check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2016 Owner's Guide

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions M
N
Mercedes-AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT handling mode warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
SPORT handling mode is activated.
G WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Only switch to SPORT handling mode in accordance with the conditions descri-
bed in the "Activating/deactivating ESP ®
" section (Y page 70). !
N
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
N
The red restraint system warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The restraint system is malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The airbags or belt tensioners may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the
event of an accident, may not be triggered.
This poses an increased risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Contact a qualified specialist workshop immediately and have the restraint sys-
tem checked.
For further information on the restraint system, see (Y page 40).248
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions ?
N
The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
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 malfunctioning.
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 traffic conditions,
and switch off the engine.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 153).
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 279).
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. ?
N
The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
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 traffic conditions,
and switch off the engine.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 153).
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 279).
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system
checked. 250
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

X
With your hand flat, push down active bon-
net :in the area around the hinges on both
sides (arrows) until you feel it engage.
If you can raise the active bonnet slightly in the
area around the hinges, it is not engaged cor-
rectly. Repeat the step.
Opening the bonnet 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 components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
When the bonnet is open, and the windscreen wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windscreen wipers and
the ignition before opening the bonnet.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
not folded away from the windscreen. Other-
wise, you could damage the windscreen wip-
ers or the bonnet. X
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off.
X Pull release lever :on the bonnet.
The bonnet is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull bonnet catch han-
dle ;up and lift the bonnet :.
If you lift the bonnet by approximately 40 cm, the bonnet is opened and held open automat-
ically by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the bonnet X
Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a height
of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged properly.
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close it
with a little more force. Engine oil
Notes on oil level Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.8 litres of oil per 1,000 km.
The oil consumption may be higher than this Engine compartment
277Maintenance and care Z

when the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive
at high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be
installed at a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface
R the engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature
R if the engine is not at normal operating tem-
perature, e.g. if the engine was only started
briefly, wait approximately 30 minutes before
carrying out the measurement
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick 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 components descri- bed in the following. Example
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick 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 If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =or
below, top up with 1.0 l of engine oil. Topping up engine oil 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 components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil does not spill out
over the filler neck. Allow the engine to cool
down and thoroughly clean the components
that have come into contact with engine oil
before you start the engine. 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 service sys-
tem. You can obtain a list of the engine oils
and oil filters tested and approved in accord-
ance 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. 278
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

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 lof 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 dipstick
(Y page 278).
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 324). 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 components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurised, particu-
larly when the engine is warm. If you open the cap, you could be scalded if hot coolant
sprays out. There is a risk of injury. Let the engine cool down before you open the
cap. Wear gloves and eye protection. Open
the cap slowly to release the pressure. Example
X Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level if the vehicle is
on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 132).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 132).
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in the
multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
70 †.
X Turn the key to position 0(Y page 132) in the
ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap ;half a turn anti-clockwise
to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap ;further anti-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 1.5 cm
above marker bar =in the filler neck when
warm, there is enough coolant in coolant
expansion tank :.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap ;and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
Further information on coolant (Y page 325). Engine compartment
279Maintenance and care Z

a qualified specialist workshop of this display,
you will receive a statement on the associated
costs.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display does
not take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-
ule:
X Note down the service due date displayed in
the multifunction display before disconnect-
ing the battery.
or X After reconnecting the battery, subtract the
battery disconnection periods from the ser-
vice date shown on the display. Hiding service messages
X Press the aor% button on the steering
wheel. Displaying service messages
X Switch the ignition on.
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Serv. Serv.menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select the
ASSYST
ASSYST PLUS
PLUSsubmenu and confirm by press-
ing the abutton.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display. Information about service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display !
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
has been inadvertently reset, this setting can
be corrected at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Have service work carried out as described in the Service Booklet. This may otherwise lead
to increased wear and damage to the major
assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, will reset the
ASSYST PLUS service interval display after the
service work has been carried out. You can also obtain further information on maintenance
work, for example.
Special service requirements The prescribed service interval is based on nor-
mal operation of the vehicle. Service work will
need to be performed more often if the vehicle is
operated under arduous conditions or increased loads, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermediate
stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel short
distances
R for frequent operation in mountainous terrain
or on poor road surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long periods
In these or similar operating conditions, have,
for example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter changed more frequently. The tyres must be
checked more frequently if the vehicle is oper-
ated under increased loads. Further informationcan be obtained at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Driving abroad An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network is
also available in other countries. You can obtain further information from any Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre. Care
Notes on care
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any of
the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper. Care
281Maintenance and care Z

