2007 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 transmission operation

497 Operation
Engine compartment
Example illustration from S 5501Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.

Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.

Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.For more information on engine, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 661) and
(
page 663).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the automatic transmission.Active Body Control* (ABC*) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If
you notice fluid leaks or malfunction mes-
sages in the multifunction display, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check
the ABC-system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
!
Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It will cause damage to the engine and catalytic
converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.


513 Operation
Tires and wheels
Warning!
G
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or the tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-
minates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate then to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significant-
ly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may effect the vehi-
cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please
note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-
er’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously il-
luminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing
one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.i
If a condition causing the TPMS to malfunc-
tion develops, it may take up to 10 minutes for
the system to signal a malfunction using the
TPMS telltale flashing and illumination se-
quence.
The telltale extinguishes after a few minutes driv-
ing if the malfunction has been corrected.
i
Operating radio transmission equipment
(e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or
near the vehicle could cause the TPMS to mal-
function.

526 OperationTires and wheelsTire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driv-
en no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
Certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR indicated on the Certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

544 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-check when switching on the igni-
tion, have the respective bulb checked and
replaced if necessary.Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
-
The yellow Antilock Brake
System (ABS) indicator lamp
comes on while the engine is
running.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and
has switched off. The BAS, ESP
® and
PRE-SAFE
® are also switched off (see mes-
sages in multifunction display).
The brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning,
other systems such as Parktronic*, DIS-
TRONIC Plus*, navigation system, Park As-
sist* and the automatic transmission may
also be malfunctioning.

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

Read and observe messages in the mul-
tifunction display (
page 557).

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increas-
es the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above this value again,
the ABS is operational again and the ABS in-
dicator lamp should go out.
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out:
Have the generator (alternator) and the
battery checked.

676 Technical termsPCMCIA
(P
ersonal C
omputer M
emory C
ard
I
nternational A
ssociation)
Portable memory cards designed to be
inserted into laptop computers to en-
able additional functions.
PIN code
(P
ersonal I
dentification N
umber code)
Your PIN code prevents unauthorized
persons from using your ->GSM mobile
phone. The PIN code is a number
string, which you have to enter when
switching on the telephone.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing:


Engine


Clutch/torque converter


Transmission


Transfer case


Drive shaft


Differential


Axle shafts/axles
PRE-SAFE
®
(Pre
ventive Occupant Safe
ty System)
Vehicles equipped with PRE-SAFE
®
take preventive measures when the
system senses certain driving dynam-
ics suggesting a possible accident.
Production options weight
(
page 527)Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and
comfort operationC.
PSI
(P
ounds per s
quare i
nch)
(
page 527)
PUK
(Personal U
nblocking K
ey)
Must be entered if the wrong ->PIN was
entered three consecutive times.
Recommended tire inflation pressure
(
page 527)
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.

680 IndexAquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 448, 450
Ashtrays 456
Aspect ratio 526
Audio (COMAND) 104
CD mode 111
DVD mode 111
MP3 mode 111
Audio (Control system instrument
cluster) 248
CD changer 249
DVD changer 249
Audio DVD
Fast forward/rewind (COMAND) 113
Menu overview (COMAND) 110
Pause function (COMAND) 112
Stop function (COMAND) 112
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 334
Automatic climate control 424
Adjusting air distribution
(COMAND) 230
Adjusting air flow from air vents
(COMAND) 233
Adjusting air volume (COMAND) 230
Adjusting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) 232Air recirculation mode 431
Central climate control menu
(COMAND) 231
Central menu for rear climate control*
(COMAND) 234
Defrosting 429
Operating the rear climate control*
from the front 234
Operating via COMAND 229
Rear window defroster 430
Selecting Mono mode
(COMAND) 232
Setting temperature (COMAND) 230
Setting the temperature 429
Setting the temperature in the rear
passenger compartment 435
Switching cooling on or off
(COMAND) 231
Automatic headlamp mode 255, 343
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 349
Automatic locking when driving 313
Automatic shift program 374
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position 373
Automatic shift program 374Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) 377
Fluid 661
Fluid level 497
Gear ranges 372
Gear selector lever 367
Gear shifting malfunctions 377
Hill start assist system 374
Kickdown 373
Program mode selector switch 374
Shifting procedure 369
Starting the engine 359
Steering wheel gearshift control 375
Transmission fluid 497
Transmission positions 370
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs 622
Bar 526
BAS 71
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 311
Replacing 619
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 311
Replacing 619

