check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2015 R172 Owner's Guide

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions The coolant tempera-
ture gauge shows a
value above 248 ‡
(120 †). The coolant
warning lamp may also
be on and a warning
tone may sound. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 281). Observe the warning
notes as 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
sufficiently.
X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and start/stop traffic. Manual transmission
Gear lever
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is
depressed.
! When shifting between
5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever all
the way to the right. You could otherwise
shift unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear
and damage the transmission.
If you shift down at too high a speed (trans-
mission braking), this can cause the engine to overrev, leading to engine damage.
Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill by
using the clutch pedal. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the clutch. Gear lever
005E
Reverse gear
0047 -004C
Forward gears Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear
Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Move the gear lever firmly to the left
beyond the point of resistance and then
forwards. 150
Manual transmissionDriving and parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, immediately. Releasing the parking lock manually
! Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
center console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter. X
Apply the electric parking brake.
X Press the frame of selector level gaiter 0043
together somewhat on the side edge at the back and hold with one hand 0044.
X With the other hand, pry off the frame of
selector level gaiter 0043with a flat, blunt
object (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in cloth) at rear edge
0087, pulling it up and out at the
same time.
X Press release button 0085down and simul-
taneously move the selector lever out of
position P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P.
In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is
possible to release the selector lever lock
manually to move it out of position P. This is
the case, for example, if you wish to tow the
vehicle away. Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine 158
RefuelingDriving and parking

X
Switch the engine off.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow 0043.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
X Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of fuel filler flap 0044.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place
and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing the fuel filler flap X
Place fuel filler cap on the fuel filler neck
and turn clockwise until it engages.
X Close fuel filler flap 0043.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle.
i If you are driving with the fuel filler cap
open, the 00B6reserve fuel warning lamp
flashes. The 00B9Check Engine warning
lamp may also light up. A message appears in the multifunction display (Y page 231).
For further information on warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see
(Y page 251). 160
RefuelingDriving and parking

Heavy and light loads
G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air- flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac- tion 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 then 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 vehi- cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm upthe brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
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 warn-
ing tone while the engine is running, the
brake fluid level may be too low. Observe
additional warning messages in the multi-
function display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-
ately. This work should be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! As the ESP ®
system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (SmartKey in position 0or 1in
the ignition lock) if the electric parking
brake is being tested on a brake dynamom-
eter (maximum 10 seconds).
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 quali-
fied specialist workshop. Have this work car-
ried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function- ality of your brakes at regular intervals. To doso, depress the brake pedal firmly when driv-
ing at a high speed. This improves the grip of
the brake pads.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS):
(Y page 62) Driving tips
167Driving and parking Z

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 vehi-
cle'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.
High performance and ceramic brake
system for AMG vehicles The high-performance brake system is only
available on AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R ambient conditions, e.g. 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 driv-
ing style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all circum-
stances. An aggressive driving style will lead
to high wear. You can obtain more informa-
tion on this from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after sev-
eral hundred kilometers of driving. Compen-
sate 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 corre-
spondingly high brake wear. Observe the
brake system 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 avoid sudden steering movements.
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 compo-
nents in the engine or the automatic trans- mission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can
cause engine damage. 168
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Useful information
i This Operator's manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment 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 Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (Y page 26). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi- cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the 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 equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving when operating the on-board computer. G
WARNING
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 messages
or warnings from certain systems in the mul- tifunction display. You should therefore make
sure your vehicle is operating safely at all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not oper-
ating safely may cause an accident.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to do
so. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Y
page 31). Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is on the bottom left of the instrument cluster (Y page 31).
X Turn the brightness control knob counter-
clockwise or clockwise.
If the light switch is set to 0058,0060or
0058, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not lit. Coolant temperature display
G
WARNING
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. 194
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0027(USA
only)004D
(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid Check Brake Fluid
Level Level There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the
0027(USA only)/ 004D(Canada only) warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone
sounds.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of 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 Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 161).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction. 0027(USA
only)004D
(Canada
only)
Brake Immediately Brake Immediately A malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. If you attempt to lock
the vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
You cannot start the engine.
X Paying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message disap-
pears.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
(Y page 161).
You can restart the engine. 0026
Check Brake Pad Check Brake Pad
Wear Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0053
mbrace Inoperative mbrace Inoperative One or more main features of the mbrace system are malfunc-
tioning.
X Have the mbrace system checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. PRE-SAFE PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE
®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 220
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0049
Auto Auto
Lamp
LampFunction
Function
Inoperative
Inoperative The light sensor is defective.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0049
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 0058.Adaptive Highbeam Adaptive Highbeam
Assist Inoperative Assist Inoperative Adaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Adaptive Highbeam Adaptive Highbeam
Assist Currently Assist Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual Adaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily inoper-
ative. Possible causes are:
R the windshield in the camera's field of vision is dirty.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
X Clean the windshield.
If the system detects that the camera is fully operational again, the
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Now Available
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Now Available message is dis-
played.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is operational again. Engine
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050 0050Solutions 00BD
Check Coolant Check Coolant
Level See Opera‐ Level See Opera‐
tor's Manual tor's Manual 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.
X Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 281).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop. 00AC The fan motor is faulty.
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. 228
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 003D
Stop Vehicle See Stop Vehicle See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual The battery is no longer being charged and the battery charge level
is too low.
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 Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 161).
X Observe the instructions in the display message 003DSee See
Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual .
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 003D
Start Engine See Start Engine See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual The engine is switched off and the battery charge level is too low.
X Switch off electrical consumers that you do not need, such as
the rear window defroster and interior lighting.
X Leave the engine running for a few minutes or drive a long dis-
tance.
The battery is being charged. 00B2
Check Engine Oil Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling At Next Refueling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page 279).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 280).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.00B2
Check Engine Oil Check Engine Oil
Level Level
(Add
(Add1
1quart)
quart) AMG vehicles: the engine oil level is too low.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page 279).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 280).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.com. 230
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions DISTRONIC
DISTRONIC
PLUS
PLUSCur‐
Cur‐
rently
rently Unavailable
Unavailable
See
See Operator's
Operator's Man‐
Man‐
ual
ual DISTRONIC PLUS is temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the radiator trim and the bumper are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio sta-
tions or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display mes-
sage disappears.
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 161).
X Clean the sensors in the radiator trim and the bumper
(Y page 287).
X Restart the engine. DISTRONIC PLUS DISTRONIC PLUS
Inoperative Inoperative DISTRONIC PLUS is defective.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) and PRE-SAFE
®
Brake may be
inoperative as well.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC DISTRONIC
PLUS
PLUSSus‐
Sus‐
pended
pended You have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS
DISTRONIC PLUS
- - - mph - - - mph An activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.
X Check the activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 171). 234
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays