2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS warning light

Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS (
Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R Adaptive Brake Lights
R BAS (
Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS (
Brake Assist System PLUS)
R EBP (
Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC (
Electronic Stability Control)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (
Preventive Occupant
Safety System Brake)
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp 0031 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
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Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESC are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS
The Brake Assist System PLUS (BAS PLUS)
operates in emergency braking situations and
uses radar sensors to assess the traffic
situation. BAS PLUS assists you in braking at
speeds above approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h).
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 236). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada.
When you switch off the radar system, the
following functions are deactivated:
R BAS PLUS
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 330)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)
GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
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vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function (Y page 342) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 341).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 435).
Adaptive Brake Lights
i This function is only available for the
S 600 and the S 65 AMG (USA only).
The brake lamps flash in quick intervals
R while you are braking hard at a speed of
more than 30 mph (50 km/h)
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
PLUS.
This helps to alert drivers behind you.
If you bring the car to a complete stop by hard
braking at a speed of more than 40 mph
(70 km/h), the hazard warning flasher comes
on automatically as soon as the vehicle is at
a standstill. While the vehicle is stationary,
the brake lamps are continuously lit up. Once
you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
afterward, the hazard warning flasher goes
out.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp 00F2 in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp 00F2 flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
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iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Using the radar sensors, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects obstacles that are in your
driving path for a sufficient period of time for
the system to recognize it. If you approach a
vehicle and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has
established that the distance to the vehicle
ahead at your current speed is so close that
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of
slowing the vehicle sufficiently, the system
will initially warn you visually and acoustically.
If you do not apply the brakes yourself or
maneuver around a sensed obstacle, the
vehicle will brake lightly automatically. The
PRE-SAFE ®
system ( Y page 54) is activated
when the distance to the vehicle ahead at
your current speed is so close that the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of slowing
the vehicle sufficiently.
When the danger of a collision still persists
and you do not brake or accelerate
significantly, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
initiate full application of the brakes
automatically.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will only respond with
brake assistance if it has clearly detected an
object. Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake uses radar signals that
are not reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not react to persons,
animals, and approaching traffic or cross-
traffic.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front of you, such as
motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from
your vehicle center.
GWarning!
Depending on the vehicle speed, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake brakes your vehicle with a
maximum of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
) before a
possible hard stop. This corresponds to about
40% of the maximum deceleration ability of
your vehicle. The driver must apply the brakes
additionally in order to prevent a collision. The
self-acting hard stop will be initiated when the
imminent danger of a collision exists, e.g.
when an evasive driving maneuver cannot
avoid an accident.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake applies the brake pedal
automatically which results in the brake pedal
moving. Therefore keep driver’s foot area
clear at all times, including the area under the
brake pedal. Objects stored in this area may
impair pedal movement which could interfere
with the braking ability of the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
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To maintain the proper distance to the vehicle
in front of you and thus prevent a rear-end
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.XBrake the vehicle immediately to avoid a
collision.
Under no circumstances should the driver
await the intermittent warning sound
before braking. Observe the following
warning note.
The intermittent warning sound ceases and
the distance warning lamp 00BA goes out
when the necessary distance to the vehicle
ahead is again established.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can react to stationary
obstacles such as standing or parked vehicles
at road speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
GWarning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
R not have recognized the collision risk
R have been deactivated
R be malfunctioning
Apply the brakes yourself to avoid a collision.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not always clearly
interpret complex traffic situations. If a visual
and/or acoustic warning is issued in an
uncritical driving situation, or if the vehicle
brakes lightly, you can interrupt the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake maneuver by pressing down all
the way on the accelerator pedal, using
kickdown, or releasing the brake pedal.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake maneuver is
terminated immediately when
R you avoid the obstacle by evasive steering
R you drive less than 9 mph (15 km/h)
R an obstacle can no longer be identified
ahead of you
R the system no longer senses the risk of a
collision
i The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will remain passive
while DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on
( Y page 330).
After a hard collision or damage to the front
of the vehicle from an accident, have the
settings and operation of the radar sensors
checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 236). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada.
When you switch off the radar system, the
following functions are deactivated:
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 64)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 330)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)XActivating and deactivating: Activate or
deactivate the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake using the
instrument cluster control system
( Y page 232).
After the function has been activated, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator 00C7 appears
in the instrument cluster. When the HOLD
function is switched on, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator 00C7 will not appear.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
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REAR LLeft screen7REAR RRight screen 7
i
In position COMAND, you can operate
various COMAND functions via remote
control buttons 0088 and 0086.
Switching SPLITVIEW or rear screens on/
off
i When the SmartKey is in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or removed from the starter
switch, the rear screens switch off after 30
minutes automatically. A corresponding
message appears on the screens prior to
switching off.
You can switch the screens back on. Keep
in mind however that this will drain the
vehicle battery.
XSwitching on with the COMAND system
already on: Aim the remote control on the
screen.XPress button 0046.XSwitching off: Aim the remote control on
the screen.XPress button 0046.
