MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC 2010 W221 Owner's Manual

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions42
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp does not
illuminate and/or does
not remain illuminated
with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child
restraint or less on the
front passenger seat.
The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.
XMake sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.
XIf the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains
out, have the system checked as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on
the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps (Y page 452).
GWarning!
If the 42 indicator lamp does not
illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint or less on the front passenger seat,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, unlock the
driver’s door and the trunk using the
mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will trigger when
you
Runlock the driver’s door or the trunk with
the mechanical key
and
Ropen the driver’s door or the trunk
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey into
the starter switch.
Removing the mechanical key
SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
XMove locking tab : in the direction of
arrow.
XSlide mechanical key ; out of the housing.Unlocking/locking manually499Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 499Z

Unlocking the driver’s doorXInsert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1.
XPull the door handle past the resistance
point until the locking knob moves up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
XPull the door handle once more to open the
driver’s door.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
is required to open the trunk lid.
XInsert mechanical key ; into the trunk lid
lock.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1.
! When you open the trunk, the trunk lid
swings open upwards. Always make sure
there is sufficient overhead clearance.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the trunk lid lock.
Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, lock it as
follows:
XOpen the driver’s door and the rear left
door.
XClose the front passenger door, the right
rear door, and the trunk.
iIf you cannot close the trunk with the
remote trunk opening/closing switch,
lower the trunk lid manually and close it
with hands placed flat on the trunk lid until
it is engaged in its lock.
XPress the central locking switch
(Y page 279).
The locking knobs of the front passenger
door and the rear doors move down.
XIf the vehicle battery is disconnected or
drained: Press down the locking knobs on
the front passenger door and the rear
doors.
XExit the vehicle.XCheck whether the trunk is locked.XIf it is not locked, lock it with the
mechanical key (Y page 283).
Except for the driver’s door, the vehicle
should now be locked.
XClose the driver’s door.XEnter the vehicle through the rear left door.XPress down the locking knob of the driver’s
door.
! To prevent inadvertent lockout, make
sure to have the SmartKey with you before
proceeding with the next step. The next
step will lock the vehicle.
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XExit the vehicle.XClose the rear left door.
The vehicle is locked.
iThis procedure does not arm the anti-
theft alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel
filler flap.
Resetting activated NECK-PRO active
front head restraints
If the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
have been triggered in a rear-end collision,
they must be reset.
You can tell that the NECK-PRO active front
head restraints have been triggered when
they have been moved forward and cannot be
adjusted.
GWarning!
For safety reasons, have the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center after a
rear-end collision.
GWarning!
When pushing back the head restraint
cushion, make sure your fingers do not
become caught between the head restraint
cushion and the cover. Failing to do so may
lead to injury.
! Be careful not to damage upholstery.
iPressing the head restraint cushion back
requires high force. If you encounter
difficulties when pushing the head restraint
back, please have the procedure
performed at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Head restraints (standard)XPush the head restraint cushion by the
bottom, back as far as it will go ;.
XPush the head restraint cushion down into
the guide as far as it will go =.
XFold the head restraint cushion by the top,
back firmly until it engages :.
XRepeat this procedure on the NECK-PRO
active front head restraint for the second
front seat.
Comfort head restraints
XTake reset tool : out of the Mercedes-
Benz literature pouch.
XGuide reset tool : into rectangular
opening ; between head restraint cushion
and head restraint cover.
XPress reset tool : downward in direction
of arrow until you hear the head restraint
release mechanism audibly engage.
XPull out reset tool :.Resetting activated NECK-PRO active front head restraints501Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 501Z

XFirmly press the head restraint cushion
backward towards the head restraint cover
in direction of arrow = until it engages.
XRepeat this procedure for the second front
seat.
XAfter resetting the NECK-PRO active front
head restraints store reset tool : in the
Mercedes-Benz literature pouch.
For information on NECK-PRO active front
head restraints, see “NECK-PRO active front
head restraints” (Y page 55).
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Seats” (Y page 286).
Replacing batteries (SmartKey,
remote control, headphone)
Notes
If the batteries in the SmartKey are
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive
substances. Therefore, keep the batteries out
of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.
GWarning!
SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Check with
your local government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm.
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method
of disposal. Many states (USA only) or
provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.
SmartKey
When inserting the batteries, make sure they
are clean and free of lint.
When replacing batteries, always replace
both batteries.
iThe required replacement batteries are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.
XRemove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 499).
Replacing batteries (SmartKey)
XPress mechanical key ; into the SmartKey
opening until battery compartment
cover : opens. Do not keep the cover
shut.
XRemove the battery compartment cover.XPat the SmartKey against the palm of your
hand until battery = falls out.
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XInsert the new battery with the positive
terminal (+) facing up. Use a lint-free cloth.
XInsert the tabs of the battery compartment
cover into the housing and press the cover
closed.
XSlide mechanical key : back into the
SmartKey.
XCheck the operation of the SmartKey.
Replacing batteries (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO)
XInsert mechanical key : into opening.XPress mechanical key : in direction of
arrow.
Battery compartment ; is unlatched.
XPull battery compartment ; out of the
SmartKey housing.
XPull out batteries =.XInsert new batteries = under contact
springs ? with the positive terminal (+)
side facing up.
XReturn battery compartment ; into
SmartKey housing until it locks into place.
XSlide mechanical key : back into the
SmartKey.
XCheck the operation of the SmartKey as
well as the KEYLESS-GO function.
Remote control for Rear Seat
Entertainment System and/or
SPLITVIEW
The remote control contains two batteries of
size AAA, 1.5 V.
XRemove the cover of battery compartment
3 on the back of the remote control by
pressing down the snap-fit hook 2.
XTake out the empty batteries 5.XInsert the new batteries. Mind the polarity
marks on the batteries.
Battery on the left:
The positive terminal (+) must face
upwards.
Battery on the right:
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The positive terminal (+) must face
downwards.
XPut the cover with engagement hooks ?
first onto the battery compartment and let
the snap-fit hook 2 snap in.
Wireless headphone
The headphone contains two batteries of size
AAA, 1.5 V.
XOpen battery compartment cover : by
folding it up. When doing so, hold the left
headphone as shown in the illustration to
prevent the inserted batteries from falling
out.
XTake out the empty batteries.XInsert the new batteries. Mind the polarity
marks on the batteries.
Battery on the left:
The positive terminal (+) must face
upwards.
Battery on the right:
The positive terminal (+) must face
downwards.
XClose the battery compartment.
The state indicator LED lights green when
you switch on the headphone and the
batteries were inserted correctly.
Replacing bulbs
Safety notes
Safe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling to a large
degree.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
headlamp adjustment.
GWarning!
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Allow
the lamp to cool down before changing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A
bulb can explode if you
Rtouch or move it when hot
Rdrop the bulb
Rscratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.
GWarning!
The bulbs in the tail lamps cannot be replaced
individually. The tail lamp bulbs are under
pressure and could explode during an attempt
to replace them.
If the tail lamps are malfunctioning, have them
replaced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
iSince replacing bulbs is a technically
highly demanding process, we recommend
to have them replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
iIf the headlamps or front fog lamps are
fogged up on the inside as a result of high
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humidity, driving the vehicle a distance with
the lights on should clear up the fogging.
Bulbs
You can replace the following bulbs yourself:
Bi-Xenon headlamps (vehicles with halogen
daytime running lamps)
Type
: High-beam spot: H7 55 W
Bi-Xenon headlamps (vehicles with LED
daytime running lamps)
Type
: High-beam spot45: H11 55 W
; Infrared light45 (Night View Assist Plus):
H11 55 W
Notes on bulb replacement
! Do not replace LEDs or bulbs not
described in this section. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs, the bulbs or
parts of the vehicle. Only have the LEDs and
bulbs replaced at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
GObserve Safety notes, see page 504.
ROnly use 12-volt bulbs of the same type and
with the specified watt rating.
RSwitch the lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.
RAlways use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.
45Because the driver’s side headlamp is difficult to access, have its bulbs replaced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
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RYour hands should be dry and free of oil and
grease.
RIf the newly installed bulb does not come
on, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
iMercedes-Benz recommends using
Longlife (LL) bulbs.
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
GWarning!
Do not remove the cover for the Bi-Xenon
headlamp. Because of high voltage in Xenon
lamps, it is dangerous to replace the bulb or
repair the lamp and its components. It is
recommended to have such work done by a
qualified technician.
Before you start to replace a bulb for a front
lamp, do the following:
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
XOpen the hood (Y page 404).
High-beam spot (vehicles with halogen
daytime running lamps)
XTurn housing cover : counterclockwise
and remove it.
XTurn bulb socket ; counterclockwise and
pull it out.
XPull the bulb out of bulb socket ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb socket ;.XInsert bulb socket ;.
Driver’s side headlamp: Wire = is guided
to the upper right.
Passenger-side headlamp: Wire = is
guided to the lower left.
XTurn bulb socket ; clockwise.
Handle ? of bulb socket ; is in a
horizontal position.
XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise.
High-beam spot (vehicles with LED
daytime running lamps)
or
infrared light (Night View Assist Plus)
i To replace bulbs of the driver’s side
headlamp, the washer fluid reservoir in the
engine compartment must be released.
Have such work performed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XTurn housing cover : counterclockwise
and remove it.
XTurn bulb socket ; counterclockwise and
pull it out.
XPress both tabs to the left and right of bulb
socket ; and pull the bulb out of bulb
socket ;.
XInsert and press the new bulb into bulb
socket ; until it engages.
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XInsert bulb socket ; into the guide on the
headlamp.
Wire = is guided to the lower right.
XTurn bulb socket ; clockwise.
Wire = is guided to the lower left.
XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise.
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Tail lamp unit
The tail lamps are equipped with HiP bulbs
and LEDs. Have them replaced at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Replacing wiper blades
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make sure the
vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0)
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! To avoid damage to the hood, the wiper
arms should only be folded forward when
in the vertical position.
! Never open the hood when a wiper arm is
folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding a wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
Do not allow a wiper arm to contact the
windshield glass without a wiper blade
inserted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
this work carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Placing wiper arms in vertical position
Wiper arms in vertical position
XMake sure the hood is fully closed.
Vehicles with SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1.
XTurn the combination switch to wiper
setting °.
XWith wiper arms in vertical position, turn
the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
XMake sure the vehicle’s on-board
electronics have status 1.
XTurn the combination switch to wiper
setting °.
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XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
repeatedly until the windshield wipers
start.
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
when the wiper arms are in a vertical
position.
Removing wiper blades
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
XFold the wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
XTurn the wiper blade in direction of
arrow :.
XSlide the wiper blade sideways out of the
retainer in the direction of arrow ;.
Installing wiper blades
XSlide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm
until it locks in place.
XRotate the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.
XFold the wiper arm backward to rest on the
windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blades are installed
properly. Improperly installed wiper blades
may cause windshield damage.
Flat tire
Safety notes
GWarning!
The dimensions of the spare wheel are
different from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible to have the
spare wheel replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.
XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.
XEngage the electronic parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in
position 0, same as with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch). The
driver’s door can then be closed again.
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