headlamp MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2008 W221 Comand Manual

572 OperationAt the gas stationCheck regularly and before a long tripExample illustration from S 5501Coolant level
2Brake fluid
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning systemWindshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system
For more information on refilling the wash-
er reservoir, see “Windshield washer sys-
tem and headlamp cleaning system”
(
page 580).
Coolant
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolant level” (
page 579) and see “Fu-
els, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(
page 764).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Brake
fluid” (
page 769).Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil, see
“Engine oil” (
page 575).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (
page 714).
For more information, see “Lighting”
(
page 399).
Tire inflation pressure
For information on tire inflation pressure,
see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
(page 592).
i
Opening the hood (
page 573).
!
If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see “Practical
hints” (page 631) and (
page 664).

574 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.

Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled down. If neces-
sary, call the fire department.
Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running


while starting the engine


if ignition is “on” and the engine is
cranked manually
Warning!
G
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure that the hood is securely en-
gaged before driving off. Do not continue
driving if the hood can no longer engage af-
ter an accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and endanger you and/or others.


580 OperationEngine compartment
Using a rag, turn cap1 slowly 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


for cold coolant: reaches the white
marking (plastic bridge) inside the cool-
ant expansion tank


for warm coolant: is approximately
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher

Add coolant as required.

Replace and tighten cap1.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 771). Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is located on the
left-hand side of the engine compartment
when looking in the direction of travel. It
supplies the windshield washer system
and headlamp cleaning system with wash-
er fluid.Example illustration S 550 with Airmatic1Cap
Vehicles with ABC*1Cap
Fluid for the windshield washer system and
the headlamp cleaning system is supplied
from the windshield washer reservoir. It
has a capacity of approximately 6.87 US qt
(6.5 l).
During all seasons, add MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” to
water. Premix the windshield washer fluid
in a suitable container.

581 Operation
Engine compartment

To open washer fluid reservoir: Pull
tab of cap1 upward.

Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or
commercially available premixed wind-
shield washer solvent/antifreeze, de-
pending on ambient temperatures).

To close washer fluid reservoir:
Press cap1 onto filler hole until it en-
gages.
For more information, see “Windshield
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system” (
page 774).
Warning!
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.
!
Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below freezing
point. Failure to do so could result in damage to
the washer system/reservoir.
Only use washer fluid which is suitable for plastic
lenses. Improper washer fluid can damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
Do not use distilled or de-ionized water in the
washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the washer
fluid level sensor could be damaged.

610 OperationWinter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service
includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB Summerfit”
to a premixed windshield washer sol-
vent/antifreeze which is formulated for
below freezing temperatures
(page 772).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to make
sure that the engine can be started,
even at low ambient temperatures.


Tire change.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated
tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show the
mountain/snowflake.marking on the
tire sidewall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Can-
ada (RAC) and have been designed specif-
ically for use in snow conditions. Use of
winter tires is the only way to achieve the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS, EBP,
ESP
® and 4MATIC in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure that all
mounted winter tires are of the same make
and have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available from your tire
dealer or from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.

619 Operation
Vehicle care
Headlamps, tail lamps, side markers,
turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo, with plenty of water.Cleaning the DISTRONIC Plus*/
PRE-SAFE
® Brake* system sensors
(USA only)
The sensors are integrated in the front
bumpers and cannot be seen from the out-
side.
1Sensor cover
2Bumper area near sensors

Switch off the ignition (
page 370).

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo, with plenty of water and a
non-scratching cloth to clean sensor
cover1.

Clean a wide area of the bumpers sur-
rounding the sensor2.
Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors
1Parktronic system* sensors in front
bumper
!
Only use window cleaning solutions that are
suitable for plastic lamp lenses. Window clean-
ing solutions which are not suitable may damage
the plastic lamp lenses of the headlamps. There-
fore, do not use abrasives, solvents or cleaners
that contain solvents.
Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the lens
surface.
!
To prevent scratches or damage, never
apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the sensor
cover and/or bumper area near sensors. Do not
attempt to wipe dirty sensors and/or bumper
with a dry cloth or sponge.


643 Practical hints
What to do if …?
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of the most important warning
and malfunction messages that may ap-
pear in the malfunction display.
For your convenience the messages are di-
vided into two sections:

Text messages (
page 644)


Symbol messages (
page 660)
Warning!
G
All categories of messages contain impor-
tant information which should be taken note
of and, where a malfunction is indicated, ad-
dressed as soon as possible at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty, or result in property dam-
age or personal injury.i
Switching on the ignition causes all instru-
ment cluster lamps (except high beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps
unless activated) as well as the multifunction dis-
play to come on. Make sure the lamps and multi-
function display are in working order before
starting your journey.

687 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Check
Center Brake Lamp
The high mounted brake lamp is malfunc-
tioning. This message will only appear if a
critical number of light emitting diodes have
stopped working.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Check Left
Cornering Light
The left-hand corner-illuminating lamp is
malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 714).
Check Right
Cornering Light
The right-hand corner-illuminating lamp is
malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 714).
Check
Left Low Beam
The left low beam lamp is malfunctioning.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Check
Right Low Beam
The right low beam lamp is malfunctioning.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Active Headlamps
Inoperative
The active headlamps are malfunctioning.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.

688 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Auto Lamp Function
Inoperative
The light sensor is malfunctioning. Daytime
driving lamps are switched on.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
To switch off the headlamps (U.S. vehicles only):

Switch off daytime running lamps in the in-
strument cluster control system
(page 306).

Turn the exterior lamp switch to position0.
Check
Rear Left
Turn Signal
T h e l e f t r e a r t u r n s i g n a l l a m p i s m a l f u n c t i o n -
ing. A substitute bulb is being used.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Check
Rear Right
Turn Signal
The right rear turn signal lamp is malfunc-
tioning. A substitute bulb is being used.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Check
Left Mirror
Turn Signal
The turn signal in the left exterior rear view
mirror is malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of light emit-
ting diodes have stopped working.

Have the LEDs replaced as soon as possible.

689 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Check
Right Mirror
Turn Signal
The turn signal in the right exterior rear view
mirror is malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of light emit-
ting diodes have stopped working.

Have the LEDs replaced as soon as possible.
Check
Front Left
Turn Signal
The left front turn signal lamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Check
Front Right
Turn Signal
The right front turn signal lamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Check
Left High Beam
The left high beam lamp is malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 714).
Check
Right High Beam
The right high beam lamp is malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 714).
Check Left
License Plate Lamp
The left license plate lamp is malfunction-
ing.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Check Right
License Plate Lamp
The right license plate lamp is malfunction-
ing.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Please
Switch Off Lights
You are getting out of the vehicle and the
lights are still switched on.

Switch off the headlamps (
page 399).