Switching button backlight on/off
XPress button 0047.
i
When you do not use the remote control
for approximately 15 seconds, the button
backlight switches off automatically.
Mute on/off (for wired headphones or
COMAND)
XPress button 0087.Selecting menu or menu item and
confirming selectionXSelecting menu or menu item: Press
arrow buttons 0088.XConfirming selection: Press button 0086.
Headphone
GWarning!
The driver should not wear a headphone while
operating the vehicle under any
circumstances. The use of a headphone while
driving the vehicle could drastically impair the
ability to react to audible traffic conditions
(e.g. emergency sirens from police/fire/
ambulance, another car’s horn, etc.).
GWarning!
When not in use, headphones or external
video sources should be stored in a safe
location (e.g. one of the vehicle’s storage
compartments) so that they are not loose
within the passenger compartment during
braking, vehicle maneuvers or a traffic
accident. Objects moving within the
passenger compartment could cause serious
personal injury to vehicle occupants.
GWarning!
Due to a potential choking hazard, wired
headphone usage by children should only
occur with adult supervision.
For information on using SPLITVIEW, see
( Y page 90).
For information on using the Rear Seat
Entertainment System, see ( Y page 189).
7
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Upload/Download of Data
This function lets you transfer COMAND data
to a memory card or a USB storage device and
vice versa.
The following COMAND data can be
transferred:
R Navigation destination memory and last
destination
R Address book entries
R Audio/Video presets memory
R System settings
i You can use this function, for example, to
save your COMAND data and transfer them
to another vehicle.XInsert an SD card into the SD card slot
( Y page 180) or connect a USB storage
device to the built-in USB socket in the
glove box (Y page 80). The USB jack of the
optional media interface is not intended for
this purpose.XSelect Vehicle 0054 System 0054 Upload/
Download Data .XDownload: Select Copy Data to
Storage Medium 0054 On the Memory
Card or On USB .XSelect Start Copying .XUpload: Select Import Data from
Storage Medium 0054 From Memory Card
or From USB .XSelect Start Data Import .XExiting menu without data transfer:
Select Back.
Reset
i You can reset COMAND back to its
factory settings.
Among other things, all personal data are
deleted, for example
R the address book entries
R the entries in the destination memory
R the list of last destinations of the
navigation systemXSelect Vehicle 0054 System 0054 Reset .
A prompt appears asking whether you
really want to reset.XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes another prompt will
appear asking whether you really want to
reset.XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes, COMAND will be reset
and restarted.
COMAND navigation (introduction)
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, only enter a destination
when the vehicle is stationary. When the
vehicle is in motion, a passenger should enter
the destination. Study manual and select
route before driving.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
COMAND calculates the route to the
destination without taking account of the
following, for example:
R Traffic lights
R Stop and right-of-way signs
R Parking or stopping in prohibited areas
R Lane merging
R Other road and traffic rules and regulations
R Narrow bridges
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iThe Group menu item cannot be selected
if only one audio format is saved on the
DVD.
The list of available audio formats appears. A
dot 003F indicates the format currently
selected.XChanging setting: Slide 00A0005B 0050 or rotate
0082 005B 0083.XExiting menu: Slide 009E005B 009F.
Playback options
The following options are available:
R Normal Track Sequence : Tracks are
played back in the order in which they are
stored on the disc, e.g. track 1, 2, 3, etc.
R Medium Mix : Tracks are played back in
random order, e.g. track 3, 8, 5, etc.
R Track List Mix (MP3 mode only): Tracks
of the current folder and its subfolders are
played back in random order.
XSelecting an option: Select Audio.XSelect CD, DVD-A or MP3 .
The option list appears. A dot 003F indicates
which option is switched on.XSelect an option and press 00A1.
The option is switched on. For all options
except Normal Track Sequence , you will
see a corresponding indicator in the main
area.
i The Normal Track Sequence option is
automatically activated when you select a
different medium. If an option is activated,
it remains activated after COMAND is
switched on/off.
Audio AUX and video AUX
You can play back external audio or video
sources via the systems installed in your
vehicle.
The sockets for external audio and video
sources (AUX) are located
R in the glove box (COMAND)
R on the CD/DVD drive in the rear passenger
compartment
R on the head restraints
i For operation of the external audio and
video sources, refer to the operating
instructions of the respective device. You
may have to adjust the proper video
standard on the external audio and video
source to ensure proper replay.
Do not leave external devices in the vehicle.
Proper function of the device could be
impaired due to excessive temperatures,
for example when exposing to direct
sunlight or when the outside temperature
is extremely low. Mercedes-Benz does not
assume liability for damage to external
devices.GWarning!
Operating an external audio source while the
vehicle is in motion will distract you. You may
not notice changing road and/or traffic
conditions which may cause an accident.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
For your safety and the safety of others, pull
over to a safe location and stop before
operating an external audio source.
GWarning!
Due to the different volumes of the external
audio sources, system messages of the
vehicle may be much louder. You may need to
disable these system messages or adjust the
volume of these messages manually.
i The volume of external audio sources is
extremely variable. It is possible that a
device connected as an external audio
source will sound quieter or louder in the
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