2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 service indicator

302 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic
key in steering lock to position 2, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic
components of the exhaust gases within permissible
limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function properly only
when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center qualified technicians. Engine adjustments
should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the
specified service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements.
For details refer to the Service Booklet.On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
Wa r n i n g !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide,
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
lead to death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined
and corrected immediately. If you must drive under
these conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open.

324 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
* C = Category, see page 309.
1 The engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil
level indicator on page 156.
2 There is no oil in the engine. There is a danger of engine damage.3 There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter. The
engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil level
indicator on page 156.
4 The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
Check the engine oil level immediately. See Engine oil level
indicator on page 156 and check the engine for visible leakage
(loss of oil).
Possibility of water in the engine oil. Have the engine oil checked.
5 The measuring system is malfunctioning.
When the “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – CHECK LEVEL!”
message appears while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The engine oil level warnings should not be ignored.
Extended driving with the symbol displayed could
result in serious engine damage that is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK LEVEL!
1
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL STOP, ENGINE OFF!
2
1
ENGINE OIL LEVEL REDUCE OIL LEVEL
3
2
ENGINE OIL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL VISIT WORKSHOP!
5
2

415 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Exterior mirror adjustment .......................................... 104
Exterior mirror, front passenger side,
parking position ........................................................ 105
Exterior rear view mirrors
Electrically folding .................................................... 106
Parking position ........................................................ 105
FFirst aid kit ..................................................................... 336
Flat tire
See changing wheels ................................................ 351
Flexible service system (FSS) ...................................... 149
Footwell lighting ............................................................ 192
Front airbags .................................................................... 91
Front center console
storage compartment ventilation ........................... 178
Front seat adjustment ..................................................... 64
Fuel
Gasoline additives ....................................................406
Premium unleaded gasoline ................. 297, 403, 405
Fuel cap placement warning
See CHECK ENGINE
malfunction indicator lamp ................................ 302
Fuel filler flap, manual release ................................... 376
Fuel requirements ......................................................... 405Fuel reserve warning .................................................... 305
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities .............. 402
Fuse box ......................................................................... 337
Fuses, electrical ............................................................. 337
GGarage door opener ....................................................... 210
Gasoline
Additives .................................................................... 406
Fuel requirements ................................................... 405
Premium unleaded .................................................. 405
General notes on the central locking system .............. 32
Glove box ......................................................................... 197HHazard warning flasher switch ................................... 165
Head restraints, front seats
Removal and installation ...........................................68
Head restraints, rear seat ............................................... 76
Power head restraints .................................................77
Headlamp cleaning system ........................................... 161
Headlamp mode (HEADLAMPS) .................................. 159
Headlights ....................................................................... 158

421 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Seats
Front seat adjustment ................................................ 64
Lumbar support .......................................................... 69
Memory ...................................................................... 108
Multicontour backrest ................................................ 69
Seat heater ................................................................... 71
Setting passenger seat position from rear .............. 80
Ventilation system ...................................................... 74
SELECTOR LEVER -
malfunction and warning messages ......................329
Service indicator
See Flexible service system (FSS) .......................... 149
Setting the audio volume .............................................. 148
Side impact airbags ......................................................... 93
Simultaneous .................................................................... 42
Simultaneous use of electronic key
and KEYLESS-GO-card ............................................... 42
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................................................... 187
Emergency operation ...............................................377
Express opening ....................................................... 188
Opening and closing .................................................. 43
Synchronizing ........................................................... 189
Snow chains .................................................................... 253
SOS-call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 218
Spare parts service ........................................................ 392Spare wheel ................................................................... 349
Special Settings (Automatic climate control) ............ 172
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ..........................89
Indicator lamp .......................................................... 305
SRS malfunction .......................................................... 91
Standby bulb function .................................................. 370
Start lock-out ..................................................................... 31
Starter switch .........................................................230, 232
Starting and turning off the engine ........................... 235
Starting the engine
Electronic key ........................................................... 235
KEYLESS-GO ............................................................. 236
Steering lock
See Starter switch ............................................230, 232
Steering wheel
Adjustment ................................................................. 102
Easy-entry/exit feature .............................................. 63
Storage compartment in the rear passenger
compartment ..............................................................201
Storage compartments and armrests .......................... 196
Storing mirror positions ............................................... 104
Stowing things in the vehicle ..................................... 336
Sun visors ........................................................................ 194
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ..........................89
Indicator lamp .......................................................... 305
SRS malfunction .......................................................... 91