691 Index
Cruise control 559
DISTRONIC Plus* 560
Doors 590
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) 574
Engine 547
Engine oil 494, 602
ESP
®
572, 582
Fog lamps 598
Front passenger front air bag 562
Fuel cap 591
Gear selector lever 562, 566, 567,
569, 610
Headlamps 595
Hood 591
Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 592
Lamps, exterior 595
License plate lamps 597
Light sensor 596
Night View Assist* 601
Park Assist* 566
Parking brake 576
Parking lamps 599
PRE-SAFE®
567, 572
Restraint systems 605Side marker lamps 599
SRS 605
Tail lamps 600
Tele Aid 607
Trunk 610
Turn signals 596
Windshield washer fluid 610
Multifunction steering wheel 242, 675
N
Navigation system
Menu overview (COMAND) 147
Navigation system (COMAND) 140
Basic settings 150
Destination entry 153
Destination memory 195
Detour function (COMAND) 194
Driving maneuver 185
Hiding/showing the menu
system 148
Last destinations 201
Map display 148
Operation 148
POI entry 177
Route guidance 185Navigation system (Instrument cluster
control system) 246
Driving maneuver 247
Navigation system (Voice Control*) 269
Neutral gear position, Automatic
transmission 367, 370
New vehicle break-in 478
Night View Assist* 420
Cleaning the windshield in front of the
camera 539
Dirty or fogged-up windshield 422
Image on multifunction display 421
Malfunction 423
Messages in display 601
Removing condensation 422
Switching on or off 421
Normal occupant weight 527
Number, Vehicle Identification (VIN) 652
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS
Occupant distribution 527

694 IndexRecovery services, Stolen vehicle (Tele
Aid) 469
Refrigerant, Air conditioning 662, 663
Refueling 489
Regular checks 490
Remote
Control, SmartKey 304
Control, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 306
Door lock with Tele Aid 469
Door unlock with Tele Aid 468
Trunk opening switch 436
Trunk opening/closing* switch 437,
438
Replacing
Bulbs 621
Front lamp bulbs 623
Rear lamp bulbs 622
Reporting safety defects 21
Research Octane Number see RON
Reset (COMAND) 219
Residual engine heat and ventilation 433
Residual heat utilization 677
REST 676REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 677
REST see Residual engine heat and ventila-
tion
Rest tool
Depository 618
Restraint systems
Messages in display 605
See Children in the vehicle
See SRS
Reverse gear position, Automatic
transmission 367, 370
Rims 527
And Tires 655
Tires and wheels 500
Roadside Assistance 16
Tele Aid 465
RON 490, 662, 677
Roof rack* 447
Route guidance (COMAND) 185
Route guidance (Instrument cluster control
system) 246
Rubber and plastic parts, Cleaning 541
Run Flat Indicator (Canada only) 515S
Safety
Driving safety systems 69
Occupant 44
Reporting defects 21
Safety belts see Seat belts
Satellite radio*
Calling Sirius Service Center
(COMAND) 103
Channel update (COMAND) 103
Operation (COMAND) 98
Selecting channel (Instrument cluster
control system) 248
Selecting program category
(COMAND) 100
Showing program info
(COMAND) 103
Submenu overview (COMAND) 98
Tuning in channels (COMAND) 100,
102
Voice Control* 283