2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER engine overheat

GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
!Do not warm up the engine while stationary.
Pull away immediately. Avoid high engine
speeds and full throttle until the engine has
reached its operating temperature.
In vehicles with automatic transmission,
engage positions P and R only when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.
You could otherwise damage the drive train.
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles: at low engine oil
temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the max-
imum engine speed is restricted in order to
protect the engine. To protect the engine and
maintain smooth engine operation, avoid driv-
ing at full throttle when the engine is cold.
Key positions
SmartKey
gTo remove the SmartKey
1Power supply for some consumers, such as
the windshield wipers
2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3To start the engine
iThe SmartKey can be turned in the ignition
lock even if it is not the correct SmartKey for
the vehicle. The ignition is not switched on.
The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with a
SmartKey featuring an integrated KEYLESS-GO
start function and a detachable Start/Stop but-
ton.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
When you insert the Start/Stop button into the
ignition lock, the system needs approximately
two seconds recognition time. You can then use
the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times in
succession corresponds to the different key
positions in the ignition lock. This is only the
case if you are not depressing the brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the Smart-
Key determines whether a valid SmartKey is in
122Driving
Driving and parking

window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position i.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (
Ypage 287).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (
Ypage 287).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (
Ypage 287).
Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. On long and steep
downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is
laden, you must select a lower gear in good time.
By doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can store any
road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident
nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control
cannot take into account the road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruise control is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time and for staying in lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
:Stores the current speed or a higher speed
;Storing the current speed or calling up the
last stored speed
=Stores the current speed or a lower speed
?Deactivating cruise control
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display for
five seconds. The speed is then permanently
displayed in the status indicator together with
the ¯ symbol.
On vehicles with a segment ring in the speed-
ometer, the segments from the currently saved speed to the end of the segment ring light up.
Driving systems149
Driving and parking
Z

Cruise controlisautomatically deactivated if:
Ryou engage the electr icparking brake
Ryou are driving at less than 20 mph (30 km/h)
RESP®intervenes or you deactivate ESP®
RBrake Assist intervenes
Ryou move out of transmission position h
If cruise control isdeactivate d,you willhear a
warning tone. You willsee the Cruise Con‐
trol Offmessage inthe multifunction display
for approximate lyfive seconds.
iWhen you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored iscleared.
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
General notes
Distance Pilot DI STRONIC regulates the speed
and automatically helps you maintain the dis-
tance to the veh icledetected infront. Vehicle s
are detected with the aid of the radar sensor
system. Distance Pilot DI STRONIC brakes auto-
matically to avoid excee ding the set speed or to
maintain the designated distance from the veh i-
cle infront.
You must select a lower gear ingood time on
long and steep downhillgradients, especially if
the veh icle isladen. By doing so, you willmake
use of the braking effect of the engine. This
relieves the load on the brake system and pre-
vents the brakes from overheating and wearing
too quic kly.
If Distance Pilot DI STRONIC detects that there is
a risk of a co llision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically. Without your intervention, Dis-
tance Pilot DI STRONIC cannot prevent a co lli-
sion. An intermittent warning tone willthen
sound and the distance warning lamp willlight
up inthe instrument cluster. Brake immediately
in order to increase the distance from the veh i-
cle infront, or take evasive action, pro videdit is
safe to doso.
For Distance Pilot DI STRONIC to assist you
when driving, the radar sensor system must be
operational.
Distance Pilot DI STRONIC operates inthe range
between 0 mph (0 km/h) an
d 120 mph
(200 km/h).
Do not u

se Distance Pilot DISTRONIC while driv-
ing on roads with steep gradients. Since Distance Pilot DISTRONIC transmits radar
waves, it can resemble the radar detectors of
the responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
iUSA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC as
a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor
is intended for use in an automotive radar
system only. Removing, tampering with, or
altering the device will void any warranties,
and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tam-
per with, alter, or use in any non-approved
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
iCanada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device
will void any warranties, and is not permitted.
Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not react to:
Rpeople or animals
Rstationary objects on the road, e.g. stopped
or parked vehicles
Roncoming vehicles and crossing traffic
As a result, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may
neither give warnings nor intervene in such
situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit- uation and be ready to brake.
Driving systems151
Driving and parking
Z

