2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS coolant level

Clock ..................................................... 28
Cockpit ................................................. 28
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 205
Collapsible tire (spare wheel) .......... 303
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch ............................ 92
Control system .................................. 113
Multifunction display .....................114
Multifunction steering wheel .........113
Resetting to factory settings ..........121
Control system menus ...................... 115
AMG ............................................... 116
Audio/DVD .................................... 119
Distronic ........................................ 120
Navigation ..................................... 120
Settings ......................................... 121
Standard display ............................ 116
Telephone ...................................... 129
Trip computer ................................ 128
Vehicle status message memory ...120
Control system submenus
Convenience .................................. 127
Instrument cluster .........................122
Lighting .......................................... 124
Vehicle ........................................... 126
Convenience submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 127
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 127
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............308
Capacities ...................................... 304
Checking level ............................... 184
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 244
Temperature gauge ........................ 112
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Corner-illuminating lamps .................. 93
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Cruise control .................................... 130
Activating ....................................... 131
Canceling ....................................... 132
Changing the set speed .................132
Last stored speed ..........................132
Lever .............................................. 131Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 232
Resume function ............................ 132
Setting current speed ....................131
Cup holders ........................................ 164
Curb weight ....................................... 205
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 22
Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 22
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 90
Switching on or off ......................... 124
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 153
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......153
Rear window .................................. 155
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 125
Interior lighting .............................. 126
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 101
With starting .................................... 99
Digital clock
see Clock
Digital speedometer ......................... 116
Dimensions (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 197
Displays
Digital speedometer ......................116
Distronic ........................................ 135
Maintenance service indicator .......214
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 226
Multifunction display .....................114
Outside temperature ...................... 116
Symbol messages ..........................237
Text messages ............................... 227
Trip computer ................................ 128
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Number .......................................... 295
Starting ............................................ 98
Turning off ..................................... 102
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 183
Additives ........................................ 306
Checking level ............................... 181
Consumption ................................. 181
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Oil dipstick ..................................... 182
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 305
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 56
ETS .................................................. 57
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 228
Warning lamp ........................ 259, 260
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 57
Express operation
Power windows ................................ 96
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 89
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 86
Fold-in function ................................ 88
Parking position ............................... 87
Power-folding ................................... 88
Switching fold-in function on or
off .................................................. 127
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 48
First aid kit ......................................... 224
Flat tire ............................................... 276
Lowering the vehicle ......................282
Mounting the spare wheel .............277
Preparing the vehicle .....................277
Spare wheel ........................... 276, 303
Floormats ........................................... 175
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 184, 304
Automatic transmission fluid .........304
Brake fluid ..................................... 304
Capacities ...................................... 303
Engine coolant ............................... 304
Engine oil ....................................... 304
Hydraulic fluid ................................ 305
Power steering fluid .......................304
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 305
Fog lamps ............................................. 91
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 250, 252
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ........................................ 88
Front air bags see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Fuel ..................................................... 178
Additives ........................................ 307
Capacity, fuel tank .........................305
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................209
Fuel consumption statistics ...........128
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........306
Refueling ........................................ 178
Requirements ................................ 307
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 179
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 303
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 305
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Refueling ........................................ 178
Fuses .................................................. 291
G
Garage door opener .................... 35, 172
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 206
Gear range ......................................... 106
Indicator ........................................ 106
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quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Only shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the
automatic transmission could be damaged.XDepress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever lock is released.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
i
Shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Only depressing the brake pedal releases
the gear selector lever lock.
XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows
the catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 209).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R An ignition cable may be damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡ (120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 184).
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
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As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
Rfailure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
\000FReset button
For information on changing the instrument
cluster settings, e.g. the language, see
(Y page 122).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
Ropen a door
Rswitch on the ignition
Rpress reset button \000F
Rswitch on the exterior lamps
iOpening a door activates the instrument
cluster illumination only for about
30 seconds.
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
Use reset button \000F to adjust the illumination
brightness for the instrument cluster and the
switches on the center console.
XTo brighten illumination: Turn reset
button \000F clockwise until the desired level
of illumination is reached.
XTo dim illumination: Turn reset
button \000F counterclockwise until the
desired level of illumination is reached.
iThe instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is located on
the left side in the instrument cluster
(Y page 30).
GWarning!
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 engine 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.
During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†).
! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display and the
red coolant temperature warning
lamp \000

Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 303).
Check the following:
REngine oil level (Y page 181)
RTire inflation pressure (Y page 189)
RCoolant level (Y page 184)
RVehicle lighting (Y page 271)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 185)
RBrake fluid (Y page 185)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever \000F.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
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! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XScrew filler cap \000F back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 303) and
(Y page 305).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If you
notice fluid leaks or malfunction messages in
the multifunction display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse 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 coolant is overheated.
RDo not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam
will be blown out under pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XUsing a rag, slowly open cap approximately1/2 turn counterclockwise to relieve excess
pressure.
XContinue turning the cap counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: is up to the upper mark
on the bracing rib of coolant expansion
tank \000F (translucent)
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap back on and tighten it.
! SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the cap
on the coolant expansion tank. Never open
the cap between the two charge-air
coolers. Otherwise, the engine could be
damaged.
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For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 304) and
(Y page 307).
Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
GWarning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir.
! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or deionized water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
washer fluid level sensor could be
damaged.
Fluid for the washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system is supplied from the washer
fluid reservoir.
During all seasons, use MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”. Mix it
with water or premixed washer solvent/
antifreeze depending on the ambient
temperature (Y page 309).
XOpening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap \000F upwards.
XRefill the washer fluid reservoir.XClosing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap \000F onto filler hole until it engages.
For more information, see “Washer system
and headlamp cleaning system”
(Y page 305).
Brake fluid level
! 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
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground.
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EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00AF
or
00BBEngine
ServiceThere may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the exhaust system
R the fuel systemXHave the engine checkedas soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.00BBService
RequiredCertain electronic systems are unable to relay information to
the control system. The coolant temperature display or the
tachometer may have failed.XHave the electronic systems checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.00BFTop Up
Coolant
See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 184).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
244Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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