check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER 2015 Owner's Manual

iAMG vehicles:the exhaust flap of the
exhaust system will be checked after every cold start. A resulting noise can be heard
during this process.
iDuring a cold start, the engine runs at
higher speeds to enable the catalytic con-
verter to reach its operating temperature.
The sound of the engine may change during this time.
Manual transmission
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
iYou can only start the engine when the
clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Automatic transmission
X Shift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
iYou can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 3in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 139) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
iTo start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine
iThe Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle manually without inserting
the SmartKey into the ignition lock. The
Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in
the vehicle. This mode for starting the
engine operates independently of the ECO
start/stop automatic engine start function. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Press the Start/Stop button ( Ypage 140)
once.
The engine starts.
Pulling away
Manual transmission
!Change gear in good time and avoid spin-
ning the wheels. You could otherwise dam-
age the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.
X Release the electric parking brake(Y page 162).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal.
iFollow the shift recommendations in the
multifunction display for an economical
driving style ( Ypage 151).
iThe vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic lock- ing feature ( Ypage 206).
Automatic transmission
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
142Driving
Driving and pa rking

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The coolant tempera-
ture gauge shows a
value above 248 ‡
(120 †). The coolant
warning lamp may also
be on 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 ( Ypage 283). 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
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and start/stop 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 (trans-
mission 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 -6Forward 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 thenforwards.
150Manual transmission
Driving and parking

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, immediately.
Releasing the parking lock manually
!
Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
center console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Press the frame of selector level gaiter :
together somewhat on the side edge at the back and hold with one hand ;.
X With the other hand, pry off the frame of
selector level gaiter :with a flat, blunt
object (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in cloth) at rear edge
=, pulling it up and out at the
same time.
X Press release button ?down and simul-
taneously move the selector lever out ofposition P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P.
In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is
possible to release the selector lever lock
manually to move it out of position P. This is
the case, for example, if you wish to tow the
vehicle away.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
158Refueling
Driving and parking

XSwitch the engine off.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
X Turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise
and remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of fuel filler flap ;.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place
and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
iDo not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing the fuel filler flap
X Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
X Close fuel filler flap :.
iClose the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle.
iIf you are driving with the fuel filler cap
open, the 8reserve fuel warning lamp
flashes. The ;Check Engine warning
lamp may also light up. A message appears in the multifunction display ( Ypage 230).
For further information on warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see ( Y page 252).
160Refueling
Driving and parking

cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air- flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rainwithout braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You then have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-
cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up
the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
R Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a warn- ing tone while the engine is running, the
brake fluid level may be too low. Observe
additional warning messages in the multi-
function display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due tobrake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-
ately. This work should be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!As the ESP ®
system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (SmartKey in position 0or 1in
the ignition lock) if the electric parking
brake is being tested on a brake dynamom-
eter (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop. Have this work car- ried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function-ality of your brakes at regular intervals. To do so, depress the brake pedal firmly when driv-
ing at a high speed. This improves the grip of
the brake pads.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS): ( Y page 62)
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
Driving tips167
Driving and parking
Z

of an equivalent quality could affect your vehi-cle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
High performance and ceramic brake
system for AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is only
available on AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on: R speed
R braking force
R ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake discs, depends on the individual driv-
ing style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all circum-
stances. An aggressive driving style will lead
to high wear. You can obtain more informa-
tion on this from a qualified specialist work-shop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after sev-
eral hundred kilometers of driving. Compen-
sate for this by applying greater force to the
brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and adapt
your driving and braking accordingly during
this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in corre-
spondingly high brake wear. Observe the
brake system warning lamp in the instrument
cluster and note any brake status messages
in the multifunction display. Especially for
high performance driving, it is important to maintain and have the brake system checked
regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if: R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R avoid sudden steering movements.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic compo-
nents in the engine or the automatic trans- mission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can
cause engine damage.
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
168Driving tips
Driving and parking

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment 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.
iRead the information on qualified special-
ist workshops ( Ypage 25).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose controlof the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving when operating the on-board computer.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-ately.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the mul- tifunction display. You should therefore make sure your vehicle is operating safely at all
times.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to do
so. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (
Ypage 31).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is on the bottom left of the instrument cluster ( Ypage 31).
X Turn the brightness control knob counter-
clockwise or clockwise.
If the light switch is set to Ã,T or
L , the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
iThe 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
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated 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.
!A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
194Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
F(USA
only)
!(Canada
only)
ParkingBrakeInopZ
erative
The yellow !warning lamp lights up. The red F(USA
only)/ !(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about ten
seconds after the electric parking brake has been applied or
released. It then goes out or remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning, e.g. because of over-
voltage or undervoltage.
X Remove the cause for the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging the battery or restarting the engine.
X Engage or release the electric parking brake.
If it remains impossible to apply or release the electric parking
brake:
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Engage or release the electric parking brake.
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the electric parking brake still cannot be applied: X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
The yellow !warning lamp lights up and the red F(USA
only)/ !(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
It is not possible to apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Vehicles with manual transmission: engage first gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission: shift the transmission
to position P.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
$(USA
only)
J(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the $(USA only)/ J(Canada only) warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone
sounds.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.
Display messages219
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
$(USA
only)
J(Canada
only)
Brake Immediately
A malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. If you attempt to lock the vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
You cannot start the engine.
X Paying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message disap-
pears.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it(Y page 161).
You can restart the engine.
#
Check Brake Pad
Wear
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
G
mbrace Inoperative
One or more main features of the mbrace system are malfunc-
tioning.
X Have the mbrace system checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
220Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
b
AutoLampFunction
Inoperative
The light sensor is defective.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
b
Switch Off Lights
The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X Turn the light switch to Ã.
Adaptive Highbeam
Assist Inoperative
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Adaptive Highbeam
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily inoper-
ative. Possible causes are:
R the windshield in the camera's field of vision is dirty.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
X Clean the windshield.
If the system detects that the camera is fully operational again, the
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Now Availablemessage is dis-
played.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is operational again.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
+
Check Coolant
Level See OperaZ
tor'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 283).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
?The fan motor is faulty. XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
228Display messages
On-board computer and displays