ESP inoperative MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2012 W221 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2012, Model line: S-Class, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2012 W221Pages: 536, PDF Size: 25.27 MB
Page 374 of 536

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific 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 Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
( Y page 35).
GWARNING
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
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.
GWARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.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.
GWARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
Displays and operation
Coolant temperature display
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
372Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
Page 392 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsIf the display message continues to be displayed:XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.!÷
Inoperative See
Oper. ManualGRisk 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.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.÷
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualGRisk 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.
XCarefully 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:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.20 Not available on hybrid vehicles.390Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Page 393 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsGRisk 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.
XLet 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. ManualGRisk 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.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.å
System InoperativeGRisk 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.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.20 Not available on hybrid vehicles.Display messages391On-board computer and displaysZ
Page 394 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsT !
÷
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual GRisk 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.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Check Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.F (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Please 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 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).XAfter the emergency stop: release the electric parking brake
lever.20 Not available on hybrid vehicles.392Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Page 397 of 536

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 has overheated.XAllow the vehicle to cool down. Do not engage or release the
electric parking brake during this time.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 474) 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 engage or release the electric parking brake.F (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Parking 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 the electric
parking brake has been applied or released. It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch the ignition off and on, and then engage the electric
parking brake.
If it is not possible to engage the electric parking brake:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 474) 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 attempted to release the electric parking brake while the
ignition was switched off.XSmartKey: turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the ignition lock.XKEYLESS-GO: switch on the ignition.Display messages395On-board computer and displaysZ
Page 398 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (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 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.
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.XEngage the electric parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.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.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA 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.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Oper. ManualGRisk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.396Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Page 399 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsPRE-SAFE
Functions
Currently Limited
See Operator's
ManualGRisk 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:
XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 467).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 467).XRestart the engine.XWait until the battery is sufficiently charged.PRE-SAFE
Function Limited
See Oper. ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is defective. BAS PLUS or the distance warning
signal may also have failed.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
SRS Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System). The 6 warning lamp also lights up in the instrument
cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages397On-board computer and displaysZ
Page 405 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left Reverse
Lamp or Check Right
Reverse LampThe left or right-hand backup lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 282).
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 defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 282).
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 defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 282).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Daytime
Running
Light or Check
Right Daytime
Running Light The left or right-hand daytime running lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 282).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Active Headlamps
InoperativeThe active light function is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Malfunction See
Oper. ManualThe exterior lighting is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
AUTO Lamp Function
InoperativeThe light sensor is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
USA only:
XSwitch off the daytime running lamps in the on-board computer
( Y page 385).XSwitch the lights on and off using the light switch.Display messages403On-board computer and displaysZ
Page 406 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
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 defective.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 460).XIf coolant needs to be added 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.
! 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.
404Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Page 410 of 536

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions¸·
Replace Air FilterVehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must
be replaced.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.!
Check Fuel FilterVehicles with a diesel engine: there is water in the fuel filter. The
water must be drained off.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Ø
Check Additive See
Oper. ManualThe DEF tank is empty.XHave the DEF tank filled as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop ( Y page 321).Ø
Remaining Starts:
16The DEF level has fallen to a minimum.XHave the DEF tank filled immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. ( Y page 321)
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÀ
Attention Assist:
Pause!Based on specific criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST 21
has determined
that the driver is tired or paying less attention. A warning tone also
sounds.XIf necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so you get
enough rest.
À
Attention Assist
InoperativeATTENTION ASSIST 21
has failed.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Á
Night View Assist
InoperativeNight View Assist Plus is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.21 Not available on hybrid vehicles.408Display messagesOn-board computer and displays