ECU MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER 2012 Owner's Manual

Adding engine oilHEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More
information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
XUnscrew and remove oil filler cap : with
the integrated dipstick.XAdd the amount of oil required.
! 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.
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
You will find further information about engine
oil in the "Technical data" section
( Y page 282).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
GWARNING
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 down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the 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.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XSet the Start/Stop button to key position
2 .XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the "AMG" menu ( Y page 160).
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).220Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

indicator lamps in the instrument cluster have
gone off. The windshield wipers could
otherwise move and injure you.
! Only fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield when vertical. Otherwise,
you will damage the hood.XClean the inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not use hard objects to clean the insides
of the windows, e.g. an ice scraper or ring.
There is otherwise a risk of damaging the
windows.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain
circumstances prevent water from draining
away. This can lead to corrosion damage
and damage to electronic components.
Cleaning the wiper blades
GWARNING
Switch the windshield wipers off before
cleaning the windshield or wiper blades. Press
the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster have
gone off. The windshield wipers could
otherwise move and injure you.
! Only fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield when vertical. Otherwise,
you will damage the hood.
! Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
! Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
XSwitch off the engine.XTake your foot off the brake pedal.XSet the windshield wipers to the °
position on the combination switch.XPress the Start/Stop button repeatedly
until the windshield wipers start.XWhen the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position: press the Start/Stop
button.XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.XSet the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm.XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
Cleaning the exterior lighting
XClean the plastic lenses of the exterior
lighting using a wet sponge and a mild
cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car
shampoo or cleaning cloths.
! Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic light
lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or
cleaning cloths could scratch or damage
the plastic light lenses.
Care227Maintenance and careZ

The sticker must be attached on the
instrument cluster where it will be easily seen
by the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics of a TIREFIT
repaired tire may change. Adapt your driving
accordingly.XStop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tire pressure with
the tire inflation compressor.
i On tires that are equipped with a tire
pressure sensor (tire pressure monitor),
the use of sealant can lead to error
messages and incorrect displays.
Therefore, use pressure gauge B in the
TIREFIT kit to check and correct the tire
pressure.
GWARNING
If tire inflation pressure has fallen below
130 kPa (1.3 bar/26 psi) do not continue to
drive the vehicle.
Park your vehicle safely away from the
roadway and contact the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or Roadside
Assistance.
Have the damaged tire replaced.
XCorrect the tire pressure if it is at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/20 psi) (for the required
values see the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the driver's side B-pillar or the
tire pressure table inside the fuel filler flap).
To increase the tire pressure: switch on
the tire inflation compressor.
To reduce the tire pressure: open release
screw C.
!
The manufacturer does not guarantee
that all tire damage can be repaired using
the TIREFIT kit, particularly in the case of
cuts and punctures with a diameter of more
than four millimeters or on the sidewall. The
manufacturer is not responsible for
damage caused by inappropriate use of the
TIREFIT kit.
XDrive to the nearest workshop and have the
tire changed there.XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced as
soon as possible at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.HEnvironmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
XPrepare the vehicle as described
( Y page 233).XBring the wheels into the straight-ahead
position.XTake the following objects from the left-
hand stowage compartment and the left-
hand stowage space in the trunk:
R the lug wrench
R the folding wheel chock
R the jack
R the alignment boltXSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away
GWARNING
Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on
slight inclines/declines. The vehicle could
otherwise fall off the jack and injure you or
others.
236Flat tireBreakdown assistance

If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock,
it can be found in the vehicle tool kit
( Y page 232).
The folding wheel chock is an additional
securing measure to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away, for example when changing a
wheel.XFold both plates upwards :.XFold out lower plate ;.XGuide the lugs on the lower plate fully into
the openings in base plate =.
Securing the vehicle on level ground
XOn level ground: place chocks or other
suitable items under the front and rear of
the wheel that is diagonally opposite the
wheel you wish to change.
Securing the vehicle on slight downhill gradients
XOn downhill gradients: place chocks or
other suitable items in front of the wheels
of the front and rear axle.
Raising the vehicle
GWARNING
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jacking points built into both
sides of the vehicle. The jack saddle must be
placed centrally under the jacking point. The
jack must always be vertical when in use,
especially on inclines or declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always firmly engage the parking brake and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizable objects before raising the vehicle with
the jack. Do not disengage the parking brake
while the vehicle is raised.
Flat tire237Breakdown assistanceZ

Removing a wheelXUnscrew the uppermost wheel bolt
completely.XScrew alignment bolt A into the thread
instead of the wheel bolt.XUnscrew the remaining wheel bolts fully.
! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a
dirty surface. The bolt and wheel hub
threads could otherwise be damaged when
you screw them in.
! AMG ceramic high performance
compound brake system:
When detaching or attaching the wheel, the
wheel rim may hit against the ceramic
brake disc and damage it.
For this reason, you should proceed
carefully. Request the assistance of a
second person or use a second alignment
bolt.
XRemove the wheel.
Mounting a new wheel
GWARNING
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged
or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened
wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Make sure to
use the correct wheel bolts.GWARNING
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts.
Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise, the vehicle could
fall off the jack.
:Wheel boltGWARNING
Make sure to use the original length wheel
bolts when remounting the original wheel
after it has been repaired.
XClean the wheel and wheel hub contact
surfaces.
! To prevent damage to the paintwork, hold
the wheel securely against the wheel hub
while screwing in the first wheel bolt.
Flat tire239Breakdown assistanceZ

Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary.Wear eye protection.Keep children away.Observe this Operator's
Manual.HEnvironmental noteBatteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment.Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Return discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center, or to a special
collection point for old
batteries.GWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.GWARNING
Do not place any metal objects on the battery
as this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First, touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! Switch off the engine and ensure that no
ignition position has been selected before
detaching the battery terminals. All
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off. Otherwise, you may destroy
electronic components such as the
alternator.
! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery
may discharge over time if you do not use
the vehicle. In this case have the battery
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. You can also charge the battery
with a charger recommended by Mercedes-
Benz. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for more information.
The battery, breather hose and cover of the
positive terminal clamp must be installed
securely during operation.
Battery241Breakdown assistanceZ

vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar. Observe
the following notes.GWARNING
If the brake system is malfunctioning, you
must use a rigid tow bar to tow the vehicle.
Before towing away, make sure that the
steering can be moved and is not locked.
If there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system, you must
not tow the vehicle.
GWARNING
The following can occur if the vehicle is towed:
R the engine may not start.
R the on-board electronics may fail.
R the battery voltage may drop too much.
In these cases, the rear axle will be locked.
As a result, you might lose control of the
vehicle, cause an accident and injure yourself
and others.
! Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button when towing the vehicle.
Start the engine and keep it running. Turn
the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition.
Set the transmission to N using the E-
SELECT lever. Make sure that you then
leave the SmartKey in position 2.
Check the transmission position in the
instrument cluster.
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
this purpose.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Tow-starting the vehicle is not permitted.
The transmission may otherwise be
damaged.
Also observe the following notes:
R if the engine does not start, try jump-
starting it ( Y page 243). Tow-starting the
vehicle is not permitted.
R if it is not possible to jump-start the vehicle,
have it transported to the nearest qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R if the transmission has been damaged,
have the vehicle transported to the nearest
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Observe the display messages in the
instrument cluster.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
XTake the towing eye and the wheel
wrench 17
out of the wheel-change tool kit
( Y page 232).
The bracket for the removable towing eye is
in the bumper at the front. It is located under
the cover.
17 Not included in the scope of delivery.Towing and tow-starting245Breakdown assistanceZ

such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.XStart the engine.XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition and that the engine is
running during the entire loading operation.XMove the transmission to N with the E-
SELECT lever. Check the transmission
position in the instrument cluster.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.XShift the transmission to P with the button
in the center console.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.XSecure the vehicle.
Fuses
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart. An authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will be happy to
advise you.
i If a fuse has blown, contact a breakdown
service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Before changing a fuse
XPark the vehicle and apply the electric
parking brake.XSwitch off all electrical consumers.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R fuse box in the footwell on the front-
passenger side
R fuse box in the rear
The "Relay and fuse information sheet" is
located with the wheel-change toolkit in the
trunk.
Fuse box in the footwell
Fuses247Breakdown assistanceZ

XTo open: remove the carpet over the
footrest.XLoosen screws : on the floor panel using
a suitable tool.XRemove the floor panel.XTo close: install the floor panel again.XScrew in and tighten screws :.XPut in the carpet and press to secure.
!
The floor panel must be installed properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
Fuse box in the rear
Coupe
XTo open: open the trunk.XFold cover : in the center of the rear wall
down in the direction of the arrow.XTo close: fold cover : up in the opposite
direction to the arrow and press to secure.
! The cover must be installed properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
RoadsterXTo open: from the vehicle interior, lift up
cover : between the roll bars in the
direction of the arrow.XTo close: shut cover : in the opposite
direction to the arrow and press to secure.
! The cover must be installed properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
248FusesBreakdown assistance

Rbe more susceptible to damage
R have an adverse effect on ride comfort
R increase the braking distance
Maximum tire pressureGWARNING
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure. Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
:Example: maximum permissible tire
pressure
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
Always observe the recommended tire
pressure for your vehicle when adjusting the
tire pressure ( Y page 253).
Checking the tire pressures
Important safety notesGWARNING
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Check the tire pressures at least once a
month.
Only check and correct tire pressures when
the tires are cold ( Y page 253).
Checking tire pressures manually
To determine and set the correct tire
pressure, proceed as follows:
XRemove the valve cap of the tire that is to
be checked.XPress the tire pressure gauge securely onto
the valve.XRead the tire pressure and compare it with
the recommended value on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the
B-pillar on the driver's side of your vehicle.XIf necessary, increase the tire pressure to
the recommended value ( Y page 253).XIf the tire pressure is too high, release air
by pressing down the metal pin in the valve256Tire pressureTires and wheels