2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER engine coolant

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsd
Stop Engage PThe transmission is faulty. The vehicle loses drive and rolls to a
standstill.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the electric parking brake is applied.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 236).XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.d
Transmission oil
cooling
MalfunctionThe transmission coolant pump is faulty. The transmission may
overheat.XIn the on-board computer, select the AMG menu and check the
transmission oil temperature.XAvoid excessive loading, e.g. due to dynamic driving.XAt transmission oil temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †), drive to
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.d
Trans. oil
overheated Drive
on with careThe transmission oil has overheated.
Manual drive program M and shift range restriction are no longer
available. Only drive program C is still available. The engine output
is reduced according to the degree of overheating.XAllow the transmission oil to cool by adopting a defensive driving
style.188Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsçThe red engine
oil temperature
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running. The
engine oil
temperature is
not displayed.The engine control unit data transfer is malfunctioning.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.7The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.7
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the engine is
running.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.GWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Displays and operation195On-board computer and displaysZ

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 21).
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
GWARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.
GWARNING
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWARNING
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system:
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.GWARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. When using KEYLESS-GO, make
sure that no ignition position is selected. All
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster must
be off.
Hood release lever in driver's footwell
218Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Adding engine oilHEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More
information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
XUnscrew and remove oil filler cap : with
the integrated dipstick.XAdd the amount of oil required.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
You will find further information about engine
oil in the "Technical data" section
( Y page 282).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
GWARNING
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 down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the 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.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XSet the Start/Stop button to key position
2 .XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the "AMG" menu ( Y page 160).
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).220Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of the marker
bar in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above the marker bar in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
You will find further information about coolant
in the "Technical data" section
( Y page 283).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i Vehicle components and their service
products must match. You should,
therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
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.
! At temperatures below freezing: always
fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
XMix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.XAt temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).XAt temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB WinterFit). Adapt the mixing ratio to theEngine compartment221Maintenance and careZ

iThe data shown on the identification plate
is example data. This data is different for
every vehicle and can deviate from the data
shown here. You can find the data
applicable to your vehicle on the vehicle's
identification plate.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
XSlide the right-hand front seat to its
rearmost position.XFold floor covering : upwards.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) ;.
Additionally, the vehicle identification
number (VIN) can be found in the following
locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
( Y page 277)
R on the lower edge of the windshield
( Y page 278)
Engine number:Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards;VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)=Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)
Service products and filling
capacities
Important safety notes
Service products include the following:
R fuels
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
278Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

Filling capacitiesCapacityFuel, coolant, lubricants,
etc.Engine oil and filter8.43 US qt (7.98 l)Approved engine oilsAMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-
speed sports
transmission, hydraulic
chamber7.4 US qt (7.0 l)
+ 0.85 US qt (0.8 l) for oil
cooler and hose lines at the
first fillingShell DCT F.3AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-
speed sports
transmission, gear set,
drive set and differential
chamber3.06 US qt (2.9 l)
+ 0.87 US qt (0.82 l) for oil
cooler and hose lines at the
first fillingShell GL.5Power steering1.26 US qt (1.2 l)Chevron Texaco CHF 9109Brake systemApproximately 0.53 US qt
(0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)Cooling systemApproximately 11.6 US qt
(11.0 l)MB 325.0 corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze agentTank capacity22.5 US gal (85.0 l)Premium-grade unleaded
gasoline (at least 91 octane,
average value between
96 RON/86 MON)ReserveApproximately 3.7 US gal
(14.0 l)Automatic climate control—Refrigerant R134a and
special PAG lubricant (never
R 12)Windshield/headlamp
cleaning system6.3 US qt (6.0 l)MB windshield washer
concentrate 20
(Y page 284)
Mixing ratio for washer fluid
( Y page 284)Fuel
Important safety notesGWARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.20 Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection.280Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Information about approved brake
fluids can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Coolant
Important safety notes
The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with coolant which contains an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor that ensures
protection down to approximately Ò35 ‡
( Ò 37 †).
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants and on
filling can be found in the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products, MB
Approval 310.1, e.g. on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com . You can
also consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to Ò35 ‡ ( Ò37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized system is
approximately 266 ‡ (130 †).
Your vehicle has a range of aluminum
components. Aluminum components in the
engine make it necessary to use
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant which has
been specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. Using other antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitors without these
characteristics affects the service life.
The coolant must be used throughout the year
in order to maintain the necessary corrosion
protection and provide protection from
overheating. In the Maintenance Booklet, you
can find information on the intervals for
renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the engine cooling system
design. The renewal interval in the
Maintenance Booklet is only valid if the
coolant is renewed or replenished with
Mercedes-Benz approved products.
Therefore, only use MB 325.0 antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor or another Mercedes-Benz
approved product of the same specification.
Information on other products with the same
specifications that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the
Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com .
The coolant is checked at every maintenance
interval at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately Ò35 ‡ ( Ò37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection to
-49 ‡ [-45 † ]); otherwise, heat will not
dissipate as effectively.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 325.0
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor should be
added. Have the engine cooling system
checked for possible leaks.Service products and filling capacities283Technical dataZ