2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS-CLASS check engine

Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
R Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes !
If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. !
As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (the SmartKey must
be in position 0or 1in the ignition lock or
the Start/Stop button must be in position
0 or 1) if:
R the electric parking brake is tested using
a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Have this work
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Ypage 55).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your
vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety. 132
Driving tipsDriving and parking
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AMG high-performance composite
brake system The AMG high-performance compound brake
system and the AMG ceramic high-
performance compound brake system are
designed for high loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R Speed
R Braking force
R Environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and
adapt your driving and braking accordingly
during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in
correspondingly high brake wear. Observe
the brake wear warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and note any brake status
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly. Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R
you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads !
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage. Winter driving
Points to remember G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases Driving tips
133Driving and pa rking
Z
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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 22).Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
(Y page 27). G
WARNING
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second. G
WARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps R
malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible. G
WARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages. Displays and operation
Engine oil temperature display
The engine oil temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions, the
temperature may rise to 140 †.
The transmission fluid temperature and the
coolant temperature are displayed in the
AMG menu (Y page 157). Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. 146
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
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Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions F(USA
only)
!(Canada
only)
Turn On the Turn On the
Ignition to Ignition to
Release the Release the
Parking Brake Parking Brake !
The indicator lamp (red) flashes.
You attempted to release the electric parking brake while the
ignition was switched off.
X Switch on the ignition. F(USA
only)
J(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid Check Brake Fluid
Level Level There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. In
addition, the
Jindicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNING
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level Check Brake Fluid Level displayed
can result in an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction. #
Check Brake Pad Check Brake Pad
Wear Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Driving with the message Check CheckBrake
BrakeFluid
FluidLevel
Leveldisplayed 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. Displays and operation
165On-board computer and displays Z
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Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions b
Check Front Left Check Front Left
Sidemarker Lamp Sidemarker Lamp
or
Check Front Right Check Front Right
Sidemarker Lamp Sidemarker Lamp The left or right front side marker lamp is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Check Rear Left Check Rear Left
Sidemarker Lamp Sidemarker Lamp
orCheck Rear Right
Check Rear Right
Sidemarker Lamp Sidemarker Lamp The rear left or right side marker lamp is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Check Front Left Check Front Left
Parking Lamp Parking Lamp
or
Check Front Right Check Front Right
Parking Lamp Parking Lamp The front left or front right parking or standing lamp is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Switch Off Lights Switch Off Lights The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Turn the light switch to Ã.b
Malfunction See Malfunction See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual The exterior lighting is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Engine
G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. 172
Displays and operationOn-board compu
ter and displays
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Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ?
Coolant Low Stop Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn Vehicle Turn
Engine Off Engine Off The coolant is too hot. In addition, the
?warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Make sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the coolant temperature increases again, visit a qualified
specialist workshop immediately.
! If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡ (120 †), do not
continue driving. The engine will otherwise be damaged. The poly-V-belt may have torn. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
X If the poly-V-belt is not damaged: do not start the engine
again until the display message disappears. Otherwise, the
engine could be damaged.
X If the poly-V-belt is torn: do not continue driving. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop. ? The engine fan is defective.
X
At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads (e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain) and stop-and-go driving. Displays and operation
173On-board computer and displays Z
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Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions # The battery is not being charged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are:
R
a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely paying attention to road
and traffic conditions and switch off the engine.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. +
Check Coolant Check Coolant
Level See Level See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 216).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with
too little coolant in the cooling system. The engine will otherwise
be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that
indicate that the coolant level is too low must not be ignored. 4
Engine Oil Level Engine Oil Level
low Stop Vehicle low Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine Off Turn Engine Off There is insufficient oil in the engine. There is a risk of engine
damage.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Top up and check the engine oil level (Y page 215).174
Displays and operationOn-board compu
ter and displays
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Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions 4
Check Engine Oil Check Engine Oil
Level Level
(Add 1
(Add 1 Liter)
Liter) The oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level (Y page 215).
X If necessary, add engine oil.
X Have the engine checked for leaks if you need to add engine oil
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine
oil. There is a risk of engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that
indicate that the oil level is too low must not be ignored. 4
Engine Oil Level Engine Oil Level
Too High Too High You have added too much engine oil. The engine or catalytic
converter may be damaged.
X
Siphon off excess engine oil until it is at the specified level.
Observe the legal requirements. 4
Engine Oil Level Engine Oil Level
Cannot Be Measured Cannot Be Measured The measuring system is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Engine Oil Engine Oil
Pressure Control Pressure Control
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual The oil pressure sensor has reported a malfunction.
The oil pressure control is in emergency mode.
The engine lubrication is guaranteed.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Engine Oil Engine Oil
Pressure Stop Pressure Stop
Vehicle Turn Vehicle Turn
Engine Off Engine Off
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Check the engine oil level (Y page 215) and top up if necessary.
X If there are visible signs of oil loss from the vehicle, consult a
qualified specialist workshop. C There is only a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 8
Fuel Level Low Fuel Level Low The fuel level has fallen below the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. Displays and operation
175On-board computer and displays Z
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