coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ SLK250 2012 R172 Owner's Manual

compartment as well
.The indicator lamp in
the 0003 button goes out.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off. Operating the climate control
systems
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information G
WARNING
When the climate control system is switched
off, the outside air supply and circulation are
also switched off. Only choose this setting for
a short time when the retractable hardtop
(vario-roof) is closed. Otherwise, the windows
could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Activate climate control primarily using
the 0005 button (Y page 122).
Activating/deactivating Air-conditioning system
X
To activate: turn airflow control 0014
(Y page 117) clockwise to the desired
position (except position 0).
X To deactivate: turn airflow control 0014
(Y page 117) counter-clockwise to position
0. Dual-zone automatic climate control
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To activate: press the0005button.
The indicator lamp in the 0005button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
X Press the 000Dbutton.
The indicator lamp in the 000Dbutton goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again.
X To deactivate: press the000Dbutton.
The indicator lamp in the 000Dbutton lights
up. Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
Important information The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
G
WARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
Depending on the equipment level, the
control panel has either the 0004button or
0006 button.
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer. Operating the climate control systems
121Climate control Z

Problems with the engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
X Before attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey
in the ignition back to position 0or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrumen tcluster go
out.
X Try to start the engine again (Y page 132). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.
X
Jump-star tthe vehicle (Y page 285).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
X
Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.
X Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡ (120 †). 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 262). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary. 138
DrivingDriving and parking

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 jus tby 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 no tstand nea rthe vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrumentc luster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolan tlevel, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
! 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. Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display (Y page 183).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.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a shor tdelay. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
Cruise control (Y page 156) activated:
The segments light up from the stored speed
to the maximum speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 158) activated:
One or two segments in the set speed range
light up.
DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in fron tand the stored speed light up. Operating the on-board computer
Overview The on-board compute
ris activated as soon
as you turn the SmartKey to position 1in the
ignition lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. Displays and operation
181On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0001
Malfunction See
Operator's Manual The exterio
rlighting is defective.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0001
AUTO
Lamp Function
Inoperative The light sensor is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0001
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 0008or0005. Engine
Displa
ymessages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000D
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
(Y page 262).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contac twith hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolan tlevel is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored. 216
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000C
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 Allow the engine and coolant to cool.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 262). Observe
the warning notes.
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 under 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and start/stop traffic. 000C
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.
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
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 Allow the engine and coolant to cool.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 262). Observe
the warning notes.
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 under 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and start/stop traffic. 236
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Adding engine oil
G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself .Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts. 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. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap 0002counterclockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 0.55 US qt to
1.1 US qt (0.5 to 1.0 l)of engine oil.
X Replace cap 0002on 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 261).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 326). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R 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 display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡(70 †). Allow the engine to
cool dow nbefore removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure. 262
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

R
using a rag, slowly tur nthe cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
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. 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 131).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 131).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 131) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap 0003half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0003further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
0023 in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0002.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar 0023in the filler neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank
0002.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap 0003and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 327).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/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. X
To open: pull cap0002upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap 0002onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 328).
Brake fluid level !
If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system Engine compartment
263Maintenance and care Z

In addition to being stamped on the vehicle
identification plate, the vehicle identification
number (VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle
body.
It is located in the transmission tunnel on the
front-passenger side.
X
Slide the front-passenger seat to its
frontmost position.
X Fold trim 0002upwards.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) 0003. Engine number
0002
Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards
0003 Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)
0023 VIN (on the lowere dge 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.
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
Vehicle components and their service
products must match. Therefore only use
products 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.com.
You can recognize servic eproducts approved
by Mercedes-Benz by 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 specificatio nin
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g.
MB 229.5). They have no tnecessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz. 324
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

!
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 under operating conditions 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-Benz recommends 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. Capacity 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
Approx. 10.0 US qt
(9.5 l) i
Use MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze. Washer fluid
G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, 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.
At temperatures above freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture
of water and windshield washer fluid, e.g.
MB SummerFit.
X Add 1 part MB SummerFit to 100 parts
water. 328
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data