Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off
The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury. X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡ (120 †). Other-
wise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
#
SeeOperator'sManZ
ual
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
!Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Display messages229
On-board computer and displays
Z
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
;
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
in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
iIn some states, you must immediately visit a qualified special-
ist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning lamp
lights up. This depends on the locally applicable legal require-
ments. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest gas station.
8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
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 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 work-
shop.
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the engine is running
and the coolant tem-
perature gauge is at the start of the scale.The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
defective.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is arisk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
252Warning and indicator lamps
On-board computer and displays
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-ning.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 malfunc- tioning.
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 Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Ypage 283).
X If you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 248 ‡(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The air-
flow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may
be too low.
GWARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury. 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 Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
Warning and indicator lamps253
On-board computer and displays
Z
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
X
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Ypage 283).
X If you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
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 below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion. A warning tone alsosounds.You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your lineof travel at too high a speed.
X Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS ( Ypage 171).
Further information on PRE
XReplace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick ( Ypage 281).
Further information on engine oil( Y page 351).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolant level
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par-ticularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hotcoolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
Example
X Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehi-
cle is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 139).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice ( Ypage 140).
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position0(Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap ;half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap ;further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough coolant in coolant expansion tank :.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the fuel
filler neck when warm, there is enough
coolant in expansion tank :.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap ;and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see( Y page 352).
Windshield washer system
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following.
Engine compartment283
Maintenance and care
Z
ModelMB Approval
All models
Use only SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 engine oils
for AMG vehicles.
iMB approval is indicated on the oil con-
tainers.
Filling capacities
The following values refer to an oil change
including the oil filter.
ModelCapacity
SLK 2505.8 US qt (5.5 l)
SLK 3506.9 US qt (6.5l)
SLK 55 AMG10.0 US qt (9.5 l)
Additives
!Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity
Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity, this means that it is thick; a low viscosity
means that it is thin.
Select an engine oil with an SAE classification (viscosity) suitable for the prevailing outside
temperatures. The table shows you which
SAE classifications are to be used. The low-
temperature characteristics of engine oils can deteriorate significantly, e.g. as a result
of aging, soot and fuel deposits. It is therefore
strongly recommended that you carry out reg- ular oil changes using an approved engine oil
with the appropriate SAE classification.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. 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. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
When handling brake fluid, observe the
important safety notes on service products( Y page 349).
The brake fluid change intervals can be found
in the Maintenance Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz according to MB Approval 331.0.
Information about approved brake fluid can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
iHave the brake fluid regularly replaced at
a qualified specialist workshop and the
replacement confirmed in the Maintenance Booklet.
Coolant
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
352Service products and filling capacities
Technical data
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
!Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be
found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Service Products, MB BeVo 310.1, e.g.
on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Or con-
tact a qualified specialist workshop.
!Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
iHave the coolant regularly replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop and the
replacement confirmed in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Comply with the important safety precautions for service products when handling coolant( Y page 349).
The coolant is a mixture of water and anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs the
following tasks:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down to -35 ‡(-37 †), the boiling point of the cool-
ant during operation is approximately 266 ‡
(130 †).
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentra-
tion in the engine cooling system should: R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ [-45 †]). Otherwise, heat
will not be dissipated as effectively. If the vehicle has lost coolant, add equal
amounts of water and antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor.
Mercedes-Benz recommends an antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor concentrate in accord-
ance with MB Specifications for Service Prod-
ucts 310.1.
iWhen the vehicle is first delivered, it is fil-
led with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion protec-
tion.
iThe coolant is checked with every main-
tenance interval at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Filling capacities
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
ModelCapacity
SLK 250Approx. 10.1 US qt (9.6l)
SLK 350Approx. 11.0 US qt
(10.4l)
SLK 55 AMG
Windshield washer system
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
!Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
Service products and filling capacities353
Technical data
Z