2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS fuel

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
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

VehicleProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running. The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;The yellow
engine
malfunction
indicator lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running. There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
;The yellow
engine
malfunction
indicator lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.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 by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.çThe red engine
oil temperature
warning lamp is
on while the
engine is
running. In
addition, an
acoustic
warning sounds.The engine oil temperature is above 284‡ (140†).
The engine is not cooled sufficiently and could be damaged.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so and turn off the engine.XLet the engine cool.394What to do if...Practical hints
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GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least once a month when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information placard or the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
Lamp in center console
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4 5
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
passenger seat. The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 364).396What to do if...Practical hints
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Unlocking/locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle
centrally with the SmartKey, use the
mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will be triggered
when you
Runlock the driver’s door with the
mechanical key
and
Ropen the driver’s door
To cancel the alarm, see “Canceling the
alarm” (Y page 67).
XRemove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 397).
XUnlocking: Insert the mechanical key into
the driver’s door lock.
XTurn the mechanical key counterclockwise
to position 3.
The locking knob on the driver’s door
moves up. The driver’s door is unlocked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
XOpening door: Press and hold release
button :.
The outside door handle moves out slightly.
XPull the outside door handle out as far as it
will go.
XLift the door using the outside door handle
and swing it up as far as it will go.
! The doors swing up when opened. Make
sure there is sufficient space above the
vehicle.
XLocking: Open the driver’s door.XClose the passenger door and the trunk.XPress down the locking knob of the
passenger door.
XExit the vehicle and close the driver’s door.XInsert the mechanical key into the driver’s
door lock.
XTurn the mechanical key clockwise to
position 2.
The vehicle is locked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
XCheck whether the doors are locked.
iWhen you lock the vehicle with the
mechanical key, the outside door handle
remains in extended position.
This procedure does not arm the anti-theft
alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel filler
flap.
Unlocking/locking the trunk
If you cannot lock or unlock the trunk with the
SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
XRemove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 397).
XOpen the rear storage compartment in the
center console (Y page 304).
XInsert the mechanical key into trunk lid
lock :.
XLocking: Turn the mechanical key
clockwise as far as it will go.
398Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
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Jump startingGWarning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
! Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could otherwise seriously damage the transmission which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several unsuccessful starting attempts, have it checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated failed starting attempts may damage the
catalytic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any other metal part while the other end is still
attached to a battery.
If the battery is discharged, the engine can be started with jumper cables and the fully charged
battery of another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack. Observe the following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all vehicles. If you cannot access the battery of the
other vehicle, provide jump start power by an external battery or starter pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed when the engine and catalytic converter are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the battery if the battery is frozen. Let the battery
thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting with a
more powerful battery could damage the vehicle’s electrical system. Such damage will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts that
move when an engine is started or running.
R Should the battery be drained completely, let the donating power source charge the vehicle
for several minutes before reattempting the starting process.
The battery is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side.
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Vehicle equipment ............................420
Parts service ..................................... 420
Warranty coverage ...........................420
Identification labels ..........................420
Vehicle specification ........................421
Rims and tires ................................... 422
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......425419Technical dataBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 419