check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2013 Owner's Guide

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Y page 498).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions·
The red distance
warning 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.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 166).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 63). Warning and indicator lamps
265
On-board computer and displays Z

Updating the digital map
Introduction
The digital maps generated by the map
software become outdated in the same way
as conventional road maps. Optimal route
guidance can only be provided by
the
navigation
system in conjunction with the
most up-to-date map software.
Information about new versions of the digital
map can be obtained from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You can have the
digital map updated there with a DVD, or you
can update it yourself.
Updating process G
WARNING
Never leave the engine running in an enclosed
space. The exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide. Inhaling

exhaust gases constitutes
a health hazard and could lead to loss of
consciousness or even death.
i The update process can take a long time
(over an hour), depending on the size of the
digital map. During this time, you will only
be able to switch on radio mode and to
accept incoming calls. The update will be
completed more quickly if the vehicle is
stationary.
If you start the update with the engine
switched off and the starter battery has
insufficient power, COMAND may
automatically switch off. This protects the
battery. If this occurs, restart the update
with the engine running.
X Insert the DVD:
R
in the single DVD drive (Y page 421)
R in the DVD changer (

Y page 421)
COMAND checks whether the digital map
on the DVD is compatible with the
navigation system and system software.
A prompt then appears asking if you want
to install the database. Versions of the
database currently installed and the database that is to be installed are
displayed.
X Select Yes or No and press W to confirm.
After selecting Yes, an activation code
must be

entered when installing a database
for the first time. You will receive the
activation code when you buy the
navigation DVD.
If you select No, the process will be
canceled.
X Enter the activation code.
After entering the activation code
correctly, COMAND starts updating the
digital map. Once the update is finished,
you will see a message.
X To confirm the message: press W the
COMAND controller.
X Take the DVD out of the slot.
While the update is running, you will see a
message to this effect and a progress bar.
The navigation system is not operational
until the update is complete.
i You cannot eject the DVD during the
update. If you switch off COMAND during
the update, the update is interrupted. It
then continues from where it was
interrupted when the system is restarted.
COMAND may

prompt you to change the DVD
during the update.
X Press the V (for DVD changer) or
8 (for single DVD drive) load/eject
button.
X Take the DVD out of the slot.
X Insert the requested DVD.
Once the update has been successfully
completed, you will see a message to this
effect.
X To confirm the message: press W the
COMAND controller.
X Take the DVD out of the slot.
The update is complete.
If the

update is not successfully completed,
you will see a message that the map update
is not possible. Navigation
353
COMAND Z

to the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
Socket in the front-passenger footwell X
Lift up the cover of socket :.
Socket under the armrest X
Open the stowage compartment under
armrest :(Y page 475).
X Lift up the cover of socket ;.
Socket in the trunk X
Lift up the cover of socket :. Floormats
G
WARNING
Whenever you are using a floormat, make sure
there is enough clearance and that the
floormat is securely fastened.
The floormat should always be securely
fastened using the fastening equipment.
Before driving off, check that the floormat is
securely in
place and adjust it if necessary. A
loose floormat could slip and hinder proper
functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of each
other as this may impair pedal movement. Example: floormat, driver's side
X
Slide the seat backwards.
X To install: place the floormat in the
footwell.
X Press studs : onto retainers ;.
X To remove: pull the floormat off
retainers ;.
X Remove the floormat. Garage door opener
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate Features
481
Stowage and features
Z

X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
X Pull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ; up and lift the hood.
If you
lift the hood approximately 15 inches
(40cm) the hood is opened and held open
automatically by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others. X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20cm).
X Check

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 the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (
0.8l) of oil over a
distance of 600 miles (1000km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the

vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick Example
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
To check the oil level with the engine at
operating temperature, switch the engine
off and

wait for approximately five minutes.
X Pull oil dipstick : out
of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick : into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark = and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X Add oil if necessary. Engine compartment
497
Maintenance and care Z

Adding engine oil
G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts,
it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More
information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Damage to

the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap : counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add the amount of oil required.
Fill carefully to the maximum mark on the
oil dipstick.
X Replace cap :

on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
i The difference between the minimum
mark and the maximum mark on the oil
dipstick is approximately 1.4 US qt (

1.3l).
i Further information on engine oil
(Y page 562). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
In order to avoid potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of vapor or
coolant leaking

from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant tank if the coolant temperature is
above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant tank contains hot fluid and is under
pressure.498
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

R
using a cloth, slowly turn the cap
approximately Ö turn to relieve excess
pressure. If

you open the cap immediately,
pressurized scalding hot fluid and vapor will
be blown out.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. Example
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is

on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock (Y page 135).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (

Y page 135).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Slowly turn cap ;

half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap ; further
counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank :.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the fillerneck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank
:.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap ; and

turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 563).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on

hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned. Example
X
To open:
pull cap
: upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close:
press cap :
onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer

system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
For further information on the windshield
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system, see ( Y page 564). Engine compartment
499
Maintenance and care Z

Battery acid is caustic.
Avoid
contact
with the skin,
eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary. Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's
Manual.
G
WARNING
Failure
to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
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. G
WARNING
Do not place any metal objects on the battery
as this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof

batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First, touch the
outside
body

of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation. H
Environmental note Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must
be

collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment. Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop or a
special collection point for
used batteries.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet

or contact a qualified
specialist workshop for more information.
! You should have all work involving the
battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. In the exceptional case that it is
necessary for you to disconnect the battery
yourself, make sure that:
R you switch off the engine and remove the
key. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
ensure that the ignition is switched off.
Check that all the indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster are off. Otherwise,
electronic components, such as the
alternator, may be damaged.
R you first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal514
Battery
Roadside Assistance

clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic
system may be damaged.
R in vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The
vehicle is secured against rolling away.
You can
then no longer move the vehicle.
The battery and the cover of the positive
terminal clamp must be installed securely
during operation.
In order for the battery to achieve the
maximum possible service life, it must always
be sufficiently charged.
The vehicle battery, like other batteries, can
discharge over time if you do not use the
vehicle. In this case, have the battery
disconnected at a qualified specialist
workshop. You can also charge the battery
with a charger recommended by Mercedes-
Benz. Contact a qualified specialist workshop
for further information.
Have the battery charge level checked more
frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for
a lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked up for a long period of time.
Only replace a battery with a battery that has
been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
i Remove the SmartKey if you park the
vehicle and do not require any electrical
consumers. The vehicle will then use very
little energy, thus conserving battery
power.
i After an interruption to the power supply,
e.g. due to a discharged battery, you must
reset the clock (Y page 289). Charging the battery
G
WARNING
Never charge a battery still installed in the
vehicle unless

a battery charger unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may
escape
during

charging and cause explosions
that may result in paint damage, corrosion or
personal injury.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information and availability.
Charge the battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the battery charger. G
WARNING
There is a risk of acid burns during the
charging process due to the gases which
escape from

the battery. Do not lean over the
battery during the charging process. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the
skin, eyes or clothing.
! Only use battery chargers with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment.
Read the battery charger's operating
instructions before charging the battery.
X Open the hood (Y page 496).
X Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same
order as when connecting the donor
battery in the jump-starting procedure
(Y page 516). Battery
515
Roadside Assistance Z

X
Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).
X Open the hood (Y page 496). Position number
B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Press cover : of positive terminal ; down (in the direction of the arrow) and turn it
clockwise. Cover : is held down in the lowered position, which exposes positive
terminal ;.
X Connect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery B
using the jumper cable, always begin with positive terminal ; on your own vehicle first.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal ? of

donor battery B to ground point A of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery B first.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jumper cables from ground point A and

negative terminal ?, then from
positive terminal ; and positive terminal =, each time beginning at the contacts on your
own vehicle first.
X After removing the jumper cables, press down cover : of positive terminal ; and turn it
counter-clockwise. Cover
:

returns to its original position. Positive terminal ; is covered
up and thus insulated again.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Jump-starting
517
Roadside Assistance Z

Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles

equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(Y page 548).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If this is not
available, the tires should then be replaced
every 3000 to 6000 miles (5000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if the tire wear requires
this. Do not change the direction of wheel
rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tire pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional

benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these
benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
maintained.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store wheels

that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt

grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident. Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Unload the vehicle. The jack can only be
used when the vehicle is unladen.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P
.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 135).
X If included in the vehicle equipment,
remove the tire-change tool kit from the
vehicle.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.548
Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires