radiator MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER 2014 Owners Manual

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions 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 277). 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
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal
is depressed.
! When shifting between 5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever 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
k
Reverse gear
1 to6
Forward gears Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Move the gear lever firmly to the left
beyond the point of resistance and then
forwards. 148
Manual transmissionDriving and parking

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions PRE-SAFE
PRE-SAFE
Functions Functions
Currently Limited Currently Limited
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual
PRE-SAFE
®
Brake is deactivated or temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes are:
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the radiator grill and the bumper are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R AMG vehicles: ESP ®
is deactivated.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is operational again.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 159).
X Clean the sensors in the radiator grill and the bumper
(Y page 283).
X Restart the engine.
X AMG vehicles: reactivate ESP ®
(Y page 63). PRE-SAFE PRE-SAFE
Functions Limited Functions Limited
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual
PRE-SAFE
®
Brake is inoperative due to a malfunction. BAS PLUS
or the distance warning signal may also have failed.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
SRS Malfunction SRS Malfunction
Service Required Service Required There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System). The
6warning lamp also lights up in the instrument
cluster.
G WARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
For further information about SRS, see (Y page 39). Display
messages
217On-board computer and displays Z

Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions +
Check Coolant Check Coolant
Level See Level See
Operator's Manual 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 277).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. ? The fan motor is faulty.
X
At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), 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. ?
Coolant Too Hot Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
Do not drive when your 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 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 159).
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 †). Display messages
225On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions DISTRONIC PLUS
DISTRONIC PLUS
Currently Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual DISTRONIC PLUS is temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
R
function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the radiator grill and the bumper are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
DISTRONIC is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 159).
X Clean the sensors in the radiator grill and the bumper
(Y page 283).
X Restart the engine. DISTRONIC PLUS DISTRONIC PLUS
Inoperative Inoperative DISTRONIC PLUS is defective.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) and PRE-SAFE
®
Brake may be
inoperative as well.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC PLUS DISTRONIC PLUS
Passive Passive You have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS DISTRONIC PLUS
- - - mph - - - mph An activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.
X
Check the activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 169). Display
messages
231On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ?
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 159).
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 277).
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. ?
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 when your 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 159). Warning and indicator lamps
249On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions 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 277).
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
M MSolutions ·
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 your line
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 169).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 65). 250
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 24).Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when
the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. G
WARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There is
a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement. G
WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is
overheated or when there is a fire in the
engine compartment could expose you to hot
gases or other service products. There is a
risk of injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department. G
WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There
is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment,
R switch off the ignition
R never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
R keep clothing away from moving parts
Opening the hood G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine
compartment, such as the engine, radiator
and parts of the exhaust system, can become
very hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured
by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. 274
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
X Pull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ;up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in
(40 cm), the hood is opened and held open
automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine oil
Notes on the oil level Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt
(0.8l) of oil over a
distance of 600 miles (1000km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
AMG vehicles: before operation on race
tracks, check the oil level and (Y page 275)
add oil if necessary (Y page 276). Race track
operation is only permitted with a maximum
engine oil level.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine
compartment, such as the engine, radiator
and parts of the exhaust system, can become
very hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. Engine compartment
275Maintenance and care Z

Example
X
Pull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
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, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine
compartment, such as the engine, radiator
and parts of the exhaust system, can become
very hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
components in the engine compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next
to the filler neck. Let the engine cool down
and thoroughly clean the engine oil off the
components before starting the engine. H
Environmental note
When adding 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 system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
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 replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
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
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap :counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) of
engine oil. 276
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil
dipstick (Y page 275).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 346). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolant level G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine
compartment, such as the engine, radiator
and parts of the exhaust system, can become
very hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized,
particularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape. 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 139).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 139).
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 139) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap ;half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap ;further counter-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 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the fuel
filler neck when warm, there is enough
coolant in expansion tank :.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap ;and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 347).
Windshield washer system G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine
compartment, such as the engine, radiator
and parts of the exhaust system, can become
very hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. Engine compartment
277Maintenance and care Z