air condition MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 Service Manual

GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp remains off even after performing the above corrective
steps, do not have any children twelve years old and under and other small individuals use the
front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Disabled
See Oper. ManualThe front-passenger air bag is deactivated during the journey even
though an adult or a person larger than a certain size is occupying
the front-passenger seat. If additional forces are applied to the
seat, the system may interpret the occupant's weight as lower
than it actually is.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the parking brake.XSwitch the ignition off.XHave the occupant get out of the vehicle.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
Observe the 42 (Y page 54) indicator lamp and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 42 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit.
When the indicator lamp is on, OCS (Y page 54) has deactivated
the front-passenger air bag.
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Oper. Manual
or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See Oper. Manual
display messages must not appear in the multifunction display.
Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds until the necessary
system checks have been completed and to make sure that the
display messages do not appear in the multifunction display.
If these conditions are fulfilled, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 42 indicator lamp
remains lit or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the
occupant.
If the conditions are not fulfilled, the system is not operating
correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp remains lit with an adult occupant on the front-passenger
seat even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front-
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
402Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

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 faulty.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 463).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.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.406Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Driving systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÀ
Attention Assist:
Drowsiness
DetectedBased on specific criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST 20
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 20
has failed.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Á
Night View Assist
InoperativeNight View Assist Plus is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Á
Night View Assist
Currently
UnavailableThe temperature of the camera is too high.XWait until you see the Night View Assist Available
Again display message.
You can also:
XFold the camera cover down ( Y page 471).XAdjust the air distribution of the automatic air conditioning
upwards.Á
Night View Assist
Lights Must Be Set
to AUTO or ONA condition for activating Night View Assist Plus has not been
fulfilled.XTurn the light switch to c or L .Á
Night View Assist
Not In Reverse GearA condition for activating Night View Assist Plus has not been
fulfilled.XShift the transmission to P, N or D.Á
Night View Assist
Lights ON or AUTO,
Not in R GearA condition for activating Night View Assist Plus has not been
fulfilled.XTurn the light switch to c or L .XShift the transmission to P, N or D.20
Not available on hybrid vehicles.410Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÁ
Night View Assist
Only When It Is
DarkYou have attempted to activate Night View Assist Plus in the
daytime.
Night View Assist Plus can only be activated when it is dark.¨
Vehicle RisingYour vehicle is adjusting to the level you have selected.¨
Vehicle Rising
Please Wait BrieflyThe vehicle level is too low when the vehicle is stationary. A
warning tone also sounds.XDo not pull away.
The vehicle level is set when the display message disappears.¨
STOP Car Too LowYou have pulled away while the vehicle level is still too low.
AIRMATIC sets the vehicle to the selected level after a short
period.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the electric parking brake.XWait until the display message disappears before pulling away.GRisk of accident
AIRMATIC is defective. A warning tone also sounds.
XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80km/h).XMake only slight steering movements. Otherwise, the front
fender or the tires could be damaged if the steering movement
is too large.XListen for scraping sounds.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions, and select a higher vehicle level.
Depending on the malfunction, it may be possible to raise the
vehicle.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.¨
MalfunctionGRisk of accident
The AIRMATIC function is restricted. The vehicle's handling
characteristics may be affected.
XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80km/h).XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages411On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsRadar Sensors
Deactivated See
Operator's ManualThe radar sensor system is deactivated.XSwitch on the radar sensor system ( Y page 389).Lane Keeping
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Oper.
Manual or Active
Lane Keeping
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualLane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is deactivated
and temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
R the windshield in the camera's field of vision is dirty.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
R there are no lane markings for a longer period.
R the lane markings are worn, dark or covered, e.g. by dirt or snow.
If the display message does not disappear:XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the electric parking brake.XClean the windshield.
If the system detects that the camera is fully operational, the
display message disappears.
Lane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is operational
again.
Lane Keeping
Assist
Inoperative or Activ
e Lane Keeping
Assist InoperativeLane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages413On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsBlind Spot Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper.
Manual or Active
Blind Spot Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualBlind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is temporarily
inoperative. Possible causes are:
R the sensors are dirty.
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
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.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
If the display message does not disappear:XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the electric parking brake.XClean the sensors ( Y page 470).XRestart the engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is operational again.
Blind Spot Assist
Inoperative or Activ
e Blind Spot
Assist InoperativeBlind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is defective.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance
InoperativeParking Guidance is malfunctioning ( Y page 353).XRestart the engine.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.414Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualDISTRONIC is deactivated and temporarily inoperative. Possible
causes are:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
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.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the display message does not disappear:XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the electric parking brake.XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 470).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 470).XRestart the engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
DISTRONIC is operational again.
DISTRONIC PLUS
InoperativeDISTRONIC PLUS is defective. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may be inoperative as well.
A warning tone also sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC PLUS
OverrideYou have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mphAn activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.XCheck the activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 336).416Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

To adjust the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the H volume controller of
COMAND ( Y page 123).
You can find further information and a
description of all available features under
"Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 23
.
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
GWARNING
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if one of the following conditions
occurs:
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not light up during the system self-
diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the º Roadside
Assistance button does not light up during
the system self-diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the E information
button does not light up during the system
self-diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button,
º Roadside Assistance button or E
information button continues to be lit red
after the system self-diagnosis.
R the Tele Aid inoperative or Tele Aid
not activated message appears on the
multifunction display after the system self-
diagnosis.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
the event of an emergency, assistance must
be summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center at
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Emergency call
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system is activated and ready for use,
and press the E MB Info call button to
register. If any of the steps mentioned is
not carried out, the system may not be
activated.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
An emergency call is dialed automatically if
an air bag or Emergency Tensioning Device is
triggered.
i An mbrace emergency call that has been
initiated automatically cannot be
terminated by the customer.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually.
As soon as the emergency call has been
initiated, the indicator lamp in the SOS button
flashes. The Connecting Call message
appears on the multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Emergency
Call Activated message. The audio output
is muted.
23 USA only.446FeaturesStowage and features

Rtrim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditions and the care product used.
If the dirt has penetrated the paint surface or
if the paintwork has become dull, then the
paintwork should be cleaned. For cleaning,
please use the paint cleaner recommend and
approved by Mercedes Benz.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
If your vehicle has a clear matte finish,
observe the following instructions in order to
avoid damage to the paintwork due to
incorrect care.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
! Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
R Vigorous rubbing with unsuitable
materials.
R Frequent use of car washes.
R Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
468CareMaintenance and care

Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel or
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) ( Y page 480).
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XApply the electric parking brake manually
( Y page 328).XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the DIRECT SELECT lever to position
P .XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 307).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
When using an emergency spare wheel or a
spare wheel of a different size, you must not
exceed the maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
GWARNING
The wheel or tire size as well as the tire type
of the spare wheel or emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replaced may differ.
Mounting an emergency spare wheel may
severely impair the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R adapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully.
R never install more than one spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel that differs in size.
R only use a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size briefly.
R do not switch ESP ®
off.
R have a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
i Vehicles without a spare wheel/
emergency spare wheel are not equipped
with a tire-change tool kit at the factory. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, lug wrench or
alignment bolt, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XPrepare the vehicle as described
( Y page 475).XRemove the following items (depending on
the vehicle's equipment) from the stowage
well under the trunk floor:Flat tire475Breakdown assistanceZ