check engine MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 Owner's Manual

G WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can: R
overheat and cause a fire R
lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
! Do not warm up the engine with the vehicle
stationary. Drive off immediately. Avoid high
engine speeds and driving at full throttle until
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to the
desired drive position when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.
You could otherwise damage the drive train.
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: at low engine oil
temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the max-
imum engine speed is restricted in order to
protect the engine. To protect the engine and
maintain smooth engine operation, avoid driv-
ing at full throttle when the engine is cold.
Observe the important safety notes for PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles ( Y
page 42). SmartKey positions
SmartKey
Z
To remove the SmartKey G
Power supply for some consumers, such as
the windshield wipers H
Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position I
To start the engine
The SmartKey can be turned in the ignition lock
even if it is not the correct SmartKey for the
vehicle. The ignition is not switched on. The
engine cannot be started.
Start/Stop button
General notes All vehicles are equipped with a removable
Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the Smartkey must be in the
vehicle.
When you insert the Start/Stop button into the
ignition lock, the system needs approximately
two seconds recognition time. You can then use
the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times in
succession corresponds to the different key
positions in the ignition lock. This is only the
case if you are not depressing the brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the Smart-
Key determines whether a valid SmartKey is in
the vehicle. This occurs, for example, when
starting the engine.162
Driving
Driving and parking

Starting the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
G WARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system. General notes During a cold start, the engine runs at higher
speeds to enable the catalytic converter to
reach its operating temperature. The sound of
the engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position P
( Y
page 170).
The transmission position display in the mul-
tifunction display shows P ( Y
page 172).
You can start the engine in transmission posi-
tion P and N .
Starting procedure with the SmartKey To start the engine using the SmartKey instead
of the Start/Stop button, pull the Start/Stop
button out of the ignition lock. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 3 in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running ( Y
page 162).
Starting procedure with the Start/Stop
button The Start/Stop button can be used to start the
vehicle manually without inserting the SmartKey
into the ignition lock. The Start/Stop button
must be inserted in the ignition lock and the
SmartKey must be in the vehicle. This mode for
starting the engine operates independently of
the ECO start/stop automatic engine start func-
tion.
You can start the engine if a valid SmartKey is in
the vehicle. Always take the SmartKey with you
when leaving the vehicle, even if you only leave
it for a short time. Pay attention to the important
safety notes. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Press the Start/Stop button once
( Y
page 162).
The engine starts.
Starting procedure via smartphone
Observe the important safety notes on starting
the engine ( Y
page 164).
You can also start your engine via your smart-
phone from outside the vehicle. In this case, the164
Driving
Driving and parking

Problems with the engine Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics. R
There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Before attempting to start the engine again: X
Turn the SmartKey back to position 0 in the ignition lock.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out. X
Try to start the engine again ( Y
page 164). Avoid excessively long
and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain the
battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged. X
Jump-start the vehicle ( Y
page 376).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high. X
Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system. X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it. X
Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
The coolant temperature
gauge shows a value
above 248 ‡ (120 †). The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently. X
Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down. X
Check the coolant level ( Y
page 356). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary. Driving 169
Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
7G-TRONIC: it is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse
gear.
9G-TRONIC: it is only partly possible to engage the gears or the trans-
mission is in position N .X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
7G-TRONIC: If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second
gear, if R is selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation ( Y
page 254).
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 )
if: R
the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing Refueling 177
Driving and parking Z

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G WARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire. X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the engine. X
Make sure that the ignition is switched off ( Y
page 162).
or X
When using the SmartKey, turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it ( Y
page 162).X
Do not restart the engine under any circumstances. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked. X
Unlock the vehicle ( Y
page 79).X
PLUG-IN HYBRID Vehicles: depressurize the fuel tank
( Y
page 178).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y
page 81).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Charging the high-voltage battery
(PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
Important safety notes
G DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
under high voltage. If you modify components
in the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The components in the vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, although the damage
is not visible. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Following an accident, do not touch any high-
voltage components and never modify the
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system. Have
the vehicle towed away after an accident and
the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checked by a qualified specialist workshop. G WARNING
In the event of a vehicle fire, the internal pres-
sure of the high-voltage battery can exceed a
critical value. In this case flammable gas
escapes through a ventilation valve on the
underbody. The gas can ignite. There is a risk
of injury.
Leave the danger zone immediately. Secure
the danger area at a suitable distance, whilst
observing legal requirements.
G DANGER
If you use incorrectly installed mains sockets
or adapters, extension cables or similar to
connect the charging cable to a mains socket,
this could lead to fires or an electric shock.
There is a risk of fatal injury.180
Charging the high-voltage battery (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
Driving and parking

Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: the ESP ®
system
operates automatically. The engine and the
ignition must therefore be switched off (the
SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if the electric parking brake
is tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system. ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: the ESP ®
sys-
tem operates automatically. The engine and
the ignition must therefore be switched off
(the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if: R
the electric parking brake is tested using a
brake dynamometer. R
the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 69)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 69).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pads/linings when replacing
brake disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake discs. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre- Driving tips 195
Driving and parking Z

sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes The high-performance brake system is only
available on Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on: R
Speed R
Braking force R
Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An
aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a
qualified specialist workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performance driving,
it is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if: R
you drive at low speeds R
the tires have adequate tread depth For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner: R
lower your speed R
avoid ruts R
avoid sudden steering movements R
brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving through
it. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-
erwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or
the engine compartment. This can damage
the electronic components in the engine or
the automatic transmission. Water can also
be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
G DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.196
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Please note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
features described. This also applies to
safety-related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops ( Y
page 28).
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating the on-board computer.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles only:
G WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The
operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
All vehicles, except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehi-
cles:
G WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
The on-board computer only shows messages or
warnings from certain systems in the multifunc-
tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times.
For an overview, see the instrument panel illus-
tration ( Y
page 33).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting The light sensor in the instrument cluster auto-
matically controls the brightness of the multi-
function display. In daylight, the displays in the
instrument cluster are illuminated. A dimming
function is not possible in daylight.
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the dis-
plays and the controls in the vehicle interior can
be adjusted using the brightness control knob.
The brightness control is located between the
instrument cluster and the multimedia system
display ( Y
page 35). X
Turn the brightness control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
If you turn the light switch ( Y
page 130) to the
` , X or X position, the brightness
will depend upon the brightness of the ambi-
ent light.
Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as this
could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if you select the oper-
ating mode E-MODE , the display in the instru-
ment cluster changes from tachometer to power
meter ( Y
page 242).256
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
I (USA
only)
$ ( Canada
only)
Parkin g Brake Inop‐
erativ e The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. The red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te n seconds
after th e electric parking brak e has been applie d or released. It then
goe s out or remain s lit .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning , e.g. because of over-
voltag e or undervoltage. X
Remove th e caus e for th e overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging th e battery or restarting th e engine.X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If it remain s impossible to apply or release th e electric parking brake:X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be applied:X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up and th e red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
It is no t possibl e to apply th e electric parking brak e manually.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
' (USA
only)
M ( Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is no t enough brak e flui d in th e brak e fluid reservoir .
In addition , th e ' (US A only) or M (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in th e instrumen t cluste r and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNIN G
The braking effec t may be impaired.
There is a ris k of an accident.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions. Do no t continu e drivin g
under any circumstances. X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 189).X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .X
Do no t add brak e fluid . This does no t correc t th e malfunction .
& Check Brake Pad Wea r The brak e pads/linings hav e reached their wear limit.
US A only: th e red ' brak e system warning lamp also lights up while
th e engin e is running. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
S Inoperative On e or mor e main features of th e mbrace system are malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .Display messages 28 3
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Radar Sensor s Dirty
See Operator' s Man ‐
ual At least on e of th e followin g drivin g systems or drivin g safet y systems
is temporarily restricted or inoperative: R
PRE-SAF E ®
PLU SR
PRE-SAF E ®
BrakeR
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU SR
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis tR
Active Blind Spot Assis tR
DISTRONI C PLU S wit h Steering Assis t and Stop&Go Pilo t
If th e radar sensor system in fron t is dirty, Active Blind Spot Assis t will
no t perfor m a course-correcting brak e application .
Possibl e causes are: R
th e sensor s in th e radiato r trim and/o r in th e bumpers are dirtyR
th e function of th e drivin g system and/o r drivin g safet y system is
impaire d due to heav y rain or snow.
A warning tone also sounds.
Whe n th e causes state d abov e no longer apply, th e display message
disappears. Al l drivin g systems and drivin g safet y systems are oper -
ative again .
If th e display message does no t disappear :X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 189).X
Switc h off th e engine.X
Clean th e sensor s in th e followin g location s ( Y
page 362):R
in th e radiato r trimR
in th e fron t bumper R
in th e rear bumper, particularly in th e middle of th e rear bumperX
Restart th e engine.
The display message disappears.
Check Lef t Rea r
Bel t See Operator' s
Manual or Check
Right Rea r Bel t See
Operator' s Manual The seat belt buckl e extender on th e right or lef t of th e rear compart-
men t is no t in th e predefine d position . The belt strap may be jammed
in th e belt tongue.
G WARNIN G
If th e seat belt buckl e extender is no t in th e predefine d position , th e
seat belt canno t provid e th e intended level of protection .
There is an increased ris k of injury.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Releas e th e jamming.X
Repeat th e seat belt fastenin g procedure .Display messages 28 5
On-board computer and displays Z