coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2013 R172 Owner's Manual

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The coolant
temperature display is
showing more than
248 ‡ (120 †). The
coolant warning lamp
may also be lit 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 279). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add 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
At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic. Manual transmission
Gear lever
! When shifting between 5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gea rlever all
the way to the right. You could otherwise
shift unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear
and damage the transmission.
If you shift down at too high a speed
(transmission braking), this can cause the
engine to overrev, leading to engine
damage.
Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill by
using the clutch pedal. There is otherwise
a risk of damaging the clutch. Gear lever
0011
Reverse gear
0006 bis000F
Forward gears Neutral N with ECO start/stop
function activated
The engine is switched off, if:
R the vehicle speed is below a certain
threshold in neutral Nand
R you do not depress the clutch pedal.
Further information on the ECO start/stop
function (Y page 139).144
Manual transmissionDriving and parking

X
Turn the brightness control knob counter-
clockwise or clockwise.
If the light switch is set to 0005,0013or
000A, the brightness is dependent 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 display
G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
! Adisplay message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over
248 ‡(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
The coolan ttemperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(Y page 29).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †). Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine. The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protec
tthe
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display (Y page 195).
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated (Y page 163):
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 166):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detectsav ehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in fron tand the stored speed light
up. Displays and operation
193On-board computer and displays Z

Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0010
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator'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 Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 279).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. 000F The fan motor is faulty.
X
At coolant temperatures below 24 8‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. 000F
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
Do no tdrive when youre ngine is overheated. Thi scan cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartmen tto
catch fire.
Stea mfrom the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
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 snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡ (120 †).
Otherwise, the engine could 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 248 ‡ (120 †). 226
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0011
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running. There may be a malfunction, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engin emay
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Chec kEngine warning
lamp lights up .This depends on the locally applicable legal
requirements. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving. 0013
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running. The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 0013
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the 0011
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up. The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. 000F
The red coolant
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running and the coolant
temperature gauge is
at the start of the scale. The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
defective.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 250
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000F
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 Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Y page 279).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 248 ‡(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. 000F
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (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.
Do not drive whe nyour engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155). Warning and indicator lamps
251On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
X
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Y page 279).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000C
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.
You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in you
rline
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 168).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 65). 252
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolan tlevel G
WARNING
In orde rto avoid potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of vapor or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant tank if the coolant temperature is
above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant tank contains hot fluid and is under
pressure.
R using a cloth, slowly turn the cap
approximately 0001turn to relieve excess
pressure. If you open the cap immediately,
pressurized scalding hot fluid and vapor will
be blown out.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. Example
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 135). On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y
page 136).
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 135) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap 0004half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0004further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
0024 in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0003.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar 0024in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank 0003.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap 0004and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 351).
Windshield washer system and
headlam pcleaning system G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engin eparts, because it may
ignite and burn .You could be seriously
burned. Engine compartment
279Maintenance and care Z

X
Slide the front-passenger sea tto its
frontmost position.
X Fold trim 0003upwards.
You will see VIN 0004stamped into the
vehicle body.
The VIN can also be found in the following
locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 347)
R on the lower edge of windshield
(Y page 348) Engine number
0003
Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards
0004 Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)
0024 VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield) Service products and filling
capacities Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children. For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.
H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an
environmentally responsible manner.
Service products include the following:
R Fuels
R Lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Windshield washer fluid
R Climate control system refrigerant
Components and service products must be
matched. You should therefor eonly use
products tha thave been tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
Information about tested and approved
products can be obtained from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
You can recognize service products approved
by Mercedes-Ben zby the following
inscription on the containers:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations
indicate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g.
MB 229.5). The yhave no tnecessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury. 348
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Or
contact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡ (-37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant during operation is approximately
266 ‡ (130 †).
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ [-45 †]). Otherwise, heat
will not be dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, add equal
amounts of water and antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor. Mercedes-Ben zrecommends an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentrate in
accordance with MB Specifications for
Service Products 310.1.
The coolant is checked with every
maintenance interval at a qualified specialist
workshop.
i When the vehicle is first delivered, it is
filled with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion
protection. Filling capacities Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
Model Capacity
SLK 250
Approx. 10.1 US qt
(9.6 l) SLK 350
Approx. 11.0 US qt
(10.4 l) SLK 55 AMG
i
Use antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
according to MB approval 325.0 or 326.0. Windshield/headlamp cleaning
system
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engin eparts, because it may
ignite and burn .You could be seriously
burned.
! Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
! Only MB SummerFit and MB WinterFit
washer fluid should be mixed together. The
spray nozzles may otherwise become
blocked. 352
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data