MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2013 Owners Manual

SmartKey
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÂ
Key Does Not
Belong to Vehicle You have put the wrong SmartKey in the ignition lock.
X
Use the correct SmartKey. Â
Take
Your Key From
Ignition The SmartKey is in the ignition lock.
X
Remove the SmartKey. Â
Obtain a New Key The SmartKey needs to be replaced.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Replace

Key Battery The batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.
X
Change the batteries ( Y page 82).Â
Don't Forget Your
Key The display message is shown for a maximum of 60 seconds and
is only a reminder.
You have opened the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the ignition lock.
X
Remember to take the KEYLESS-GO key with you when you
leave the vehicle. Â
Key Not Detected
(Red display message) The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle
centrally or start the engine.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Engage the electric parking brake.
X Locate the KEYLESS-GO key. The KEYLESS-GO key is not detected while the engine is running
because

there is interference from a strong source of radio waves.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Engage the electric parking brake.
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Display messages
419
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÂ
Key Not Detected
(White display
message) The KEYLESS-GO key cannot be detected at present.
X
Change the location of the key with the KEYLESS-GO functions
in the vehicle.
If the KEYLESS-GO key is still not detected:
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Â
Key Detected In
Vehicle The KEYLESS-GO key has been detected inside the vehicle during
locking.
X
Remove the KEYLESS-GO key from the vehicle. Â
Remove 'Start'
Button and Insert
Key KEYLESS-GO is temporarily malfunctioning or is defective.
X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock and turn it to the
desired position.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Close Doors to
Lock Vehicle At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Close all doors and lock the vehicle again. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Seat belt
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt
warning lamp lights
up for six seconds. The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger
to fasten their seat belts.
X
Fasten your seat belt ( Y page 57).7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt

warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to six seconds. G
Risk of injury
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X Fasten your seat belt ( Y page 57).
The warning tone ceases. 420
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions7
The red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts,
as soon as the driver's
or the front-passenger
door is closed.
G
Risk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X Fasten your seat belt ( Y page 57).
The warning lamp goes out. G
Risk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out. 7
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.
G
Risk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. In
addition, you are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have
briefly driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
X Fasten your seat belt ( Y page 57).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. G
Risk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. In addition, you are
driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h
) or you have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
421
On-board computer and displays Z

Safety systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. G
Risk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention

to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Engage the electric parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction. G
WARNING
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked
immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. 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. 422
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions!
The
yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS, ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and
hill start assist are therefore also deactivated, for example.
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 22
is deactivated.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. !
The

yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ABS is temporarily unavailable. BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP ®
, EBD
(electronic brake force distribution), PRE-SAFE ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®


Brake, the HOLD function, hill start assist are therefore
also deactivated, for example.
Self diagnosis is not yet complete or the on-board voltage may be
insufficient, for example.
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 22
is deactivated.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 22
Not available on hybrid vehicles. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
423On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions!
The
yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds. G
Risk of accident
EBD is faulty. Therefore, ABS, BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®


Brake, the HOLD function and hill start assist are also
unavailable, for example.
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 22
is deactivated.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
֌!
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP
®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running. G
Risk of accident
ABS and ESP ®

are faulty. Other systems, e.g. BAS, BAS PLUS, EBD,
PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and hill start
assist, are also not available due to a malfunction.
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 22
is deactivated.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ÷
The yellow ESP
®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®

or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions:
(Y page 71). 22
Not available on hybrid vehicles.424
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionså
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
is deactivated. ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts
to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions:
(Y page 71).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. ֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function
and hill start assist are not available due to a malfunction.
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
ATTENTION ASSIST 22
is deactivated.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 22
Not available on hybrid vehicles. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
425
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk 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.
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
Self diagnosis is not yet complete.
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 22
is deactivated.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. F (USA only)
! (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. 6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
G
Risk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The air bags or ETDs
may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an
accident, not be triggered at all.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 22
Not available on hybrid vehicles.426
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

G
WARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately
to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury. Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions;
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 engine may
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In
some states, you are required by law to immediately visit a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check
Engine warning lamp lights up. If in doubt, check whether such
legal regulations apply in the state/province in which you are
currently driving. Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry
(Y page 320).
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. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
427
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
yellow 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. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.

A warning tone
also sounds. G
Risk of accident
The warning is issued if you approach a stationary vehicle or a
vehicle driving ahead of you at too high a speed.
X Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 332) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 73). 428
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays