on):
Using a carpenter‘s level, align and mark a vertical
centerline (8) on the test screen using the vertex of
the angle formed in each beam image. As a check,
the distance between centerlines should be 49
5/8
inches (1260 mm). If the distance does not check,
have the system verified by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
3. Open hood.
4. Vertical headlamp aim (Low beams on):
T u rn a d j u st i n g sc re w ( 2 ) ( c o u n t e rc l oc k w i s e to a d j u st
headlamp downward, clockwise upward) until
bubble in the level (6) is centered on the “0” mark.
Graduations: 0.18° pitch.

281 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index the engine temperature will increase due to the lower
h eat transfer ca pa bil ity of th e sol ution. Therefore, d o not
use more than this amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB anticorrosion/
antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet minimum
requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If your are not sure about the water
quality, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The
use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used
in such e ng ines b e specif ica lly formul ated to protec t th e
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly
shortened service life).
Therefore the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your car: Mercedes-Benz
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in
the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration checked. The
coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring
your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
Model Approx. freeze protection
-35°F
(-37°C)-49°F
(-45°C)
SL 500 6.6 US qt
(6.25 l)7. 3 U S q t
(6.9 l)
SL 600 10.6 US qt
(10.0 l)11 . 6 U S q t
(11.0 l)

285
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 190
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................208
Adj usting steering c ol umn
Storing steering column position in memory ........ 70
ADS indicator lamp ....................................................... 212
ADS warning lamp ......................................................... 212
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........................................278
Airbags .............................................................................. 60
Airbag OFF indicator lamp ...................................... 213
SRS indicator lamp ...................................................206
Antenna ........................................................................... 151
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 190
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 42
Aquaplaning ................................................................... 180
Armrest ........................................................................... 127
Ashtrays .................................................................. 130, 131
Audio system
Anti-theft system ...................................................... 100
Button and soft key operation ................................. 101
Cassette mode ........................................................... 106
CD changer .................................................................110CD mode ..................................................................... 109
Operating and display elements ...............................99
Operating safety ..........................................................98
Operation ............................................................. 98, 102
Radio mode ................................................................ 104
Telephone operation ................................................. 113
Automatic climate control ..............................................90
Air distribution ............................................................95
Air recirculation ..........................................................96
Air volume .................................................................... 95
Basic setting - automatic mode ................................. 93
Defogging windows .....................................................94
Defrosting .....................................................................94
Display and controls ...................................................92
Dust filter .....................................................................97
Rear window defroster ............................................... 95
Residual engine heat utilization ...............................96
Automatic transmission ................................................ 168
Emergency operation ............................................... 174
Fluid level ...................................................................221
Maneuvering ..............................................................172
Program mode selector switch ................................173
Selector lever positions ............................................ 169

286
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 58
Self-test ......................................................................... 59
Backrest ............................................................................. 48
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................ 188
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................207
Battery .............................................................................236
Charge indicator lamp .............................................. 211
Recycling ....................................................................237
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 188
Brake fluid ......................................................................278
Capacity ...................................................................... 276
Brake pad wear indicator lamp ....................................205
Brake warning lamp ......................................................204
CCatalytic converter ........................................................ 163
Central locking system ................................................... 30
Automatic central locking ......................................... 38
Central locking switch ............................................... 37
General notes ............................................................... 34
Locking and unlocking with remote control .......... 31
Remote control ..................................................... 28, 30Remote control – changing batteries ..................... 251
Vehicle keys .................................................................28
Changing wheels ........................................................... 230
Charge indicator lamp ................................................... 211
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp ................ 204
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 202
Checking engine oil level .............................................221
Checking engine oil level indicator .............................. 82
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................. 261
Clock .................................................................................. 79
Combination switch .........................................................86
Console storage compartments ....................................127
Consumer information ................................................. 282
Control and operation of radio transmitters .............. 153
Coolant
Adding coolant .......................................................... 224
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity .........................281
Checking level .......................................................... 223
Coolants ..................................................................... 280
Low engine coolant level warning lamp ............... 209
Temperature gauge .....................................................78
Cruise control ................................................................. 185
Cup holder .............................................................. 128, 264

289
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Malfunction and indicator lamps ...........................204
Instruments and controls ............................................... 18
Interior
General notes ............................................................. 124
Interior central locking system ................................... 125
Integration with vehicle central locking system . 126
Separate locking of storage compartments ........... 126
Interior lamps ................................................................. 120
Interior lighting ............................................................. 120
JJump starting ..................................................................238KKeys .................................................................................... 28
Flat key ......................................................................... 29
Master key .................................................................... 28
Valet key ....................................................................... 29LLayout of poly-V-belt drive ............................................ 271Leather upholstery ........................................................ 267
Level control system ...................................................... 196
Lighter ............................................................................. 131
Locking the vehicle .......................................................... 31
MMaintenance ................................................................... 154
Malfunction lamps in the instrument cluster .......... 204
Multicontour seats ........................................................... 49NNight security illumination ............................................ 85OOdometer display field .................................................... 82
On-board diagnostic system ........................................ 204
Opening the trunk ........................................................... 32
Outside temperature indicator .......................................78