coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ SLK500 2011 R170 Owner's Manual

Clear button .......................................
116
Climate control see Climate control system

Climate control system ....................162
Air conditioning ............................. 165
Air conditioning refrigerant ............ 303
Air distribution ............................... 168
Air recirculation mode ................... 169
Air vents ........................................ 166
Air volume ..................................... 168
Automatic mode ............................ 166
Deactivating system ......................165
Front defroster .............................. 168
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........169
Residual heat and ventilation ......... 169
Temperature .................................. 166
Clock ...................................... 26, 93, 105
Cockpit ................................................. 25
Cold tire inflation pressure ..............217
Collapsible tire (spare wheel) ..........300
Collapsible wheel chock ...................234
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch ............................73
Control system .................................... 93
Multifunction display .......................95
Multifunction steering wheel ............ 94
Resetting to factory settings .......... 102
Control system menus ........................ 96
AMG ................................................. 97
Audio/DVD .................................... 100
Navigation ..................................... 101
Settings ......................................... 102
Standard display .............................. 96
Telephone ...................................... 110
Trip computer ................................ 109
Vehicle status message memory ...101
Control system submenus
Convenience .................................. 108
Instrument cluster .........................103
Lighting .......................................... 105
Time/Date ..................................... 105
Vehicle ........................................... 108
Convenience submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 108 Coolant

Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............305
Capacities ...................................... 301
Checking level ............................... 196
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps .................................................... 75
Cruise control .................................... 159
Activating ....................................... 160
Canceling ....................................... 160
Changing the set speed .................161
Last stored speed .......................... 161
Lever .............................................. 160
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Resume function ............................ 161
Setting current speed .................... 160
Cup holders ........................................ 176
Curb weight ....................................... 217
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ...21
Customer Relations Department .......21 D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster


Data recording ..................................... 21
Date, Setting ...................................... 105
Daytime running lamp mode ..............72
Switching on or off ......................... 106
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) .....................169
Defroster Front (Climate control system) ......168
Rear window .................................. 170
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 107
Interior lighting .............................. 107
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................... 82
With starting .................................... 80
Digital speedometer ............................ 97
Dimensions (vehicle) see Vehicle specification 6
Index 171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 6

Direction of rotation (tires)
..............209
Displays
Digital speedometer ........................97
Maintenance service indicator .......225
Messages in the multifunction
display
........................................... 236
Multifunction display .......................95
Outside temperature ...............97, 104
Symbol messages .......................... 243
Text messages ............................... 237
Trip computer ................................ 109
Vehicle status message memory ...101
Vehicle system settings ................. 102
Door control panel .............................. 30
Doors
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 56
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Opening from inside ......................... 58
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 182
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ........... 264
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 217
Drinking and driving .........................221
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 224
Hydroplaning ................................. 224
Instructions ............................. 80, 221
In winter ........................................ 220
Problems ......................................... 82
Safety systems ................................ 47
Systems ......................................... 159
Through standing water .................224
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 79
Driving off .................................... 81, 224
Driving safety systems ....................... 47
ABS .................................................. 48
BAS .................................................. 49
ESP ®
................................................ 49
ETS .................................................. 50
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 159
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ........................................ 87 E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 67, 108
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 20
Power outlet .................................. 177
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification

Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 234
Flat tire .......................................... 273
Hazard warning flasher ....................74
Roadside Assistance ................ 19, 180
Towing the vehicle .........................285
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 179
Telephone ...................................... 152
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 182
Retractable hardtop .......................266
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........60
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 225
Information label ............................ 293
System warranties ........................... 18
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............190
Cleaning ......................................... 228
Compartment ................................ 192
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 26, 262
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Number .......................................... 293
Starting ............................................ 80
Turning off ....................................... 84
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 195
Additives ........................................ 303
Checking level ............................... 193 Index
7 171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 7

!
Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds.
This may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Shift gear in a timely manner.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 221).
Automatic transmission G
Warning!
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission
out of park position P or neutral
position N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Only shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the
automatic transmission could be damaged.
X Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever lock is released.
X Shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
i Shifting
the automatic transmission out of
park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Only depressing the brake pedal releases
the gear selector lever lock.
X Wait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows the catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
For

more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 221). Problems while driving
The
engine runs erratically and misfires R
An ignition cable may be damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
X Give very little gas.
X Have the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡
(120†) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
X
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Allow the engine and coolant to cool off.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 196).
In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
X
Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.
X Exit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.
X Notify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance. 82
Driving and parking
Controls in detail
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 82