Coolant temperature gauge
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
!A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡
(120 †), do not continue driving. The engine
will otherwise be damaged.
The coolant temperature gage is in the instru-
ment cluster on the right-hand side (
Ypage 33).
The Hmarking in the coolant temperature gauge
corresponds to a coolant temperature of
approximately 248 ‡ (120 †).
Under normal operating conditions and at the
correct coolant level, the coolant temperature
gauge may rise to the Hmarking.
Operating the on-board computer
Overview
:Multifunction display
;Right control panel
=Left control panel
XTo activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using the
buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
Left control panel
=
;RCalls up the menu and menu bar
9
:Press briefly:
RScrolls in lists
RSelects a submenu or function
RIn the Audiomenu: selects the
previous or next station, when the
preset list or station list is active,
or an audio track or video scene
RIn the Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the phone book and
selects a name or telephone num-
ber
186Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
CheckCoolantLevelSee Operator's Man‐ual
The coolant level is too low.
!Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Ypage 260).
XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
?The fan motor is malfunctioning.
XIf the coolant temperature gauge is below the Hmarking
(Ypage 186), drive on to the next qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic.
?
Coolant Too HotStop Vehicle TurnEngine 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.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, pay- ing attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 142).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
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 display message goes out and
the coolant temperature gauge is below the Hmarking
(
Ypage 186). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XPay attention to the coolant temperature gauge, observing the
warning notes (Ypage 260).
XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and at the correct coolant level,
the coolant temperature gauge may rise to the Hmarking
(
Ypage 186).
Display messages213
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
#
See Operator'sMan ‐ual
The battery is no tbein gcharged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possibl ecauses are:
Radefective alternato r
Ratorn poly-V-belt
Ramalfunction in th eelectronics
!Do no tcontinu edriving. The engin ecould otherwise overheat.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
#
StopVehicl eSeeOperator' sManual
The battery is no longer bein gcharged and th econdition of charg eis
to olow.
A warning tone also sounds.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XObserv eth einstruction sin th edisplay message #See Oper‐ator's Manual.
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
4
CheckEngineOilAtNextRefueling
The engin eoil level has dropped to th eminimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
!Avoid lon gjourneys wit hto olittl eengin eoil. The engin ewill oth-
erwise be damaged.
XChec kth eoil level when next refueling, at th elatest (Ypage 259).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 259).
XHav eth eengin echecke dat aqualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engin eoil mor eoften than usual.
Information on approve dengin eoils can be obtained from aqualified
specialist workshop or on th eInternet at http://bevo.mercedes -
benz.com.
4
Check Engine OilLevel (Ad d 1quart)
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
The engin eoil level is to olow.
!Avoid lon gjourneys wit hto olittl eengin eoil. The engin ewill oth-
erwise be damaged.
XChec kth eoil level when next refueling, at th elatest (Ypage 259).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 259).
XHav eth eengin echecke dat aqualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engin eoil mor eoften than usual.
Information on approve dengin eoils can be obtained from aqualified
specialist workshop or on th eInternet at http://bevo.mercedes -
benz.com.
214Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
OnlySelect Par k(P)WhenVehicl eisStationar y
The vehicleis moving .
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XShift th etransmission to position j.
Apply Brake toSelectRYou haveattempte dto shift from position hto position k.
XDepress thebrak epedal .
XShift th etransmission to position k.
ServiceRequiredDoNot Shift GearsVisit Dealer
You canno tchang eth etransmission position due to amalfunction .
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position his selected:
XDrive to aqualified specialist workshop without shifting th etrans -
mission from position h.
If position k,iorj is selected:
XNotify aqualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
ReversingNotPossi‐bleServic eRequiredYou can no longer shift to transmission position kdue to amalfunc -
tion .
Transmission position sj, iorh continu eto be available.
A warning tone also sounds.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
Transmission Mal‐function StopAmalfunction has occurred in th emechanical transmission compo -
nents.
A warning tone also sounds. The transmission shift sautomatically to
position i.
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XShift th etransmission to position j.
XSecureth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XNotify aqualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
Sto pVehicl eLeaveEngineRunnin gWaitTransmission Cool‐ing
The transmission has overheated. Pullin gaway can be temporarily
impaire dor no tpossible.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions. Do no tcontinu edrivin g
under any circumstances.
XWait until th edisplay message disappear sbefore pullin gaway.
Auxiliary Batter yMalfunctionThe auxiliary battery for th eautomatic transmission is no longer bein g
charged.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop at th enext opportunity.
XUnti lthen ,always shift th etransmission to position jbefore you
switch off th eengine.
XBefor eleaving th evehicle, apply th eelectric parking brake.
Display messages22 3
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
?NThe 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 defective.
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 142).
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 260).
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 gauge is below the H
marking (Ypage 186). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain
and stop-and-go traffic.
?N The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
The coolant temperature gauge has exceeded the Hmarking (
Ypage 186). The
airflow 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 142).
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 260).
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.
Warning and indicator lamps233
On-board computer and displays
Z