check engine light MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2016 R231 User Guide

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
F(USA only)
! (Canada only)
The red electric parking
brake indicator lamp
flashes or lights up
and/or
!
the yellow warning
lamp for the electric
parking brake lights up.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
6
The red restraint sys-
tem warning lamp is lit
while the engine is run-
ning.The restraint system is faulty.
GWARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be trig-
gered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be
triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XDrive on carefully.
XHave the restraint system checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
For further information about the restraint system, see
(
Ypage 50).
Warning and indicator lamps277
On-board computer and displays
Z

Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
;
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
Rin the engine management
Rin the fuel injection system
Rin the exhaust system
Rin the ignition system
Rin the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be
in emergency mode.
XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
iIn some states, you must immediately visit a qualified special-
ist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning lamp
lights up. This is due to the legal requirements in effect in these
states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station.
8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist work-
shop.
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the engine is running
and the coolant tem-
perature gage is at the
start of the scale.The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gage is defec-
tive.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 171).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
278Warning and indicator lamps
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
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 539).
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.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion.
A warning tone also
sounds.You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Observe the additional information on DISTRONIC PLUS
(
Ypage 182).
Observe the additional information on PRE‑SAFE
®Brake
(
Ypage 77).
280Warning and indicator lamps
On-board computer and displays

XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
XPull release lever:on the hood.
The hood is released.
XReach into the gap, pull hood catch han-
dle ;up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in
(40 cm), the hood is opened and held open automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per
600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumption
may be higher than this when the vehicle is
new or if you frequently drive at high engine
speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Rif the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
Engine compartment537
Maintenance and care
Z

The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up
at low temperatures, it is very likely that the
discharged battery has frozen. In this case,
you may neither charge the battery nor jump-
start the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-
out battery may be shorter. The starting char-
acteristics can be impaired, particularly at
low temperatures. Have the thawed-out bat-
tery checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Read the battery charger's operating instruc-
tions before charging the battery.
XOpen the hood.
XConnect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same
order as when connecting the donor bat-
tery in the jump-starting procedure
(
Ypage 559).
558Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point, consisting of a
positive terminal and an earth point, in the engine compartment.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over the
battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient ven-
tilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a battery.
RIt is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion. Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at low temperatures, it is very likely that the
discharged battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither charge the battery nor jump-start
the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The starting characteristics
can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out battery checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting559
Breakdown assistance
Z