MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2000 Owners Manual

308 Malfunction and warning messages
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
PA R K I N G B R A K E
* C = Category, see page 303
TRUNK OPEN* C = Category, see page 303 Line 1Line 2C*
PARKING BRAKE RELEASE BRAKE! 1Line 1Line 2C*
TRUNK OPEN! 2

309 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program)
* C = Category, see page 3031 The display or the system is malfunctioning.
2 A malfunction has been detected in the system. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine
output will be available.
3 The enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP and the torque
reduction feature are unavailable.
4 This message may be displayed if the power supply was
interrupted (battery disconnected or empty). Synchronize ESP. See
page 275
Line 1Line 2C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. VISIT WORKSHOP!
2, 3, 4
2

310 Malfunction and warning messages
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
COOLANT (coolant level)
* C = Category, see page 303When this message appears while driving, the coolant
level has dropped below the required level. If no leaks
are noticeable and the engine temperature does not
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant system.The low engine coolant level warning should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have
the cooling system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving,
see page 117.
See page 336 for instructions on topping up the coolant.Line 1Line 2C*
COOLANT CHECK LEVEL! 2
Wa r n i n g !
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 can be seriously burned.

311 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index COOLANT (coolant temperature)
* C = Category, see page 303
1 This may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should this
condition occur, the poly-V-belt must be replaced before continuing
to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to
an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the
engine. Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message
displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
2 The cooling fan for the coolant is faulty. Observe the coolant
temperature gauge. See page 117
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1Line 2C*
COOLANT STOP, ENGINE OFF!
1
1
COOLANT VISIT WORKSHOP!
2
2
Wa r n i n g !
Driving when your engine is badly 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 and can occur just by opening the engine
hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.

312 Malfunction and warning messages
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHTING SYSTEM
Line 1Line 2C*
LOW BEAM,L CHECK LAMP! 2
LOW BEAM,R CHECK LAMP! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
TURN SIGNAL, L CHECK LAMP! 2
TURN SIGNAL, R CHECK LAMP! 2
L. TU RN SIG. RF LECTR CHECK LAMP! 2
R. TURN SIG. RF LECTR CHECK LAMP! 2
TURN SIGNAL F, L CHECK LAMP! 2
TURN SIGNAL F, R CHECK LAMP! 2
BRAKE LIGHT
2
VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
BRAKE LIGHT, L
3
CHECK LAMP ! 2
BRAKE LIGHT, R
3
CHECK LAMP ! 2
3RD STOP LAMP
3
CHECK LAMP ! 2
HIGH BEAM, L CHECK LAMP! 2
HIGH BEAM, R CHECK LAMP! 2
LICENSE PLATE L, L CHECK LAMP! 2
LICENSE PLATE L, R CHECK LAMP! 2
SWITCH OFF LIGHTS! 1
FRONT FOGLAMP, L CHECK LAMP! 2
FRONT FOGLAMP, R CHECK LAMP! 2
REAR FOGLAMP CHECK LAMP! 2
REVERSE LIGHT, L CHECK LAMP! 2 Line 1Line 2C*

313 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexIn t he ca se of bul b failures in certa in la mps, oth er lamps
will substitute. See page 356 for instructions on
replacing bulbs.
* C = Category, see page 303
1 The display or the system is malfunctioning.
2 The brake lamps are switching on after a delay or are permanently
on – visit workshop immediately.
3 The brake lamps comprise several light emitting diodes. The
warning message will only appear if all light emitting diodes have
stopp ed working .
4 Other bulbs will be brought into use as replacements when certain
lamps blow. REVERSE LIGHT, R CHECK LAMP! 2
TAIL LIGHT, L CHECK LAMP!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
TAIL LIGHT, R CHECK LAMP!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
SIDELIGHT, L CHECK LAMP!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
SIDELIGHT, R CHECK LAMP!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2 Line 1Line 2C*

