2000 MERCEDES-BENZ S55AMG air condition

177 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Rear passenger compartment climate control
1On / off
Residual engine heat utilization, see page 174.
2Display
Depending on the ambient light conditions, the
figures on the display will be shown as dark figures
on a bright background (in daylight) or as, bright
figures on a dark background (at night).3Air distribution up / down
4Temperature control, right
5Air volume (automatic, manual)
6Temperature control, left
7Adjustable rear center air outlet, left
8Adjustable rear center air outlet, right
Note:
The rear air conditioner will not cool the air if the
Sbutton on the automatic air conditioner is pressed.
The temperature on both sides is automatically set to
72°F(22°C) if the rear seats are not occupied (rear seat
belts unbuckled).
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P83.00-0371-26

178 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Automatic climate control, rear basic setting
We recommend that automatic mode be selected and
that the temperatures on the left and right set to
72°F(22°C). This provides for comfortable conditions in
the rear of the vehicle.
Press A on the air volume switch. The display shows
“AUTO”. Air volume is set automatically.Air volume, manual
Press the air volume switch up or down. Seven blower
speeds can be selected.

179 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Controlling the rear air conditioner from the front
automatic air conditioner control panel
The rear air conditioner can be switched off and the
blower and temperature settings can be changed from
the automatic air conditioner control panel in the center
console.
Press A on the air volume switch and hold until the
display illustrated above is shown.The rear air conditioner can be switched on and off by
pressing the 0 button. The blower setting for the rear air
conditioner can be controlled with the air volume
switch and the temperature setting for the rear air
conditioner can be set with the temperature control
switches.
The message in the display disappears approximately
4 seconds after the button is pressed for the last time
and the automatic air conditioner switches to normal
operation.

180 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear window defroster
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 2.
To s elec t:
Press the F button in the control panel of the
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
To ca nc el:
Press the F button in the control panel of the
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the
button goes out.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster. The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power.
To keep the battery drain to a minimum, turn off the
defroster as soon as the rear window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after
approximately 6–23 minutes of operation depending on
the outside temperature and vehicle speed.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the defroster will automatically turn
itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside
the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns itself back on.

197 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Storage compartment below the front armrest
A coin holder is also located in the storage compartment
below the armrest.
Storage tray in the armrest
To open: Press button (9) and raise the armrest.
To close: Lower the armrest until it engages in lock.Note:
Vehicles with rear air conditioner:
Do not place any objects in the well under the storage
tray.
Storage space below the armrest
Vehicles without rear air conditioner:
To open: Press button (10) and raise the armrest.
To close: Lower the armrest until it engages in lock.
Note:
The storage compartment can be heated or cooled, see
page 175.
The compartment can get very warm due to its confined
space. When storing heat sensitive objects in the
compartment, close the air outlet while heating the
passenger compartment.
Do not obstruct the air outlet in the storage
compartment.

224 Catalytic converter
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type
catalytic converters, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended maintenance
instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only
premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should
be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned
fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to
overheat, which could start a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate
this vehicle in areas where combustible materials
such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as these materials
could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

243 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving
habits and operating conditions.
To save fuel you should:
•keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
•remove unnecessary loads,
•remove roof rack when not in use,
•allow engine to warm up under low load use,
•avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
•have all maintenance work performed at regular
intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold
weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly
country.Drinking and driving
Pedals
Wa r n i n g !
Drinking or taking drugs and driving can be a very
dangerous combination. Even a small amount of
alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgement.The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink or take drugs
and drive.Please don’t drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive after drinking or taking drugs.Wa r n i n g !
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Objects
stored in this area may impair pedal movement.

244 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
BrakesThe condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake f luid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
All checks and service work on the brake system should
be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by
Mercedes-Benz.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components, the first braking action
may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary to obtain expected
braking effect. Be sure to maintain a safe distance
from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.
Wa r n i n g !
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid
is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be
degraded to an extent that safe braking is
substantially impaired. This could result in an
accident.