check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2014 User Guide

good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
i The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tires and
the road surface. Pay particular attention
to the information regarding tires,
recommended minimum tire tread depths
etc. in the "Wheels and tires" section
(Y page 244).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
The yellow !ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (Y
page 177) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Y page 164).
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes
i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking. Driving safety systems
67Safety Z

When driving at a speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h): if you depress the brake pedal
sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises the
brake pressure to a value adapted to the
traffic situation.
BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in
hazardous situations with vehicles in front
within a speed range between 4 mph
(7 km/h) and 155 mph (250 km/h).
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also react to
stationary objects. Examples of stationary
objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
i If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated simultaneously.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes
function as usual again, if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer a risk of collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
R you activate kickdown. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP
®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if
they spin. This enables you to pull away and
accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example
if the road surface is slippery on one side. In
addition, more drive torque is transferred to
the wheel or wheels with traction.
ETS remains active when you deactivate
ESP ®
.
i AMG vehicles: your vehicle may be
equipped with 20-inch tires on the rear
axle. If replaced with a 19-inch tire, ETS
may intervene noticeably sooner for the
first few kilometers. After approximately
10 km ETS will function as usual again.
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be
found in the "Wheel/tire combinations"
section (Y page 268).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! When testing the electric parking brake
on a braking dynamometer, switch off the
ignition. Application of the brakes by
ESP ®
may otherwise destroy the brake
system.
When towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 239). Driving safety systems
69Safety Z

The
SPORT handling mode
SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display.
X To deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
X To deactivate ESP ®
:press button :until
the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster.
The ÷OFF OFFmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
X To activate ESP ®
:briefly press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷
ESP ®
ON
ON message appears in the
multifunction display.
Characteristics of activated SPORT
handling mode
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R the engine's torque is restricted only to a
limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning of the wheels results in
a cutting action, which provides better grip.
R ETS is still active.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
Characteristics when ESP ®
is deactivated
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action for better traction on loose
surfaces.
R traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
intervenes.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available, it
is also not activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ®
intervenes.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
General information EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section for driving safety systems
(Y page 66). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 177) as well as
display messages (Y page 166). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function 72
Driving safety systemsSafety

If you do not open the vehicle within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking:
R
the vehicle is locked again.
R the theft deterrent locking system is
armed again.
X To lock centrally: press the&button.
The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
R the doors
R the trunk lid
R the glove box
R the stowage compartment under the
armrest
R the stowage compartment in the rear
compartment
R the fuel filler flap
When unlocking, the turn signals flash once.
When locking, they flash three times.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm
that the vehicle has been locked. The audible
signal can be activated and deactivated using
the on-board computer (Y page 161).
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in the on-board
computer (Y page 161). KEYLESS-GO
General notes Bear in mind that the engine can be started
by any of the vehicle occupants if there is a
KEYLESS-GO key in the vehicle.
Locking/unlocking centrally
You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry
the SmartKey with you. You can combine the
functions of KEYLESS-GO with those of a
conventional SmartKey. Unlock the vehicle
by using KEYLESS-GO, for instance, and lock
it using the
&button on the SmartKey.
When locking or unlocking with KEYLESS-GO,
the distance between the SmartKey and the corresponding door handle must not be
greater than 3 ft (1 m).
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the
SmartKey determines whether a valid
SmartKey is in the vehicle. This occurs, for
example:
R
when the external door handles are
touched
R when starting the engine
R while the vehicle is in motion X
To unlock the vehicle: touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
X To lock the vehicle: touch sensor
surface :.
X Convenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ;for an
extended period.
For further information on the convenience
closing feature, see the Digital Operator's
Manual, keyword "Convenience closing".
X To unlock the trunk lid: pull the handle on
the trunk lid.
The vehicle only unlocks the trunk lid. Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can find information about this in the
Digital Operator's Manual. SmartKey
79Opening and closing Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The engine can no
longer be started using
the SmartKey. The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 233).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 235).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine can no
longer be started using
KEYLESS-GO. The
SmartKey is in the
vehicle. The vehicle is locked.
X
Unlock the vehicle and try to start the vehicle again. There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Doors
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R starting the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. Doors
83Opening and closing Z

the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical
contacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical
contacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work
on the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
The front and rear lamps of your vehicle are
equipped with either Xenon or LED bulbs. Do
not replace the bulbs yourself. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly. Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off Combination switch
1
$ Windshield wiper off
2 Ä Intermittent wipe, low (rain sensor
set to low sensitivity)
3 Å Intermittent wipe, high (rain sensor
set to high sensitivity)
4 ° Continuous wipe, slow
5 ¯ Continuous wipe, fast
B í Single wipe/ îTo wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
If the wiper blades are worn, the windshield
will no longer be wiped properly. This could prevent you from observing the traffic
conditions, thereby causing an accident.
Replace the wiper blades twice a year, ideally
in spring and fall.
i
The vehicle is equipped with the MAGIC
VISION CONTROL wipe/wash system. The
washer fluid is fed through the wiper blades
and when wiping the screen with washer
fluid î, the water is emitted directly
from the blades. Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the windshield wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiper blades, you could
be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a risk
of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
Changing the windshield wiper blades Moving the wiper arm to a vertical
position
On vehicles without KEYLESS-GO:
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 1or 2in the
ignition lock.
X Set the windshield wipers to
position °.
X When the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, turn the SmartKey to
position 0and remove it from the ignition
lock.
X Fold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
X Set the windshield wipers to
position °. Windshield
wipers
111Lights and windshield wipers Z

Removing the Start/Stop button
You can remove the Start/Stop button from
the ignition lock and start the vehicle as
normal using the SmartKey.
X Remove Start/Stop button :from ignition
lock ;.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation. G
WARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
i The catalytic converter is preheated for
up to 30 seconds after a cold start. During
this time, the engine sound may be
different.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 3in the
ignition lock (Y page 121) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine i
The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle without inserting the
SmartKey into the ignition lock. The Start/
Stop button must be inserted in the ignition Driving
123Driving and parking Z

X
KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to key position 0: "key
removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
Fuel filler flap :swings open.
X Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel could leak out.
Closing the fuel filler flap X
Place fuel filler cap on the fuel filler neck
and turn clockwise until it engages.
X Close the fuel filler flap.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle.
i If you are driving with the fuel filler cap
open, the 8reserve fuel warning lamp
flashes. The ;Check Engine warning
lamp may also light up. A message appears
in the multifunction display (Y page 163).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see (Y page 175). Refueling
129Driving and parking Z

Switching off the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral position Nwhen you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Information in the Digital Operator's
Manual A description of how to switch off the engine
on vehicles with manual or automatic
transmission can be found in the Digital
Operator's Manual.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
You can find information about this in the
Digital Operator's Manual. Driving tips
Information in the Digital Operator's
Manual
In the Digital Operator's Manual you will find
information on the following topics:
R General driving tips
R ECO display R
Braking
-Important safety notes
- Driving/braking on downhill gradients
- Heavy and light loads
- Driving/braking on wet road surfaces
- Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
- High performance and ceramic brake
system for AMG vehicles
- Servicing the brakes
R Driving on wet roads
R Winter driving
-Important safety notes
- Driving with summer tires
- Slippery road surfaces Checking brake lining thickness
You can measure the break pad/lining
thickness using a test gauge. Color-coding
(green or red) on the test gauge allows you to
determine whether the brake pad/lining
thickness is still sufficient. The test gauge is
in the vehicle document wallet in the glove
box. Driving tips
131Driving and parking Z

Front wheel
Rear wheel
X
Bring the vehicle and wheels into a suitable
position so that you can attach test gauge
A.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 130).
X Move the selector lever to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Place test gauge Abetween the wheel's
spokes on brake pad/lining =.X
Hold test gauge Avertically on brake
disc :and slide measuring pin ;onto
brake disc :.
X Check which color field ?the arrow on
measuring pin ;is pointing to.
Green: the brake pad/lining thickness is
sufficient.
Red: the brake pad/lining thickness is not
sufficient. Have the brake pads/lining
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i To avoid an inaccurate measurement:
R make sure you position the wheels
suitably
R do not put the measuring pin on a recess
in the brake disc Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select a lower gear
in good time. By doing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine. This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for 132
Driving systemsDriving and parking