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

Symbols
Trademarks:
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
R Dolby and MLP are registered trademarks
of Dolby Laboratories.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is a registered trademarks of
Daimler.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R iPod ®
and iTunes ®
are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the
U.S.A. and other countries.
R Logic 7 ®
is a registered trademark of
Harman International Industries,
Incorporated.
R Microsoft ®
is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and
other countries.
R SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
R HD Radio and related marks are
trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
R Windows media ®
is a registered trademark
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other countries.
R Gracenote ®
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R ZagatSurvey ®
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The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.DisplayText in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 2

Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ......274
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening from inside ......................278
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........499
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 430
Drinking and driving ......................... 434
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats .. 219
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 438
Hydroplaning ................................. 437
Instructions ........................... 311, 434
In winter ........................................ 433
Problems ....................................... 314
Safety systems ................................ 63
Systems ......................................... 327
Through standing water .................437
With DISTRONIC PLUS ...................339
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 311
Driving off .................................. 313, 437
Driving safety systems ....................... 63
ABS .................................................. 63
Adaptive Brake ................................ 65
Adaptive Brake Lights ......................66
BAS .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS ........................................ 64
EBP .................................................. 66
ESC .................................................. 66
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 67
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 69
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) .............345
AIRMATIC ...................................... 343
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 347
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................355
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 359
Cruise control ................................ 328
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 330
Hill-start assist system ..................341
HOLD function ............................... 342
Lane Keeping Assist ......................362
Night View Assist Plus ...................356
Parking Guidance ........................... 350Parktronic system ..........................347
Rear view camera .......................... 354
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 321
DVD, audio ......................................... 176
DVD, video ......................................... 191
E
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 66
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 388
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic parking brake .................. 315
Electronic Stability Control see ESC
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 450
Flat tire .......................................... 508
Hazard warning flasher ..................302
Roadside Assistance ................ 22, 391
Towing the vehicle .........................516
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 390
Telephone ...................................... 150
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 521
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Trunk lid, emergency release .........282
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 438
Information label ............................ 525
System warranties ...........................21
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............402
Cleaning ......................................... 442
Compartment ................................ 404
Malfunction indicator lamp ............496
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
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Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS (
Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R Adaptive Brake Lights
R BAS (
Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS (
Brake Assist System PLUS)
R EBP (
Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC (
Electronic Stability Control)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (
Preventive Occupant
Safety System Brake)
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.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.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Driving safety systems63Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 63Z

vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function (Y page 342) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 341).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 435).
Adaptive Brake Lights
i This function is only available for the
S 600 and the S 65 AMG (USA only).
The brake lamps flash in quick intervals
R while you are braking hard at a speed of
more than 30 mph (50 km/h)
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
PLUS.
This helps to alert drivers behind you.
If you bring the car to a complete stop by hard
braking at a speed of more than 40 mph
(70 km/h), the hazard warning flasher comes
on automatically as soon as the vehicle is at
a standstill. While the vehicle is stationary,
the brake lamps are continuously lit up. Once
you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
afterward, the hazard warning flasher goes
out.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ÷ flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
66Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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Upload/Download of Data
This function lets you transfer COMAND data
to a memory card or a USB storage device and
vice versa.
The following COMAND data can be
transferred:
R Navigation destination memory and last
destination
R Address book entries
R Audio/Video presets memory
R System settings
i You can use this function, for example, to
save your COMAND data and transfer them
to another vehicle.XInsert an SD card into the SD card slot
( Y page 180) or connect a USB storage
device to the built-in USB socket in the
glove box (Y page 80). The USB jack of the
optional media interface is not intended for
this purpose.XSelect Vehicle Q System Q Upload/
Download Data .XDownload: Select Copy Data to
Storage Medium Q On the Memory
Card or On USB .XSelect Start Copying .XUpload: Select Import Data from
Storage Medium Q From Memory Card
or From USB .XSelect Start Data Import .XExiting menu without data transfer:
Select Back.
Reset
i You can reset COMAND back to its
factory settings.
Among other things, all personal data are
deleted, for example
R the address book entries
R the entries in the destination memory
R the list of last destinations of the
navigation systemXSelect Vehicle Q System Q Reset .
A prompt appears asking whether you
really want to reset.XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes another prompt will
appear asking whether you really want to
reset.XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes, COMAND will be reset
and restarted.
COMAND navigation (introduction)
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, only enter a destination
when the vehicle is stationary. When the
vehicle is in motion, a passenger should enter
the destination. Study manual and select
route before driving.
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.
COMAND calculates the route to the
destination without taking account of the
following, for example:
R Traffic lights
R Stop and right-of-way signs
R Parking or stopping in prohibited areas
R Lane merging
R Other road and traffic rules and regulations
R Narrow bridges
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Multicontour seats, rear
You can adjust the rear outer multicontour
seats using the buttons on the center
console.
XSelecting a seat: Press rocker switch :
or C forward or backward.
The indicator lamp in the selected rocker
switch lights up for a short while.
Gentle massage
XSwitching on: Press rocker switch ;
forward.
XSwitching off: Pull rocker switch ;
backward.
Vigorous massage
XSwitching on: Press rocker switch =
forward.
XSwitching off: Pull rocker switch =
backward.
Position of seat backrest curvature
XMoving upward: Press rocker switch ?
forward.
XMoving downward: Pull rocker switch ?
backward.
Lumbar region supportXSelecting greater curvature: Press
rocker switch A forward.
XSelecting less curvature: Pull rocker
switch A backward.
Side bolster adjustment
XReducing width: Press rocker switch B
forward.
XIncreasing width: Pull rocker switch B
backward.
Multifunction steering wheel
Safety notes
GWarning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Make sure
Ryou can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
Ryou can move your legs freely
Rall displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible
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Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
i Vehicles without front fog lamps: For
better detection of the vehicle, the LED
daytime running lamps are dimmed to
parking lamp level when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 38
R Green indicator lamp T in the exterior
lamp switchXSwitching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position $.
Automatic headlamp mode
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to c, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when driving or when traffic and/or
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position c to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from c to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position c.
When ambient light is low: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, the parking lamps 38
come on automatically.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on additionally.
When ambient light is bright: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, all lamps are off.
When the engine is running, the daytime
running lamps 39
come on automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the green indicator lamp T in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.
Once the low-beam headlamps are on, the
high-beam headlamps are also available.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
using the control system, see “Switching38 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.
39 USA only: The daytime running lamp mode must be activated via the control system.Lighting299Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 299Z

The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, Adaptive Brake Lights, BAS, BAS
PLUS, EBP, ESC and PRE-SAFE® Brake are
described in the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 63).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds. The set speed is shown by a
triangle in the speedometer and the
corresponding speedometer segments from
the selected speed to the vehicle maximum
speed in the multifunction display are
illuminated.
GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
RDeactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
When the cruise control is braking, the brake
pedal is retracted (i.e. depressed
automatically). The pedals’ range of motion
must not be impeded by any obstacles:
RDo not place any objects in the footwell.
RMake sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
RDo not rest your foot underneath the brake
pedal, as it could otherwise be trapped.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and/or others.
:Setting current or higher speed ;Setting current or lower speed=Canceling the cruise control?Activating the cruise control or resuming
to last set speed
Activating cruise control
You can activate the cruise control at a
vehicle speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
You cannot activate the cruise control
Rwhen you brake
Rwhen you have engaged the electronic
parking brake
328Driving systemsControls in detail
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the
hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive
Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but temporarily
the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist
system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the
PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are
unavailable.
The self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XDrive a short distance with added caution at a vehicle speed
of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
When the message disappears, the ESC is available again.
If the message does not disappear:
XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS,
the ESC, the hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the
Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS,
the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist system,
the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the
PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are operational
again and the message should disappear.
If the message does not disappear:
XHave the alternator and the battery checked.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)EBR, ABS,
and ESC
Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on and an acoustic warning sounds.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the EBP, the
ESC, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-
SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
468Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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