2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SL65AMG Owner's Manual

344 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
-The yellow ABS indicator lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP® are also
switched off (see messages in display).
The electro-hydraulic brake system is still
functioning normally but without the ABS
available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, oth-
er systems such as Parktronic*, Distronic*,
or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 359).
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ABS was switched off.
The battery may not be sufficiently charged.When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again and
the ABS indicator lamp should go out.
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out:
Have the generator (alternator) and
battery checked.

345 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
;(USA only)
3(Canada only)
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving and
you hear a warning sound.
You are driving with the parking brake set.Release the parking brake
(
page 55).
;(USA only)
3(Canada only)
The red brake warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running and you hear a warn-
ing sound.

There is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system.

There is insufficient brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 359).
Risk of accident! Carefully stop the
vehicle in a safe location or as soon as
it is safe to do so and contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do
not add brake fluid! This will not solve
the problem.
Warning!G
Driving with the brake warning lamp illumi-
nated can result in an accident. Have your
brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake
system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir
can result in spilling brake fluid on hot
engine parts and the brake fluid catching
fire. You could be seriously burned.!If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks.

346 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
ú(USA only)
±(Canada only)
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on when
the engine is running.
There is a malfunction in:

The fuel injection system

The ignition system

The emission control system

Systems which effect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive
emissions values and may switch the engine
to its limp-home (emergency operation)
mode.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
An on-board diagnostic connector is
used by the service station to link the
vehicle to the shop diagnostics
system. It allows the accurate identifi-
cation of system malfunctions
through the readout of diagnostic
trouble codes. It is located in the front
left area of the footwell next to the
parking brake pedal.
iSome states may by law require you to visit
a workshop as soon as the engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Check local require-
ments.

347 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
ú(USA only)
±(Canada only)
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on when
the engine is running.
The fuel filler cap is not closed tightly.Check the fuel filler cap (page 279).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel filler cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

348 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
DThe red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently,
there is a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric ra-
diator fan may be broken. Immediately add coolant to prevent
engine from overheating
(
page 288).
Have the cooling system checked.
If the coolant temperature is below
248°F (120°C), you can continue
driving to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
DThe red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running and you hear a warning
sound.The coolant temperature has exceeded
248°F (120°C).Stop in a safe location as soon as pos-
sible and allow the engine and coolant
to cool down.

349 Practical hints
What to do if …
During severe operating conditions, e.g.
stop-and-go traffic, the coolant tempera-
ture may rise close to 248°F (120°C).
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of
the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle
until the engine has cooled down.
!The engine should not be operated with the
coolant temperature above 248°F (120°C).
Doing so may cause serious engine damage
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

350 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
EThe white Distronic* indicator
lamp comes on while driving.The Distronic* distance sensor has recog-
nized a preceding vehicle.
EThe red distance warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle
ahead of you.

The distance warning system has
recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.
Apply the brakes immediately.
Carefully observe the traffic situation.
You may need to brake or maneuver
to avoid hitting an obstacle.
AThe yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp lights when the
engine is running.The fuel level has dropped below the reserve
mark.Refuel at the next gas station
(
page 279).
The fuel filler cap is not closed tightly.Check the fuel filler cap (page 279).

351 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
CThe yellow roll bar warning lamp
comes on or flickers when the
engine is running.The roll bar system is malfunctioning.For safety reasons, always have the roll
bar raised when driving with the retract-
able hardtop open.
Attempt to raise the roll bar manually
(
page 83).
Have the roll bar checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Warning!G
If the roll bar warning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not go out after
starting the engine, flickers, or if it comes on
while driving, the roll bar system is not oper-
ating properly and may not activate in an
accident. At the same time, the message
Raise Roll-over Bar appears in the
multifunction display. In this case, raise the
roll bar manually before continuing to drive
(
page 83).
For safety reasons, drive only with the roll
bar raised until the malfunction has been
repaired. Have your vehicle checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.