314 Malfunction and warning messages
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHT SENSOR
* C = Category, see page 303The headlamps will be switched on automatically if the
light sensor malfunctions.
The “LIGHT CIRCUIT HEADLAMP MODE” setting menu
can be set to “MANUAL” in the individual setting. See
page 138. It will then be possible to switch the
headlamps on and off using the exterior lamp switch.
See page 156 for notes on the exterior lamp switch. ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC)
* C = Category, see page 303
1 The display or the system is malfunctioning. Line 1Line 2C*
LIGHT SENSOR VISIT WORKSHOP! 2Line 1Line 2C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL DRIVE CAREFULLY!
2
1
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL STOP, CAR TOO LOW!
3
1
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2

315 Malfunction and warning messages
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
2 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – DRIVE
CAREFULLY!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph
(80 km / h). The vehicle driving characteristics are
changed due to a noticeably softer suspension.
In this case visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Do not continue to drive if loss of hydraulic fluid or
leaks are noticed. Doing so could result in subsequent
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
3 The ABC is defective. Stop the vehicle.
Press upper half of level control switch, see page 280
- system selects raised level mode.
The vehicle chassis is raised depending on the kind of defect.Important!
The wheels may not have sufficient clearance when the
steering wheel is turned beyond a certain angle if the
“ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – STOP, CAR TOO LOW!”
message appears. The front fenders will be damaged if
the steering wheel is turned too far. Watch and listen for
scraping noises.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km / h).
Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.4 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – VISIT
WORKSHOP!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph
(80 km / h). Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.

316 Malfunction and warning messages
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
TIRE PRESSURE
Line 1Line 2C*
TIRE PRESSURE CAUTION TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE CHECK TIRES!
2, 3
1
TIRE PRESSURE CHECK TIRES!
4
2
TIRE PRESS. CONTROL ACTIVATED!
3
2
TIRE PRESS. CONTROL ACTIVATION – NOT WHEN
ENGINE ON
5
2
TIRE PRESS. CONTROL REACTIVATE!
3, 6
3
TIRE PRESS. CONTROL CURRENTLY INACTIVE!
7
2
TIRE PRESS. CONTROL VISIT WORKSHOP!
8
2
TIRE PRESSURE, FL CAUTION TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, FR CAUTION TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RL CAUTION TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RR CAUTION TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, FL CHECK TIRES!
2
1
TIRE PRESSURE, FL CHECK TIRES!
4
2
TIRE PRESSURE, FR CHECK TIRES!
2
1
TIRE PRESSURE, FR CHECK TIRES!
4
2
TIRE PRESSURE, RL CHECK TIRES!
2
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RL CHECK TIRES!
4
2
TIRE PRESSURE, RR CHECK TIRES!
2
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RR CHECK TIRES!
4
2 Line 1Line 2C*

317 Malfunction and warning messages
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
* C = Category, see page 303.
RL: rear left; FL: front left;
RR: rear right; FR: front right;
1 One or more tires def late rapidly or tire pressure is already below
minimum value. Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding
abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. For reference on changing
wheels, see page 340.
2 The tire pressure on one or more tires is already below minimum
value. Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. For reference on changing
wheels, see page 343.
3 For tire inflation pressure monitor, see page 150.4 Tire pressure in one or more tires is low. Check and correct tire
pressure, see page 348.
5 The tire pressure monitor cannot be activated with the engine
running. Turn off the engine and repeat activation, see page 150.
6 When the message appears after starting the engine, the tire
inflation pressure on all road wheels should be checked and
corrected according to the label affixed inside the fuel filler flap.
For tire inflation pressure, see page 348.
The tire inflation pressure monitor must be activated again after
the tire inflation pressure has been corrected, see page 150.
7 The tire inflation pressure monitor system is unable to monitor the
tire pressure due to the presence of several wheel electronics in
the vehicle (e.g. a deflated road wheel in the trunk), or nearby
radio interference source, or excessive wheel sensor temperatures,
or unrecognized wheel sensors mounted.
8 The tire inflation pressure monitor is defective or a wheel without
proper sensor was installed. Visit your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat
tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.