check engine MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2013 W221 Owner's Guide

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
000A The battery is no
tbeing charged.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0011
Check Engine Oil
at Next Refueling Vehicles with an oil dipstick
:the oil level has dropped to the
minimum level.
X Check the oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 464).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 466).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). 0011
Check Engine Oil
Level (Add 1
quart) (USA only)
Check Engine Oil Level (Add 1
Liter) (Canada only) Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 464).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 466).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). 410
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0011
Engine Oil Level
Low Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine Off Vehicles without an oil dipstick
:the engine oil level is too low.
There is a risk of engine damage.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Add engine oil (Y page 466) and check the oil level
(Y page 463). 0011
Engine Oil Level
Too High Vehicles without an oil dipstick: you have added too much engine
oil. There is a risk of damage to the engine or to the catalytic
converter.
X
Have the excess oil siphoned off at a qualified specialist
workshop. Observe the legal requirements. 0011
Engine Oil Level
Cannot measure
eng. oil level Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the measuring system is
defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 000F
Reserve fuel level The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 0009 There is only a very small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station without fail. 000F
Fuel filler cap
open The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
X Close the fuel filler cap.
If the fuel filler cap is correctly closed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 000F
Ultra Low-sulfur
Diesel Fuel Only Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel level has fallen below the
reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest gas station.
X Only use commercially available vehicular ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM). 00060005
Replace air
cleaner element Vehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must
be replaced.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
411On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0001
Clean fuel filter Vehicles with a diesel engine: there is water in the fuel filter. The
water mus
tbe drained off.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0001
Check
additive See
Operator's Manual The DEF tank is empty.
X
Have the DEFt ank filled as soon as possible at aqualified
specialist workshop (Y page 325).0001
Remaining starts:
16 The DE
Flevel has fallen to a minimum.
X Have the DEFt ank filled immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop (Y page 325). Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0004
Attention Assist:
Drowsiness
detected Based on specific criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST
20
has determined
that the driver is tired or paying less attention. Awarning tone also
sounds.
X If necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so you get
enough rest. 0004
Attention Assist
Inoperative ATTENTION ASSIST
20
has failed.
X Visi taqualified specialist workshop. 0003
Night View Assist
Inoperative Night View Assist Plus is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0003
Night View Assist
Currently
Unavailable The temperature of the camera is too high.
X
Wait until you see the Night View Assist Available Again display message.
You can also:
X Fold the camera cover down (Y page 475).
X Adjust the air distribution of the automatic air conditioning
upwards. 20
Not available on hybrid vehicles. 412
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
DISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual DISTRONIC is deactivated and temporarily inoperative. Possible
causes are:
R
the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator trim is dirty
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R the rada rsensor 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.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
If the display message does no tdisappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 327).
X Clean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator trim
(Y page 474).
X Clean the bumpers (Y page 474).
X Restar tthe engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
DISTRONIC is operational again. DISTRONIC PLUS
Inoperative DISTRONIC PLUS is defective. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) and
PRE-SAFE
®
Brake may be inoperative as well.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
X Visi taqualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC PLUS
Override You have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mph An activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.
X
Check the activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 336). 418
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0019
tire pressure
Check tire(s) The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a ris kofthe
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 327).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires (Y page 479).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 505).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. 0019
Please correct
tire pressure(s) The tire pressure is too low in at least one of the tires, or the tire
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.
X
Check the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure (Y page 505).Vehicle
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
Shift to P or N
to Start Engine You have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position
Ror D.
X Shift the transmission to position Por N. Auxiliary Battery
Malfunction
(White display
message) The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer
being charged.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 422
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0013
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 75).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 000C0013
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. ESP
®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function and hill start assist are not available due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST 21
is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 21
Not available on hybrid vehicles. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
431On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0005
(USA only)
000A (Canada only)
The red indicator lamp
for the electric parking
brake flashes and/or
the yellow warning
lamp for the electric
parking brake lights up. The electric parking brake is temporarily malfunctioning or
defective.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. 001A
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System).
G WARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Drive on carefully.
X Have SRS checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
For further information about SRS, see (Y page 48).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
433On-board computer and displays Z

Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
000E
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running. There may be a malfunction, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehicles with a gasoline engine)
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engin emay
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Chec kEngine warning
lamp lights up .This is due to the legal requirements in effect in
these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving. Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry
(Y
page 324).
X Start the engine three to four times after refueling.
If the yellow Check Engine warning lamp goes out, emergency
running mode is canceled. The vehicle need not be checked. The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the 000E
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up. The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running. The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 434
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument panel. X
Pull release lever 0002for the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. X
Pull hood catch handle 0003outwards from
the radiator grill as far as it will go and lift
the hood from underneath by the radiator
grill.
Once you have lifted the hood about
15 inches (40cm), it is automatically
opened the rest of the way and held open
by the gas-filled struts. !
Do not lift the hood by hood catch
handle 0003.The handle may otherwise be
damaged.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
X Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8inche s(20cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Radiator
i Vehicles with adiesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, for example with a
winter front or bug cover. The readings of
the on-board-diagnostic syste mmay
otherwise be inaccurate .Some of these
readings are required by law and must be
accurate at all times. Engine oil
Notes on the oil level G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts (0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil Engine compartment
463Maintenance and care Z

consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
On vehicles with a 12-cylinder engine, the oil
level can be checked using the on-board
computer. On all othe rmodels, the oil
dipstick must be used to check the engine oil
level.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement. Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
Example: vehicles with 4MATIC
X
Pull oil dipstick 0002out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick 0002.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick 0002into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark 0026and
MAX mark 0003, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
0026 or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer Measurement
X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition lock.
X Press the 000Cor0009 button to select the
Service menu.464
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care