coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

Problem with the rear window
heating .......................................... 148
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................1 44
Setting the air distribution ............. 145
Setting the air vents ..................... .150
Setting the airflow ......................... 146
Setting the temperature ................ 145
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 148
Switching on/off ........................... 142
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 149
Switching the rear window heat-
ing on/off ...................................... 147
Switching the ZONE function on/
off ................................................. .146
THERMOTRONIC (2-zone) auto-
matic climate control ..................... 141
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 38
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible emergency spare
wheel
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND control panel ..................... 294
...................................................... 294
COMAND controller ........................... 296
COMAND display ............................... 293
Cleaning ......................................... 572
Cleaning instructions ..................... 293
Driving conditions menu (AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 204
Driving conditions menu (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 201
Setting .......................................... .310
Switching on/off ........................... 293
COMAND Online ........................ 446, 461
Active multicontour seat ................ 319
Basic functions .............................. 298
Calling up drive status regulator
(ABC) ............................................. 318
Display .......................................... .289
Emergency call system displays .... 432
Examples of operation ................... 296
Importing POIs ............................... 446
Menu overview .............................. 291
Multicontour seat .......................... 319
Seat functions ............................... 318 Settings ......................................... 461
Switching on/off ........................... 298
COMAND Online and Internet
see Online and Internet functions
Combination switch .......................... 129
Compass function .............................381
Connecting a USB device ................. 472
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 231
Contacts
Deleting ......................................... 418
Importing ....................................... 417
Convenience closing feature ............ 101
Convenience opening feature
see Side windows
Convenience opening/closing (air-
recirculation mode) ........................... 148
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 565
Display message ............................ 258
Important safety notes .................. 627
Temperature (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 244
Temperature gauge ........................ 228
Warning lamp ................................. 281
Cooling
see Climate control
Copy protection (CD/DVD) ...............480
Copyright ............................................. 36
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 255
Function/notes ............................ .131
Country-specific information (nav-
igation) ............................................... 382
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 135
Cruise control
Cruise control lever ....................... 182
Deactivating ................................... 184
Display message ............................ 265
Driving system ............................... 182
Important safety notes .................. 182
LIM indicator lamp ......................... 182
Selecting ........................................ 183
Setting a speed .............................. 184
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 183 Index
9

Harman/kardon® Logic 7® sur-
round sound system
see Surround sound (harman/
kardon® surround sound system)
Hazard warning lamps
Display message ............................ 272
Switching on/off ........................... 130
Head level heating (AIRSCARF) ........ 117
Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 115
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Headbag
Display message ............................ 255
Operation ........................................ .55
Heading up (navigation) ................... 374
Headlamp
Cleaning system (function) ............ 131
Cleaning system (notes) ............... .628
Headlamps
Misting up ...................................... 133
Topping up the cleaning system .... 566
see Automatic headlamp mode
Headphones
Changing batteries ........................ 523
Heating
see Climate control
High-pressure cleaners .................... 569
Hill start assist .................................. 158
HOLD function
Activating ....................................... 197
Deactivating ................................... 197
Display message ............................ 262
Function/notes ............................ .196
Home address ........................... 330, 332
Entering and saving ....................... 330
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 332 I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobiliser .......................................... 79
Indicator and warning lamps
Coolant .......................................... 281
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 283
Engine diagnostics ......................... 280
SPORT handling mode ................... 278 Indicator lamp
................................... 523
Remote control .............................. 523
Indicator lamps
Display message ............................ 256
see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Inspection
see ASSYST PLUS
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 40
Warning and indicator lamps ........... 42
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 228
Intelligent Light System
Activating/deactivating ................. 240
Display message ............................ 257
Overview ........................................ 131
Setting the dipped-beam head-
lamps for driving on the right/left .. 240
Interface (USB, iPod®)
see Media Interface
Interior lighting ................................. 134
Automatic control system .............. 134
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 241
Emergency lighting ........................ 135
Manual control ............................... 135
Overview ........................................ 134
Reading lamp ................................. 134
Setting the ambient lighting
brightness (on-board computer) .... 241
Setting the ambient lighting col-
our (on-board computer) ................ 241
Interior motion sensor
Deactivating ..................................... 81
Function .......................................... .80
Priming ............................................ 80
Switching off .................................... 81
Inter-
net ......................4 54, 457, 458, 459, 460
Calling up the carousel view .......... 454
Conditions for access .................... 432
Creating a favourite ....................... 459
Entering the URL ............................ 454
Favourites manager ....................... 459
Favourites menu ............................ 460
Menu functions .............................. 457
Opening favourites ......................... 458 Index
15

