2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG cooling

Adjusting air distribution
The symbols on the control represent the
following functions: Symbol Function
M
Directs air to the windshield and
through the side defroster air
vents
Q
Directs air into the entire
vehicle interior
O
Directs air to the footwells and
through the side air vents
P
Directs air through the center
and side air vents
Climate control
The air distribution can be adjusted manually.
X
Turn air distribution control =
(Y page 162) to the desired symbol.
The
air distribution is adjusted according to
the chosen setting.
You can also turn the control to a position
between two symbols.
Automatic climate control X
Turn air distribution control D
(Y page 163) to the desired symbol.
The

air distribution is adjusted according to
the chosen setting.
You can also turn the control to a position
between two symbols. Adjusting air volume
Climate control X
Decreasing/increasing: Turn air volume
control ; (Y page 162) clockwise or
counterclockwise. Automatic climate control X
Decreasing/increasing: Turn air volume
control : (Y page 163) clockwise or
counterclockwise. Front defroster
You can use this setting to defrost the
windshield, for example if it is iced up.
You can also defog the windshield and the
door windows.
i Keep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the door windows are clear
again.
X Activating: Press button ¬.
The
indicator lamp in the button comes on.
The climate control switches to the
following functions automatically:
R most efficient blower speed and heating
power, depending on outside
temperature
R air flows onto the windshield and the
door windows (side air vents must be
open)
R the air conditioning compressor
switches on at outside temperatures
above approximately 41‡ (5†) for air-
drying
R the air recirculation mode is switched off
X Deactivating: Press button ¬ again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The previous settings are once again in
effect.
i The cooling remains switched on. 168
Climate control systemControls in detail
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Windshield fogged on the outside
X
Switch the windshield wipers on
(Y page 76).
X Press button à 12
.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
Air distribution and air volume are adjusted
automatically.
or
X Turn air distribution control to P or
O. Maximum cooling MAX COOL
MAX COOL is only available in U.S. vehicles
with automatic climate control.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
If the air distribution controls as well as the
air volume control are set to à and there
is a high demand for cooling, MAX COOL is
activated. MAX COOL appears in display H
(Y page 163).
This provides the fastest possible cooling of
the

vehicle interior (when retractable hardtop
is closed). Air recirculation mode
Switch to air recirculation mode to prevent
unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle
from the outside (e. g. before driving through
a tunnel). This setting cuts off the intake of
outside air and recirculates the air in the
passenger compartment. G
Warning!
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air conditioning is activated, or press button
¬.
X Activating: Press button g.
The
indicator lamp in the button comes on.
i The air recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures.
The

indicator lamp in button g is not lit
when the air recirculation mode is switched
on automatically.
A quantity of outside air is added after
approximately 30 minutes.
X Deactivating: Press button g again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
i The manually selected air recirculation
mode is deactivated automatically:
R after 5 minutes if the outside
temperature is below approximately
41‡ (5†)
R after 5 minutes if the air conditioning is
turned off
R after 30 minutes if the outside
temperature is above approximately
41‡ (5†) Residual heat and ventilation
With the engine turned off, it is possible to
continue to heat or ventilate the interior for
up to 30 minutes. This feature makes use of
the residual heat produced by the engine.
i If

you switch on the residual heat function
when outside temperatures are high, only
the ventilation will be switched on.
i How long the system will provide heating
depends on the coolant temperature and
the selected temperature. The blower will
run at speed setting 1 regardless of the air
volume control setting.
12 Vehicles with automatic climate control Climate control system
169
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authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
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†). G
Warning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R 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 display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R Do 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.
R Using 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.
R Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. Example illustration: SLK 350
X
Using a rag, slowly open cap ;
approximately 1
/ 2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure.
X Continue turning cap ; counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
R for cold coolant: reaches marking bar
= in coolant expansion tank :
R for warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
X Add coolant as required.
X Screw cap ; back on and tighten it.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section ( Y page 301) and
(Y page 304). Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
G
Warning!
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. 196
Engine compartmentOperation
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions+ Please
get a new
key. The SmartKey is malfunctioning.
X
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ~ Bluetooth
Ready The telephone has not yet been connected to the audio
system or COMAND system via Bluetooth
®
.
X Connect the telephone to the audio system or COMAND
system via Bluetooth ®
. ¥ Top Up
Washer
Fluid The washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir has fallen below
the minimum level.
X
Add washer fluid ( Y page 196). Engine
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions=
(USA only)
;
(Canada
only) Engine
Service There may be a malfunction in
R
the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the exhaust system
R the fuel system
X Have the engine checkedas soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ; Display
Malfunctio
n
Drive To
Workshop Certain electronic systems are unable to relay information to
the control system. The coolant temperature display or the
tachometer may have failed.
X
Have the electronic systems checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. + Top Up
Coolant
See
Operator’s
Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant (Y page 196).
X If you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. G
Warning!
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. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
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!
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. Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions? Coolant
Stop,
turn
engine
off. The coolant is too hot.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Only start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Observe the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
X If the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†). G
Warning!
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.
! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. 248
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions? Coolant
Stop,
turn
engine
off. The poly-V-belt could be broken.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
X If it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X If it is intact: Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this
message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
X Observe the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
X Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately. ? The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.
X
Observe the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
If

the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Avoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving
uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.
X Have the fan replaced as soon as possible. # The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R
alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
X Stop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.
X If it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X If it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
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Model Capacity Fuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil
filter
All models 8.5 US qt (8.0 l) Approved engine
oils
Manual
transmission
SLK 300
SLK 350 1.6 US qt (1.5 l) MB Manual
Transmission Fluid
Automatic
transmission
SLK 300
SLK 350 9.8 US qt (9.3 l) MB Automatic
Transmission Fluid
SLK 55 AMG 9.2 US qt (8.7 l)
Rear axle
SLK 300 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) MB Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)
SLK 350 1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
SLK 55 AMG 1.3 US qt (1.2 l) Fuchs Titan
EG 5010 D
Power steering
All models aprrox. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) MB Power Steering
Fluid (Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)
Brake system
All models 0.53 US qt (0.5 l) MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)
Cooling system
SLK 300
SLK 350 approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l) MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze
SLK 55 AMG approx. 11.7 US qt (11.1 l)
Fuel tank
All models 18.5 US gal (70.0 l) Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])
Fuel tank
reserve
SLK 300
SLK 350 approx. 2.4 US gal (9.0 l)
SLK 55 AMG approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
Air
conditioning
system
All models — R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
301Technical data
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of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using
mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc. Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of carbon
deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits can
build up, especially on the intake valves and
in the combustion area, leading to engine
performance problems such as:
R Warm-up hesitation
R Unstable idle
R Knocking/pinging
R Misfire
R Power loss
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasoline which contains these additives, the
use of Mercedes-Benz approved additives is
recommended.
Contact

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a
listing of approved products. Follow
directions on the product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and may
be harmful to the engine operation. !
Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor

fuel quality or from blending additional
fuel additives other than those tested and
approved by us for use on Mercedes-Benz
vehicles are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty or by any pre-owned
or Extended Limited Warranties. Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
R Corrosion protection
R Freeze protection
R Boiling

protection (by increasing the boiling
point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection to
approximately -35‡ (-37†) and corrosion
protection.
! Add premixed coolant solution only.
Adding water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze separately from each other,
could cause engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37†), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†).
The coolant solution must be used year round
to provide the necessary corrosion protection
and increase boil-over protection. Refer to
the Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solution
or other Mercedes-Benz approved products
of equal specification are used to renew the
coolant concentration or bring it back up to
the proper level. 304
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Technical data
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