2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 warning

137 Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
Malfunction and warning messages are only indicated
for certain systems and displayed to a low level of detail.
The malfunction and warning messages are simply a
reminder with respect to the operation of certain
systems and do not replace the driver’s responsibility to
maintain the vehicle’s operating safety by having all
required maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle and by bringing the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the malfunction and
warning messages. See page 309.

149 Flexible service system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Flexible service system (FSS)
(service indicator)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is
directly related to the operating conditions of the
vehicle.
The symbol 9 or ½ appears together with a
message in the multifunction display prior to the next
suggested service.
Depending on operating conditions throughout the year,
the next service is calculated and displayed in days or
distance remaining.The message is displayed for approximately 10 seconds
when turning the electronic key in starter switch to
position 2, or while driving when reaching the service
warning threshold.
The symbols and messages indicate the type of service
to be performed:
9Service A
½Service B
One of the following messages will appear in the display
(e.g. Service A):
“SERVICE A – IN xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – IN xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – PERFORM SERVICE”
The next service due date is displayed either in days or
in miles, depending on your driving style.
Once the suggested service term has passed, the symbol
and message appear for approximately 30 seconds and
a signal sounds every time when turning the electronic
key in starter switch to position 2.
P54.30-2768-26

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.

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.

157 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index One of the following messages will subsequently appear
on the indicator:
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – O.K.”
No oil needs to be added.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.0 QUART”
(Canada: 1.0 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.5 QUART”
(Canada: 1.5 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 2.0 QUART”
(Canada: 2.0 L)
See “Checking engine oil level”, on page 342 for
instructions on adding engine oil.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – REDUCE OIL LEVEL”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The “MEASURING NOT POSSIBLE!” message will be
displayed if a proper oil level check cannot be
performed. The engine oil level check can be repeated
after a short while.S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG only:
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it
cannot be completed via the multifunction display.
See “Checking engine oil level”, page 342.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes:
See malfunction and warning messages on page 309
and page 324 if an engine oil level indicator appears in
the multifunction display when the engine is running.
The engine oil level cannot be checked while the engine
is running. The “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – NOT WHEN
ENGINE ON” message will appear.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption.

158 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Exterior lamp switch
MOff
UAutomatic headlamp mode, see below.
CParking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps,
licence plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low
beam is additionally switched on.
BParking lamps plus low beam or high beam
headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).ˆStanding lamps, right (turn left one stop)
‚Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops)
‡Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking
lamps and/or low beam headlamps on. Green
indicator in lamp switch comes on.
†Rear fog lamp (pull out to second detent) in
addition to the front fog lamps. Yellow indicator in
lamp switch comes on.
Note:
With the electronic key removed and the driver’s door
open, a warning sounds if the vehicle’s exterior lamps
(except standing lamps) are not switched off.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and / or
the low beam headlamps on. Fog lamps should only be
used in conjunction with low beam headlamps. Consult
your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding allowable lamp operation.
Fog lamps are automatically switched off when the
exterior lamp switch is turned to position M or U.

165 Hazard warning flasher
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Hazard warning flasher switchThe hazard warning flasher can be activated either
manually via the switch located in the dashboard, or it
is activated automatically at the time an airbag is
deployed.
To activate hazard warning flasher, press switch once.
To deactivate, press switch again.
Note:
With the hazard warning flasher activated, the
combination switch in position for either left or right
turn, and the electronic key in starter switch position 1
or 2, only the respective left or right side turn signals
will operate. After turn signal cancellation, the hazard
warning flasher is activated.

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.