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The coolant tempera-
ture display is showing
more than 120 †. The
coolant warning lamp
may also be on and a
warning tone may
sound. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 565). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary. If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic. Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate. G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral 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 vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake. Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions !
If the engine speed is too high or if the
vehicle is rolling, do not shift the transmis- sion directly from Dto R, from Rto Dor
directly to P.
Do not open the driver's door while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds in trans-
mission position Dor R, park position Pis
otherwise engaged automatically.
The transmission could be damaged. Selector lever
j
Park position
k Reverse gear Automatic transmission
163Driving and parking Z

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 34). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Operating the integrated information systems and communications equipment in the vehicle
while driving will distract you from traffic con-
ditions. You could then lose control of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate these devices if road traffic con-
ditions permit. If you are unsure about the
surrounding conditions, pull over to a safe
location and make entries only while the vehi-
cle is stationary. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognise function
restrictions relevant to safety. The operating
safety of your vehicle may be impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the mul- tifunction display. You should therefore make
sure your vehicle is operating safely at all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not oper-
ating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Y
page 40). Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con- trol knob.
The brightness control knob is on the bottom
left of the instrument cluster (Y page 40).
X Turn the brightness control knob anti-
clockwise or clockwise.
If the light switch is set to Ã,Tor
L, the brightness is dependant upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not lit. Coolant temperature gauge
G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(Y page 40).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 120 †. 228
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

Engine
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions +
Top Top
up
upcoolant
coolant See
See
Owner's Manual
Owner's Manual The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
X Top up the coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 565).
X If the coolant needs topping up more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop. ? The fan motor is faulty.
X If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic. ?
Coolant Stop vehi‐ Coolant Stop vehi‐
cle Switch engine cle Switch engine
off off The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire.
In addition, steam from an overheated engine can cause serious
burns, which can occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 175).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below 120 †. The engine may
otherwise be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 120 †. 258
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions # The battery is not being charged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes:
R faulty alternator
R torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 175).
X Open the bonnet.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check eng. oil Check eng. oil
lev. when next lev. when next
refuelling refuelling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Check the oil level when next refuelling, at the latest
(Y page 564).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 564).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if the
engine oil needs topping up more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys when there is too little coolant in the cool-
ing system. Otherwise the engine will be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.co m. Display
messages
259On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions 4
Add Add
1
1litre
litre engine
engine
oil
oil when
when next
next refu‐
refu‐
elling
elling AMG vehicles: the engine oil level is too low.
X Check the oil level when next refuelling, at the latest
(Y page 564).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 564).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if the
engine oil needs topping up more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys when there is too little coolant in the cool-
ing system. Otherwise the engine will be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.8
Reserve fuel level Reserve fuel level The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. C There is very little fuel in the fuel tank.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station without fail. Driving systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ABC
ABC
Malfunction Malfunction The ABC function (Active Body Control) is restricted.
G WARNING
The vehicle's suspension settings may be affected.
There is a risk of an accident. X Do not drive at speeds above 80 km/h.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ABC ABC
Malfunction Stop Malfunction Stop
vehicle vehicle The vehicle level of the ABC is too low.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
After a few seconds, the vehicle level is adjusted and the display
message disappears. 260
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator may
be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be malfunc-
tioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page 175).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant, observing the
warning notes (Y page 565).
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 120 †. The engine may otherwise be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 120 †. The airflow to the
engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too
low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire.
In addition, steam from an overheated engine can cause serious
burns, which can occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page 175).282
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions X
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant, observing the
warning notes (Y page 565).
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic. Driving systems
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions ·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion. The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed
selected.
X Increase the distance. ·
The red distance warn-
ing 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 185).
Further information on PRE‑ SAFE®
Brake (Y page 77). Warning and indicator lamps
283On-board computer and displays Z

H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R changing the engine oil and oil filter after
missing the change interval required by
the service system
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 con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil filler cap
X Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up the engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, top up with 1.0 l of engine
oil. X
Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks securely into place.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 564).
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 626). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is under pressure, particularly if the engine is warm. You could
be scalded by hot coolant spraying out when
opening the cap. There is a danger of injury.
Allow the engine to cool before opening the
cap. Wear gloves and protective eyewear
when opening. Slowly turn the cap half a turn
to allow pressure to escape. Example Engine compartment
565Maintenance and care Z