The following functions are available:
R
Checking tire inflation pressure with the
Advanced TPMS (Y page 201) (USA only)
R Checking coolant temperature
(Y page 97)
R Calling up digital speedometer or outside
temperature ( Y page 97)
R Calling up maintenance service indicator
display ( Y page 226)
R Checking engine oil level (SLK 55 AMG
only) ( Y page 194)
Checking coolant temperature 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.
X Press button & or * repeatedly until
the coolant temperature appears in the
multifunction display. During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†).
!
Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display. The engine should not be operated with a
coolant temperature above 248‡
(120†). Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Calling up digital speedometer or
outside temperature You can select whether the digital
speedometer or the outside temperature
appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 104).
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.
X Press button & or * repeatedly until
the digital speedometer or the outside
temperature appears in the multifunction
display. Digital speedometer
AMG menu
This function is only available in AMG
vehicles.
X Press button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display. Control system
97Controls in detail
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 97 Z

Check the following:
R
Engine oil level ( Y page 193)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 201)
R Coolant level ( Y page 196)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 267)
R Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 196)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 197) Engine compartment
Hood
G
Warning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening G
Warning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
Warning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions. G
Warning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades. G
Warning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually X
Pull hood lock release lever :.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged. 192
Engine compartmentOperation
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 192

X
Slowly insert oil dipstick : fully into the
dipstick guide tube.
X Pull out oil dipstick : again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark = and upper (max)
mark ; of oil dipstick :.
i The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
X If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 300).
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 250).
Checking engine oil level with the
control system On the SLK 55 AMG you can check the engine
oil level with the control system.
X
Switch on the ignition.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display ( Y page 96).
X Press button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the following message appears in the
multifunction display: One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the multifunction
display:
R
Engine Oil Level OK
R Add 1.0 qt. (Canada: 1.0 liter)
to reach max. oil level.
R Add 1.5 qts. (Canada: 1.5 liters)
to reach max. oil level.
R Add 2.0 qts. (Canada: 2.0 liters)
to reach max. oil level.
i If you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button * or & on
the multifunction steering wheel.
X If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 300).
Other display messages
If the ignition is not switched on, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Turn on ignition
to see engine oil level.
X Switch on the ignition.
If you see the message:
Observe
Waiting Time
X If the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
X If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If you see the message:
Cannot check engine oil level
with engine on.
X Turn off the engine.
X If the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before checking oil.
X If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil. 194
Engine compartmentOperation
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 194

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†). 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 cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
R Using a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn counterclockwise
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. Example illustration: SLK 350
X
Using a rag, slowly open cap ;
approximately 1
/ 2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure.
X Continue turning cap ; counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
R for cold coolant: reaches marking bar
= in coolant expansion tank :
R for warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
X Add coolant as required.
X Screw cap ; back on and tighten it.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section ( Y page 301) and
(Y page 304). Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
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.
! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir. 196
Engine compartmentOperation
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 196

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions+ Please
get a new
key. The SmartKey is malfunctioning.
X
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ~ Bluetooth
Ready The telephone has not yet been connected to the audio
system or COMAND system via Bluetooth
®
.
X Connect the telephone to the audio system or COMAND
system via Bluetooth ®
. ¥ Top Up
Washer
Fluid The washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir has fallen below
the minimum level.
X
Add washer fluid ( Y page 196). Engine
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions=
(USA only)
;
(Canada
only) Engine
Service There may be a malfunction in
R
the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the exhaust system
R the fuel system
X Have the engine checkedas soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ; Display
Malfunctio
n
Drive To
Workshop Certain electronic systems are unable to relay information to
the control system. The coolant temperature display or the
tachometer may have failed.
X
Have the electronic systems checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. + Top Up
Coolant
See
Operator’s
Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant (Y page 196).
X If you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. G
Warning!
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 could be seriously burned. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
247Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 247 Z

!
Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and
symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage. Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions? Coolant
Stop,
turn
engine
off. The coolant is too hot.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Only start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Observe the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
X If the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†). 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.
! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. 248
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 248

of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using
mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc. Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of carbon
deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits can
build up, especially on the intake valves and
in the combustion area, leading to engine
performance problems such as:
R Warm-up hesitation
R Unstable idle
R Knocking/pinging
R Misfire
R Power loss
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasoline which contains these additives, the
use of Mercedes-Benz approved additives is
recommended.
Contact

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a
listing of approved products. Follow
directions on the product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and may
be harmful to the engine operation. !
Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor

fuel quality or from blending additional
fuel additives other than those tested and
approved by us for use on Mercedes-Benz
vehicles are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty or by any pre-owned
or Extended Limited Warranties. Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
R Corrosion protection
R Freeze protection
R Boiling

protection (by increasing the boiling
point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection to
approximately -35‡ (-37†) and corrosion
protection.
! Add premixed coolant solution only.
Adding water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze separately from each other,
could cause engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37†), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†).
The coolant solution must be used year round
to provide the necessary corrosion protection
and increase boil-over protection. Refer to
the Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solution
or other Mercedes-Benz approved products
of equal specification are used to renew the
coolant concentration or bring it back up to
the proper level. 304
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Technical data
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 304