check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2019 User Guide

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 driv-
ing off.
!Do not warm up the engine while station-ary. Pull away immediately. Avoid highengine speeds and full throttle until theengine has reached its operating tempera-ture.
In vehicles with automatic transmission,engage positions P and R only when thevehicle is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drivewheels when pulling away on slippery roads.You could otherwise damage the drive train.
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles:at low engineoil temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), themaximum engine speed is restricted inorder to protect the engine. To protect theengine and maintain smooth engine opera-tion, avoid driving at full throttle when theengine is cold.
Key positions
SmartKey
ZTo remove the SmartKey
GPower supply for some consumers, suchas the windshield wipers
HIgnition (power supply for all consumers)and drive position
ITo start the engine
iThe SmartKey can be turned in the ignitionlock even if it is not the correct SmartKeyfor the vehicle. The ignition is not switchedon. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped witha SmartKey featuring an integrated KEYLESS-GO start function and a detachable Start/Stopbutton.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in theignition lock and the SmartKey must be in thevehicle.
When you insert the Start/Stop button intothe ignition lock, the system needs approx-imately two seconds recognition time. You canthen use the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several timesin succession corresponds to the different keypositions in the ignition lock. This is only thecase if you are not depressing the brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press theStart/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-ately.
A check which periodically establishes a radioconnection between the vehicle and theSmartKey determines whether a valid Smart-
126Driving
Driving and parking

Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
park position]
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended
in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies for the Digital Vehicle Key if the
"Digital Vehicle Key" function is activated via
Mercedes me connect.
GDANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous
exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide.
Inhaling these exhaust gases is hazardous to
health and can result in poisoning. There is a
risk of fatal injury. Therefore, never leave the
engine running an enclosed space without
adequate ventilation.
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system
or parts of the engine that heat up. There is
a risk of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
The catalytic converter is preheated for up to30 seconds after a cold start. The sound of theengine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XShift the transmission to position].Transmission position display]is shownin the multifunction display.
iYou can start the engine in transmissionposition]and\\.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
To start the engine using the SmartKey insteadof KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/Stop button outof the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to positionI(Ypage 126) in the ignition lock and releaseit as soon as the engine is running.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine
The Start/Stop button can be used to start thevehicle manually without inserting the Smart-Key into the ignition lock. The Start/Stop but-ton must be inserted in the ignition lock andthe SmartKey must be in the vehicle. Thismode for starting the engine operates inde-pendently of the ECO start/stop automaticengine start function.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XPress the Start/Stop button once(Ypage 126).The engine starts.
Pulling away
General notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position:
orF, the vehicle could pull away sud-
denly. There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position:
orF, always firmly depress the brake
pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
Depress the accelerator carefully when pullingaway.
The vehicle locks centrally once you havepulled away. The locking knobs in the doorsdrop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at anytime.
You can also deactivate the automatic lockingfeature (Ypage 201).
128Driving
Driving an d parking

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The engine is not run-ning smoothly and ismisfiring.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanicalcomponent of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-verter and damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialistworkshop.
The coolant tempera-ture display shows avalue above 248 ‡(120 †). The coolantwarning lamp may alsobe on and a warningtone may sound.
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine isno longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant tocool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 267). Observe the warning notesas you do so and add coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled suf-ficiently.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the near-est qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving inmountainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic.
Notes on towing vehicles
The vehicle is not suitable for attaching towbar systems, such as those used for flat tow-ing or dinghy towing.
Attaching or using tow bar systems may resultin damage to the vehicle.
When towing a vehicle with tow bar systems,safe driving characteristics cannot be guaran-teed for the towing vehicle or the towed vehi-cle.
The vehicle/vehicle combination may swerve.
Observe the permissible towing methods(Ypage 289) and the notes on towing withboth axles on the ground (Ypage 289).
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to changethe drive program. Depending on the drive pro-gram selected the following vehicle character-istics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe curve tilting function (vehicles withActive Body Control)
Rthe control thresholds of ESP®
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCis activated. Further information about startingthe engine (Ypage 127).
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key, drive programCis activated. Furtherinformation about starting the engine(Ypage 127).
132DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Driving and parking

