2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS check engine

XUsing a rag, slowly open cap :
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure.
XContinue turning cap : counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: reaches the top of the
mark (plastic bridge) in coolant
expansion tank ;
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap : back on and tighten it.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 425) and
(Y page 428).
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 425).
XOpening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap : upwards.
XRefill the washer fluid reservoir.XClosing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap : onto filler hole until it engages.
For more information, see “Washer system
and headlamp cleaning system”
(Y page 425).
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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ROnly use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESC ( Y page 62)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the transmission to neutral position N. Try to
keep the vehicle under control by corrective
steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 347).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly - save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
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advisable to brake the vehicle with
considerable force prior to parking. The heat
generated serves to dry the brakes.
Salt-covered roadsGWarning!
A layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake
linings may cause a delay in the braking
effect, resulting in a significantly increased
braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully when you are
driving on salt-covered roads, so that any
layer of salt that may have built up on the
brake discs and the brake linings is
removed without putting other road users
at risk
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake disc
Brake service
! The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the red brake warning lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on while the
engine is running and an acoustic warning
sounds. Observe additional messages in
the multifunction display that may appear.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
GWarning!
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position
0 or 1, or SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the rear axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should occasionally test
the effectiveness of the brakes by applying
above-normal braking pressure at higher
speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the
brake pads.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) ( Y page 62).
High-performance brake system and
ceramic brake system
GWarning!
New vehicle brake pads and disks, and
replacement brake pads and disks may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
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Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed to operate under the extremely high
operating demands required to
accommodate the performance capabilities
of the vehicle.
The brakes may produce a squeaking-type
noise depending on the
R vehicle speed
R brake force applied
R ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and
humidity
As with any brake system, the wear of
individual brake system components such as
brake pads or disks strongly depends on your
driving style and the conditions under which
you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driving style
calling for high-demand braking will cause
your vehicle’s brakes to wear more quickly.
Driving off
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place
full load on the engine until the operating
temperature has been reached.
! When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
Doing so may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on
the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low
speeds and with new tires. In heavy rain or
when conditions indicate possible
hydroplaning:XReduce vehicle speed.XAvoid track grooves in the road.XApply brakes cautiously.
Standing water
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Before driving through water, determine its
depth.
If you must drive through standing water,
drive slowly to prevent water from entering
the passenger compartment or the engine
compartment. Water in these areas could
cause damage to electrical components or
wiring of the engine or transmission, or
could result in water being ingested by the
engine through the air intake causing
severe internal engine damage. Any such
damage is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Driving abroad
If you plan to drive the vehicle outside the U.S.
or Canada, you should request dealer
network information for your destination from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Safety notes
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
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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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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
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 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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