MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 Owner's Manual

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!÷
Inoperative See
Oper. ManualGRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, HOLD and hill start assist are
unavailable due to a malfunction. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
may also have failed. In addition, the ÷, å and !
warning lamps light up in the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST 25
is deactivated.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.T !
÷
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual GRisk of accident
EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-
SAFE ®
, HOLD and hill start assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have
failed. In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up and a warning tone sounds.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Brake wearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Release parking
brakeThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are driving with the electric parking brake applied.XRelease the electric parking brake.
or
XPull away carefully ( Y page 317).25
Not available on HYBRID vehicles.Display messages389On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are performing an emergency stop using the electric parking
brake ( Y page 317).XAfter the emergency stop: release the electric parking brake
lever.The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes, the yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning
lamp illuminates and a warning tone sounds.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning and the braking effect
is restricted.
While the vehicle is in motion:XRelease the electric parking brake lever.
While the vehicle is stationary:
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.XRelease the electric parking brake manually.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 464) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.390Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Parking brake See
Operator's ManualThe yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. Additionally, the red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp may light up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:XPull the electric parking brake lever.
or
XPull away carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
To apply:
XSwitch off the ignition.XPull the electric parking brake lever for at least ten seconds,
until the display message disappears.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 464) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
flashes.
The power supply for the electric parking brake was interrupted.XPull the electric parking brake lever.
or
XPull away carefully.
or
XPull the electric parking brake lever until the display message
disappears.The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and the yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.XApply or release the electric parking brake.
or
XPull away carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages391On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator
lamp flashes for approximately 10 seconds after the electric
parking brake has been applied or released. It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning, e.g. because of over
or undervoltage.XPull away carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
In the event of over or undervoltage:
XRemove the cause for the over or undervoltage, e.g. by charging
the battery or restarting the engine.XSwitch the ignition off and on, and then apply or release the
electric parking brake.
If this does not release the electric parking brake:
XDo not drive on.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator
lamp flashes for approximately 10 seconds after the electric
parking brake has been applied or released. It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake has overheated.XAllow the vehicle to cool down. Do not apply or release the
electric parking brake during this time.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 464) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XWhen the vehicle has cooled down: switch the ignition off and
on again, then apply or release the electric parking brake.392Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Pkg Brake
InoperativeThe yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator
lamp flashes for approximately 10 seconds after application or
release F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only). It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch the ignition off and on, and then apply the electric
parking brake.
If it is not possible to apply the electric parking brake:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 464) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Turn On the
Ignition to
Release the
Parking BrakeThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
You have attempted to release the electric parking brake with the
ignition switched off.XKey: turn the key to position 1 in the ignition lock.XKEYLESS-GO: switch on the ignition.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
Service See Oper.
ManualThere is a malfunction in the system. The brake system continues
to operate normally.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XApply the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.Display messages393On-board computer and displaysZ

GWarning
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left
Cornering Light
or
Check Left
Cornering LightThe left or right-hand cornering light is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Low Beam
or
Check Right Low
BeamThe left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Rear Left
Turn Signal
or
Check Rear Right
Turn SignalThe rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Front Left
Turn Signal
or
Check Front Right
Turn SignalThe front left-hand or front right-hand turn signal is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.394Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left Mirror
Turn Signal
or
Check Right Mirror
Turn SignalThe turn signal in the left-hand and/or right-hand exterior mirror
is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Center Brake
LampThe high-mounted brake lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Tail
and Brake Lamp
or
Check Right Tail
and Brake LampThe left or right-hand tail lamp/brake lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left High
Beam
or
Check Right High
BeamThe left or right-hand high beam is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left License
Plate Lamp
or
Check Right
License Plate LampThe left or right-hand license plate lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Fog Lamp
or
Check Right Fog
LampThe left-hand or right-hand front fog lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages395On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Rear Left
Fog Lamp
or
Check Rear Right
Fog LampThe left-hand or right-hand rear fog lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Front Left
Parking Lamp
or
Check Front Right
Parking LampThe front left or front right standing lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Reverse
Lamp
or
Check Right
Reverse LampThe left or right-hand backup lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Front Left
Sidemarker Lamp
or
Check Front Right
Sidemarker LampThe left or right front side marker lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Rear Left
Sidemarker Lamp
or
Check Rear Right
Sidemarker LampThe rear left or right side marker lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Daytime
Running Light
or
Check Right
Daytime Running
LightThe left or right-hand daytime running lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 278).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.396Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Active Headlamps
InoperativeThe active light function is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Malfunction See
Oper. ManualThe exterior lighting is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
AUTO Lamp Function
InoperativeThe light sensor is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
USA only:
XSwitch off the daytime running lamps in the on-board computer
( Y page 377).XSwitch the lights on and off using the light switch.b
Please Switch Off
LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop.Adaptive High-beam
Assist
InoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 450).XIf coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
Display messages397On-board computer and displaysZ

! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
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.
398Display messagesOn-board computer and displays