Mercedes-Benz 380 SL 1985, Owner'S Manual

Page: 55 / 97

Safe Driving
Charge Indicator Lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp
fail to come on prior to starting
when the key is in steering lock
position “2” or should it fail to go
out after starting or during opera­
tion, this indicates a fault which
must be repaired at an authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer as soon
as possible.
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp
The fuel reserve warning lamp will
come on when the key in the steer­
ing lock is turned to position “2” ,
and will go out after the engine is
running.
If the warning lamp stays on after
the engine starts, or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the
fuel level is down to the reserve
quantity.
Outside Temperature Indicator
The temperature sensor is attached
to the front bumper behind the
license plate base plate. Due to its
location, the sensor can be affected
by road or engine heat during idling
or slow driving. This means that the
accuracy of the displayed tempera­
ture can only be verified by compa­
rison to a thermometer located next
to the sensor, not by comparison to
external displays (i. e., bank signs,
etc.).
Oil Pressure Gauge
The oil pressure at idle speed may
drop to 0.3 bar/4.4 psi if the engine
is at operating temperature. This
will not jeopardize its operational
reliability. Pressure must, however,
rise immediately upon acceleration.
The oil pressure gauge will not pro­
vide early warning of low oil level.
Therefore, check oil level at regular
intervals with the dipstick.
Coolant Temperature Gauge
If the antifreeze mixture is good to
— 30° C/—22° F, the boiling point of
the coolant in the pressurized cool­
ing system of your vehicle is
approx. 125° C/257° F (see also
“ Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.”).
During severe operating conditions
and stop-and-go city traffic the
coolant temperature must not rise
above the red marking.
Engine Oil Consumption
Engine oil consumption can only be
determined after a certain mileage
has been covered. During the
break-in period, higher oil con­
sumption may be noticed and is
normal.