check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2000 Owner's Guide

214 Contents – Practical hints
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ..................................... 215
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 215
Vehicle tools .................................... 216
Vehicle jack ..................................... 217
Fuses ................................................ 218
Hood ................................................. 219
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................221
Checking engine oil level .............221
Coolant level ...................................223
Adding coolant ...............................224Windshield and headlamp
washer f luid mixing ratio ....... 225
Wheels ............................................ 226
Tire replacement ........................... 226
Rotating wheels ............................. 227
Spare wheel .................................... 228
Changing wheels ........................... 230
Tire inflation pressure ................. 234
Battery ............................................. 236
Battery Recycling ....................... 237
Jump starting ................................. 238
Towing the vehicle ........................ 240Exterior lamps ................................242
Headlamp assembly
(Halogen) .....................................243
Taillamp assemblies ..................249
Changing batteries in
the remote control .................... 251
Synchronizing ............................252
Raising soft top manually .............253
Replacing wiper blade insert .......257
Manual release of
fuel filler flap .............................259
Trunk lamp .....................................259

221 Checking engine oil level
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice f luid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission fluid level.Checking engine oil level
SL 500
1Oil dipstick
2Oil filler cap
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the
oil pan.

222 Checking engine oil level
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
SL 600
1Oil dipstick
2Oil filler cap
Wipe oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine oil
level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after
three seconds to obtain accurate reading.Oil level must be between the lower
(min) and upper (max) mark of the
dipstick.
Fill qu antity b etween u pper a nd l ower dipstick m arking
level is approximately 2.1 US qt (2.0l).
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could
cause engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
For low engine oil level warning, see page 210.
MERCEDES BENZ
MERCEDES BENZ
1
2P18.40-0258-26

236 Battery
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located in the trunk
behind the right side cover panel.
The service life of the battery is dependent on its
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length
of time.Therefore, we strongly recom mend that you h ave the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for sh ort di stance trips, or if it is not u sed for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
key is in steering lock position 0. The battery must
always be securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation. During removal and installation always
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal
with the cover attached to the battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components will be
damaged.
Important!
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries w hile connecting, you
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
cloth ing. In c ase it does, imm edi ately f lu sh af fec ted
area with water and seek medical help.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks
away from battery, avoid improper connection of
jumper cables, smoking etc.

239 Jump starting
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing unsulation.
2. On both vehicles:
• Turn off engine and all lights and accessories,
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
• Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to
position “P”.
Important!
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery and
the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the
charged battery. Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the
grounded negative (-) terminal of the charged
battery and the final connection to the negative (-)
terminal of the discharged battery.Important!
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery
and run at high idle. Make sure the cables are not
on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that will
move when the engine is started. Allow the
disch arge d ba ttery to ch arge for a few minu tes. Sta rt
engine of the disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables
by exactly reversing the above installation
sequence, starting with the last connection made
first. When removing each clamp, make sure that it
does not touch any other metal while the other end
is still attached.
Note:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel may damage the catalytic
converter.

281 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index the engine temperature will increase due to the lower
h eat transfer ca pa bil ity of th e sol ution. Therefore, d o not
use more than this amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB anticorrosion/
antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet minimum
requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If your are not sure about the water
quality, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The
use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used
in such e ng ines b e specif ica lly formul ated to protec t th e
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly
shortened service life).
Therefore the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your car: Mercedes-Benz
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in
the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration checked. The
coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring
your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
Model Approx. freeze protection
-35°F
(-37°C)-49°F
(-45°C)
SL 500 6.6 US qt
(6.25 l)7. 3 U S q t
(6.9 l)
SL 600 10.6 US qt
(10.0 l)11 . 6 U S q t
(11.0 l)

286
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 58
Self-test ......................................................................... 59
Backrest ............................................................................. 48
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................ 188
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................207
Battery .............................................................................236
Charge indicator lamp .............................................. 211
Recycling ....................................................................237
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 188
Brake fluid ......................................................................278
Capacity ...................................................................... 276
Brake pad wear indicator lamp ....................................205
Brake warning lamp ......................................................204
CCatalytic converter ........................................................ 163
Central locking system ................................................... 30
Automatic central locking ......................................... 38
Central locking switch ............................................... 37
General notes ............................................................... 34
Locking and unlocking with remote control .......... 31
Remote control ..................................................... 28, 30Remote control – changing batteries ..................... 251
Vehicle keys .................................................................28
Changing wheels ........................................................... 230
Charge indicator lamp ................................................... 211
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp ................ 204
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 202
Checking engine oil level .............................................221
Checking engine oil level indicator .............................. 82
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................. 261
Clock .................................................................................. 79
Combination switch .........................................................86
Console storage compartments ....................................127
Consumer information ................................................. 282
Control and operation of radio transmitters .............. 153
Coolant
Adding coolant .......................................................... 224
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity .........................281
Checking level .......................................................... 223
Coolants ..................................................................... 280
Low engine coolant level warning lamp ............... 209
Temperature gauge .....................................................78
Cruise control ................................................................. 185
Cup holder .............................................................. 128, 264

287
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
DDisplay illumination ........................................................ 77
Door control panel ........................................................... 20
Door pockets ................................................................... 129
Doors .................................................................................. 35
Drinking and Driving .....................................................176
Drive sensibly - Save Fuel .............................................176
Driving instructions .......................................................176
Block heater ............................................................... 183
Brakes ......................................................................... 177
Deep water ................................................................. 184
Pedals ...........................................................................176
Traveling abroad ....................................................... 184
Winter driving ........................................................... 182
Driving off ....................................................................... 178EEconomy ............................................................................ 93
Electronic stability program (ESP) .............................. 192
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) ......................... 60
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ................... 38
Emission control ............................................................ 164
Engine compartment ..................................................... 219Engine oil
Additives .................................................................... 278
Capacities ................................................................... 276
Checking level ...........................................................221
Consumption ................................................................83
Engine oils ................................................................. 278
Low level warning lamp ........................................... 210
Engine oil level indicator ................................................82
Engine oil temperature gauge ........................................ 83
Entrance lamps in footwells, exit lamps in doors ..... 120
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) ............................. 192
Control Switch ........................................................... 194
Malfunction indicator lamp .................................... 207
Synchronizing ........................................................... 193
Warning lamp ........................................................... 207
ETR (Emergency tensioning retractor) .........................60
SRS indicator lamp .................................................. 206
Exterior lamp switch .......................................................84
Exterior lamps ............................................................... 242
Adjusting headlamp aim ......................................... 247
Bulb for high and low beam ................................... 244
Failure indicator lamp .............................................. 211
Headlamp assembly (Halogen) .............................. 243
Headlamp assembly (Xenon) .................................. 245
License plate lamps ................................................. 250
Replacing bulbs ........................................................ 242