2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class check engine

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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 171).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (
Ypage 539).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 248‡(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid 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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 171).
Warning and indicator lamps279
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (
Ypage 539).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid 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 also
sounds.You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Observe the additional information on DISTRONIC PLUS
(
Ypage 182).
Observe the additional information on PRE‑SAFE
®Brake
(
Ypage 77).
280Warning and indicator lamps
On-board computer and displays

Updating the digital map
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Introduction
The digital maps generated by the map soft-
ware become outdated in the same way as
conventional road maps. Optimal route guid-
ance can only be provided by the navigation
system in conjunction with the most up-to-
date map software.
Information about new versions of the digital
map can be obtained from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You can have the dig-
ital map updated there with a DVD, or you can
update it yourself.
Carrying out a manual update
iThe update process can take a long time
(over an hour), depending on the size of the
digital map. During this time, you will only
be able to switch on radio mode and to
accept incoming calls. The update will be
completed more quickly if the vehicle is
stationary.
If you start the update with the engine
switched off and the starter battery has
insufficient power, COMAND may automat-
ically switch off. This protects the battery. If
this occurs, restart the update with the
engine running.
XInsert the DVD (Ypage 447).
COMAND checks whether the digital map
on the DVD is compatible with the naviga-
tion system and system software.
A prompt then appears asking if you want
to install the database. Versions of the database currently installed and the data-
base that is to be installed are displayed.
XSelect
YesorNoand press Wto confirm.
After selecting Yes
, an activation code
must be entered when installing a database
for the first time. You will receive the acti-
vation code when you buy the navigation
DVD.
If you select No
, the process will be can-
celed.
XEnter the activation code.
After entering the activation code cor-
rectly, COMAND starts updating the digital
map. Once the update is finished, you will
see a message.
XTo confirm the message: pressWthe
COMAND controller.
XTake the DVD out of the slot.
While the update is running, you will see a
message to this effect and a progress bar.
The navigation system is not operational
until the update is complete.
iYou cannot eject the DVD during the
update. If you switch off COMAND during
the update, the update is interrupted. It
then continues from where it was interrup-
ted when the system is restarted.
COMAND may prompt you to change the DVD
during the update.
XPress the 8load/eject button.
XTake the DVD out of the slot.
XInsert the requested DVD.
Once the update has been successfully
completed, you will see a message to this
effect.
XTo confirm the message: pressWthe
COMAND controller.
XTake the DVD out of the slot.
The update is complete.
If the update is not successfully completed,
you will see a message that the map update
is not possible.
Navigation377
COMAND
Z

XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
XPull release lever:on the hood.
The hood is released.
XReach into the gap, pull hood catch han-
dle ;up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in
(40 cm), the hood is opened and held open automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck 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 your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per
600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumption
may be higher than this when the vehicle is
new or if you frequently drive at high engine
speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Rif 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 dip-
stick
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 compartment537
Maintenance and care
Z

XReplacecap :on th efiller neck and tur n
clockwise .
Ensur ethat th ecap locks into plac e
securely.
XChec kth eoil level again wit hth eoil dip-
stick (
Ypage 537).
Further information on engin eoil
(
Ypage 605).
Checking and addin gother service
products
Checking coolant level
GWARNIN G
Certain component sin th eengin ecompart-
ment, suc has th eengine, radiato rand part s
of th eexhaust system, can become ver yhot .
Working in th eengin ecompartmen tposes a
ris kof injury.
Where possible, let th eengin ecool down and
touch only th ecomponent sdescribed in th e
following.
GWARNIN G
The engin ecoolin gsystem is pressurized, par-
ticularly when th eengin eis warm .Whe n
openin gth ecap ,you could be scalded by hot
coolan tsprayin gout .There is aris kof injury.
Let th eengin ecool down before openin gth e
cap .Wear eye and han dprotection when
openin gth ecap .Ope nth ecap slowly half a
tur nto allow pressur eto escape.
Exampl e
XPark thevehicl eon alevel surface.
Only chec kth ecoolan tlevel when th evehi-
cle is on alevel surfac eand th eengin ehas
cooled down .
XTurn theSmartKey to position 2in th eigni-
tion loc k (
Ypage 151).
On vehicles wit hKEYLESS-GO ,press th e
Start/Sto pbutto ntwice (
Ypage 152).
XCheckth ecoolan ttemperature gauge in
th emultifunction display.
The coolan ttemperature mus tbe belo w
15 8 ‡ (70 †).
XTurn th eSmartKey to position
0 (
Ypage 151) in th eignition lock.
XSlowly tur ncap ;half atur ncounter-
clockwise to allow excess pressur eto
escape.
XTurn cap ;further counter-clockwise and
remove it .
If th ecoolan tis at th elevel of marke rbar =
in th efiller neck when cold, there is enough
coolan tin coolan texpansion tan k:.
If th ecoolan tlevel is approximately 0. 6in
(1.5 cm ) above marker bar =in the fuel
filler neck when warm, there is enough
coolant in expansion tank :.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap;and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(
Ypage 606).
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 downand
touch only the components describe d in the
foll owin g.
Engine compartment539
Maintenance and care
Z

Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires are
not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory.
It is therefore recommended that you addi-
tionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit ifyou mount tires that do not feature run-flat
properties, e.g. winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may
be obtained from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
(
Ypage 588).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(
Ypage 171).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(
Ypage 152).
XMake sure that the passengers are not
endangered as they do so. Make sure that
no one is near the danger area while a
wheel is being changed. Anyone who is not
directly assisting in the wheel change
should, for example, stand behind the bar-
rier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires. The affected
tire must not show any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize MOExtended tires by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking next to the tire size designation, the load-
bearing capacity and the speed index
(
Ypage 582).
MOExtended tires may only be used in con-
junction with an active tire pressure monitor.
If a pressure loss warning message
appears in the multifunction display:
Robserve the instructions in the display mes-
sages (
Ypage 264).
Rcheck the tire for damage.
Rif driving on, observe the following notes.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
is approximately 50 miles (80 km) when the
vehicle is partially laden and approximately
18 miles (30 km) when the vehicle is fully
laden.
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving dis-
tance possible depends upon:
Rvehicle speed
Rroad condition
Routside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving condi-
tions or maneuvers, or it can be increased
through a moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
is counted from the moment the tire pressure
loss warning appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
Flat tire551
Breakdown assistance

Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-
starting.
Always make sure that neither you nor the
battery is electrostatically charged. A build-
up of electrostatic charge can be caused, for
example:
Rby wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers
Rdue to friction between clothing and seats
Rif you push or pull the battery across the
carpet or other synthetic materials
Rif you wipe the battery with a cloth
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con- tact with vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
HEnvironmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separatelyand recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
!Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or contact a qualified spe-
cialist workshop for more information.
!You should have all work involving the
battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. In the exceptional case that it is
necessary for you to disconnect the battery
yourself, make sure that:
Ryou switch off the engine and remove the
SmartKey. On vehicles with KEYLESS-
GO, ensure that the ignition is switched
off. Check that all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster are off. Otherwise, electronic components, such as the
alternator, may be damaged.
Ryou first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic sys-
tem may be damaged.
Rthe transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The vehi-
cle is secured against rolling away. You
can then no longer move the vehicle.
556Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up
at low temperatures, it is very likely that the
discharged battery has frozen. In this case,
you may neither charge the battery nor jump-
start the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-
out battery may be shorter. The starting char-
acteristics can be impaired, particularly at
low temperatures. Have the thawed-out bat-
tery checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Read the battery charger's operating instruc-
tions before charging the battery.
XOpen the hood.
XConnect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same
order as when connecting the donor bat-
tery in the jump-starting procedure
(
Ypage 559).
558Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance