engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions K
Start engine See Start engine See
Owner's Manual Owner's Manual The on-board voltage is too low.
X Start the engine.
X Repeat the opening/closing process after approximately ten
seconds (Y page 104). The roof has been opened and closed several times in a row. The
roof drive has been switched off automatically for safety reasons.
You can open and close the roof again after approximately ten
minutes.
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Repeat the opening or closing procedure (Y page 104).Close rear
Close rear
side windows side windows You leave the vehicle and at least one of the rear side windows is
open.
X Close the rear side windows (Y page 100).¥
Top Top
up
upwasher
washer fluid
fluid The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.
X Top up the washer fluid (Y page 566).Wiper malfunction‐ Wiper malfunction‐
ing ing The windscreen wipers are defective.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Hazard warning
Hazard warning
lamps malfunction‐ lamps malfunction‐
ing ing The hazard warning lamps are faulty.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Key
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Â
Key does not Key does not
belong to vehicle belong to vehicle You have put the wrong key in the ignition lock.
X Use the correct key. Â
Replace key Replace key The key needs to be replaced.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Change key batter‐ Change key batter‐
ies ies The batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.
X Change the batteries (Y page 88).272
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Â
Key not detected Key not detected
(red display message) The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle
centrally or start the engine.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 175).
X Locate the KEYLESS-GO key. The KEYLESS-GO key is not detected while the engine is running
because there is interference from a strong source of radio waves.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 175).
X Operate the vehicle with the key in the ignition lock if necessary. Â
Key not detected Key not detected
(white display mes-
sage) The KEYLESS-GO key cannot be detected at present.
X Change the location of the key with the KEYLESS-GO functions
in the vehicle.
If the KEYLESS-GO key is still not detected:
X Operate the vehicle with the key in the ignition lock if necessary. Â
Remove starting Remove starting
button, then button, then
insert key insert key The KEYLESS-GO key is not continually detected.
KEYLESS-GO is temporarily malfunctioning or is defective. A warn-
ing tone also sounds.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and turn it to the desired
position.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display
messages
273On-board computer and displays Z

Warning and indicator lamps
Safety
Seat belts Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ü
Only for certain coun-
tries: the red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
for 6 seconds after the
engine starts.
The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger
to fasten their seat belts.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 59).ü
Only for certain coun-
tries: the red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts.
In addition, a warning
tone sounds for up to
6 seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 59).
The warning tone ceases. ü
The red seat belt warn-
ing lamp lights up after
the engine starts, as
soon as the driver's or
the front-passenger
door is closed.
The driver or passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 59).
The warning lamp goes out. There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out. ü
The red seat belt warn-
ing lamp flashes and an
intermittent audible
warning sounds. The driver or passenger has not fastened their seat belt. At the
same time, you are driving faster than 25 km/h or have briefly
driven faster than 25 km/h.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 59).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. There are objects on the front-passenger seat. At the same time,
you are driving faster than 25 km/h or have briefly driven faster
than 25 km/h.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. 274
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Safety systems
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions J
The red brake system
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds. There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
Braking efficiency may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident. X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 175).
X Do not top up the brake fluid. Topping up will not rectify the fault.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. !
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) has been deactivated due to a fault.
For this reason, BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS, ESP ®
(Electronic
Stability Program), PRE ‑SAFE®
, PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD func-
tion, hill start assist and the adaptive brake lights are also deac-
tivated, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-ted. The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking
situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic trans-
mission, will be unavailable. Warning and indicator lamps
275On-board computer and displays Z

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions !
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. ABS is temporarily unavailable. Therefore, BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP
®
,
EBD (electronic brake force distribution), PRE‑ SAFE®
,
PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function, hill start assist and the
adaptive brake lights, for example, are also deactivated.
Possible causes:
R self-diagnosis is not yet complete
R the on-board voltage may be insufficient
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock, for example, if you brake hard.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-ted. The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking
situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steer-
ing movements at a speed above 20 km/h.
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 276
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions !
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds. EBD is unavailable due to a malfunction. Therefore, ABS, BAS, BAS
PLUS, ESP ®
, PRE‑SAFE ®
, PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function,
hill start assist and the adaptive brake lights, for example, are also
unavailable.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock, for example, if you brake hard.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-ted. The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking
situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. J
֌!
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP ®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running. ABS and ESP
®
are unavailable due to a fault. Therefore, BAS, BAS
PLUS, EBD, PRE ‑SAFE®
, PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function, hill
start assist and the adaptive brake lights, for example, are also
unavailable.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock, for example, if you brake hard.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-ted. The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking
situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps
277On-board computer and displays Z

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ÷
The yellow ESP
®
warn-
ing lamp flashes while
the vehicle is in motion. ESP
®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.
X Accelerate more gently while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 74).å
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is deactivated, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 74).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. M
AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT han-
dling mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. SPORT handling mode is activated.
G WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is switched on, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Only switch on SPORT handling mode in certain situations
(Y page 75). 278
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. ESP
®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE‑ SAFE®
, PRE ‑SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function, hill start assist and the adaptive brake lights are unavail- able due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking
situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. ESP
®
, BAS, PRE‑SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and hill start assist are
temporarily unavailable.
The adaptive brake lights, BAS PLUS and PRE ‑SAFE®
Brake may
also have failed.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking
situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steer-
ing movements at a speed above 20 km/h.
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps
279On-board computer and displays Z

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions !
The red indicator lamp
for the electric parking
brake flashes or is lit
and/or the yellow
warning lamp for the
electric parking brake
is lit. X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. 6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) is malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The airbags or belt tensioners may either be triggered uninten-
tionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
This poses an increased risk of injury. X Drive on carefully.
X Have SRS checked at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
For further information about the Supplemental Restraint System, see (Y page 51). Engine
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions ;
The yellow engine diag-
nostics warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running. There may be a fault, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be
running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. 8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp is on
while the engine is run-
ning. The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. 280
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the engine is running
and the coolant tem-
perature gauge is at the start of the scale. The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
faulty.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page 175).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps
281On-board computer and displays Z