2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 check engine

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.
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 ESP ®
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.
212Driving instructionsOperation
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 212

until the standard display (Y page 116)
appears in the multifunction display.XPress button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance service indicator display with
the service symbol ¯ or ± appears
in the left multifunction display and the
maintenance service deadline appears in
the right multifunction display.
i If the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display.
Do not confuse the maintenance service
indicator with the engine oil level indicator
4 .
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
Vehicle care215Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 215Z

VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsPGear
Selector
Lever To PYou have attempted to start the engine with the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button while the automatic transmission was not
in park position P.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P.You have attempted to turn off the engine with the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button while the automatic transmission was
not in park position P.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P.Close RearSide
WindowsYou are getting out of the vehicle and a rear side window is
still open.XClose the rear side window ( Y page 97).
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire
pressuredisplayed
after
driving
for a few
minutes.The tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.XDrive the vehicle for a few minutes.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
eThe Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
e 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.234Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 234

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(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.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.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Brake
Service
RequiredThere are malfunctions, but the electro-hydraulic brake
system is operating normally.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Brakes
Overheated
Drive
on, but
with even
greater
care.The brake system is overheated due to an excessive load on
the brakes.
Relieve the load on the brake system:XDrive more smoothly and think ahead to avoid unnecessary
braking.XWhen driving down steep grades, shift into a lower gear to
use the engine’s braking power ( Y page 108).XCautiously continue driving so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes.$
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Release
Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display239Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 239Z

VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsNThe trunk is open.XClose the trunk ( Y page 75).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 181).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
OYou are driving with the hood and the trunk open.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to
do so.XClose the hood ( Y page 181) or the trunk ( Y page 75).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
CYou are driving with at least one door open.XClose all doors.CCheck
DoorsVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
You are pressing the lock button on the door handle and at
least one door is open.XClose all doors.KRetract.
Roof Oper.
Please
Wait
See Oper.
ManualThe on-board voltage is too low.XRepeat the opening or closing procedure.XStart the engine.The hardtop drive system was shut down for safety reasons
after multiple, consecutive attempts to raise or lower the
hardtop.
After about 10 minutes you can open or close the retractable
hardtop.XSwitch on the ignition.XRepeat the opening or closing procedure.XIf the retractable hardtop still does not open or close
properly, have the hardtop system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.KRetractabl
e Roof
LoweringThe retractable hardtop is not completely opened or closed.
The roof hydraulics will start to lose pressure.XMake sure the retractable hardtop is completely opened or
closed ( Y page 155).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display241Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 241Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsKRetractabl
e Roof
Operation
Only At
StandstillYou have attempted to open the retractable hardtop while
driving.XStop the vehicle in a safe location and try to open the
hardtop again.KRetractabl
e Roof
Not
Opened/
Closed
CompletelyYou are driving with the retractable hardtop not properly
locked.XStop the vehicle in a safe location. Observe the traffic
situation around you.XPull or push on the retractable hardtop switch until the
retractable hardtop is completely open or closed
( Y page 155).XIf the retractable hardtop still does lock properly, have the
hardtop system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.JTrunk
Partition
OpenYou are trying to open or close the retractable hardtop even
though the luggage cover in the trunk is not closed and/or
properly engaged.XClose the luggage cover and engage it into the side holders
( Y page 158).+Key
Detected
In VehicleA SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO left in the vehicle was
recognized while trying to lock the vehicle from the outside.XTake the SmartKey out of the vehicle.+Remove KeyYou have forgotten to remove the SmartKey.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.+Replace
KeyThe SmartKey is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.+Change
Key
BatteriesThe batteries in the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO are
discharged.XReplace the batteries ( Y page 269).+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 parking brake.XSearch for the SmartKey.
The vehicle cannot be locked centrally nor can the engine
be started again after the engine is stopped.242Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 242

EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions=
or
;Engine
ServiceThere may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the exhaust system
R the fuel systemXHave the engine checkedas soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.;Service
RequiredCertain electronic systems are unable to relay information to
the control system. The coolant temperature display or the
tachometer may have failed.XHave the electronic systems checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.+Top Up
Coolant
See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 184).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.
244Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 244

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The poly-V-belt could be broken.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XCheck 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: 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.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.XDrive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.?The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.
If the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XAvoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving
uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.XHave the fan replaced as soon as possible.246Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 246