2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 hand

246 Parking brake
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Parking brakeTo engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal. When
the electronic key is in starter switch position 2, the
brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should
come on brightly.
To release the parking brake, pull handle on instrument
panel. The brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster should go out.
A warning sounds and the parking brake warning
message (see page 314) appears in the multifunction
display, if you start to drive without having released the
parking brake.
Also see brake warning lamp on page 304.
P42.20-2001-27
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electronic key from the starter switch, take the
KEYLESS-GO-card (if so equipped) with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Children could release the parking brake,
which could result in an accident or serious injury.

252 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This
applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high
loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).
Aq uaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road,
aquaplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with
new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in
the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is
always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the condition of
the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to
the freezing point.
We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires for the winter
season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced
handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can
reduce your stopping distance as compared with
summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is not snow or
ice covered.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat
tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be
substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme
caution.

287 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or lowered
automatically according to the selected setting and to
the vehicle speed. This helps to increase vehicle
handling safety and lowers fuel consumption.
The selected setting is stored in memory, even with the
electronic key removed from the starter switch.
Note:
See “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL” on page 320 for
malfunction and warning messages.Level control switch positions
Normal level – indicator lamps (3, 4) are not
illuminated. To change from raised level options I or II,
press lower half of switch (2) once respectively twice.
Raise level, option I – indicator lamp (3) is illuminated.
To change from normal level, press upper half (1) of
switch.
To change from raised level, option II, press lower
half (2) of switch.
Raised level, option 2 – indicator lamps (3, 4) are
illuminated.
To change from normal level or raised level, option I,
press upper half (1) of switch once respectively twice.
Normal level
Used for normal operation of the vehicle.
Speed dependent lowering of vehicle chassis
(approximate values):
•between 0 mph (0 km / h) and 35 mph (60 km / h) –
none
•between 35 mph (60 km/h) and 85 mph (140 km/h)
– lowered progressively by approximately
7/16inch
(11 mm)
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and feet
away from wheel housing area, and stay away from
under the vehicle when lowering the vehicle
chassis.

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

338 Fuses
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
2Fuse box in engine compartment, right-hand side
3Ta bs
To gain access to fuse box:
Slide both tabs (3) on fuse box forward to the Œ
symbol and remove the cover.To close the fuse box:
Ensure that the sealing rubber is properly positioned
when you replace the cover. Press the cover down by
hand. Slide both tabs (3) back to the ‹ symbol on the
fuse box.
Note:
The fuse box cover must be properly positioned and
both tabs pushed forward to prevent moisture entering
the fuse box.
2
3
3
P54.15-0466-26

339 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Auxiliary fuse box below rear seat
4Auxiliary fuse box below right rear seat
To o pen :
Remove the cover.
To c lo se:
Press the cover on.Hood
4
P82.10-0911-26
Wa r n i n g !
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the engine
is running. Be sure the hood is properly closed
before driving. When closing hood, use extreme
caution not to catch hands or fingers.The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the
engine has been turned off. Stay clear from fan
blades.If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine
compartment, or if the coolant temperature gauge
indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open
the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open
the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call a fire department.

340 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
To o p e n :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the
driver´s side of the instrument panel. At the same time
a handle will extend out of the radiator grill.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils,
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the
ignition system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is “on” and the engine is turned
manually.
1
P88.40-2001-26

341 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Pull handle (2) to its stop out of radiator grill and open
hood (do not pull up on the handle).
Note:
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, open
the hood only with the wipers in the parked position. To c l o s e :
Lower the hood and let it drop into lock from a height of
approximately 1 ft. (30 cm), assisting with hands placed
flat on edges of hood (3).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.
P88.40-0391-26
2
P88.40-0390-26
3
3