warning light MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 Owner's Manual

Vehicle movement may result in serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do the
following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
RKeep right foot on the brake pedal.
REngage the parking brake.
RShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
RSlowly release the brake pedal.
RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
RTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Parking brake
GWarning!
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock
up. You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s
brake lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged.
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P, either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XReleasing: Pull on release handle \000F.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning lamp
\000' (USA only) or \000M (Canada only) in
the instrument cluster goes out.
XEngaging: Step on parking brake
pedal \000G firmly.
When the engine is running, the brake
warning lamp \000' (USA only) or \000M
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
comes on.
Turning off the engine
GWarning!
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XEngage the parking brake.
iAlways engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting the automatic
transmission into park position P.
With SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.
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As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
Rfailure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
\000FReset button
For information on changing the instrument
cluster settings, e.g. the language, see
(Y page 122).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
Ropen a door
Rswitch on the ignition
Rpress reset button \000F
Rswitch on the exterior lamps
iOpening a door activates the instrument
cluster illumination only for about
30 seconds.
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
Use reset button \000F to adjust the illumination
brightness for the instrument cluster and the
switches on the center console.
XTo brighten illumination: Turn reset
button \000F clockwise until the desired level
of illumination is reached.
XTo dim illumination: Turn reset
button \000F counterclockwise until the
desired level of illumination is reached.
iThe instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is located on
the left side in the instrument cluster
(Y page 30).
GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†).
! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display and the
red coolant temperature warning
lamp \000

The Vehicle status message memory menu
only appears if messages have been stored.
GWarning!
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner’s and/or driver’s
responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Vehicle status message memory
menu appears in the multifunction display.
If conditions have occurred causing status
messages to be recorded, the number of
messages appears in the right
multifunction display.
XPress button \000\) or \000-.
The stored messages will now be displayed
in the order in which they have occurred.
For malfunction and warning messages,
see “Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display” (Y page 226).
iAfter you have scrolled through all
recorded status messages, the first
recorded message appears again.
Should the vehicle’s system record any
conditions while driving, the number of
messages will reappear in the multifunction
display when the SmartKey in the starter
switch is turned to position 0 or removed
from the starter switch. With KEYLESS-GO,
the number of messages will reappear when
you turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open the
driver’s door.
Except for high-priority messages, the vehicle
status message memory will be cleared when
you switch off the ignition.
Settings menu
Introduction
In the Settings menu there are two
functions: The function To reset, press
reset button for 3 seconds, with which
you can reset all the settings to the original
factory settings and a collection of submenus
with which you can make individual settings
for your vehicle.
The following settings and submenus are
available in the Settings menu:
RResetting to factory settings
(Y page 121)
RSubmenus in the Settings menu
(Y page 122)
RInstrument cluster submenu
(Y page 122)
RLighting submenu (Y page 124)
RVehicle submenu (Y page 126)
RConvenience submenu (Y page 127)
Resetting to factory settings
You can reset the settings of all submenus to
the factory settings.
For safety reasons, the function Light
Circuit Headlamp Mode in the Lighting
submenu cannot be reset while driving.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
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XOpening: Squeeze stop buttons \000F and
guide the sunshade towards the rear.
XClosing: Using handle \000G, slide the
sunshade towards the front of the vehicle.
Loading and storing
Parcel nets
GWarning!
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
A parcel net is located in the passenger
footwell.
Two parcel nets are located in the trunk on
each side of the right and left trunk side walls.
In addition a trunk floor net is available to
secure loads.
XPull the trunk floor net from the trunk back
wall towards the front over the luggage.
XHang the hooks of the trunk floor net on the
eyes on the trunk floor.Front storage compartmentsGWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
Rbraking
Rvehicle maneuvers
Ran accident
Glove box
Depending on vehicle equipment, an AUX
socket is located in the glove box. For
information on AUX operation, see separate
COMAND system operating instructions.
The glove box can be ventilated
(Y page 152).
XOpening: Press glove box lid release \000F.XClosing: Push glove box lid \000G upwards
until it engages.
Locking/unlocking the storage
compartments separately
The storage compartments are centrally
locked when you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
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Door storage compartmentsGWarning!
Keep the door storage compartments closed
while vehicle is in motion. Failure to do so may
cause the seat belt to catch at the rear and
prevent proper positioning of the seat belt.
