coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ SL65AMG 2006 R230 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation......................................... 255
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 256
Driving instructions ............................ 257
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 257
Drinking and driving ..................... 257
Pedals .......................................... 257
Power assistance ......................... 258
Brakes .......................................... 258
Driving off..................................... 260
Parking ......................................... 261
Tires ............................................. 261
Hydroplaning ................................ 262
Tire traction .................................. 263
Tire speed rating .......................... 263
Winter driving instructions ........... 264
Standing water ............................. 265
Passenger compartment .............. 266
Driving abroad .............................. 266
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 266
Catalytic converter ....................... 267
Emission control........................... 267
Coolant temperature .................... 268At the gas station .............................. 269
Refuelling ..................................... 269
Check regularly and before a
long trip........................................ 271
Engine compartment ......................... 272
Hood ............................................ 272
Engine oil ..................................... 274
Transmission fluid level ................ 277
Oil level in the ABC system .......... 277
Coolant ........................................ 278
Battery ......................................... 279
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 280
Tires and wheels ................................ 281
Important guidelines .................... 281
Tire care and maintenance ........... 282
Direction of rotation ..................... 284
Loading the vehicle ...................... 284
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 291
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 293
MOExtended system* .................. 300
Tire labeling.................................. 300
Load identification ....................... 304
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 305Maximum tire load ....................... 306
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 307
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 308
Tire ply material ........................... 310
Tire and loading terminology........ 310
Rotating tires ............................... 313
Winter driving .................................... 315
Winter tires .................................. 315
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 316
Snow chains................................. 317
Maintenance...................................... 318
Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 318
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 319
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 320
Vehicle care....................................... 321
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 321

57 Getting started
Driving
The coolant temperature gauge is
above 248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in
a safe location and turn off the engine.
Allow engine and coolant to cool.

Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
page 278).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:

Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.

Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de-
termined:

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If no damage can be determined on the


major assemblies


fuel system


engine mount:

Start the engine in the usual manner.

271 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and require-
ments of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (
page 445).

Open the hood (
page 272).
1Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
2Brake fluid
3Coolant levelWindshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
For information on refilling the reservoir,
see “Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system” (
page 280).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (
page 445).Coolant level
For information on checking the coolant
level, see “Coolant” (
page 278).
Engine oil level
For more information on checking the en-
gine oil level, see “Checking engine oil lev-
el with the control system” (
page 274).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information, see “Replacing bulbs”
(
page 391).
Exterior lamp switch, see “Switching on
headlamps” (
page 53).
Tire inflation pressure
For information on checking the tire infla-
tion pressure, see “Checking tire inflation
pressure” (
page 293).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks immediately. Noti-
fy an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as
this will not solve the problem. For
more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 363).

278 OperationEngine compartmentCoolantThe engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compart-
ment.
1Coolant expansion tank

Using a rag, turn the cap slowly approx-
imately one half turn to the left to re-
lease any excess pressure.

Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level


for cold coolant: is up to the upper
mark on the bracing rib of the coolant
expansion tank (translucent)


for warm coolant: is approx. 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher

Add coolant as required.

Replace and tighten cap.
For more information, see “Coolants”
(
page 450).
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

Use 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 indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.


Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately
1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.


Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.
!SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the
cap on coolant expansion tank1.
Never open the cap between the two
charge-air coolers. Otherwise, the en-
gine could be damaged.

336 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
ú
(USA only)
±
(Canada only)
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.
Your fuel tank is empty.

After refuelling, start, turn off, and re-
start the engine three or four times in
succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You
do not need to have your vehicle
checked.
D
The red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.
There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently,
there is a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric ra-
diator fan may be broken.

Immediately add coolant to prevent
engine from overheating
(page 278).

Have the cooling system checked.

If the coolant temperature is below
248 °F (120 °C), you can continue
driving to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
D
The red coolant warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
The coolant temperature has exceeded
248 °F (120 °C).

Stop in a safe location as soon as pos-
sible and allow the engine and coolant
to cool down.

365 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
±
Engine
Service
There may be a malfunction in the

fuel injection system


ignition system


exhaust system


fuel system

Have the engine checked as soon as possible
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
(page 335).
B
Coolant
Check level
The coolant level is too low.

Add coolant (
page 278).

If you have to add coolant frequently, have the
cooling system checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
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 can be seriously burned.
!Do not ignore the low engine coolant
level warning. Extended driving with
this message and symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. Do not drive without suffi-
cient amount of coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will overheat, caus-
ing major engine damage.

