2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S55AMG cruise control

260 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently
while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the
cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the
automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear)
to maintain the set cruise control speed by using the
engine’s braking power.
As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position.
Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control
is switched off.
Use the lever to resume the previously set speed.
The “CRUISE CONTROL - - -” message is displayed on
the multifunction display when any attempt is made to
store speeds below 19 mph (30 km / h) or when an
attempt is made to recall a speed when no speed has
been stored – the cruise control remains switched off.
See malfunction and warning messages on page 325 if
the cruise control has a malfunction.
Wa r n i n g !
Only use the cruise control if the traffic and
weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a
steady speed.• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a steady
speed.
• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.The “Resume” function should only be operated if
the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed
and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

261 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Distronic (DTR)
(optional)
When activated the Distronic system increases driving
convenience, for example over long distances, as it
automatically maintains a speed set by the driver by
actively regulating the throttle setting. It also maintains
within certain limitations a preset distance to a vehicle
ahead.
With Distronic switched off, the multifunction display
continues to show the distance to the vehicle ahead, if
so selected, see page 275.
The distance warning function can be activated
separately, see page 272.
In Distronic mode, if the distance sensor detects a
slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle
speed will be reduced to the extent permitted by
reduced throttle and up to 20% of vehicle braking power,
so that you follow that vehicle at a preset distance, see
page 273.
Maximum range of detection is approximately 500 ft.
(150 m).Any given speed between 25 mph (Canada: 40 km/h)
and 110 mph (Canada: 180 km/h) can be maintained
with the Distronic by operating the control lever on the
steering column.
Wa r n i n g !
Distronic is a convenience system, its speed
adjustment reduction capability is intended to
make cruise control more effective and usable
when traffic speeds vary. It is not, however,
intended to nor does it replace the need for extreme
care. The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including most
importantly brake operation to assure safe stopping
distance, rests always with the driver.Distronic cannot take street and traffic conditions
into account.Wa r n i n g !
Distronic requires familiarity with its operational
characteristics. We strongly recommend that you
review the following information carefully before
operating the system.

301 Contents – Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................302
On-board diagnostic
system ..........................................302
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................302
Brake warning lamp ..................304
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................305
Fuel reserve warning .................305
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................306
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............307
Distronic (DTR) –
warning lamp ..............................307
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................308Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the
center console ........................... 308
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 308
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 309
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................. 310
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ........... 311
ENTRANCE POSITION ...............312
BRAKE ASSIST ............................312
BRAKE LINING WEAR ............... 313
BRAKE FLUID ............................. 313
PARKING BRAKE ........................ 314
TRUNK OPEN .............................. 314
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ...................................... 315
COOLANT
(coolant level) .............................. 316
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................ 317LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 318
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................320
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
(ABC) ............................................320
TIRE PRESSURE .........................322
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................324
CRUISE CONTROL .....................325
KEY ...............................................325
DOOR ...........................................326
HOOD ...........................................326
TELE AID .....................................327
CHIP-CARD
(KEYLESS-GO) ............................328
SELECTOR LEVER ......................329
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......329
WASHER FLUID .........................330
AIR SPRING (AirMatic) ............. 331
DISTRONIC (DTR) ......................332
AIR CLEANER .............................333

310 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit)
* C = Category, see page 309This message is displayed to indicate that the
information being relayed by the engine control unit is
no longer complete. The display for coolant temperature
gauge, tachometer, or the cruise control may have failed.DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems)
* C = Category, see page 309The displays for several systems have failed. Some
systems themselves may also have failed.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
Line 1 Line 2 C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP! 2

325 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index CRUISE CONTROL
* C = Category, see page 309.
1 Cruise control is malfunctioning.
KEY* C = Category, see page 309.
1 Key needs possibly to be replaced. Line 1 Line 2 C*
CRUISE CONTROL VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
Line 1 Line 2 C*
REPLACE KEY
1
VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
AUTOM. LIGHT ON REMOVE KEY! 1
P54.30-2245-21

412 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Center console lighting ................................................. 192
Central locking switch .................................................... 48
Central locking system ................................................... 33
Automatic central locking ......................................... 50
Choosing global or selective mode .....................35, 41
Electronic key .............................................................. 29
KEYLESS-GO-card ....................................................... 30
Locking and unlocking .............................................. 35
Locking and unlocking
with KEYLESS-GO-card ......................................... 38
Mechanical keys .......................................................... 45
Remote control ..................................................... 28, 33
Simultaneous use of electronic key
and KEYLESS-GO-card .......................................... 42
Summer opening/convenience feature ................... 43
Changing batteries in the KEYLESS-GO-card ........... 374
Changing wheels ........................................................... 351
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ............ 302
Check regularly and before a long trip ......................299
Checking engine oil level
Via engine oil level indicator .................................. 156
Via oil dipstick ...........................................................342
Child restraint ............................................. 81, 88, 99, 101
Child seat
See Infant and child restraint systems .................... 99CHIP-CARD (KEYLESS-GO) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 328
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................ 382
COMAND, radio and telephone ................................... 216
Combination switch ....................................................... 162
Consumer information ................................................. 408
Control and operation of radio transmitters .............. 216
COOLANT (coolant level) -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 316
COOLANT (coolant temperature) -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 317
Coolant level
Adding ........................................................................ 344
Checking .................................................................... 344
Coolant temperature gauge .......................................... 115
Coolants .......................................................................... 406
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity ........................ 407
Courtesy lighting ........................................................... 192
Cruise control ................................................................ 258
CRUISE CONTROL -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 325
Cup holder
In front seat armrest ................................................ 202
In rear seat armrest ................................................. 203

417 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
LLAMP SENSOR -
malfunction and warning messages ......................320
Lamps, exterior
Fog lamps ..................................................158, 367, 368
Headlamps ....................................... 158, 318, 365, 385
License plate lamps .................................................. 369
Parking lamps ..........................................158, 367, 368
Replacing bulbs ......................................................... 364
Standing lamps .........................................158, 367, 368
Stop lamps ..................................................................369
Taillamps .......................................... 158, 318, 368, 385
Turn signal lamps ................................... 366, 368, 369
Level control system
Vehicles with Active Body Control (ABC) ............. 286
Vehicles with Airmatic system ............................... 285
Lighter .............................................................................206
LIGHTING SYSTEM -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 318
Limp home mode (Automatic transmission) ............. 245
Locking and unlocking ............................................ 35, 38
Low beams
See Exterior lamps ....................................................364
Lumbar support ............................................................... 69
MMaintenance ................................................................... 217
Malfunction and indicator lamps
In the center console ............................................... 308
In the instrument cluster ........................................ 302
Malfunction and warning message memory ............. 136
Malfunction and warning messages
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) ............................ 320
AIR CLEANER ........................................................... 333
AIRMATIC ..................................................................331
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR .......................................... 311
BRAKE ASSIST .......................................................... 312
BRAKE FLUID ............................................................ 313
BRAKE PAD WEAR ................................................... 313
CHIP-CARD (KEYLESS-GO) .................................... 328
COOLANT (coolant level) ......................................... 316
COOLANT (coolant temperature) ........................... 317
CRUISE CONTROL ................................................... 325
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ............................................ 310
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) .................................................. 310
DISTRONIC (DTR) .................................................... 332
DOOR .......................................................................... 326
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................................................. 324