With the SmartKey:if you then open the driv-er's door or the front-passenger door orremove the SmartKey from the ignition, theautomatic transmission shifts to]automati-cally.
With KEYLESS-GO:if you then open the driv-er's or front-passenger door, the automatictransmission shifts to]automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission toremain in neutral\\, e.g. when having thevehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash witha towing system:
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:remove theStart/Stop button from the ignition lock.
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XAll vehicles:switch the ignition on.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XShift to neutral\\.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the Smart-Key in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress thebrake pedal.
XPush the selector lever back past the firstpoint of resistance.
Transmission positions
EPark position
This prevents the vehicle from roll-ing away when stopped.
Only shift the transmission intopositionE(Ypage 134) whenthe vehicle is stationary. The park-ing lock should not be used as abrake when parking. Always applythe electronic parking brake in addi-tion to the parking lock in order tosecure the vehicle.
If the SmartKey is removed from theignition lock, the transmission islocked.
The automatic transmission shiftstoEautomatically:
Rwhen the SmartKey is removedfrom the ignition lock
Rwhen the engine is switched offwith the transmission in positionFor:and one of thedoors is opened
In the event of a malfunction of thevehicle's electronics, the transmis-sion may lock in positionE.Have the vehicle electronicschecked immediately at a qualifiedspecialist workshop.
FReverse gear
Only shift the transmission intopositionFwhen the vehicle isstationary.
Automatic transmission137
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The transmission hasproblems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshopimmediately.
The acceleration abilityis deteriorating.
The transmission nolonger changes gear.
The transmission is in emergency mode.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):it is only partlypossible to engage the gears, or the transmission is in position\\.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:it is only possible to shift intosecondgear and reverse gear.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position].
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to position[or^.Mercedes-AMG vehicles:if[is selected, the transmissionshifts tosecondgear if^is selected, the transmission shiftsinto reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshopimmediately.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Risk of fire and
explosion by improper handling of fuel.
You must avoid fire, open flames, smoking
and creating sparks. Switch off the ignition
before refueling and, if present, switch off
the auxiliary heating.
GWARNING
Fuels are toxic and harmful to health. There
is a risk of injury.
You must avoid fuels coming into contact
with skin, eyes and clothes or being swal-
lowed.
Do not inhale the fuel vapors. Keep children
away from fuels.
Keep doors and windows closed during the
refueling process.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following points:
RImmediately rinse the fuel off your skin
with soap and water.
RIf you get fuel into your eyes, immediately
rinse your eyes throughly with clean
water. Seek medical attention immedi-
ately.
RSeek medical attention immediately if fuel
has been swallowed. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
Electrostatic charging can lead to the crea-
tion of sparks and ignite fuel vapor. There is
a risk of fire and explosion.
Touch the metallic body of the vehicle
before you open the fuel filler cap or handle
the pump nozzle. Any possible electrostatic
charge present will in this way be depleted.
144Refueling
Driving and parking

time. This may also occur after the vehicle hasbeen washed or driven through deep water.
You then have to depress the brake pedalmore firmly. Maintain a greater distance fromthe vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-cle washed, brake firmly while paying attentionto the traffic conditions. This will warm up thebrake discs, thereby drying them more quicklyand protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-due may form on the brake discs and brakepads. This can result in a significantly longerbraking distance.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, applythe brakes occasionally while paying atten-tion to the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and thebeginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicleahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up inthe instrument cluster and
Ryou hear a warning tone while the engineis running
Observe additional warning messages in themultifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due tobrake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-ately. Consult a qualified specialist work-shop to arrange this.
!As the ESP®system operates automati-cally, the engine and the ignition must beswitched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-tion

New and replaced brake pads and discs onlyreach their optimum braking effect after sev-eral hundred kilometers of driving. Compen-sate for this by applying greater force to thebrake pedal. Keep this in mind, and adapt yourdriving and braking accordingly during thisbreak-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake sys-tem warning lamp in the instrument clusterand note any brake status messages in themultifunction display. Especially for high per-formance driving, it is important to maintainand have the brake system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth onthe road surface, there is a danger of hydro-planing occurring.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or inconditions in which hydroplaning may occur,you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed
Ravoid ruts
Ravoid sudden steering movements
Rbrake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas. Checkthe depth of any water before drivingthrough it. Drive slowly through standingwater. Otherwise, water could enter thevehicle interior or engine compartment. Itcan then damage the engine's or automatictransmission's electronic components. Itcan also be sucked in by the engine's airintake connection and cause engine dam-age.
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's brak-
ing effect, the drive wheels could lose their
grip. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehi-
cle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk
of fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heat-
ing running, make sure the exhaust pipe and
area around the vehicle are clear of snow.
To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air,
open a window on the side of the vehicle
that is not facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualifiedspecialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roadsurfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steeringand braking maneuvers. Do not use cruisecontrol.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot bestopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position\\.
The outside temperature indicator is notdesigned to serve as an ice-warning deviceand is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.Changes in the outside temperature are dis-played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezingpoint do not guarantee that the road surface isfree of ice. The road may still be icy, especiallyin wooded areas or on bridges. The vehiclecould skid if you fail to adapt your drivingstyle. Always adapt your driving style and driveat a speed to suit the prevailing weather condi-tions.
You should pay special attention to road con-ditions when temperatures are around freezingpoint.
For more information on driving with snowchains, see (Ypage 295).
For more information on driving with summertires, see (Ypage 295).
Driving tips153
Driving and parking
Z

Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the
vehicle when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. You could also
lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of
an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that
this is possible, park the vehicle paying
attention to traffic conditions and operate
the equipment when the vehicle is station-
ary.
You must observe the legal requirements forthe country in which you are currently drivingwhen operating the on-board computer.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety.
The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
The on-board computer only shows messagesor warnings from certain systems in the multi-function display. You should therefore makesure your vehicle is operating safely at alltimes.
If the operating safety of your vehicle isimpaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to doso. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
For an overview, see the instrument panelillustration (Ypage 33).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in thedisplays and the controls in the vehicle interiorcan be adjusted using the brightness controlknob.
The brightness control knob is located on thebottom left of the instrument cluster(Ypage 33).
XTurn the brightness control knob clockwiseor counter-clockwise.If you turn the light switch (Ypage 109) totheX,`orXposition, the bright-ness will depend upon the brightness of theambient light.
The light sensor in the instrument clusterautomatically controls the brightness of themultifunction display. In daylight, the dis-plays in the instrument cluster are not illu-minated.
Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicatewhich speed range is available.
RCruise control activated (Ypage 154):
The segments light up from the storedspeed to the maximum speed.
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC activated(Ypage 156):
One or two segments in the set speed rangelight up.
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC detects avehicle in front moving more slowly than thestored speed:
The segments between the speed of thevehicle in front and the stored speed lightup.
Tachometer
!Do not drive in the overrevving range, asthis could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates theengine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect theengine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con-ditions when temperatures are around freezingpoint.
190Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The yellow$warning lamp lights up and the redI(USAonly) or$(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
It is not possible to apply the electric parking brake manually.
XShift the transmission to position].
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
'(USA only)
M(Canada only)
Check Brake FluidCheck Brake FluidLevelLevel
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the'(USA only) orM(Canada only) warninglamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, payingattention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue drivingunder any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XDo not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.
&
Check Brake PadCheck Brake PadWearWear
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
PRE-SAFE Inopera‐PRE-SAFE Inopera‐tive See Opera‐tive See Opera‐tor's Manualtor's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE®have failed. All other occupantsafety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Active BrakeActive BrakeAssist FunctionsAssist FunctionsCurrently LimitedCurrently LimitedSee Operator's Man‐See Operator's Man‐ualual
Active Brake Assist is temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes are:
Rthe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due toelectromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stationsor other sources of electromagnetic radiation
Rthe system is outside the operating temperature range
Rthe on-board voltage is too low
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display messagedisappears.
Active Brake Assist is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, payingattention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XRestart the engine.
Displaymessages211
On-b oard computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
Active DistanceActive DistanceAssist CurrentlyAssist CurrentlyUnavailable SeeUnavailable SeeOperator's ManualOperator's Manual
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is temporarily inoperative.
Active Steering Assist is also temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes are:
Rthe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due toelectromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stationsor other sources of electromagnetic radiation
Rthe system is outside the operating temperature range
Rthe on-board voltage is too low
A warning tone also sounds.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display messagedisappears.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, payingattention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XRestart the engine.
Active DistanceActive DistanceAssist InoperativeAssist InoperativeActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC is faulty.
The following may have also failed:
RBrake Assist with cross-traffic function
RActive Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
RActive Steering Assist
A warning tone also sounds.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Act. DistanceAct. DistanceAssist SuspendedAssist SuspendedYou have depressed the accelerator pedal. Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC is no longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Distance Assist--Distance Assist--- mph- mphA condition for activating Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC has notbeen met.
XCheck the activation conditions for Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC (Ypage 156).
Display messages225
On-board computer and displays
Z