2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R500 workshop

313 Controls in detail
Useful features
Emergency calls
An emergency call is initiated automatical-
ly following an accident in which the emer-
gency tensioning devices (ETDs) or
air bags deploy.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually by opening the cover next to the
interior rear view mirror labeled SOS, then
briefly pressing the button located under
the cover. See (
page 314) for
instructions on initiating an emergency call
manually.Once the emergency call is in progress, the
indicator lamp on the SOS button will
begin to flash. The message
Connecting Call
appears in the multifunc-
tion display. When the connection is estab-
lished, the message
Call connected

appears in the multifunction display. All in-
formation relevant to the emergency, such
as the location of the vehicle (determined
by the GPS satellite location system), vehi-
cle model, identification number and color
are generated.
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established automatically soon af-
ter the emergency call has been initiated.
The Response Center will attempt to
determine more precisely the nature of the
accident provided they can speak to an
occupant of the vehicle.
Warning!
G
If the indicator lamps on the SOS button, on
the Roadside Assistance button, and/or on
the Information button remain illuminated
continuously in red and/or the message Malfunction. Drive to workshop
is
displayed in the multifunction display after
the system self-check, a malfunction in the
system has been detected.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined
above, the system may not operate as
expected. Have the system checked at the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
as soon as possible.

407 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause/conse-
quence
Suggested solution
?
(USA only)
±
(Canada only)
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.
There is a malfunction in:

The fuel management
system


The ignition system


The emission control
system


Systems which affect
emissions
Such malfunctions may result
in excessive emissions values
and may switch the engine to
its limp-home (emergency
operation) mode.

Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
An on-board diagnostic connector is
used by the service station to link the
vehicle to the shop diagnostics
system. It allows the accurate identifi-
cation of system malfunctions through
the readout of diagnostic trouble
codes. It is located in the front left area
of the footwell next to the parking
brake pedal.
iSome states may by law require you to
visit a workshop immediately as soon
as the engine malfunction indicator
lamp comes on. Check local require-
ments.

418 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Text messagesDisplay message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
ABS
Malfunction
Visit workshop
The ABS has detected a malfunction
and has switched off.
The ESP
® and the BAS are also deac-
tivated.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS avail-
able.

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

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.
Display malfunction
Visit workshop
The ABS or the ABS display is mal-
functioning.

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

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

419 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
ABS
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
The ABS was deactivated because of
insufficient power supply. The charg-
ing voltage has fallen below 10 volts.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS
available.

Switch off electrical consumers that are
currently not needed, e.g. seat heating*.

If necessary, have the generator
(alternator) and the battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value again, the
ABS is operational again and the message in
the multifunction display should disappear.
Cruise
control
Drive to workshop
Cruise control is malfunctioning.

Have cruise control checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
ESP
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
In addition, the yellow ESP
® warning
lampv comes on.
The ESP
® is deactivated because of
a malfunction or interrupted power
supply.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

420 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
ESP
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
If the yellow ESP
® warning
lampv flashes while driving and
this message appears, the electron-
ic traction system has switched off
to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the
electronic traction system switches on again.
The message in the multifunction display disap-
pears and the ESP
® warning lampv goes
out.
The self-diagnosis has not yet been
completed yet.
The display will clear after driving a short
distance at a vehicle speed of above
12 mph (20 km/h).
Malfunction
Visit workshop
In addition, the yellow ESP
® warning
lampv comes on.
The ESP
® has detected a malfunc-
tion and switched off.
The ABS may still be operational.

Continue driving with added caution.

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.
Display malfunction
Visit workshop
In addition, the yellow ESP
® warning
lampv comes on.
The ESP
® or the ESP
® display is
malfunctioning.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

422 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
SRS
Restraint sys.
malfunction
Drive to workshop
The system is malfunctioning.

Drive with added caution to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Warning!
G
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indi-
cated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend
that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center immediately to have the
system checked; otherwise the SRS may not
be activated when needed in an accident,
which could result in serious or fatal injury,
or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnec-
essarily which could also result in injury.

429 Practical hints
What to do if …
Symbol messagesDisplay symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
#
malfunction
Visit workshop
The battery is no longer charg-
ing.
Possible causes:

alternator malfunctioning


broken poly-V-belt
Do not forget that the brake sys-
tem requires electrical energy
and may be operating with re-
stricted capability. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is
required and the stopping dis-
tance is increased.

Stop in a safe location or as soon as it is
safe to do so and check the poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:

Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative
water pump which may result in damage
to the engine. Notify an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
If it is intact:

Drive immediately to the nearest autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Adjust driving to be consistent with
reduced braking responsiveness.

430 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
#
Undervoltage
Switch off consumers
The battery has insufficient
voltage.

Turn off unnecessary electrical
consumers.
Battery/Alternator
Stop vehicle
The battery is defective.

Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as
soon as it is safe to do so.

Do not continue to drive.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
2
Brake wear
Visit workshop
The brake pads have reached
their wear limit.

Have the brake pads replaced as soon as
possible.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
inspected by a qualified technician at
the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet.