warning light MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2010 User Guide

vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function (Y page 342) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 341).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 435).
Adaptive Brake Lights
i This function is only available for the
S 600 and the S 65 AMG (USA only).
The brake lamps flash in quick intervals
R while you are braking hard at a speed of
more than 30 mph (50 km/h)
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
PLUS.
This helps to alert drivers behind you.
If you bring the car to a complete stop by hard
braking at a speed of more than 40 mph
(70 km/h), the hazard warning flasher comes
on automatically as soon as the vehicle is at
a standstill. While the vehicle is stationary,
the brake lamps are continuously lit up. Once
you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
afterward, the hazard warning flasher goes
out.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp 00F2 in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp 00F2 flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
66Driving safety systemsSafety and security
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 66

iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Using the radar sensors, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects obstacles that are in your
driving path for a sufficient period of time for
the system to recognize it. If you approach a
vehicle and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has
established that the distance to the vehicle
ahead at your current speed is so close that
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of
slowing the vehicle sufficiently, the system
will initially warn you visually and acoustically.
If you do not apply the brakes yourself or
maneuver around a sensed obstacle, the
vehicle will brake lightly automatically. The
PRE-SAFE ®
system ( Y page 54) is activated
when the distance to the vehicle ahead at
your current speed is so close that the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of slowing
the vehicle sufficiently.
When the danger of a collision still persists
and you do not brake or accelerate
significantly, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
initiate full application of the brakes
automatically.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will only respond with
brake assistance if it has clearly detected an
object. Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake uses radar signals that
are not reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not react to persons,
animals, and approaching traffic or cross-
traffic.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front of you, such as
motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from
your vehicle center.
GWarning!
Depending on the vehicle speed, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake brakes your vehicle with a
maximum of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
) before a
possible hard stop. This corresponds to about
40% of the maximum deceleration ability of
your vehicle. The driver must apply the brakes
additionally in order to prevent a collision. The
self-acting hard stop will be initiated when the
imminent danger of a collision exists, e.g.
when an evasive driving maneuver cannot
avoid an accident.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake applies the brake pedal
automatically which results in the brake pedal
moving. Therefore keep driver’s foot area
clear at all times, including the area under the
brake pedal. Objects stored in this area may
impair pedal movement which could interfere
with the braking ability of the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
70Driving safety systemsSafety and security
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 70

To maintain the proper distance to the vehicle
in front of you and thus prevent a rear-end
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.XBrake the vehicle immediately to avoid a
collision.
Under no circumstances should the driver
await the intermittent warning sound
before braking. Observe the following
warning note.
The intermittent warning sound ceases and
the distance warning lamp 00BA goes out
when the necessary distance to the vehicle
ahead is again established.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can react to stationary
obstacles such as standing or parked vehicles
at road speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
GWarning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
R not have recognized the collision risk
R have been deactivated
R be malfunctioning
Apply the brakes yourself to avoid a collision.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not always clearly
interpret complex traffic situations. If a visual
and/or acoustic warning is issued in an
uncritical driving situation, or if the vehicle
brakes lightly, you can interrupt the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake maneuver by pressing down all
the way on the accelerator pedal, using
kickdown, or releasing the brake pedal.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake maneuver is
terminated immediately when
R you avoid the obstacle by evasive steering
R you drive less than 9 mph (15 km/h)
R an obstacle can no longer be identified
ahead of you
R the system no longer senses the risk of a
collision
i The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will remain passive
while DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on
( Y page 330).
After a hard collision or damage to the front
of the vehicle from an accident, have the
settings and operation of the radar sensors
checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 236). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada.
When you switch off the radar system, the
following functions are deactivated:
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 64)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 330)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)XActivating and deactivating: Activate or
deactivate the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake using the
instrument cluster control system
( Y page 232).
After the function has been activated, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator 00C7 appears
in the instrument cluster. When the HOLD
function is switched on, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator 00C7 will not appear.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Anti-theft systems71Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 71Z

