check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2000 Owner's Manual

175 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Engine oil
Engine oil level check, see page 193.
Fil l qua ntity between u pper a nd l owe r dipstick ma rking
level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service
Products sheet.
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water
quality).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion / antifreeze),
see page 256.
Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, see page 251.
Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside the
fuel filler flap.Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, see
page 252.
Bulbs
High and low beams (Halogen): H7 (55 W),
fog lamps: H1 (55 W),
turn signal lamps, parking and standing lamps, front:
2357 NA (28.5 / 8.3 W / 30 / 2.2 cp),
side marker lamps, front: 5 W / 4 cp
stop lamps: 1154 21 W / 32 cp,
backup lamps: 1154 21 W / 32 cp,
turn signal lamps, rear: 1156 NA 21 W / 24cp,
tail, parking and standing lamps: 67 5 W / 4cp,
rear fog lamp, driver´s side: 1155 21 W / 32 cp,
license plate lamps: 67 5 W / 4 cp
Xenon bulb for low beam: D2R (35W)
Wa r n i n g !
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp
and its components. We recommend that you have
such work done by a qualified technician.

176 Check regularly and before a long trip
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Check regularly and before a long trip
SLK 230 Kompressor shown1Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir, see page 195.
2Coolant level
See “Adding coolant” on page 194.
3Engine oil level
See “Checking engine oil level” on page 193 and
“Engine oil level indicator” on page 77.
4Brake fluid
See “Brake fluid” on page 254.
Opening hood, see page 190.
Ve h i c l e l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on
page 218.
Exterior lamp switch, see page 79.

177 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster ......................................... 178
On-board
diagnostic system ....................... 178
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 178
Brake warning lamp .................. 179
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................. 180
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................. 180Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................180
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning .................... 181
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ................181
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 181
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................182
Telescoping steering
column warning lamp ................182
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp ..............................183Low windshield and
headlamp washer system
fluid level warning lamp ........... 183
Low engine oil level
warning lamp .............................. 184
Charge indicator lamp ............... 184
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp ............................. 185
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) .......... 185
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the
center console ........................... 185
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ..... 185

178 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the key in
steering lock to position 2, have it checked and replaced
if necessary.
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
may still drive the vehicle, however, in all cases, we
recommend that you have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp comes on continuously
and / or the vehicle is not driving normally, serious
damage can occur to the emission system. Please
contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control
module monitors emission control components that
either provide input signals to or receive output signals
from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from
interruptions or failure of any of these components are
indicated by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are
simultaneously stored in the SFI control module.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With some exceptions, the control module switches off
the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp if the
condition, causing the lamp to come on, no longer exists
during three consecutive cycles. See also page 181 for
fuel cap placement warning.

179 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the
passenger compartment near the engine hood release,
allowing the accurate identification of system
malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble
codes.
Brake warning lamp
Except Canada
Canada only
With the key in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp will come on. It should go out when the
engine is running.
The brake warning lamp will come on:
•when there is insufficient brake fluid in the
reservoir (engine running and parking brake
released), or
•when the parking brake is set (engine running).Note:
If you find that the minimum mark on the brake fluid
reservoir is reached, have the brake system checked for
brake pad thickness and leaks.
Wa r n i n g !
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated
can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp
stays on. Don’t add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir
can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.

180 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Brake pad wear indicator lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
brake pad wear indicator lamp comes on. It
goes out when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this
indicates that the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Seat belt nonusage warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
seat belt warning lamp comes on, and a
warning sounds for a short time if the
driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt warning lamp
blinks for a brief period to remind the driver and
passengers to fasten seat belts.Supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator lamp
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is verified by the indicator lamp
“SRS” in the instrument cluster when
turning the key in steering lock to position 1 or 2. If no
fault is detected, the lamp will go out after
approximately 4 seconds; after the lamp goes out, the
system continues to monitor the components and
circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a
malfunction by coming on again.
See page 53 for notes on airbags, see page 52 for belt
tensioners and page 44 for infant and child seat
restraint.
Wa r n i n g !
In the event a malfu nction of th e “SRS” is indic ated
as outlined above, the “SRS” may not be
operational. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the
system checked; otherwise the “SRS” may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which could
result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy
unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also
result in injury.

181 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Fuel reserve and fuel cap placement warning
With the key in steering lock position 2, the fuel reserve
warning lamp comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that
the fuel level is down to the reserve quantity of
approximately 2.1 gal (8 liters).
The warning lamp blinks when the fuel cap is not
closed, or a fuel system leak has been detected.
Retighten cap and see if warning lamp goes out after
restart and next OBD selfcheck.
If the warning lamp continues to blink after closing the
fuel cap correctly, have the fuel system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
a lso c ause t he “CH ECK ENG INE” lamp to ill uminate, see
also page 178.Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the
speedometer dial comes on with the key in
steering lock position 2. It should go out
with engine running.
See page 170 if the warning lamp lights up or f lashes
when the vehicle is moving.
BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP
is combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS / ESP malfunction indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on with the key in
steering lock position 2. It shoul d go out w it h th e engine
running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, see page 166
and 170.

182 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in
steering lock position 2 and should go out
with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and
warning in the instrument cluster come on while the
engine is running, it indicates that the ABS has detected
a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the
brake system functions in the usual manner, but
without antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page 168 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).Telescoping steering column warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on. It should go out when the engine
is running.
If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, the adjustable steering column is not locked
properly.
Important!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked
the steering column.
ABS

183 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Low engine coolant level warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
warning lamp comes on. It should go out
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, then the coolant
level has dropped below the required level. If no leaks
are noticeable and the engine temperature does not
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant system, see
page 194.
The low engine coolant level warning light should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have
the cooling system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving.
Low windshield and headlamp washer system fluid
level warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
warning lamp comes on. It should go out
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, the level of the
reservoir has dropped to approximately 1/3 of the total
volume. The reservoir should be refilled with MB
Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water (or
commercially available premixed windshield washer
solvent /antifreeze, depending on ambient temperature -
see page 195) at the next opportunity. The reservoir for
the windshield and headlamp washer systems is located
in the engine compartment.
Wa r n i n 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.

184 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Low engine oil level warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
oil level warning lamp comes on. It should
go out immediately when the engine is
running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or comes on with the engine running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated
could result in serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In addition to the warning lamp, the engine oil level
should be periodically checked with the dipstick, for
example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip, see
page 193.Charge indicator lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp fail to
come on prior to starting when the key is in
ste ering lock position 2 or sh ou ld it fa il to g o
out after starting or during operation, this indicates a
malfunction which must be repaired immediately at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If t he charg e ind ica tor l amp comes on, or a l oss of power
steering assistance is noticeable while the engine is
running, this may indicate that one of the two poly-V-
belts has broken. Should this condition occur, the poly-
V-belt mu st be replac ed before continuing to operate t he
vehicle. Otherwise, the engine may overheat due to an
inoperative water pump which may result in damage to
the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with the charge
indicator lamp illuminated. Doing so could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.