engine overheat MERCEDES-BENZ SLS 2011 C197 Owner's Manual

! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it to
overheat and potentially start a fire.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline with
a minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please
contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
( Y page 425), see “Fuel requirements”
( Y page 427), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
http://www.MBUSA.com (USA only).
Locking/unlocking the vehicle with the
SmartKey automatically locks/unlocks the
fuel filler flap.
i In case the central locking system does
not release the fuel filler flap, or the
opening mechanism is clamping, contact
Roadside Assistance or an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The fuel filler flap is located on the right-hand
side of the vehicle towards the rear. XTurn off the engine.i Leaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow engine
malfunction indicator lamp ; to
illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical
hints” ( Y page 394).XOpen the driver’s door. This puts the starter
switch in position 0, same as with the
SmartKey removed from the starter switch.
The driver’s door then can be closed again.
or
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.XOpening: Press fuel filler flap : at the
point indicated by the arrow.XTurn fuel filler cap ; counterclockwise.XTake off fuel filler cap ;.
!
The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
XSecure fuel filler cap ; by clipping the
plastic tether into hook = on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.XFully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.XOnly fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill .XClosing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Otherwise the flap locking pin will
prevent closing the fuel filler flap.
XClose fuel filler flap :.
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” ( Y page 425).
Check the following:
R Engine oil level ( Y page 323)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 329)
R Coolant level ( Y page 324)
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RVehicle lighting (Y page 400)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 325)
RBrake fluid level (Y page 325)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
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
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull 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.
XPush handle ; under the hood upwards.XPull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
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The following will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty:
RUsing engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System.
RChanging of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System.
RUsing any oil additives.
XUnscrew oil filler cap : with integrated oil
dipstick.
XAdd engine oil as required. Be careful not
to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XScrew filler cap : back on filler neck.
Make sure the filler cap engages.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 425) and
(Y page 426).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
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†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse 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.
RDo 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.
RUsing 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.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
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Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Power assistance
GWarning!
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Brakes
Downhill grades
! When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes by
shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces
wear.
When using the engine’s braking power, a
drive wheel may not spin for an extended
period of time, e.g. on slippery road
surfaces. This may cause serious damage
to the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Continuous or hard braking
GWarning!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their
effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop
the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on
for some time, rather than immediately park,
so that the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Wet roads
GWarning!
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary to obtain expected brake effect.
Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet or salt-covered roads, it is
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only) !
(Canada only)
Parking Brake See
Oper. ManualIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake
flashes and the yellow warning lamp for the electronic parking
brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.F
(USA only) !
(Canada only)
Parking Brake See
Oper. ManualWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the red
indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes for
approximately 10 seconds. Afterward, it goes out or comes on
continuously. The yellow warning lamp for the electronic parking
brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning or overheated for
example due to overvoltage or undervoltage.XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
In the event of overvoltage or undervoltage:
XRemove the cause of the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g.
charge the battery or restart the engine.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake still cannot be released:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
If overheated:
XLet vehicle cool down, and do not engage electronic parking
brake during this time.
or
XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display375Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 375Z

EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low. XAdd coolant ( Y page 324).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
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.
! 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 messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XOnly start the engine again after the message disappears. You
could otherwise damage the engine.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction display.XIf 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†).
GWarning!
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.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe poly-V-belt could be broken.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XCheck the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the engine
will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result
in damage to the engine. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XIf it is intact: Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this
message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction display.XDrive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.?The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction display.
If the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XAvoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving uphill)
as well as stop-and-go traffic.XHave the fan replaced as soon as possible.382Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic systemXStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the engine
will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result
in damage to the engine. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent with
reduced braking responsiveness.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next RefuelingThe engine oil has dropped to a critical level. XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 323) and add engine oil as
required ( Y page 323).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine checked
for possible leaks.
If the message Check Engine Oil At Next Refueling appears while the engine is running
and at operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the minimum
level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle status message memory after you have cleared it
from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest service station
to refill your engine oil to the required level.
For information on approved engine oils contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or visit
http://www.MBUSA.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
could result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCThe fuel level is low.XRefuel at the next gas station.8
Fuel Level LowThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark. XRefuel at the next gas station.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display383Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 383Z

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-SPEED TransmissionDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsj
Parking Lock
Malfunct. Apply
Parking BrakeThe transmission cannot be shifted to park position P anymore.XMake sure the electronic parking brake is engaged.XBlock the wheels of the vehicle with suitable objects before
leaving the vehicle.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Have the vehicle
transported with all wheels off the ground or towed with the rear
axle raised ( Y page 415).d
Stop Engage 'P'The transmission is malfunctioning. The vehicle is not propelled
anymore and will coast to standstill.XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.d
Transmission Oil
Cooling
MalfunctionThe coolant pump of the transmission is malfunctioning. The
transmission could overheat.XSelect the AMG menu via the control system ( Y page 287) and
check the transmission fluid temperature.XAvoid heavy load on the engine and transmission such as a
dynamic manner of driving.XWhen the transmission fluid temperature is below 248‡
(120 †), continue to drive to the next authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.d
Trans. Oil
Overheated Drive
on with CareThe transmission fluid is overheated. Manual program mode M
and limiting the gear range are not available anymore. The engine
output is limited according to the degree of the overheating.XReduce the transmission fluid temperature by moderate driving.What to do if...
Lamps in the instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The low-
beam headlamp indicator lamp, high-beam
headlamp indicator lamp, turn signal
indicator lamps, and the indicator lamp for
the rear fog lamp will only come on if
activated. If a lamp in the instrument cluster
fails to come on when the ignition is switched
on, have it checked and replaced if necessary.388What to do if...Practical hints
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GWarning!
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 engine oil temperature above 140†. Doing
so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.
Canada only:
Low tire
pressure telltale
for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 364).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 364).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
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