2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS engine

Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle.
Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Not following the
proper maintenance service as described
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.
GWarning!
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.354Vehicle careOperation
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Have paintwork repairs performed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have stone chipping repairs as soon as
possible.
Remove the following immediately if possible.
Do not apply strong force.
R Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse them of with water afterwards.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush for remains
that have not come off.
R Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
them of with water afterwards. Use a soft
bristle toothbrush for remains that have not
come off.
R Remove tree resins, grease, oil, wax, and
gasoline with commercially available
benzine.
R Dab off tar splashes or tar stains with tar
remover.
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components
and connectors from contact with water and
cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the
engine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage
bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be
protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of
road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.
GWarning!
After washing the vehicle, braking efficiency
may be reduced. Reduced braking efficiency
could cause an accident.
Brake the vehicle significantly after washing
the vehicle. Observe the traffic situation when
doing so. The brake discs will warm up and
dry faster. Drive carefully after washing the
vehicle until the brakes have dried and you
can notice that brake efficiency has been
restored.
Hand-washXDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.XOnly use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to
clean the vehicle.XOnly use a mild vehicle wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.XThoroughly spray the vehicle with a
diffused jet of water.XDo not spray directly towards the
ventilation intake.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
and chamois frequently.XRinse with clean water and dry with a
chamois thoroughly.
Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Automatic car wash
You can have your vehicle washed in an
automatic car wash from the start. Brushless
car washes are preferable.
XTo protect the filter system, activate the air
recirculation mode using button g on
the climate control panel.
! Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which uses caustic
spray. Caustic spray will damage the paint
or ornamental moldings.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before
running it through the automatic car wash.
! Make sure the combination switch is set
to wiper setting $. Otherwise, the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers
to move unintentionally. This may lead to
vehicle damage.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsOnly Shift to 'P'
when Vehicle is
StationaryYou have attempted to shift the transmission into park position
P although the vehicle was still in motion.XStop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XShift the transmission to park position P.Shift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start EngineYou have attempted to start the engine while the transmission was
in reverse gear R or drive position D.XShift the transmission into park position P or neutral position
N . Make sure the brake pedal is depressed.Auxiliary Battery
MalfunctionThe backup battery for the transmission is no longer charging. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire pressures
will be displayed
after driving a
few minutesThe tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.XDrive the vehicle for a few minutes.Tire Pressure
Monitor
InoperativeThe Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning. XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.Tire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel SensorsThere are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted
(e.g. winter tires).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.XHave the appropriate wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.TirePress.
Sensor(s)MissingAt least one sensor is defect (e.g. battery is empty).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire inflation
pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.368Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only) !
(Canada only)
Parking Brake See
Oper. ManualIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake
flashes and the yellow warning lamp for the electronic parking
brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.F
(USA only) !
(Canada only)
Parking Brake See
Oper. ManualWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the red
indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes for
approximately 10 seconds. Afterward, it goes out or comes on
continuously. The yellow warning lamp for the electronic parking
brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning or overheated for
example due to overvoltage or undervoltage.XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
In the event of overvoltage or undervoltage:
XRemove the cause of the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g.
charge the battery or restart the engine.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake still cannot be released:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
If overheated:
XLet vehicle cool down, and do not engage electronic parking
brake during this time.
or
XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display375Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 375Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only) !
(Canada only)
Parking Brake
InoperativeWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the red
indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes and goes
out after approx. 10 seconds. The yellow warning lamp for the
electronic parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake cannot be engaged:
XShift the transmission to park position P (Y page 263).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using a chock
from the vehicle tool kit ( Y page 362).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.$
(USA only) J
(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside
Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
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 can 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.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÑ
Rear Spoiler
Control System
InoperativeThe Trunk Wing does not retract to its home position completely
and will extend again if possible.
If movement of the Trunk Wing is blocked, for example by ice:XMake sure to eliminate the cause for the blockage.XTurn off the engine and lock the vehicle.XAfter a few minutes, start the engine.
The Trunk Wing will move to its home position.
If the problem still persists or the cause cannot be identified:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Ñ
Rear Spoiler
Inoperative Limit
125 mphThe Trunk Wing does not extend into its end position completely.
It will only extend as far as possible.
The vehicle speed is limited to 125 mph (200 km/h).
If movement of the Trunk Wing is blocked, for example by ice:XMake sure to eliminate the cause for the blockage.XTurn off the engine and lock the vehicle.XAfter a few minutes, start the engine.
The Trunk Wing will move to its home position.
If the problem still persists or the cause cannot be identified:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsNThe trunk is open. XClose the trunk ( Y page 240).LYou are driving with the hood open. XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to do so.XClose the hood ( Y page 322).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
´You are driving with at least one door open.
The display symbol shows you which doors are open.XClose all doors.+
Take Your Key from
IgnitionYou have forgotten to remove the SmartKey. XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display379Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 379Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Obtain a New KeyThe SmartKey is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.+
Close Doors to
Lock VehicleYou tried to lock the vehicle but not all doors were closed.XClose doors and lock the vehicle again.+
Key Does Not
Belong to VehicleThe SmartKey in the starter switch does not belong to the vehicle.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.+
Replace Key BatteryThe battery in the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is discharged.XReplace the battery ( Y page 399).+
Key Not Detected
(message appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the engine
is running because the SmartKey is not in the vehicle.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XSearch for the SmartKey.
The vehicle cannot be locked centrally nor can the engine be
started again after the engine is stopped.+
Key Not Detected
(message appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the engine
is running because there is strong radio-frequency interference.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.+
Key Not Detected
(message appears in
white)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is momentarily not detected.XChange the position of the SmartKey in the vehicle.XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.+
Insert KeyThe KEYLESS-GO system is malfunctioning.XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.¥
Check Washer FluidThe washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir has fallen below the
minimum level. XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 325).380Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low. XAdd coolant ( Y page 324).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.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XOnly start the engine again after the message disappears. You
could otherwise damage the engine.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction display.XIf 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†).
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.
! 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.
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