2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 Page 33

330 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
WA S H E R F L U I D
* C = Category, see page 309.
When this message appears while the engine is
running, the level of the reservoir has dropped to
approximately
1/3 of the total volume. The reservoir
should be refilled with the prescribed mixture of MB
Windshield washer concentrate and water or the
concentrate and commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent / antifreeze, depending on
ambient temperature, at the next opportunity. The
reservoir for the windshield and headlamp washer
systems is located in the engine compartment.
See windshield and headlamp washer system on
page 345 for instructions on topping up the washer
fluid.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
WASHER FLUID CHECK LEVEL! 3

331 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index AIRMATIC
* C = Category, see page 309:
1 The display or the system is malfunctioning.2 The ABC is defective. Stop the vehicle.
Press upper half of ABC switch, see page 285
- 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
“AIR SPRING – 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.3 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “AIR SPRING – VISIT WORKSHOP”
appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km / h).
Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
AIRMATIC STOP, CAR TOO LOW!
2
1
AIRMATIC VISIT WORKSHOP!
3
2

332 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DISTRONIC (DTR)
* C = Category, see page 309.1 Due to the presence of electro-magnetic radiation, the system is
presently unavailable. After a short period of time try to activate
the system again.
2 Distronic is automatically switched off.
Distronic sensor in hood grille needs cleaning, see page 386.
3 The display or the system is malfunctioning.
4 Distronic is not operational.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
DISTRONIC
EXTERNAL MALFUNCTION
1
REACTIVATE! 2
DISTRONIC MALFUNCTION
CLEAN SENSOR!
2
SEE OWNER’S MAN. 2
DISTRONIC VISIT WORKSHOP!
3
2
SPEEDTRONIC VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2

333 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index AIR CLEANER
* C = Category, see page 309.Line 1 Line 2 C*
REPLACE AIR CLEANER VISIT WORKSHOP! 2

337 Fuses
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Fuses
Most of your vehicle’s electrical components are fused
with safety fuses. With the exception of the brake lights,
all individual lighting system components are
electronically fused. Before replacing a blown safety
fuse, determine the cause of the short circuit. Always
observe amperage and color of fuse.
The circuit for components is protected by a cycled
circuit breaker interrupted if too much current is being
drawn. The circuit closes automatically after a short
time; the circuit is broken again if the malfunction
reoccurs.
Always use a new fuse for replacement. Never attempt to
repair or bridge a blown fuse.
A fuse chart, spare fuses and a fuse extractor are located
in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage bowl under the
trunk floor. See page 346 for notes on the vehicle tool
kit.Fuse boxes in the engine compartment
1Fuse box in engine compartment, left-hand side
3Ta b s
3
3
1
P54.15-2007-26

342 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Checking engine oil level
S 500
1Dipstick
Model S 600:
The dipstick is omitted. Engine oil level can be
checked via the engine oil level indicator, see
page 156.
2Oil filler capS 600
Model S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the
oil pan.
1
P18.40-0287-262
P18.40-2066-26
2

343 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a 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 156.
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 2.0 US qt (2.0 l).
S 600:
Follow the message appearing on the engine oil level
indicator display (page 156) 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 309 if
an engine oil level display appears on the multifunction
indicator when the engine is running.
Note:
See page 156 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.

344 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Coolant level
1Coolant expansion tank
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked
on level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.
The coolant level should reach the black top part of the
reservoir.
See page 406 for antifreeze / anticorrosion mixture.Adding coolant
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 mixture of water and
MB anticorrosion / antifreeze should be added.
P82.35-2001-26
1
Wa r n i n g !
• In order to avoid possibly serious burns:
Use extreme caution when opening the hood if
there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the coolant is
overheated.• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above 194
°F
(90
°C). Allow engine to cool down before
removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains
hot fluid and is under pressure.
• Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 1/2
turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine
parts.