2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class odometer

82 Checking engine oil level
Te ch n ica l
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 flashes in the odometer display field 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
Te ch n ica l
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 222.
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.

155 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2000 miles (2000 km) prior to
the next recommended service, the remaining distance
or days are displayed in the main odometer field. See
Flexible service system on page 80.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, in
accordance with the Service Booklet at the times called
for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times/
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

203 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster display Malfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................204
On-board
diagnostic system .......................204
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................204
Brake warning lamp ..................205
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp .............................205
Seat belt warning lamp .............206
Supplemental
restra int system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................206Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 207
Electronic stability program
(ESP)- warning lamp ................. 207
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 207
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 208
Low engine coolant
level warning lamp .................... 209
Low windshield and
headlamp washer
system fluid level
warning lamp ..............................210
Low engine oil level
warning lamp ..............................210Charge indicator lamp ............... 211
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp ............................. 211
Roll bar warning lamp ............... 212
ADS indicator lamp .................... 212
High beam
indicator lamp ............................. 213
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) .......... 213
Malfunction and
indicator lamp
(in the dashboard) .................... 213
Passenger airbag
indicator lamp ............................. 213

213 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index High beam indicator lamp
High beam indicator lamp, see page 86
Additional function indicator lamps
(in the odometer display)
FSS indicator (distance, Service A),
seepage80.
FSS indicator (distance, Service B),
seepage80.
FSS indicator (days, Service A),
seepage80.
FSS indicator (days, Service B),
seepage80.
Start lock-out malfunction, see page 33.Malfunction and indicator lamp
(in the dashboard)
Passenger airbag indicator lamp
üPassenger airbag automatically switched off,
see page 60.

290 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
NNight security illumination ........................................... 85OOdometer display field .................................................... 82
On-board diagnostic system .........................................204
Opening the trunk ........................................................... 31
Outside temperature indicator ...................................... 78PPanic button ...................................................................... 32
Parcel net in passenger footwell ................................. 128
Parking ............................................................................ 178
Parking brake ................................................................. 175
Brake warning lamp .................................................205
Passenger airbag indicator lamp ................................. 213
Power assistance ............................................................ 177
Power sunshade ............................................................. 122
Power windows ................................................................116
Express opening ........................................................117
Opening with key ........................................................ 41
Problems with your vehicle ........................................... 14Product information .......................................................... 7
RRadio and telephone ...................................................... 154
Rain sensor ....................................................................... 87
Raising soft top manually ............................................ 254
Reading lamps ................................................................ 120
Rear storage compartment ............................................129
Rear view mirrors ............................................................ 71
Exterior ......................................................................... 72
Inside ............................................................................ 71
Remote control .................................................................28
Changing batteries .................................................. 252
Synchronizing .......................................................... 253
Replacement keys
Obtaining replacement keys ..................................... 29
Replacing wiper blade .................................................. 258
Roadside assistance call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 156
Roll bar ............................................................................ 118
Roll bar warning lamp ................................................... 212

292 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Information ................................................................ 160
Initiating an emergency call ................................... 158
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 159
Telephone, general ........................................................ 132
Telephones and two-way radio ..................................... 154
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ................................ 155
Tires
Driving instructions ................................................. 179
Inflation pressure .....................................................235
Replacement ..............................................................227
Speed rating ............................................................... 181
Traction ...................................................................... 180
Tow-away alarm ................................................................ 43
Tow-away protection ........................................................ 43
Towing the vehicle ......................................................... 241
Trip odometer ................................................................... 79
Trunk ................................................................................. 38
Trunk lamp .....................................................................260
Trunk lid
Emergency release ..................................................... 40
Trunk lid release switch ................................................. 39
UUnlocking the vehicle ...................................................... 30VVehicle jack ..................................................................... 218
Vehicle tools .................................................................... 217WWarranty coverage ........................................................ 270
What you should know
at the gas station ...................................................... 200
Wheels ............................................................................ 227
Changing ....................................................................231
Rotating ..................................................................... 228
Spare wheel ............................................................... 229
Tire replacement ...................................................... 227
Where to find it ................................................................ 13
Wind screen ....................................................................148
Installation .................................................................148
Removal ...................................................................... 150
Setting up ................................................................... 150