MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsåThe yellow ESP ®
OFF warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.SL 63 AMG
only:
The yellow
SPORT
handling mode
warning lamp
comes on
while the
engine is
running.The SPORT handling mode is switched on
Risk of accident!
When the SPORT handling mode is switched on, it will only stabilize
the vehicle to a limited extent if the system recognizes that the
vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel is spinning.XSwitch the SPORT handling mode off ( Y page 58).÷
åThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
and the yellow
ESP OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.What to do if …259Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 259Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions÷The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp flashes
while driving.The ABS, the ESP ®
, or the Electronic Traction System (ETS) has
come into operation because of detected traction loss in at least
one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not switch off the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
Version 2
Depending on vehicle production date, the indicator and warning lamps in the instrument
cluster differ. This section describes version 2 of the instrument cluster. Refer to the
“Instrument cluster” section (Y page 30) to determine which version your vehicle is equipped
with.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdAll models,
except
SL 63 AMG:
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.dSL 63 AMG only:
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The SPORT handling mode is switched on.
Risk of accident!
When the SPORT handling mode is switched on, it will only stabilize
the vehicle to a limited extent if the system recognizes that the
vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel is spinning.XSwitch the the SPORT handling mode off ( Y page 58).
The message ESP-ON appears in the multifunction display.260What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsd
%SL 63 AMG only:
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp and the
yellow ESP OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 60).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.dThe yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.dThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.
The yellow ABS/
ESP ®
warning
lamp flashes
while driving.The ABS, the ESP ®
, or the Electronic Traction System (ETS) has
come into operation because of detected traction loss in at least
one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
What to do if …261Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 261Z

Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÒThe white
Distronic
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.The Distronic distance sensor has recognized a preceding vehicle.ÒThe red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or the
distance warning system has recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.
Vehicle
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel cap is not closed properly.XClose the fuel cap.262What to do if …Practical hints
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EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions= (USA only 19
)
; (Canada only 19
)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
= (USA only 19
)
; (Canada only 19
)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 178).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently, there is a leak in the
cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric radiator fan may be
broken.XImmediately add coolant to prevent engine from overheating
( Y page 184).XHave the cooling system checked.XIf the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you can
continue driving to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XAvoid high engine loads (e.g. driving uphill) and stop-and-go
driving.19 Depending on vehicle production date, U.S. vehicles may be equipped with the Canada engine malfunction
indicator lamp ;.What to do if …263Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 263Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running and an
acoustic
warning sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248‡ (120†).XStop in a safe location as soon as possible and allow the engine
and coolant to cool down.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.
! The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248‡
(120†). Doing so may cause serious
damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.264What to do if …Practical hints
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TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.
Canada only:
Low tire
pressure telltale
for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 226).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 226).XHave the TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.What to do if …265Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 265Z

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and thenremain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
Lamp in center console
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions45
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 226).GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates
and remains illuminated with the weight of a
typical adult or someone larger than a small
individual on the passenger seat, do not have
any passenger use the passenger seat until
the system has been repaired.266What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions45
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
does not illuminate
and/or does not
remain illuminated with
the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a
standard child restraint
or less on the
passenger seat.
The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.
XMake sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.
XIf the passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains out,
have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps (Y page 226).
GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp does not
illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint or less on the passenger seat, do not
transport a child on the passenger seat until
the system has been repaired.
Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, unlock the
driver’s door and the trunk using the
mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will trigger when
you
Runlock the driver’s door or the trunk with
the mechanical key
and
Ropen the driver’s door or the trunk
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey into
the starter switch.
Removing the mechanical key
SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
XMove locking tab : in the direction of
arrow.
XSlide mechanical key ; out of the housing.Unlocking/locking manually267Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 267Z

Unlocking the driver’s doorXInsert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1 until the locking knob moves
up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
XPull the door handle to open the driver’s
door.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 6.2 ft (1.89 m)
is required to open the trunk lid.
XInsert mechanical key = into the trunk lid
lock.
XTurn mechanical key = counterclockwise
to position 2.
XPull handle : and lift the trunk lid.! When you open the trunk, the trunk lid
swings open upwards. Always make sure
there is sufficient overhead clearance.
XTurn mechanical key = back and remove
it from the trunk lid lock.
Unlocking the glove box
Lockable storage areas in the passenger
compartment include:
Rthe glove box
Rthe storage compartment under the
armrest
Rthe rear storage compartments
If these cannot be unlocked by means of the
SmartKey, use the mechanical key to unlock
the glove box.
iTo unlock the remaining storage
compartments, the cause for the
malfunction of the SmartKey must be
determined and corrected, see
(Y page 68).
XInsert mechanical key : into the glove box
lock.
XTurn mechanical key : counterclockwise
to position 2.
You can now open the glove box.
iUnlocking the glove box with the
mechanical key will trigger the anti-theft
alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey in
the starter switch.
268Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
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