cooling MERCEDES-BENZ SL550 2012 R230 Owner's Manual

Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift
program) ................................ 106, 107
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................109
Shifting procedure .........................104
Steering wheel gearshift control ....108
Transmission position indicator .....104
Transmission positions ..................104
AUX socket ........................................ 161
Axle oils .............................................. 304
B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 205
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................71
Replacing ....................................... 269
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 283
Charging ........................................ 285
Jump starting ................................. 285
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Bead (tire) .......................................... 205
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 185
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 239
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 238
Brakes ................................................ 210
High-performance brake system ....211
Parking brake ................................ 102
Warning lamp ................................. 255
Break-in period .................................. 178
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 22
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 20
Calls (phone) ...................................... 129
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 303
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 220
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 73, 126
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Locking/unlocking from inside ........73
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 73
Certification label .............................. 294
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 39
Indicator lamp, passenger front
air bag off ........................................ 43
Infant and child restraint systems .... 52
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Safety notes ..................................... 51
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 221
Cigarette lighter ................................ 166
Climate control system
Air conditioning ............................. 150
Air conditioning refrigerant ............306
Air distribution ............................... 153
Air recirculation mode ...................154
Air vents ........................................ 151
Air volume ..................................... 153
Automatic mode ............................ 150
Deactivating system ......................149
Front defroster .............................. 153
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........153
Residual heat and ventilation .........154
Temperature .................................. 151
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quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Only shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the
automatic transmission could be damaged.XDepress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever lock is released.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
i
Shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Only depressing the brake pedal releases
the gear selector lever lock.
XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows
the catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 209).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R An ignition cable may be damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡ (120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 184).
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
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Climate control system
Control panel
Automatic climate control
FunctionRecommendation/Notes1Air distribution
display, driver’s side
2Front defrosteriKeep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the side windows are clear
again.
(Y page 153)3Air recirculationiOnly use this function for a short time,
e.g. in a tunnel. Otherwise, the windows
can fog up due to lack of fresh air.
(Y page 154)4Rear window
defroster
(Y page 155)5Air distribution
display, passenger
side
6Air distribution,
passenger side
(Y page 153)7Temperature control,
passenger side
iSet the temperature to 72‡ (22†).(Y page 151)8AC cooling on/offiSwitch on/off the air conditioning.(Y page 150)Residual heat/
ventilation
iWith the engine turned off, it is possible
to continue to heat or ventilate the interior.
(Y page 154)9Climate control on/
off
iSwitch on/off the climate control
system.
(Y page 149)aAir volume control(Y page 153)148Climate control systemControls in detail
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FunctionRecommendation/NotesbAir distribution and
air volume
(automatic mode)i Switch on the automatic mode. The
indicator lamp in button à comes on.(Y page 150)cTemperature control,
driver’s sidei Set the temperature to 72‡ (22†).(Y page 151)dAir distribution,
driver’s side( Y page 153)Notes on climate control system
The climate control system is operational
whenever the engine is running. You can
operate the climate control system in either
the automatic or manual mode. The system
cools or heats the interior depending on the
selected interior temperature.
It can only function optimally when you are
driving with the windows and the retractable
hardtop closed.
Nearly all dust particles, pollutants and odors
are filtered out before outside air enters the
passenger compartment through the air
distribution system.GWarning!
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a clogged filter replaced as soon as
possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The air conditioning will not engage (no
cooling) if the A/C mode ( Y page 150) is
deactivated.
GWarning!
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.XKeep the air intake grille in front of the
windshield free of snow and debris.
When the retractable hardtop is closed, do
not obstruct air flow by placing objects on the
air flow-through exhaust slots below the rear
window.
i If the vehicle interior is hot, ventilate the
interior before driving off. The climate
control will then adjust the interior
temperature to the set value much faster.
Deactivating the climate control
system
GWarning!
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time when the
retractable hardtop is closed. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
XDeactivating: Press button ^.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.XReactivating: Press button ^.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The previous settings are once again in
effect.
or
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XTurn temperature controls C or H
( Y page 148) clockwise or
counterclockwise.
The indicator lamp in button ^ goes out.
or
XPress button Ã.
The indicator lamp in button à comes
on. The air volume and air distribution are
adjusted automatically.
or
XPress button ¬.
The indicator lamp in button ^ goes out.
Air conditioning
The air conditioning is operational while the
engine is running and cools the interior air to
the temperature set by the operator. In
addition, the air conditioning dehumidifies
the interior air and helps prevent window
fogging.
GWarning!
If you deactivate the air conditioning, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
i Condensated water may drip out from
underneath the vehicle. This is normal and
not an indication of a malfunction.
The air conditioning uses the refrigerant
R134a. This refrigerant is free of CFCs which
are harmful to the ozone layer.
Deactivating
It is possible to deactivate the air
conditioning. The interior air will then no
longer be cooled or dehumidified.
XPress button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The cooling function switches off after a
short delay.Activating
Moist air can fog up the windows. You can
dehumidify the interior air with the air
conditioning.
XPress button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
Automatic mode
Air distribution and air volume can be
adjusted automatically by the climate control
system. You can also adjust the settings for
air distribution and air volume manually.
When operating the climate control system in
automatic mode, the interior air temperature,
air volume and air distribution are adjusted
automatically.
In automatic mode, cooling with
dehumidification is switched on. This function
can be switched off if necessary.
GWarning!
If you deactivate the air conditioning, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
XSet the desired temperature
( Y page 151).XActivating: Press button Ã.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
The air volume and air distribution are
adjusted automatically.XDeactivating: Press button Ã.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The blower will run at speed setting 3. The
air flows through the center and side air
vents.
or
XPress one button Ä.