REAR LLeft screen7REAR RRight screen 7
i
In position COMAND, you can operate
various COMAND functions via remote
control buttons 0088 and 0086.
Switching SPLITVIEW or rear screens on/
off
i When the SmartKey is in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or removed from the starter
switch, the rear screens switch off after 30
minutes automatically. A corresponding
message appears on the screens prior to
switching off.
You can switch the screens back on. Keep
in mind however that this will drain the
vehicle battery.
XSwitching on with the COMAND system
already on: Aim the remote control on the
screen.XPress button 0046.XSwitching off: Aim the remote control on
the screen.XPress button 0046.
Switching button backlight on/off
XPress button 0047.
i
When you do not use the remote control
for approximately 15 seconds, the button
backlight switches off automatically.
Mute on/off (for wired headphones or
COMAND)
XPress button 0087.Selecting menu or menu item and
confirming selectionXSelecting menu or menu item: Press
arrow buttons 0088.XConfirming selection: Press button 0086.
Headphone
GWarning!
The driver should not wear a headphone while
operating the vehicle under any
circumstances. The use of a headphone while
driving the vehicle could drastically impair the
ability to react to audible traffic conditions
(e.g. emergency sirens from police/fire/
ambulance, another car’s horn, etc.).
GWarning!
When not in use, headphones or external
video sources should be stored in a safe
location (e.g. one of the vehicle’s storage
compartments) so that they are not loose
within the passenger compartment during
braking, vehicle maneuvers or a traffic
accident. Objects moving within the
passenger compartment could cause serious
personal injury to vehicle occupants.
GWarning!
Due to a potential choking hazard, wired
headphone usage by children should only
occur with adult supervision.
For information on using SPLITVIEW, see
( Y page 90).
For information on using the Rear Seat
Entertainment System, see ( Y page 189).
7
This function is only available in vehicles with Rear Seat Entertainment System82COMAND introductionControl systems
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 82

Upload/Download of Data
This function lets you transfer COMAND data
to a memory card or a USB storage device and
vice versa.
The following COMAND data can be
transferred:
R Navigation destination memory and last
destination
R Address book entries
R Audio/Video presets memory
R System settings
i You can use this function, for example, to
save your COMAND data and transfer them
to another vehicle.XInsert an SD card into the SD card slot
( Y page 180) or connect a USB storage
device to the built-in USB socket in the
glove box (Y page 80). The USB jack of the
optional media interface is not intended for
this purpose.XSelect Vehicle 0054 System 0054 Upload/
Download Data .XDownload: Select Copy Data to
Storage Medium 0054 On the Memory
Card or On USB .XSelect Start Copying .XUpload: Select Import Data from
Storage Medium 0054 From Memory Card
or From USB .XSelect Start Data Import .XExiting menu without data transfer:
Select Back.
Reset
i You can reset COMAND back to its
factory settings.
Among other things, all personal data are
deleted, for example
R the address book entries
R the entries in the destination memory
R the list of last destinations of the
navigation systemXSelect Vehicle 0054 System 0054 Reset .
A prompt appears asking whether you
really want to reset.XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes another prompt will
appear asking whether you really want to
reset.XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes, COMAND will be reset
and restarted.
COMAND navigation (introduction)
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, only enter a destination
when the vehicle is stationary. When the
vehicle is in motion, a passenger should enter
the destination. Study manual and select
route before driving.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
COMAND calculates the route to the
destination without taking account of the
following, for example:
R Traffic lights
R Stop and right-of-way signs
R Parking or stopping in prohibited areas
R Lane merging
R Other road and traffic rules and regulations
R Narrow bridges
COMAND navigation (introduction)95Control systems221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 95Z

iThe Group menu item cannot be selected
if only one audio format is saved on the
DVD.
The list of available audio formats appears. A
dot 003F indicates the format currently
selected.XChanging setting: Slide 00A0005B 0050 or rotate
0082 005B 0083.XExiting menu: Slide 009E005B 009F.
Playback options
The following options are available:
R Normal Track Sequence : Tracks are
played back in the order in which they are
stored on the disc, e.g. track 1, 2, 3, etc.
R Medium Mix : Tracks are played back in
random order, e.g. track 3, 8, 5, etc.
R Track List Mix (MP3 mode only): Tracks
of the current folder and its subfolders are
played back in random order.
XSelecting an option: Select Audio.XSelect CD, DVD-A or MP3 .
The option list appears. A dot 003F indicates
which option is switched on.XSelect an option and press 00A1.
The option is switched on. For all options
except Normal Track Sequence , you will
see a corresponding indicator in the main
area.
i The Normal Track Sequence option is
automatically activated when you select a
different medium. If an option is activated,
it remains activated after COMAND is
switched on/off.
Audio AUX and video AUX
You can play back external audio or video
sources via the systems installed in your
vehicle.
The sockets for external audio and video
sources (AUX) are located
R in the glove box (COMAND)
R on the CD/DVD drive in the rear passenger
compartment
R on the head restraints
i For operation of the external audio and
video sources, refer to the operating
instructions of the respective device. You
may have to adjust the proper video
standard on the external audio and video
source to ensure proper replay.
Do not leave external devices in the vehicle.
Proper function of the device could be
impaired due to excessive temperatures,
for example when exposing to direct
sunlight or when the outside temperature
is extremely low. Mercedes-Benz does not
assume liability for damage to external
devices.GWarning!
Operating an external audio source while the
vehicle is in motion will distract you. You may
not notice changing road and/or traffic
conditions which may cause an accident.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
For your safety and the safety of others, pull
over to a safe location and stop before
operating an external audio source.
GWarning!
Due to the different volumes of the external
audio sources, system messages of the
vehicle may be much louder. You may need to
disable these system messages or adjust the
volume of these messages manually.
i The volume of external audio sources is
extremely variable. It is possible that a
device connected as an external audio
source will sound quieter or louder in the
186Audio AUX and video AUXControl systems
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 186

USB storage device
iThis function is available for
alphabetically ordered directories. The
function is not available within playlists for
example.
XWithin a folder, press the respective button
on the telephone keypad once or more to
enter the first character of the desired
artist name. For example, press button
008B three times for an artist whose name
starts with a “C”.
The available characters are displayed on
the bottom of the display.
When the directory contains folders only,
COMAND will search for folders.
Selecting active partition (USB
storage devices only)
You can select this function with USB storage
devices when the storage space is
partitioned. The system supports up to 4
partitions (primary or logical, FAT formatted).
i The Windows formatting program
supports FAT partitions of up to 32 gigabyte
by default.
XSelect Media Interface 0054 Select
Active Partition .
Playback options
The following options are available:
R Normal Track Sequence
Tracks are played back in regular order (e.g.
in numerical or in alphabetical order).
R Random Tracks
All available tracks on the current medium
are played back in random order.
R Category Mix or Random Folder (with
USB devices when Folder was selected)
Tracks of the currently active category or
folder and its subfolders are played back in
random order.XSelecting playback options: Select
Media Interface in the basic display.
The list of options appears. The dot 003F
indicates the currently selected option.XSelect an option.
COMAND vehicle menu
Introduction
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
In this menu, you can program the following
vehicle functions:
FunctionMulti-function Contour Seat
Settings (Y page 216)Rear Window Sunshade (Y page 207)Easy Entry/Exit Feature
( Y page 208)Exterior Lighting Delayed Shut-off
( Y page 208)Interior Lighting Delayed Shut-off
( Y page 208)Ambient Lighting (Y page 209)Automatic Mirror Folding
( Y page 209)Locator Lighting (Y page 210)206COMAND vehicle menuControl systems
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 206

The power closing assist automatically
ensures that the trunk lid is pulled completely
close (Y page 283).
Closing the trunk from the inside
automatically
GWarning!
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the trunk lid with
the door mounted switch. Monitor the closing
procedure carefully to make sure no one is in
danger of being injured.
To interrupt the closing procedure, release
the door mounted remote trunk opening/
closing switch again.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-
GO removed from the vehicle, the remote
trunk opening/closing switch can be
operated. Therefore, do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
In vehicles with trunk opening/closing
system you can close the trunk from the
inside using the remote trunk opening/
closing switch.
If the trunk lid comes into contact with an
object while closing, the closing procedure is
stopped and the trunk lid reopens slightly.
This will happen only while the trunk is in its
upper motion sequence. Check if luggage has
been piled too high, for example.
XPress and hold remote trunk opening/
closing switch \000F until the trunk is closed.
XTo interrupt the closing procedure:
Release remote trunk opening/closing
switch \000F.
Closing the trunk from the outside
automatically
GWarning!
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
trunk opening when closing the trunk lid. Be
especially careful when small children are
around. To stop the closing procedure, do one
of the following:
RPress button \000T on the SmartKey.
RPress the remote trunk opening/closing
switch (on the driver’s door).
RPress the trunk closing switch.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
RPull the trunk lid handle.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-
GO removed from the vehicle, the remote
trunk opening/closing switch can be
operated. Therefore, do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
In vehicles with trunk opening/closing
system you can close the trunk separately
from the outside using the trunk closing
switch.
Locking and unlocking281Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 281Z

iWhen you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once and the driver’s
door is open, the power supply is switched
off.
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts
GWarning!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
GWarning!
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible. The center of
the head restraint must support the back of
the head at eye level.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWarning!
The power seats can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see “Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
286SeatsControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 286

Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
i Vehicles without front fog lamps: For
better detection of the vehicle, the LED
daytime running lamps are dimmed to
parking lamp level when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0064.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 38
R Green indicator lamp 006C in the exterior
lamp switchXSwitching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0027.
Automatic headlamp mode
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to 0066, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
0064 when driving or when traffic and/or
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position 0066 to 0064 with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from 0066 to 0064 will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0066.
When ambient light is low: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, the parking lamps 38
come on automatically.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on additionally.
When ambient light is bright: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, all lamps are off.
When the engine is running, the daytime
running lamps 39
come on automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the green indicator lamp 006C in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.
Once the low-beam headlamps are on, the
high-beam headlamps are also available.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
using the control system, see “Switching38 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.
39 USA only: The daytime running lamp mode must be activated via the control system.Lighting299Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 299Z