check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SLS-CLASS 2013 Owner's Guide

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ç
The red engine
oil temperature
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running. The
engine oil
temperature is
not displayed. The engine control unit data transfer is malfunctioning.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 7
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 7
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
flashes while the
engine is
running. The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. 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.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged. 192
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
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Hood release lever in driver's footwell
X
Pull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ;up and lift the hood.
Closing the hood X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine oil
General notes Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 l) of oil over a
distance of 600 miles (1000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R
park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick X
Unscrew and remove oil filler cap :with
the integrated dipstick.
X Wipe the oil dipstick.
X Screw on oil filler cap :again to the stop. Engine compartment
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X
Unscrew oil filler cap :again and read the
dipstick.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
= or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
components in the engine compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next
to the filler neck. Let the engine cool down
and thoroughly clean the engine oil off the
components before starting the engine. 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. X
Unscrew and remove oil filler cap :with
the integrated dipstick.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or under the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil
dipstick (Y page 215).
You will find further information about engine
oil in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 279). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolant level G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized,
particularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down. 216
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
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X
Set the Start/Stop button to key position
2.
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the "AMG" menu (Y page 157).
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †). X
Slowly turn cap :half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap :further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of the marker
bar in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above the marker bar in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
You will find further information about coolant
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 280).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot
components in the engine compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury. Let the engine cool down before you add
antifreeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not
spilled next to the filler neck. Thoroughly
clean the antifreeze from components before
starting the engine.
G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes into contact with hot
engine components or the exhaust system it
could ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer
concentrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system. X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 281). Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet). Maintenance
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Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Care
Notes on care
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. G
WARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle's doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period right after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
brake pads, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! When washing your vehicle in a tow-
through car wash, use the SmartKey
instead of the Start/Stop button.
Start the engine using the SmartKey.. Move
the transmission to Nwith the E-SELECT
lever. Use the SmartKey to switch the
engine off again and then turn the
SmartKey to position 2. Make sure that you Care
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then leave the SmartKey in position
2. You
may otherwise damage the vehicle, the
transmission or the car wash.
Check the transmission position in the
instrument cluster.
! Use the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to Nbefore switching the
engine off. If you open the driver's or front-
passenger door, the transmission remains
in this position for up to 30 minutes if the
SmartKey is in the ignition, even if the
engine is switched off. If you do not shift
the transmission to Nusing the E-SELECT
lever beforehand, it shifts automatically to
parking position Pand locks the wheels if
the driver's or front-passenger door is
opened and the engine is switched off. This
may damage the vehicle, the transmission
or the car wash.
Observe the information on maneuvering
(Y page 127).
! Before driving into an automatic car wash,
make sure that it is suitable for the
dimensions of the vehicle. In particular,
make sure that:
R there is enough ground clearance
between the vehicle underbody and the
guide rails of the automatic car wash.
R the clearance width of the automatic car
wash is sufficient, particularly the width
of the guide rails.
R you enter the automatic car wash
straight and in the center of the guide
rails in order to avoid damaging the tires
or wheel rims.
Fold in the exterior mirrors before the
vehicle is washed. The exterior mirrors
could otherwise be damaged.
! Make sure that: R
the side windows are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed/the
airflow control is set to position 0).
R that the windshield wiper switch is in
position 0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
! In portal car washes, the windshield
wipers may be moved up the windshield by
the cleaning brushes when the ignition is
switched off.
Set the Start/Stop button to key position
2 to reset the windshield wipers to their
original position.
! Preferably use automatic car washes with
adjustable high-pressure pre-cleaning. This
corresponds with the specification for the
Cabriolet program. In car washes that use
high water pressures, there is a risk that a
small amount of water may leak into the
vehicle.
! Cabriolet: do not treat the vehicle with
hot wax under any circumstances.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax and drying agents from the windshield
and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears
and reduce wiping noises caused by residue
on the windshield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each
country.
X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet. 220
CareMaintenance and care
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The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-
starting.