The indicator lamp in button à goes out.
The climate control settings for the
respective side of the passenger
compartment is adjusted manually.150Climate control systemControls in detail
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Side air vents
Example illustration driver’s side
:Left side defroster air vent, fixed;Left side air vent, adjustable=Thumbwheel for air volume control for
adjustable left side air vent
XOpening/closing: Turn thumbwheel =
upward or downward.
Ventilated glove box
The glove box can be ventilated, for instance
to cool its contents, when the climate control
system is activated. The level of airflow to the
glove box depends on the airflow and air
distribution settings. The temperature of the
air is approximately the same as that of the
air flowing from the center air vents.
! Close the glove box air vent when heating
the vehicle interior. Activate the air
conditioning (cooling function) when the
outside temperature is high. Otherwise,
temperature-sensitive items stored in the
glove box could be damaged.
iYou should keep air vent ; closed when
outside temperatures are low.
XOpening the air vent: Make sure air
vent ; is unobstructed.
XTurn thumbwheel : upwards.XClosing the air vent: Turn
thumbwheel : downwards.
AIRSCARF vent
GWarning!
When switching on the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating, the air streaming from the openings
may be very hot. When in close proximity to
the openings, you could be seriously burned.
To help avoid serious personal injuries, switch
the AIRSCARF to a lower heating level.
:AIRSCARF vent
You can switch on the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating with the AIRSCARF switch
(Y page 84).
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Adjusting air distribution
The air distribution can be adjusted
separately on each side of the passenger
compartment with buttons Ä.
The symbols on the controls represent the
following functions:SymbolFunction¯Directs air through the
defroster air vents to the
windshield and door windowsPDirects air through the center
and side air ventsODirects air to the footwellsNDirects air through the center,
side air vents and to the
footwellsaDirects air through the
defroster air vents to the
windshield, door windows and
footwellsXPress one button Ä until the desired
setting for the respective side of the
passenger compartment appears in air
distribution display : or A (Y page 148).
Adjusting air volume
XDecreasing/increasing: Turn air volume
control F (Y page 148) clockwise or
counterclockwise.
Front defroster
You can use this setting to defrost the
windshield, for example if it is iced up.
You can also defog the windshield and the
door windows.
i Keep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the door windows are clear
again.XActivating: Press button ¬.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
The climate control switches to the following
functions automatically:
R cooling on to dehumidify
R most efficient blower speed and heating
power, depending on outside temperature
R air flows onto the windshield and the door
windows
R the air recirculation mode is switched off
XDeactivating: Press button ¬ again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The previous settings are once again in
effect. The cooling remains switched on.
The air recirculation remains switched off.
or
XPress button Ã.
The indicator lamp in button ¬ goes out.
Air volume and air distribution are adjusted
automatically.
or
XTurn temperature controls C and H
( Y page 148) clockwise or
counterclockwise.
or
XTurn air volume control F (Y page 148)
clockwise or counterclockwise.
Windshield fogged on the outside
XSwitch the windshield wipers on
( Y page 95).XPress one button Ä until the setting
P , N or O appears in air
distribution display : or A (Y page 148).
Maximum cooling MAX COOL
MAX COOL is only available in U.S. vehicles.
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MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
If the air distribution controls as well as the
air volume control are set to à and there
is a high need for cooling, MAX COOL is
activated. “MAX COOL” appears in
temperature controls C and H
(Y page 148).
This provides the fastest possible cooling of
the vehicle interior (when retractable hardtop
is closed).
Automatic climate control panel with MAX COOLactivated
Air recirculation mode
Switch to air recirculation mode to prevent
unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle
from the outside (e. g. before driving through
a tunnel). This setting cuts off the intake of
outside air and recirculates the air in the
passenger compartment.
GWarning!
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press button
¬.
XActivating: Press button g.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
iThe air recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures.
The indicator lamp in button g is not lit
when the air recirculation mode is switched
on automatically.
A quantity of outside air is added after
approximately 30 minutes.
XDeactivating: Press button g again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
iThe manually selected air recirculation
mode is deactivated automatically:
Rafter 5 minutes if the outside
temperature is below approximately
41‡ (5†)
Rafter 5 minutes if the air conditioning is
turned off
Rafter 30 minutes if the outside
temperature is above approximately
41‡ (5†)
Residual heat and ventilation
With the engine turned off, it is possible to
continue to heat or ventilate the interior for
up to 30 minutes. This feature makes use of
the residual heat produced by the engine.
iIf you switch on the residual heat function
when outside temperatures are high, only
the ventilation will be switched on.
iHow long the system will provide heating
depends on the coolant temperature and
the selected temperature. The blower will
run at low speed regardless of the air
distribution control setting.
XActivating: Switch off the ignition.XPress button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
XDeactivating: Press button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
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! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XScrew filler cap : back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 303) and
(Y page 305).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If you
notice fluid leaks or malfunction messages in
the multifunction display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature gauge indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
RDo not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam
will be blown out under pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XUsing a rag, slowly open cap approximately1/2 turn counterclockwise to relieve excess
pressure.
XContinue turning the cap counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: is up to the upper mark
on the bracing rib of coolant expansion
tank : (translucent)
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap back on and tighten it.
! SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the cap
on the coolant expansion tank. Never open
the cap between the two charge-air
coolers. Otherwise, the engine could be
damaged.
184Engine compartmentOperation
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EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions=
or
;Engine
ServiceThere may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the exhaust system
R the fuel systemXHave the engine checkedas soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.;Service
RequiredCertain electronic systems are unable to relay information to
the control system. The coolant temperature display or the
tachometer may have failed.XHave the electronic systems checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.+Top Up
Coolant
See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 184).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
244Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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