\000FRelease button\000GStorage compartment lidXOpening: Press release button \000F.
Rear storage compartments
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
Rbraking
Rvehicle maneuvers
Ran accident
Driver’s side rear storage compartment
\000FRelease button\000GStorage compartment lidXOpening: Press release button \000F.
Luggage compartment in the rear
GWarning!
Secure all pieces of luggage in the rear with
the luggage straps. Unsecured pieces of
luggage can otherwise cause injury during a
braking maneuver and can increase the risk
of injury in an accident.
Never allow anyone to ride in the rear.
The luggage straps can only secure light
luggage items. Carry heavy pieces of luggage
in the trunk.
The rear compartment area is not designed or
intended to accommodate occupants. Severe
personal injury or death may be the result in
an accident.
GWarning!
The shelf below the rear window should not
be used to carry objects. This will avoid such
objects from being thrown about and injuring
vehicle occupants during an accident or
sudden maneuver.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
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AshtrayXOpening: Briefly touch cover plate \000F.XRemoving ashtray insert: Secure vehicle
from movement by engaging the parking
brake.
XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
XPress sliding knob \000G to the right.
The ashtray insert will eject a short
distance.
XReinstalling ashtray insert: Press ashtray
insert into the frame until it snaps into
place.
XClosing: Push down cover plate \000F.
Cigarette lighter
GObserve Safety notes, see page 51.GWarning!
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
If the engine is off and the cigarette lighter is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
XOpen the cover (Y page 166).XSwitch on the ignition.XPush in cigarette lighter \000F.
Cigarette lighter \000F will pop out
automatically when hot.
XTake out cigarette lighter \000F.XReinsert cigarette lighter \000F in its socket
after use.
Power outlet
The power outlet can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical accessories
(e.g. auxiliary lamps, mobile phone chargers)
up to a maximum of 15 A (180 W).
XSwitch on the ignition.
Power outlet in trunk
If the engine is off and power outlet \000F is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
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Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 303).
Check the following:
REngine oil level (Y page 181)
RTire inflation pressure (Y page 189)
RCoolant level (Y page 184)
RVehicle lighting (Y page 271)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 185)
RBrake fluid (Y page 185)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever \000F.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
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Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
Rexcessive treadwear (Y page 198)
Rcord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
Rbumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
RDriving style
RTire inflation pressure
RDistance driven
Tread depth
GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in
(3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six places
on the tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of approximately1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1/8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1/6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator \000F appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Storing tires
! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Protect tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Cleaning tires
! Never use a round nozzle to power wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
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Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake 004Dmarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESP ®
in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section ( Y page 299).
Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle.
After installing winter tires:XCheck the tire inflation pressure and adjust
it if necessary ( Y page 189).XRestart the Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System ( Y page 190).
Snow chains
! When driving with snow chains, always
select setting 1 of the vehicle level control.
Other settings may result in damage to your
vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 299).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESP ®
(Y page 56)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
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Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care,
a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of
water for cleaning the light alloy wheels.
! Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage the
clear coat.
! The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after
it has been cleaned. This applies especially
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners
can lead to increased corrosion of the
brake disks and brake pads. Non-approved
wheel cleaners may also damage the wheel
paint if the vehicle is not driven after
cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is
parked after cleaning. Drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved
Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved
Wheel Care products, take care not to
spray them on the brake disks.
Plastic and rubber parts
XUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild
detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing
solution.XWipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm
solution.
The surface may temporarily change color.
If this is the case, wait for it to dry.GWarning!
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or the
steering wheel. Cleaners containing solvents
will make the surface porous and vehicle
occupants could suffer serious injuries from
plastic parts coming loose in the event of air
bag deployment.
! Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
Hard plastic trim items XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care
on a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.
COMAND display
! You must switch off the COMAND display
and allow it to cool prior to cleaning.
! Do not use any liquids or cleaning agents.
These can damage or even destroy the
COMAND display screen.
XUse a standard microfiber cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
XWipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Carpets
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet and
Fabric Care for cleaning the carpets.
Headliner
XUse a soft bristle brush or a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
Seat belts
XOnly use clear, lukewarm water and soap.
! The seat belts must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the
seat belts at temperatures above 176‡
(80†) or in direct sunlight.
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