2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS Owner's Manual

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic systemXStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf 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.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent with
reduced braking responsiveness.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next RefuelingThe engine oil has dropped to a critical level. XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 323) and add engine oil as
required ( Y page 323).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine checked
for possible leaks.
If the message Check Engine Oil At Next Refueling appears while the engine is running
and at operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the minimum
level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle status message memory after you have cleared it
from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest service station
to refill your engine oil to the required level.
For information on approved engine oils contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or visit
http://www.MBUSA.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
could result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCThe fuel level is low.XRefuel at the next gas station.8
Fuel Level LowThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark. XRefuel at the next gas station.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display383Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 383Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8
Gas Cap LooseA loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaking.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 321).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.¸
Replace Air FilterThe air filter is clogged. XHave the air filter checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.!
Check Fuel FilterThere is water in the fuel filter.XHave the water drained at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Lamps
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left Daytime
Running Light
or
Check Right
Daytime Running
LightThe left or right daytime running lamps are malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Left Reverse
Lamp
or
Check Right
Reverse LampThe left or right backup lamp is malfunctioning. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Center Brake
LampThe high-mounted brake lamp is malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.384Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Front Left
Sidemarker Lamp
or
Check Front Right
Sidemarker LampThe front left side or right side marker lamp is malfunctioning. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Rear Left
Sidemarker Lamp
or
Check Rear Right
Sidemarker LampThe rear left side or right side marker lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Front Left
Parking Lamp
or
Check Front Right
Parking LampThe left or right front parking lamp is malfunctioning. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Left High
Beam
or
Check Right High
BeamThe left or right high-beam lamp is malfunctioning. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Left License
Plate Lamp
or
Check Right
License Plate LampThe left or right license plate lamp is malfunctioning. XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 400).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display385Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 385Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Auto Lamp Function
InoperativeThe light sensor is malfunctioning. The headlamps come on
automatically. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
To switch off the headlamps (U.S. vehicles only):
XSwitch off the daytime running lamp mode in the control system
( Y page 284).XSwitch off the headlamps using the exterior lamp switch
( Y page 250).b
Check Left Low Beam
or
Check Right Low
BeamThe left or right low-beam lamp is malfunctioning. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Switch Off LightsYou have removed the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO from the
vehicle and left the headlamps on or removed the SmartKey from
the starter switch, opened the driver’s door and left the headlamps
on.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to c (Y page 250).b
Check Left Tail
and Brake Lamps
or
Check Right Tail
and Brake LampsThe left or right tail lamp/brake lamp is malfunctioning. This
message will only appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Rear Left
Turn Signal
or
Check Rear Right
Turn SignalThe left or right rear turn signal lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.386Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Front Left
Turn Signal
or
Check Front Right
Turn SignalThe left or right front turn signal lamp is malfunctioning. XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.b
Check Left Mirror
Turn Signal
or
Check Right Mirror
Turn SignalThe turn signal in the left or right exterior rear view mirror is
malfunctioning. This message will only appear if all LEDs have
stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Tire Press.
Warning Caution
Tire MalfunctionAt least one tire is deflating.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 405).h
Check Tire PressureThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly below
the reference value.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 405).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display387Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 387Z

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-SPEED TransmissionDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsj
Parking Lock
Malfunct. Apply
Parking BrakeThe transmission cannot be shifted to park position P anymore.XMake sure the electronic parking brake is engaged.XBlock the wheels of the vehicle with suitable objects before
leaving the vehicle.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Have the vehicle
transported with all wheels off the ground or towed with the rear
axle raised ( Y page 415).d
Stop Engage 'P'The transmission is malfunctioning. The vehicle is not propelled
anymore and will coast to standstill.XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.d
Transmission Oil
Cooling
MalfunctionThe coolant pump of the transmission is malfunctioning. The
transmission could overheat.XSelect the AMG menu via the control system ( Y page 287) and
check the transmission fluid temperature.XAvoid heavy load on the engine and transmission such as a
dynamic manner of driving.XWhen the transmission fluid temperature is below 248‡
(120 †), continue to drive to the next authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.d
Trans. Oil
Overheated Drive
on with CareThe transmission fluid is overheated. Manual program mode M
and limiting the gear range are not available anymore. The engine
output is limited according to the degree of the overheating.XReduce the transmission fluid temperature by moderate driving.What to do if...
Lamps in the instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The low-
beam headlamp indicator lamp, high-beam
headlamp indicator lamp, turn signal
indicator lamps, and the indicator lamp for
the rear fog lamp will only come on if
activated. If a lamp in the instrument cluster
fails to come on when the ignition is switched
on, have it checked and replaced if necessary.388What to do if...Practical hints
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BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running. The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the ESC, and the hill-start assist
system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
÷
å
!The yellow ESC
warning lamp,
the yellow ESC
OFF warning
lamp, and the
yellow ABS
indicator lamp
come on while
the engine is
running and an
acoustic
warning sounds.The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) switched off due to a
malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the ESC, and the hill-start assist system are
also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF (USA only)
! (Canada only)
The red indicator lamp
for the electronic
parking brake flashes
and/or the yellow
warning lamp for the
electronic parking
brake is on.The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning or defective.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. 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.
390What to do if...Practical hints
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