check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012 Owner's Guide

EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions=
or
;Engine
ServiceThere may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the exhaust system
R the fuel systemXHave the engine checkedas soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.;Service
RequiredCertain electronic systems are unable to relay information to
the control system. The coolant temperature display or the
tachometer may have failed.XHave the electronic systems checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.+Top Up
Coolant
See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 184).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The poly-V-belt could be broken.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XCheck the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this
message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.XDrive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.?The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.
If the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XAvoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving
uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.XHave the fan replaced as soon as possible.246Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic system
Do not forget that the brake system requires electrical energy
and may be operating with restricted capability. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping
distance is increased.XStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness.#Battery/
Alternator
Stop CarThe battery is defective.
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires electrical energy
and therefore has only limited operation. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping
distance is increased.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.4Engine
Oil Level
Check
LevelVehicles with oil dipstick only:
The engine oil has dropped to a critical level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 181) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 183).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display247Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 247Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Add 1 qt
engine
oil at
next
refueling.
(USA only)
Add 1
liter
engine
oil at
next
refueling.
(Canada
only)Vehicles with engine oil measuring system only:
The engine oil level is too low.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 183) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 181).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.If the message Add 1 qt (Canada: 1 liter)
engine oil at next refueling or
Engine Oil Level Check Level appears
while the engine is running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest servicestation to refill your engine oil to the required
level.
For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Engine
Oil Level
Cannot
measure
eng. oil
level.Vehicles with engine oil measuring system only:
The measuring system is malfunctioning.XHave the measuring system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.4Engine
Oil Level
Reduce
Oil LevelVehicles with engine oil measuring system only:
You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of
damaging the engine or the catalytic converter.XHave oil siphoned or drained off. Observe all legal
requirements with respect to its disposal.248Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Engine
Oil Level
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The engine oil level is too low. There is a danger of engine
damage.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 183) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 181).CThe fuel level is low.XRefuel at the next gas station.8Reserve
FuelThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8Fuel Cap
OpenA loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.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 at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Lamps
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbActive
Headlamps
Inoperativ
eThe active Bi-Xenon headlamp system is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bReverse
Lamp Left
or
Reverse
Lamp RightThe left or right backup lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 271).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display249Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 249Z

BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and switched off. The BAS,
the ESP ®
, and the hill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are
also switched off.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is still functioning normally but
without the systems specified above available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as
the navigation system or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has switched off due to insufficient power supply.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
and the battery checked.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.What to do if …255Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 255Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is a malfunction in the electro-hydraulic brake system.
There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.
Safety systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine.The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passenger to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.XFasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine.
7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after starting the
engine.You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.XFasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding.256What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on while the
vehicle is
standing still
and the engine is
running or while
driving.You and/or your passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat
belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out.There are items placed on the passenger seat and therefore the
system senses the passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the passenger seat and put them in a
safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out.7The red seat belt
telltale flashes
while driving. In
addition, an
intermittent
warning chime
sounds with
increasing
intensity.The vehicle’s speed once exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) and you
and/or your passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.There are items placed on the passenger seat and therefore the
system senses the passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the passenger seat and put them in a
safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.
i After 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a door is
opened.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.What to do if …257Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 257Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsIThe yellow roll
bar warning
lamp comes on
when the engine
is running.The roll bar system is malfunctioning.
For safety reasons, always have the roll bar raised when driving
with the retractable hardtop open.XAttempt to raise the roll bar manually ( Y page 51).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.GWarning!
If the yellow roll bar warning lamp I in the
instrument cluster does not go out after
starting the engine, or if it comes on while
driving, the roll bar system is not operating
properly and may not activate in an accident.
At the same time, the message Raise Roll-
over Bar appears in the multifunction
display. In this case, raise the roll bar
manually before continuing to drive.
For safety reasons, drive only with the roll bar
raised until the malfunction is repaired. Have
your vehicle checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Version 1
Depending on vehicle production date, the indicator and warning lamps in the instrument
cluster differ. This section describes version 1 of the instrument cluster. Refer to the
“Instrument cluster” section (Y page 30) to determine which version your vehicle is equipped
with.258What to do if …Practical hints
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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