314 Malfunction and warning messages
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHT SENSOR
* C = Category, see page 303The headlamps will be switched on automatically if the
light sensor malfunctions.
The “LIGHT CIRCUIT HEADLAMP MODE” setting menu
can be set to “MANUAL” in the individual setting. See
page 138. It will then be possible to switch the
headlamps on and off using the exterior lamp switch.
See page 156 for notes on the exterior lamp switch. ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC)
* C = Category, see page 303
1 The display or the system is malfunctioning. Line 1Line 2C*
LIGHT SENSOR VISIT WORKSHOP! 2Line 1Line 2C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL DRIVE CAREFULLY!
2
1
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL STOP, CAR TOO LOW!
3
1
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2
315 Malfunction and warning messages
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2 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – DRIVE
CAREFULLY!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph
(80 km / h). The vehicle driving characteristics are
changed due to a noticeably softer suspension.
In this case visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Do not continue to drive if loss of hydraulic fluid or
leaks are noticed. Doing so could result in subsequent
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
3 The ABC is defective. Stop the vehicle.
Press upper half of level control switch, see page 280
- system selects raised level mode.
The vehicle chassis is raised depending on the kind of defect.Important!
The wheels may not have sufficient clearance when the
steering wheel is turned beyond a certain angle if the
“ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – STOP, CAR TOO LOW!”
message appears. The front fenders will be damaged if
the steering wheel is turned too far. Watch and listen for
scraping noises.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km / h).
Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.4 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – VISIT
WORKSHOP!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph
(80 km / h). Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
327 Contents - Practical hints
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Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................328
Stowing things in the vehicle ......328
Fuses ................................................329
Hood ................................................. 331
Checking engine oil level .............334
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................335
Active body control
(ABC) fluid level ........................335
Coolant level ...................................336
Adding coolant ...........................336
Windshield and
headlamp washer system ........337Windshield and
headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio ................................ 337
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ............... 338
Vehicle jack .................................... 339
Wheels ............................................ 340
Tire Replacement ....................... 340
Rotating wheels ......................... 341
Spare wheel .................................... 341
Changing wheels ........................... 343
Tire inflation pressure ................. 348
Battery ............................................. 349
Jump starting ................................. 351
Towing the vehicle ........................ 353Exterior lamps ................................356
Headlamp assembly ...................357
Taillamp assemblies ..................360
Trunk lamp .....................................362
Changing batteries in the
electronic main key ..................363
Synchronizing
remote control ............................365
Changing batteries in the
KEYLESS-GO-card .....................366
Emergency engine
shut-down ..................................368
Fuel filler flap,
manual release ..........................368
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................369
Replacing wiper blades .................370
Roof rack ......................................... 371
335 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index The engine oil level can be checked by either the oil
dipstick or via the multifunction display in the
instrument cluster, see page 154.
Wipe the oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine
oil level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after
three seconds to obtain accurate reading.
The oil level must be between the lower
mark (min) and the upper mark (max)
on the oil dipstick.
Unscrew the oil filler cap and add oil carefully if you
need to top up the oil.
S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG:
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking
level is approximately 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
S 600:
Follow the message appearing on the engine oil level
indicator display (page 154) as to quantity to be added.
Re-install oil filler cap.
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained
or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and
catalytic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.See Malfunction and warning messages on page 303 if
an engine oil level display appears on the multifunction
indicator when the engine is running.
Note:
See page 154 for engine oil level indicator.
Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting malfunctions,
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission fluid level.
Active body control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required.
If you notice fluid leaks or malfunctions, have your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
ABC-system.
394 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
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Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filter S 430, S 500
S 55 AMG
S 6008.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
10.0 US qt (9.5 l)Recommended engine oils
Automatic
transmission9.6 US qt (9.1 l) Automatic transmission fluid
Rear axle 1.7 US qt (1.6 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hydraulic system for
adaptive damping
system (ADS) or active
body control (ABC)approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 l) MB Hydraulic f luid
Power steering approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) MB Power steering fluid
Front wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system 0.7 US qt (0.7 l) MB Brake fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling system S 430, S 500
S 55 AMG
S 600approx. 12.1 US qt (11.5 l)
approx. 12.1 US qt (11.5 l)
approx. 12.7 US qt (12.0 l)MB Anticorrosion / antifreeze
402 Index
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Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) .......................................272
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................300
Active body control (ABC) ............................................278
Fluid level ...................................................................335
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 314
Adaptive damping system (ADS) .................................283
Adjusting steering wheel .............................................. 105
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........................................396
Air distribution, manual ............................................... 169
AIR SPRING (AirMatic) -
malfunction and warning messages ......................325
Air volume, manual ....................................................... 169
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 91
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ........................................302
Airbags .............................................................................. 94
Airmatic system .............................................................279
Airmatic system
(Vehicles with Active Body Control) ......................280
Alarm system ............................................................. 62, 64
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ................... 251, 336, 394, 398Antilock brake system (ABS) ...................................... 272
Malfunction indicator lamp .................................... 300
Antitheft alarm system ...................................................62
Aquaplaning .................................................................. 248
Armrest, rear seat .......................................................... 198
Ashtrays ...........................................................................201
Center console ...........................................................201
Rear doors ................................................................. 202
Audio systems .................................................................125
Cassette player ..........................................................127
CD Player ....................................................................126
Radio ...........................................................................125
Automatic central locking ..............................................52
Automatic climate control ............................................ 164
Activated charcoal filter ...........................................172
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 176
Air distribution, manual .......................................... 169
Air volume, manual .................................................. 169
Basic setting ............................................................... 168
Defogging windows ...........................................170, 171
Defrosting ...................................................................170
Display and controls ................................................. 166
Dust filter ................................................................... 167
Economy mode ..........................................................173
409 Index
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Standing lamps ........................................ 156, 359, 360
Stop lamps .................................................................. 361
Taillamps .......................................... 156, 312, 360, 377
Turn signal lamps ................................... 358, 360, 361
Level control system
Vehicles with Active Body Control
(ABC) ......................................................................280
Vehicles with Airmatic system ...............................279
LIGHT SENSOR -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 314
Lighter .............................................................................203
LIGHTING SYSTEM -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 312
Limp home mode
(Automatic transmission) ........................................ 241
Locking and unlocking ............................................ 36, 40
Lumbar support ............................................................... 73
MMaintenance ................................................................... 213
Malfunction and indicator lamps
In the center console ................................................302
In the instrument cluster .........................................296
Malfunction and warning message memory ............. 136
Malfunction and warning messagesACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) ............................. 314
AIR SPRING (AirMatic) ........................................... 325
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ......................................... 305
BRAKE ASSIST ......................................................... 306
BRAKE FLUID ........................................................... 307
BRAKE LINING WEAR ............................................ 307
CHIP-CARD (KEYLESS-GO) .................................... 322
COOLANT (coolant level) ......................................... 310
COOLANT (coolant temperature) ........................... 311
CRUISE CONTROL .................................................... 319
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ........................................... 304
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ................................................. 304
DISTRONIC (DTR) .................................................... 326
DOOR .......................................................................... 320
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. .............................................. 309
ENGINE OIL LEVEL .................................................. 318
ENTRANCE POSITION ............................................ 306
HOOD ......................................................................... 320
KEY .............................................................................. 319
LIGHT SENSOR .......................................................... 314
LIGHTING SYSTEM ................................................... 312
OIL TEMP. (engine oil temperature) ......................321
PARKING BRAKE ..................................................... 308
SELECTOR LEVER .................................................... 323