2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK250 check engine

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0012
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
is deactivated. ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts
to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 58).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 0002
AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT
handling mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
G
Risk of accident
SPORT handling mode is activated. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle
in extreme situations. ESP ®
intervention may not be able to
provide sufficient assistance in such situations and the vehicle
may start to skid.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: (Y page 58).
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 000B0012
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
,B AS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and
hill start assist are not available due to a malfunction. ESP ®
will
not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to
spin.
The brake system continue sto function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 232
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

G
WARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For yours afety, we strongly recommend that you contac tanauthorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury. Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000E
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running. There may be a malfunction, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning
lamp lights up. This is due to the legal requirement sineffect in
these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving. 0010
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. In addition,
the
000E Check Engine
warning lamp may light
up. The fuel system pressure is too low
.The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. 0010
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running. The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 234
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000C
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Allow the engine and coolant to cool.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 262). Observe
the warning notes.
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and start/stop traffic. 000C
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Allow the engine and coolant to cool.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 262). Observe
the warning notes.
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and start/stop traffic. 236
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

X
Reach into the gap, pull hoo dcatch
handle 0003up and lift the hood.
Once you have lifted the hood about
15 inches (40cm), it is automatically
opened the res tofthe way and held open
by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
X Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8inche s(20cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine oil
Notes on the oil level Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts
(0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil
consumption may be highe rthan this when the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
AMG vehicles: before operation on race
tracks, check the oil level and (Y page 261)
add oil if necessary (Y page 262). Race track
operation is only permitted with a maximum
engine oil level.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick X
Pull oil dipstick 0002out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick 0002.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick 0002into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark 0023and
MAX mark 0003, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level is at or below MIN mark 0023,
add 0.55 US qt to 1.1 US qt (0.5 to 1.0 l) of
engine oil. Engine compartment
261Maintenance and care Z

Adding engine oil
G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself .Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap 0002counterclockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 0.55 US qt to
1.1 US qt (0.5 to 1.0 l)of engine oil.
X Replace cap 0002on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil
dipstick (Y page 261).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 326). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡(70 †). Allow the engine to
cool dow nbefore removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure. 262
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

R
using a rag, slowly tur nthe cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 131).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 131).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 131) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap 0003half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0003further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
0023 in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0002.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar 0023in the filler neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank
0002.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap 0003and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 327).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlam pcleaning
system G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engin eparts, because it may
ignite and burn .You could be seriously
burned. X
To open: pull cap0002upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap 0002onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 328).
Brake fluid level !
If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system Engine compartment
263Maintenance and care Z

H
Environmental note Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is agains
tthe
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment. Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop or a
special collection point for
used batteries.
G
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
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.
Ab attery 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. G
WARNING
Do no tplace any metal objects on the battery
as this could result in a shor tcircuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearin gsynthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles .For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First, touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges. Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! Before working on the battery, e.g.
loosening the battery terminals, switch off
the engine and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
make sure that the ignition is switched off.
Check that all the indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster are off. You may
otherwise destroy electronic components,
such as the alternator.
! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery
may discharge over time if you do not use
the vehicle. In this case, have the battery
disconnected at a qualified specialist
workshop. You can also charge the battery
with a charger recommended by Mercedes-
Benz.C ontact a qualified specialist
workshop for further information.
The battery and the cover of the positive
terminal clamp must be installed securely
during operation.
i Remove the SmartKey if you park the
vehicle and do not require any electrical
consumers. The vehicle will then use very
little energy, thus conserving battery
power.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not
carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g.
removing or charging. Have this work
performed at a qualified specialist workshop. Charging the battery
G
WARNING
Never charge a battery still installed in the
vehicle unless a battery charger unit approved
by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may
escape during charging and cause explosions
that may result in paint damage, corrosion or
personal injury. Battery
283Breakdown assistance
Z

X
Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).
X Ope nthe hood (Y page 260). Position number
0021identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Slide cover 0002of positive terminal 0003in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal 0003on your vehicle to positive terminal 0023of donor battery 0021
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal 0022of donor battery 0021to ground point 0020of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery 0021first.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
X First remove the jumper cables from ground point 0020and negative terminal 0022, then from
positive terminal 0003and positive terminal 0023, each time beginning at the contacts on your
own vehicle first.
X Close cover 0002of positive terminal 0003after removing the jumper cables.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. 286
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance