2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 key battery

74 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Seat ventilation system
(optional, standard on model S 600)
The buttons are located on each door.
Seat ventilation can be activated manually with the
electronic key in starter switch positions 1 or 2, or by
the summer opening function (driver’s seat only), see
page 43.
Notes:
When in operation, the seat ventilation system
consumes a large amount of electrical power. It is not
advisable to use the seat ventilator longer than
necessary.The seat ventilators may automatically switch off if too
many power consumers are switched on at the same
time or if the battery charge is low. In this case, one or
more indicator lamps will blink.
The seat ventilation switch back on again automatically
as soon as sufficient voltage is available.
If the blinking of the indicator lamps is distracting to
you, the seat ventilators can be switched off.
The maximum ventilation level (level 3) is automatically
selected if the driver’s seat ventilation is activated by
the summer opening function, see page 43.

150 Flexible service system
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and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
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The service indicator disappears automatically after
30 seconds or if button Jon the instrument cluster is
pressed.
Calling up service indicator manually:
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 2.
Call up the trip odometer and main odometer by
pressing button è or ÿ on the multifunction
steering wheel until the display appears. See page 122.
Press button j or k until the FSS indicator
appears.
The next or previous system is displayed by pressing
button è or ÿ.
Important!
The FSS indicator does not include an engine oil level
indicator. See page 156 for engine oil level indicator.Note:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more
days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such
days not counted by the FSS can be added by your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The interval between services is determined by the type
of driving for which the vehicle is used. For example,
driving at extreme speeds, and cold starts combined
with short distance driving in which the engine does not
reach operating normal temperature, reduce the interval
between services.

176 Automatic climate control
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and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
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Economy mode
The function of this setting corresponds to the
automatic mode. However, because the air conditioning
compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not
possible to air condition in this setting.
Press AC
OFF
button to activate. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
Press AC
OFF
button once again to return to the previous
setting. The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
Important!
In the ACOFF
mode the windows could fog up on the
inside. Switch off AC
OFF mode.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
to heat or ventilate the interior for a short while,
dependent of the temperature setting of the automatic
climate control. Air volume and distribution are
controlled automatically.
To s e l e c t :
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 0 or remove it altogether.
Press button T. The display shows “REST”.
This function selection will not activate if the battery
level is insufficient.

177 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The function switches off automatically:
•if the electronic key in starter switch is turned to
position 2,
•after approximately 30 minutes (if residual engine
heat utilization is selected on the optional rear air
conditioner: after approximately 15 minutes),
•if the battery voltage drops.
Note:
The battery symbol # will appear in the automatic
climate control display some time before the residual
engine heat utilization is switched off if the battery
voltage drops.Switching the automatic climate control on and off
To switch off:
Press buttonM. The display shows “0”.
The fresh air supply to the vehicle interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only temporarily,
otherwise the windshield could fog up.
To switch on:
•press buttonM or P,
•press one of the U buttons so that it pops out and
then click it back in,
•press one of the temperature selector buttons or the
air volume switch.

183 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a 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 select:
Press the F button in the control panel of the
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
To c a 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 6–17 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.

191 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Note:
The time delay for the interior light to switch off after
the electronic key is removed from the starter switch
can be adjusted in the individual setting menu
“LIGHTING” – “INTERIOR LAMP DELAYED SHUT-OFF”.
See page 142.
To prevent the vehicle battery from being discharged
with doors open, all interior lamps switch off after
approximately 5 minutes, when the electronic key is
removed or in starter switch position 0.
6Interior lamps, front:
Press rocker switch in to switch front interior and
reading lamps on. The front interior lighting stays
on while the rocker switch is pressed in.
Switching off the front interior lighting:
Press rocker switch to position (4) or (5).Rear reading lamp
7The rear reading lamps (9) are switched on and off
individually with a switch (8) in the respective
lamp.
P68.00-0758-2698
8
7

218 Tele Aid
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and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
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Tele Aid
Important!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be
performed by completing the subscriber agreement and
placing an acquaintance call using the “SOS” button.
Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a
system that is not activated. If the system is not
activated the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button stays
on after turning electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
operating position, see page 232) and the message
“TELE AID – NOT ACTIVATED” will be shown in the
multifunction display for approx. 10 seconds.
If you have any questions regarding activation, please
call the Response Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
(Te l ematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response;
automatic and manual emergency, roadside assistance
and information.
The Tele Aid system is operational providing that the
vehicle’s battery is charged, properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is available.The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can be adjusted
when using the volume control on the multifunction
steering wheel, for raising press buttonæand for
lowering press buttonç.
To activate, press the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button• or the Information button¡,
depending on the type of response required.
Shortly after the completion of your Acquaintance Call,
you will receive a user ID and password via first call
mail. By visiting www.mbusa.com and selecting
“Tele Aid” (USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock, Info Services
* profile
and more.
* Optional System self-check
Initially, after turning the electronic key in starter
switch to position 2, malfunctions are detected and
indicated (the indicator lamps in the “SOS” button, the
Roadside Assistance button• and the Information
button¡ stay on longer than 10 seconds or do not
come on). The message “TELE AID – VISIT
WORKSHOP” appears for approx. 10 seconds in the
multifunction display.

231 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the lock. In this case, remove
electronic key from starter switch and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
starter switch. Do not leave the electronic key in starter
switch position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
with the electronic key in starter switch position 1 or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter
switch, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently
charged. See battery on page 357 or jump starting on
page 359.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example:
Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the
automatic climate air volume control should be set to
the lowest position.