Flat tyre
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with: R tyres with run-flat characteristics
(MOExtended tyres) (Y page 289)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi- cles with MOExtended tyres.
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 288)
R an emergency spare wheel (certain countries
only) (Y page 318)
Vehicles with MOExtended tyres are not equip-
ped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It is there-
fore recommended that you additionally equip
your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you fit tyres that do not feature run-flat characteristics, e.g. win-
ter tyres. A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop.
Information on changing and fitting a wheel
(Y page 312).
X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible from
traffic on solid, non-slippery and level ground.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 153).
X If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove the
key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the driv-
er's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the key having been
removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 132).
X Make sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is
near the danger area while a wheel is being
changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Place the warning triangle at a suitable dis-
tance (Y page 287). Observe legal require-
ments. MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics)
General notes With MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi- cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tyres. The affected tyre must not show
any clearly visible damage.
You can recognise MOExtended tyres by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the tyre wall. You will find this marking next to the tyre
size designation, the load-bearing capacity and
the speed index.
MOExtended tyres may only be used in conjunc-tion with an activated tyre pressure loss warning
system or tyre pressure monitor.
If a pressure loss warning message appears in the multifunction display:
R observe the instructions in the display mes-
sages (Y page 237)
R check the tyre for damage
R if driving on, observe the following notes
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
approximately 80 km when the vehicle is parti-
ally laden and approximately 30 km when the
vehicle is fully laden.
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving dis-
tance possible depends upon:
R vehicle speed
R road condition
R outside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving conditions/
manoeuvres, or it can be increased through a
moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is counted from the moment the tyre pressure loss
warning appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
80 km/h.
When replacing one or all tyres, observe the fol-
lowing specifications for your vehicle's tyres:
R size
R type and
R the "MOExtended" mark
If a tyre has gone flat and cannot be replaced
with an MOExtended tyre, a standard tyre may
be used as a temporary measure. Make sure Flat tyre
289Breakdown assistance Z

vehicle will then use very little energy, thus con-
serving battery power. Charging the battery
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not breathe in any battery gases. Do not
lean over the battery. Keep the batteries out
of the reach of children. Immediately rinse off
battery acid thoroughly with plenty of clean
water and seek medical attention at once. G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
! Only charge the installed battery with a bat-
tery charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery
chargers allow the battery to be charged while still installed in the vehicle.
! Only use battery chargers with a maximum
charging voltage of 14.8 V.
! Only
charge the battery using the jump-start
connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at
low temperatures, it is very likely that the dis-
charged battery has frozen. In this case you may
neither jump-start the vehicle nor charge the battery. The service life of a battery that has
been thawed may be reduced. The starting char-
acteristics may be impaired, especially at low
temperatures. Have the thawed battery
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Read the battery charger's operating instruc-
tions before charging the battery.
X Open the bonnet.
X Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and earth point in the same order as
when connecting the donor battery in the
jump-starting procedure (Y page 296). Battery (vehicle)
295Breakdown assistance Z

Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point, consisting of a pos- itive terminal and an earth point, in the engine compartment. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Do not breathe in any battery gases. Do not lean over the battery. Keep the batteries out of the reach of children. Immediately rinse off battery acid
thoroughly with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention at once. G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, naked flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a battery.
R It is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jump leads.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running. G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at low temperatures, it is very likely that the dis-
charged battery has frozen. In this case you may neither jump-start the vehicle nor charge the
battery. The service life of a battery that has been thawed may be reduced. The starting charac-
teristics may be impaired, especially at low temperatures. Have the thawed battery checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. 296
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance

X
Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto earth point Aof your vehicle using the jump
lead, connecting the jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point Aand negative terminal ?, then from positive
clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
X After the jump lead is removed, return cover :of positive terminal ;to the original position.
Positive terminal ;is covered up and thus insulated again.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing away and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R towing eye may be torn off
R car/trailer combination may swerve or
even overturn
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (Y page 321).
! When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function are activa-
ted, the vehicle brakes automatically in cer-
tain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
! Only secure the tow rope or towing bar to
the towing eyes. The vehicle may otherwise
be damaged. !
Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This makes other road users
aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R only secure the tow rope to the towing eye.
R observe the brake lamps of the towing vehi-
cle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag.
R do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery, this
could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
! To tow vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button. The
automatic transmission may otherwise
switch to position Pwhen you open the driv-
er's or front-passenger door which could
damage the transmission.
! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of
50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not
be exceeded. 298
Towing away and tow-startingBreakdown assistance