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Operation
Engine compartment
Coolant The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compart-
ment.
1 Coolant expansion tank
̈ Using a rag, slowly turn the cap approx-
imately one half turn counterclockwise
to release any excess pressure.
̈ Continue turning the cap counterclock-
wise and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
ț for cold coolant: is up to the upper
mark on the bracing rib of the coolant
expansion tank (translucent)
ț for warm coolant: is approx. 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
̈ Add coolant as required.
̈ Replace and tighten cap.
For more information, see “Coolants”
(
୴ page 449).
Warning! G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:
ț 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 gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.
ț Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.
ț Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately
1
/
2
turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.
ț Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.
!
SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the cap
on coolant expansion tank 1. Never open the
cap between the two charge-air coolers. Other-
wise, the engine could be damaged.