450 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion / antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

corrosion protection


freeze protection


boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase in the boil-over
protection. Refer to Maintenance Booklet
for replacement interval.Coolant system design and coolant used
stipulate the replacement interval. The re-
placement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see
Factory Approved Service Products pam-
phlet) are used to renew the coolant con-
centration or bring it back up to the proper
level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. - 22°F [-30°C]). If
you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approx. - 49°F [-45°C]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this
amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion /Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage). Please make sure the
mixture is in accordance with label instruc-
tions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

463 Index
C
CAC 453
California retail buyers and lessees, impor-
tant notice for 11
Call priority, Tele Aid 244
CAN System 454
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 445
Cargo area see Trunk
Carpets, cleaning 330
Catalytic converter 267
CD changer 142
CD player 142
Operating 142
Center console
Lower part 30
Upper part 29
Central locking
Automatic 112, 155
Central locking/unlocking switch 29,
113
Locking/unlocking from inside 113
Certification label 430
Check engine see Lamps, indicator and
warningChildren in the vehicle
Airbags 66
Indicator lamp, front passenger front
airbag 78
Infant and child restraint systems 64,
76
Cigarette lighter 234
Clock 23, 150
Cockpit 22, 454
Cockpit Management and Data System
see COMAND system
Cold tire inflation pressure 310, 454
Collapsible tire 454
COMAND system 29, 454
Driving instructions 266
Combination switch
High beam 53, 129
Turn signals 53
Windshield wipers 54
Consumer battery 279
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 266
Control system 135, 138, 454Control system menus
AUDIO 141
NAV 143
Settings 146
Standard display 140
TEL* 159
Trip computer 157
Vehicle status message memory 144
Control system submenus 139
Convenience 156
Instrument cluster 149
Lighting 152
Time 150
Vehicle 155
Controller Area Network see CAN System
Convenience feature 200
Coolant 450
Anticorrosion/antifreeze mixing ratio
and quantity 451
Checking coolant level 278
Coolant warning lamp 336
Messages in the multifunction
display 365, 366, 367, 368
Temperature 268
Temperature gauge 133

466 IndexEngine oil 274, 447
Adding 276, 445
Additives 447
Checking level 274
Consumption 274
Filler neck 276
Messages in the multifunction
display 275, 369
Recommended engine oils and
filters 447
ESP
®
82, 85, 455
Switch 30
Switching off 86
Switching on 87
Synchronizing 354
Warning lamp 25, 332
ETD 74, 455
Safety guidelines 69
Warning and indictor lamps 341
Exterior lamp switch 123
Exterior rear view mirrors 44, 177
F
Filler neck, Engine oil 276
First aid kit 383Flat tire 399
Preparing the vehicle 399
Spare wheel 383, 404
TIREFIT kit 384, 399
Flexible Service System see FSS
Fluids
Automatic climate control
system 445
Automatic transmission 277, 445
Brake system 271, 445, 447
Capacities 445
Engine coolant 278, 445, 450
Engine oil 274, 445, 447
Power steering 445
Retractable hardtop, Hydraulics 445
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system 445
Fog lamps 126
Messages in the multifunction
display 375, 377
Replacing bulbs 392
Front airbags 70
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front airbag off indicator
lamp 78
FSS (Canada only) 318, 455Fuel 269
Additives 449
Capacity, Fuel tank 445
Consumption statistics 157
Filler flap 269
Fuel reserve warning lamp 27, 338
Gasoline additives 449
Gauge 27
Premium unleaded gasoline 270,
446, 448
Refuelling 269
Requirements 448
Fuel cap
Messages in the multifunction
display 371
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities 445
Functions (control system) 137
Fuse chart see Vehicle tool kit
Fuses 425
G
Garage door opener 247
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR 311, 455

470 IndexMassage function 117
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL 186
Maximum inflation pressure 311
Maximum load rating 311, 456
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 311,
456
Maximum tire inflation pressure 456
Memory function 456
Menus 137
AUDIO 141
Distronic* 143
NAV 143
Standard display 140
TEL* 159
Trip computer 157
Vehicle status message memory 144
Menus see Control system menus
Microphone
Hands-free microphone 31
Miles/kilometers in speedometer 149
Minimum distance (Parktronic*) 225
Mirrors 44, 177
Adjusting interior rear view mirror 44
Exterior rear view mirrors 44
Misfiring 56
MOE tires see MOExtended system*MOExtended system* 411
MOExtended tires 440
MON 270, 456
Mph or km/h in speedometer 149
Multifunction display 135, 456
Displaying gear range 167
Left display field 25
Right display field 27
Selecting language 150
Standard display 135
Multifunction display messages
ABC 347
ABS 349
Battery 359, 360
Brake pads 360
Brake system 364
CHECK ENGINE 365
Coolant 366
Coolant level 365, 368
Display malfunction 368
Doors 369
Easy-entry/exit feature 369
Electro-hydraulic brake system 361,
362
Hood 372
Luggage cover 382Retractable hardtop 371
Roll bar 379
Seat belts 379
SmartKey 372
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 373
Tele Aid 379
Telephone* 379
Tires 380
Trunk 382
Washer fluid 382
Multifunction steering wheel 28, 136,
456
Buttons 136
N
Navigation system
Operating 143
Night security illumination 154
Normal occupant weight 311, 456
O
Occupant distribution 311
Octane number 458
Odometer, main 25
Oil
Adding 276
Consumption 274