2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class lights on warning

267 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Distance warning function
Even if Distronic is deactivated, the distance to the
vehicle ahead continues to be measured, see page 269
for multifunction display.
The Distronic lamp in the speedometer dial illuminates
to advise the driver of a situation which under normal
braking conditions and dry surfaces should have been
addressed by the driver.
The distance notification function can be activated
separately, see page 267. It operates when driving at
speeds above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h).
When recognizing a stationary obstacle or a slower
vehicle moving in the vehicle’s path and the danger of a
collision exists, the distance warning lamp in the
speedometer dial lights up and simultaneously a
continuous warning sounds.
Note:
Model S 55 AMG only:
Distance notification function is deactivated if the
vehicle speed exceeds approximately 160 mph
(260 km/h).Important!
With the Distronic switched off, only the distance
notification function operates, meaning the vehicle does
not slow down.
Important!
Complex driving situations are not always fully
recognized by Distronic, which could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings.
See page 264 for additional driving hints.
Wa r n i n g !
If the distance warning lamp in the speedometer
dial lights up while driving and a continuous
warning sounds, immediate attention on the part of
the driver is required.As required by the traffic situation, apply the
service brakes and navigate around a possible
obstacle. However, do not drive by relying on the
distance notification function as that will result in
an emergency braking application which,
especially depending on road surface conditions
and driver reaction, will not always be able to avoid
a collision.

268 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Distronic settings
1Switch – for distance notification function
2Thumbwheel – for setting distance
Distronic provides a safe following distance range to the
vehicle in front. The medium setting is noticeable by a
detent in the center position of the thumbwheel (2).
If you want to:
•Increase distance – turn thumbwheel (2)
towards¯.•Decrease distance – turn thumbwheel (2)
towards®.
To switch the distance notification function on or off:
To switch on – press upper half of switch (1).
The indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
To switch off – press lower half of the switch (1).
The indicator lamp in the switch goes out.
For distance notification function see page 267.
Notes:
With the distance notification function activated, you
will still be advised by a continuous audible warning if a
potential emergency braking circumstance has been
detected, even if Distronic has been deactivated.
The last selected notification function mode (on/off) will
be stored in memory, even when removing the
electronic key from the starter switch.
Wa r n i n g !
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select
the appropriate setting given road conditions,
traffic, driver’s preferred driving style and
applicable laws and driving recommendations for
safe following distance.

287 Parking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Warning indicators
1Frame
2SegmentsVisual and audible signals indicate to the driver the
relative distance between the vehicle and an obstacle.
Warning indicators for the front area are located above
the left and center air outlets in the dashboard.
Warning indicators for the rear area are integrated in
the rear headliner.
The frames are illuminated when the Parktronic is
engaged.
Each warning indicator has 6 yellow and 2 red
segments.
As soon as the sensors detect an obstacle, one or more
segments light up, depending on the distance. An
intermittent acoustic warning will also sound as the
seventh segment lights up and a constant acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of 3 seconds will sound for
the eighth segment.
2
1
P54.26-0319-26

301 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the
speedometer dial comes on with the
electronic key in starter switch position 2. It
should go out with engine running.
If the ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains
illuminated with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the system. Pressing the accelerator
pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine
output will be available.
See electronic stability program (ESP) on page 274 if the
warning lamp lights up or flashes when the vehicle is
moving.Distronic (DTR) – warning lamp
With the electronic key in starter switch
position 2, the distance warning lamp in the
speedometer dial comes on and goes out
with the engine running.
See Distronic (DTR) system on page 326 for possible
malfunction messages.
Note:
The distance warning lamp is without warning function
on vehicles without Distronic (DTR).

312 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHTING SYSTEM
Line 1Line 2C*
LOW BEAM,L CHECK LAMP! 2
LOW BEAM,R CHECK LAMP! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
TURN SIGNAL, L CHECK LAMP! 2
TURN SIGNAL, R CHECK LAMP! 2
L. TU RN SIG. RF LECTR CHECK LAMP! 2
R. TURN SIG. RF LECTR CHECK LAMP! 2
TURN SIGNAL F, L CHECK LAMP! 2
TURN SIGNAL F, R CHECK LAMP! 2
BRAKE LIGHT
2
VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
BRAKE LIGHT, L
3
CHECK LAMP ! 2
BRAKE LIGHT, R
3
CHECK LAMP ! 2
3RD STOP LAMP
3
CHECK LAMP ! 2
HIGH BEAM, L CHECK LAMP! 2
HIGH BEAM, R CHECK LAMP! 2
LICENSE PLATE L, L CHECK LAMP! 2
LICENSE PLATE L, R CHECK LAMP! 2
SWITCH OFF LIGHTS! 1
FRONT FOGLAMP, L CHECK LAMP! 2
FRONT FOGLAMP, R CHECK LAMP! 2
REAR FOGLAMP CHECK LAMP! 2
REVERSE LIGHT, L CHECK LAMP! 2 Line 1Line 2C*

352 Jump starting
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
•Turn off engine and all lights and accessories,
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
•Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to
position “P”.
Important!
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery and
the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the
charged battery. Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the
grounded negative (–) terminal of the charged
battery and the final connection to the negative (–)
under hood terminal of the disabled vehicle.Important!
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery
and run at high idle. Make sure the cables are not
on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that move
when the engine is started. Allow the discharged
battery to charge for a few minutes. Start engine of
the disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables
by exactly reversing the above installation
sequence, starting with the last connection made
first. When removing each clamp, make sure that it
does not touch any other metal while the other end
is still attached.
Note:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel may damage the catalytic
converter.

407 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Exterior rear view mirrors
Electrically folding .................................................... 109
Parking position ........................................................ 108
FFirst aid kit .....................................................................328
Flexible service system (FSS) ...................................... 147
Footwell lighting ............................................................ 189
Front airbags .................................................................... 94
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation ......................................... 175
Front seat adjustment ..................................................... 67
Fuel
Gasoline additives ....................................................398
Premium unleaded gasoline ................. 291, 395, 397
Fuel cap placement warning
See CHECK ENGINE
malfunction indicator lamp ................................296
Fuel filler flap, manual release ...................................368
Fuel requirements .........................................................397
Fuel reserve warning ....................................................299
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities ...............394
Fuses, electrical .............................................................329
GGarage door opener ...................................................... 206
Gasoline
Additives .................................................................... 398
Fuel requirements ................................................... 397
Premium unleaded .................................................. 397
General notes on the
central locking system ............................................... 33
Glove box ......................................................................... 194HHazard warning flasher switch ................................... 163
Head restraints, front seats
Removal and installation ...........................................72
Head restraints, rear seat ............................................... 80
Power head restraints ................................................. 81
Headlamp cleaning system ........................................... 159
Headlamp mode (HEADLAMPS) .................................. 157
Headlights ....................................................................... 156
Heated seats ......................................................................75
Hood .................................................................................331
HOOD -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 320