MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2013 Owners Manual

Safety systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions!÷
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. Manual G
Risk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and
hill start assist are temporarily unavailable.
BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST 20
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.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
Risk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and hill start
assist are temporarily unavailable.
BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
For example, the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
ATTENTION ASSIST 20
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.
X Drive on carefully.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again. 20
Not available on hybrid vehicles. Display messages
389
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsIf the display message continues to be displayed:
X
Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. !÷
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual G
Risk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and hill start
assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
The $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only), ÷, å
and ! warning lamps in the instrument cluster also light up.
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 20
is deactivated.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ÷
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. Manual G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
,
BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and hill start assist are
temporarily unavailable.
BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷ and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST 20
is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 20
Not available on hybrid vehicles.390
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsG
Risk of accident
If the display message is shown and the ÷ warning lamp flashes
at the same time, the Electronic Traction System is deactivated.
Otherwise, the brakes on the drive wheels could overheat.
X Let the brakes cool down until the display message disappears
and the ÷ warning lamp goes out.
The Electronic Traction System is activated again. ÷
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
,
BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and hill start assist are
unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷ and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST 20
is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. å
System Inoperative G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
,
BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and hill start assist are
unavailable due to a malfunction. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
may also have failed. In addition, the ÷ and å warning
lamps light up in the instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST 20
is deactivated.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 20
Not available on hybrid vehicles. Display messages
391
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsT!
÷
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual G
Risk of accident
EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-
SAFE ®
,
the HOLD function 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 and a warning tone sounds.
ATTENTION ASSIST 20
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.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. #
Check Brake Pad
Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. F(USA
only)!(Canada
only)
Please Release
Parking Brake The red
F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are driving with the electric parking brake applied.
X Release the electric parking brake.
or
X Pull away carefully ( Y page 324). The red
F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are making an emergency stop using the electric parking
brake ( Y page 324).
X After the emergency stop: release the electric parking brake
lever. 20
Not available on hybrid vehicles.392
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe red
F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes, the yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning
lamp lights up and a warning tone sounds.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning and the braking effect
is restricted.
While the vehicle is in motion:
X Release the electric parking brake handle.
While the vehicle is stationary:
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Release the electric parking brake.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Use the folding wheel chock (Y
page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. F(USA
only)!(Canada
only)
Parking Brake See
Oper. Manual The 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:
X Pull the electric parking brake handle.
or
X Pull away carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
To apply:
X Switch off the ignition.
X Pull the electric parking brake lever for at least ten seconds,
until the display message disappears.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Use the folding wheel chock (Y
page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
393
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe red
F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
The power supply for the electric parking brake was interrupted.
X Pull the electric parking brake handle.
or
X Pull away carefully.
or
X Pull the electric parking brake handle 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.
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Engage or release the electric parking brake.
or
X Pull away carefully.
X Visit 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 is malfunctioning, e.g. because of
overvoltage or undervoltage.
X Pull away carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If there is overvoltage or undervoltage:
X Remove the cause for the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging the battery or restarting the engine.
X Switch the ignition off and on, and then engage or release the
electric parking brake.
If this does not release the electric parking brake:
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.394
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible 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 has overheated.
X Allow the vehicle to cool down. Do not engage or release the
electric parking brake during this time.
X Use the folding wheel chock (Y
page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.
X When the vehicle has cooled down: switch the ignition off and
on again, then engage or release the electric parking brake. F(USA
only)!(Canada
only)
Parking Brake
Inoperative 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 is malfunctioning.
X Switch the ignition off and on, and then engage the electric
parking brake.
If it is not possible to engage the electric parking brake:
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Use the folding wheel chock (Y
page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. F(USA
only)!(Canada
only)
Turn On the
Ignition to
Release the
Parking Brake The red
F
(USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
You attempted to release the electric parking brake while the
ignition was switched off.
X SmartKey:
turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the ignition lock.
X KEYLESS-GO: switch on the ignition. Display messages
395
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$(USA
only)J(Canada
only)
Service See Oper.
Manual There is a malfunction in the system. The brake system continues
to operate normally.
X
Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. $(USA
only)J(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level G
Risk of accident
There is not enough 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.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention
to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Engage the electric parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction. G
WARNING
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. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
Inoperative USA only: one or more of the main functions in the mbrace system
are malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system are malfunctioning.
X
USA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Canada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual
G
Risk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®

have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.396
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsPRE-SAFE
Functions
Currently Limited
See Operator's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is operational again and the display message
disappears if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Clean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
(Y page 467).
X Clean the bumpers ( Y page 467).
X Restart the engine.
X Wait until the battery is sufficiently charged. PRE-SAFE
Function Limited
See Oper. Manual
G
Risk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is defective. BAS PLUS or the distance warning
signal may also have failed.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
SRS Malfunction
Service Required G
Risk of injury
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System). The 6 warning lamp also lights up in the instrument
cluster.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
397
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions6
Front Left SRS
Malfunction
Service Required

or
Front Right SRS
Malfunction
Service Required G
Risk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the front on the left or right. The 6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
Rear Left SRS
Malfunction
Service Required


or
Rear Right SRS
Malfunction
Service Required G
Risk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the rear on the left or right. The 6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
Rear Center SRS
Malfunction
Service Required G
Risk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the rear center. The 6
warning lamp
also lights up in the instrument cluster.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
Left Side Curtain
Airbag

Malfunction
Service Required or
Right Side Curtain
Airbag Malfunction
Service Required G
Risk of injury
There is a malfunction in the left-hand and/or right-hand window
curtain air bag. The 6 warning lamp also lights up in the
instrument cluster.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately

to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury. 398
Display messages
On-board computer and displays