SLK/R170: A few questions...
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 48
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From: Sydney, Australia
A few questions...
I've had my 1998 SLK 230K since new, and I've only travelled 18,000 kms- not a single problem. Until now.
I've noticed that the BAS/ASR malfunction light will come on when I drive in normal conditions. However, when I stop, turn off and restart the car, it's gone. And when the light IS on, there is no ASR at all. The tyres will lose traction in the wet if I gun it.
Also, the coolant light comes on intermittently, also resetting if I turn the car off and on again. It turns off by itself too sometimes. I've checked the coolant level and all's normal. No leaks as far as I can see either. Car doesn't run hot either.
Last problem is that yesterday, I tried opening the roof but the roof wouldn't actually retract into the open luggage compartment. As in the bootlid had unlocked and swung open, but the roof wouldn't unlock to fold into the boot. Again this was rectified by restarting the car.
I'm guessing some sort of electrical gremlin has gotten into the system Has this happened to anyone before? Thanks in advance.
I've noticed that the BAS/ASR malfunction light will come on when I drive in normal conditions. However, when I stop, turn off and restart the car, it's gone. And when the light IS on, there is no ASR at all. The tyres will lose traction in the wet if I gun it.
Also, the coolant light comes on intermittently, also resetting if I turn the car off and on again. It turns off by itself too sometimes. I've checked the coolant level and all's normal. No leaks as far as I can see either. Car doesn't run hot either.
Last problem is that yesterday, I tried opening the roof but the roof wouldn't actually retract into the open luggage compartment. As in the bootlid had unlocked and swung open, but the roof wouldn't unlock to fold into the boot. Again this was rectified by restarting the car.
I'm guessing some sort of electrical gremlin has gotten into the system Has this happened to anyone before? Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Long Island, NY
I'm really no help, but my coolant light also came on intermittently. I took it too the dealership and they took care of it. Though I don't actually know what they did because I just took my car and ran and told them to mail me my reciept....I wanted my SLK back! 
I have heard rumors though of the electrical system being a little finicky on these cars.
I have heard rumors though of the electrical system being a little finicky on these cars.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
Here are my educated guesses
1. One of your ABS sensors is faulty.
2. The coolant level sensor is very sensitive. Try adding some distilled water to fill up the reservoir till it's almost completely full. That's what cured mine. It alse could be a faulty coolant level sensor or a faulty windshield washer fluid level sensor (they are tied together on the same circuit).
3. You have a faulty microswitch in the top mechanism. Could be one of the two microswitches in the header latches or the switch under the "bristles" in the passenter side of the trunk.
1. One of your ABS sensors is faulty.
2. The coolant level sensor is very sensitive. Try adding some distilled water to fill up the reservoir till it's almost completely full. That's what cured mine. It alse could be a faulty coolant level sensor or a faulty windshield washer fluid level sensor (they are tied together on the same circuit).
3. You have a faulty microswitch in the top mechanism. Could be one of the two microswitches in the header latches or the switch under the "bristles" in the passenter side of the trunk.
