2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S430 tire

152 Tire inflation pressure monitor
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tire inflation pressure monitor (optional for Canada)
The tire inflation pressure, as selected by the driver, is
monitored in all four wheels on the ground. A warning
is issued to the driver in the case of a decrease in the
inflation pressure in one or more of the tires.Inquiry of present tire inflation pressure
Press è or ÿ button on the multifunction
steering wheel until the display for trip and main
odometer appears, see page 122.
Press the j or k button repeatedly until the tire
inflation pressure monitor is displayed.
The present tire inflation pressure for each wheel is
displayed in multifunction display.
Wa r n i n g !
The tire inflation pressure monitor does not
indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation
pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure
according to the label affixed on the fuel filler flap.
See page 356 for tire inflation pressure.The tire inflation pressure monitor is not able to
issue a warning due to a sudden loss of pressure
(e.g. tire puncture caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the service brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.

153 Tire inflation pressure monitor
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
Following a tire inflation pressure reactivation process
the real tire inflation pressures are displayed only after
a few minutes travel time.
Possible differences between readings of a tire pressure
gauge of an air hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and the
vehicle’s multifunction display can occur. The vehicle’s
multifunction display of the tire inflation pressure
monitor is a more precise reading.Activation of tire inflation pressure monitor
Activation of tire inflation pressure monitor is
necessary if tire inflation pressure is being changed,
wheels or tires are replaced, or new wheels are installed
on the vehicle.
Tire inflation pressure should be checked and corrected
according to the label affixed inside the fuel filler flap.
For a detailed description, refer to page 356.

154 Tire inflation pressure monitor
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Press è or ÿ button on the multifunction
steering wheel until the display for trip and main
odometer appears, see page 122.
Press the j or k button repeatedly until the tire
inflation pressure monitor appears.
Press and hold button J on the instrument cluster
until the message “CHECK CURRENT TIRE
PRESSURE?” appears. Release button J.Press button æ (“YES”) on the multifunction steering
wheel to activate the tire inflation pressure monitor. The
message “TIRE PRESS. MONITOR ACTIVATED! – PRESS.
DISPLAY AFTER DRIVING A FEW MINS.” appears in
the multifunction display.
Press button ç (“NO”) on the multifunction steering
wheel to cancel the activation.
Repeat above steps if the multifunction display shows
the message “REACTIVATE – TIRE PRESS. MONITOR”.
A multifunction display showing the message
“TIRE PRESSURE – CHECK TIRES!” indicates a much
too low tire inflation pressure. Check and correct tire
inflation pressure again on all wheels, and repeat the
tire inflation pressure monitor activation steps listed
above.

155 Tire inflation pressure monitor
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
To ensure proper functioning of the tire inflation
pressure monitor, the tire inflation pressure should be
checked and corrected according to the label affixed
inside the fuel filler flap. For a detailed description,
refer to page 356.
The message “REACTIVATE – TIRE PRESS. MONITOR”
appears if the tire inflation pressure shows an increase
of 4.4 psi (0.3 bar) or more. Reactivate the tire inflation
pressure monitor.
The tire inflation pressure monitor only functions on
wheels equipped with the proper electronic sensors.
Inquire at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
retrofitting other than original Mercedes-Benz wheels
with electronic sensors.
Transporting a deflated road wheel in the vehicle, e.g.
after having a flat, the tire inflation pressure monitor
should only be activated once the flat tire and rim are
removed from the vehicle.To prevent possible damage to the electronic sensors,
have tire changes only performed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
For malfunction and warning messages, see page 309.
When checking the tire inflation pressure of the road
wheels, also check the spare tire.
The tire inflation pressure of the spare wheel, mounted
or not mounted, is not monitored by the tire inflation
pressure monitor.
See page 346 for location of the spare wheel, and
page 356 for tire inflation pressure.

215 Contents – Driving
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 216
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 217
Maintenance ................................... 217
Tele Aid ........................................... 218
Catalytic converter ........................228
Emission control ............................229
Starter switch .................................230
Starter switch –
KEYLESS-GO ..............................232
Starting and turning off
the engine ..................................235
Automatic transmission ...............237
Parking brake .................................246
Driving instructions ......................247
Drive sensibly –
Save Fuel .....................................247
Drinking and driving .................247Pedals .......................................... 247
Power assistance ........................ 248
Brakes .......................................... 248
Driving off ................................... 249
Parking ........................................ 250
Tires ............................................. 251
Snow chains ............................... 253
Winter driving instructions ..... 254
Block heater ................................ 255
Deep water .................................. 256
Passenger compartment ........... 256
Traveling abroad ........................ 257
Cruise control ................................ 258
Distronic (DTR) .............................. 261
Brake assist system
(BAS) .......................................... 277
Antilock brake system
(ABS) .......................................... 278
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 280Active body control
(ABC) ..........................................284
Level control system for vehicles
with Airmatic system ...............285
Level control system for vehicles
with Active Body Control
(ABC) ..........................................286
Adaptive damping system
(ADS) ...........................................289
Parking assist (Parktronic) .......... 291
What you should know
at the gas station .......................296
Check regularly and
before a long trip ......................299

222 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
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Roadside Assistance button •
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside
Assistance button•. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to a
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The
button will flash while the call is in progress. The
message “ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – CONNECTING
CALL” will appear in the multifunction display. When
the connection is established, the message “ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE – CALL CONNECTED” appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will transmit
data generating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to availability of
cellular and GPS signals).A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be
established. When a voice connection is established the
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID –
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE” appears in the
multifunction display. The nature of the need for
assistance can then be described. The Mercedes-Benz
Roadside assistance dispatcher will either dispatch a
qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center. For
services such as labor and/or towing charges may apply.
Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more
information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•Sign and Drive services: Services such as jump start,
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle
data.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a
safe location. The Response Center will
automatically contact local emergency officials
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they
receive an automatic “SOS” signal and cannot make
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.

247 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a 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
Ped al s
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.

251 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These
indicators are located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately
1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across
the tread.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride
disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the
hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible
damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As
tread depth approaches
1/16 in (1.5 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and / or road surface
(conditions), the tire traction varies widely.