Always make sure that neither you nor the
battery is electrostatically charged. A build-
up of electrostatic charge can be caused, for
example:
R by wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers
R due to friction between clothing and seats
R if you push or pull the battery across the
carpet or other synthetic materials
R if you wipe the battery with a cloth. G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery
produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit
occurs or sparks are created, the hydrogen
gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into
contact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a
battery.
R It is important that you observe the
described order of the battery terminals
when connecting and disconnecting a
battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and
disconnecting the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with
water and seek medical attention. H
Environmental note Batteries 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. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop or a
special collection point for
used batteries.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or contact a qualified
specialist workshop for more information.
! You should have all work involving the
battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. In the exceptional case that it is
necessary for you to disconnect the battery
yourself, make sure that:
R you switch off the engine and remove the
SmartKey. On vehicles with KEYLESS-
GO, ensure that the ignition is switched
off. Check that all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster are off. Otherwise,
electronic components, such as the
alternator, may be damaged.
R you first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic
system may be damaged.
R the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The
vehicle is secured against rolling away.
You can then no longer move the vehicle.
The battery and the cover of the positive
terminal clamp must be installed securely
during operation. Battery
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X
Connect negative terminal =of donor battery Bto earth point ?of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jumper cables from earth point ?and negative terminal =, then from
positive clamp :and positive terminal ;. Each time beginning with your vehicle's battery.
X Slide cover Aof the positive terminal in the opposite direction to the arrow.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because
of an accident or breakdown, you have the
following options:
R transporting the vehicle
As a rule, you should have the vehicle
transported.
R towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised
Only tow the vehicle with the rear axle
raised in exceptional cases.
R towing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow
bar
Only tow the vehicle in exceptional cases.
The engine must be running if you tow the
vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar. Observe
the following notes. G
WARNING
The rear axle locks when:
R the engine is not running
R the engine stalls while the vehicle is being
towed
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a breakdown, you should
always have the vehicle transported. G
WARNING
If the brake system or power steering is
malfunctioning and your vehicle is then towed
away, significantly more effort may be
required to steer and brake than is normally
required. There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
! 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 2in the ignition.
Set the transmission to Nusing 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. 242
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance
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X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 94).
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition and that the engine is
running throughout the towing procedure.
X Move the transmission to Nwith the E-
SELECT lever. Check the transmission
position in the instrument cluster. Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
When having your vehicle towed, observe the
important safety notes ( Ypage 242).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 94).
i When towing with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal a change of
direction. In this case, only the turn signals
for the desired direction flash. When the
combination switch is reset, the hazard
warning lamps start flashing again.
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock
(Y page 113).
X Start the engine and leave the SmartKey in
the ignition.
X Move the transmission to Nwith the E-
SELECT lever.
X Check the transmission position in the
instrument cluster display (Y page 119).
X Leave the engine running during the entire
towing procedure. Transporting the vehicle
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged. X
Start the engine.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition and that the engine is
running during the entire loading operation.
X Move the transmission to Nwith the E-
SELECT lever. Check the transmission
position in the instrument cluster.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to Pwith the button
in the center console.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X Secure the vehicle. Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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 244
FusesBreakdown assistance
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You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance
without delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical
assistance without delay. Do not induce
vomiting.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
Tank capacity Total capacity
85 l
Of which reserve
Approximately 14 l
Petrol (EN 228, E DIN 51626-1)
Fuel grade
!
Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the
ignition if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. The repair
costs are high. Notify a qualified specialist
workshop and have the fuel tank and fuel
lines drained completely.
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire. !
To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline may be used.
If there is no premium-grade unleaded
gasoline available and regular unleaded
gasoline must be used, please observe the
following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular unleaded gasoline and fill the rest
with premium-grade unleaded gasoline
as soon as possible.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R if the vehicle is carrying a light load, e.g.
two passengers without luggage, do not
allow the engine to rev above 3000 rpm.
R if the vehicle is fully loaded or is being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than Ôof the pedal travel.
Only refuel using premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline with additives can be used.
The concentration of additives in the fuel,
however, must not exceed 10%, e.g.:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline,
including other additives, must not exceed
3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, may be used. 278
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data
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