2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG engine coolant

Check the following:
R
Engine oil level ( Y page 193)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 201)
R Coolant level ( Y page 196)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 267)
R Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 196)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 197) Engine compartment
Hood
G
Warning!
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 G
Warning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display 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. G
Warning!
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. G
Warning!
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. G
Warning!
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
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually X
Pull hood lock release lever :.
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. 192
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X
Slowly insert oil dipstick : fully into the
dipstick guide tube.
X Pull out oil dipstick : again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark = and upper (max)
mark ; of oil dipstick :.
i The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
X If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 300).
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 250).
Checking engine oil level with the
control system On the SLK 55 AMG you can check the engine
oil level with the control system.
X
Switch on the ignition.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display ( Y page 96).
X Press button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the following message appears in the
multifunction display: One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the multifunction
display:
R
Engine Oil Level OK
R Add 1.0 qt. (Canada: 1.0 liter)
to reach max. oil level.
R Add 1.5 qts. (Canada: 1.5 liters)
to reach max. oil level.
R Add 2.0 qts. (Canada: 2.0 liters)
to reach max. oil level.
i If you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button * or & on
the multifunction steering wheel.
X If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 300).
Other display messages
If the ignition is not switched on, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Turn on ignition
to see engine oil level.
X Switch on the ignition.
If you see the message:
Observe
Waiting Time
X If the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
X If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If you see the message:
Cannot check engine oil level
with engine on.
X Turn off the engine.
X If the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before checking oil.
X If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil. 194
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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
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in the Maintenance Booklet will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Notes Regular and proper care will help to maintain
the value of your vehicle.
G
Warning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s

doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! When cleaning the vehicle, do not use
scouring agents. Never apply strong force
and only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface to be cleaned.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R
Grease and oil
R Fuel
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Bird droppings
R Insects
R Tree resins etc.
Frequent

washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above
adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage. Any
damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of
the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough
check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damaged areas
need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of the
vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither
necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-
Benz because of the possibility of
incompatibility between materials used in the
production process and others applied later.
We have selected vehicle-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and which
always reflect the latest technology. You can
obtain Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Vehicle care
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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
Practical hints
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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
249
Practical hints
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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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