2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500 instrument cluster

249 Controls in detail
Useful features
Switching on
Switch on ignition.
All lamps in the instrument cluster
come on.

Turn switch at the tip of stalk in the di-
rection of arrow3.
The steering wheel is heated. Indicator
lamp1 comes on.
Switching off

Turn switch at the tip of stalk in direc-
tion of arrow2.
The heated steering wheel is turned off.
Indicator lamp1 goes out.
Telephone*
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit, should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
The external antenna must be approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Please contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for informa-
tion on the installation of an approved
external antenna. Refer to the radio trans-
mitter operation instructions regarding use
of an external antenna.
iThe steering wheel heating does not
turn off automatically.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and / or serious
personal injury.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be
his / her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we rec-
ommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a tele-
phone call.
If you choose to use the telephone
1 while
driving, please use the hands-free device
and only use the telephone when road,
weather and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.
Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit Man-
agement and Data System)
if road, weather and traffic conditions per-
mit.
1Observe all legal requirements.


257 Controls in detail
Useful features
Remote door unlock
In case you have locked your vehicle unin-
tentionally (e.g. SmartKey inside vehicle),
and the reserve SmartKey is not handy:
Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
You will be asked to provide your pass-
word which you provided when you
completed the subscriber agreement.

Then return to your vehicle and pull the
trunk recessed handle for a minimum
of 20 seconds until the SOS button is
flashing.
The message
EMERGENCY CALL –
CALL CONNECTED appears in the multi-
function display.
As an alternative, you may unlock the vehi-
cle via Internet using the ID and password
sent to you shortly after the completion of
your acquaintance call.The Response Center will then unlock your
vehicle with the remote door unlocking
feature.
iWhen a Tele Aid call has been initiated,
the audio system or the COMAND sys-
tem audio is muted and the selected
mode (radio or CD) pauses. The option-
al cellular phone (if installed) switches
off. If you must use this phone, the ve-
hicle must be parked. Disconnect the
coiled cord and place the call. The CO-
MAND navigation system (if engaged)
will continue to run. The display in the
instrument cluster is available for use,
and spoken commands are only avail-
able by pressing the RPT button on the
COMAND unit. A pop-up window will
appear in the COMAND display to indi-
cate that a Tele Aid call is in progress.
iThe remote door unlock feature is avail-
able if the relevant cellular phone net-
work is available.
The SOS button will flash and the mes-
sage
EMERGENCY CALL –
CALL CONNECTED
will appear in the mul-
tifunction display to indicate receipt of
the door unlock command.
Once the vehicle is unlocked, a Re-
sponse Center specialist will attempt
to establish voice contact with the ve-
hicle occupants.
If the trunk recessed handle was pulled
for more than 20 seconds before door
unlock authorization was received by
the Response Center, you must wait
15 minutes before pulling the trunk re-
cessed handle again.

268 OperationDriving instructionsPower assistance
Brakes
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical energy
for operation.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. In such a case, the
red brake warning lamp (
page 312) and
warning messages in the instrument cluster
(
page 318) come on while driving. To
brake, the driver must then apply signifi-
cantly greater brake pedal pressure and de-
press the pedal much further to obtain the
expected braking effect. If necessary, apply
full pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes may
only be applied to the front wheels. Stop-
ping distance is increased! If there is a mal-
function in the SBC brake system, we
recommend that the vehicle be transported
with all wheels off the ground using flatbed
or appropriate wheel lift/dolly equipment. A
tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is only permissible for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, refer to “Towing the vehicle”
(page 381). For more information see
SBC brake system (
page 79).
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.
Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.

307 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow the instructions on the container.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in a lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with a soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
iUse only acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid could lead to corrosion.
Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.

310 Practical hintsWhat to do if …
What to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to
come on during the bulb self-check when turning the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position2, have it checked and replaced
if necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction
warning lamp comes on while
driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP are also
switched off (see messages in display).
The SBC brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, oth-
er systems such as the Parktronic system*,
Distronic*, or the automatic transmission
may also be malfunctioning.

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.

Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 318).
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.

318 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Messages in the display
The control system shows warning and
malfunction messages in the multifunction
display.
Certain warning and malfunction messag-
es are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in
this Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the malfunction memory menu in
the control system (
page 129) displays
both cleared and uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the mul-
tifunction display in red color.
Certain messages of high priority cannot
be cleared from the multifunction display
using the reset button.Other messages of high priority and mes-
sages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display us-
ing the reset button (
page 22) and are
then stored in the malfunction message
memory (
page 137).
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of the most important warning
and malfunction messages that may ap-
pe ar i n the di spl ay . High pr iori ty m es sa ge s
appear on a red background.
Warning!
G
All categories of messages contain impor-
tant information which should be taken note
of and, where a malfunction is indicated, ad-
dressed as soon as possible at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty, or result in property dam-
age or personal injury.
Warning!
G
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative.
Contact your nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.iTurning the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position2, or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO* start / stop button twice
to position2 causes all lamps as well
as the multifunction display to come
on. Ensure that they are all in working
order before starting your journey.

332 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
G
Display malfunction
The instrument cluster display is malfunc-
tioning.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Display malfunction
Visit workshop!
The displays for several systems have
malfunctioned. Some systems them-
selves may also have malfunctioned.

Have the electronic systems checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
±
Display malfunction
Visit workshop!
Certain electronic systems are unable to
relay information to the control system.
The following systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature display


Tachometer


Cruise control display

Have the electronic systems checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
J

Door open
You are attempting to drive with one or
more doors open.

Close the doors.

367 Practical hints
Flat tire

Take the TIREFIT kit out of the trunk
(page 350).

Foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed from the tire.

Attach the sticker where it will be easily
seen by the driver on the instrument
cluster.Preparing TIREFIT
1TIREFIT container
2Flap
3Notch
4Electrical plug
5Air hose
6Flange

Open flap2 on the electric air pump.

Pull plug4 and air hose5 out of the
pump housing.

Screw the air pump’s air hose5 onto
flange6 of the TIREFIT container.

Stick TIREFIT container1 upside
down into notch3 of the electric air
pump.
7Tire valve
8Electric air pump switch
9Air hose with pressure gauge and vent
screw
aFiller hose
Warning!
G
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for:

cuts or punctures larger than approxi-
mately 0.16 in (4 mm)


on a flat tire, or a damaged wheel


tire damage caused by driving with ex-
tremely low tire pressure
Do not drive the vehicle under such circum-
stances.
Contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz
Center for assistance or call Roadside Assis-
tance.
Warning!
G
Observe safety instructions on air pump la-
bel.