2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS ignition

XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically.
The red indicator lamp 0049 (USA only)
or 0024 (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows
the catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 434).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R An ignition cable may be damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡ (120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 408).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park in areas where the hot exhaust
system could come into contact with
combustible materials. Combustible
materials such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement could cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the electronic parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
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the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Electronic parking brake
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the electronic parking brake and/or
shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P, either of which could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
Releasing electronic parking brake
manually
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Releasing electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
RThe engine is running.
RThe automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R. With the
automatic transmission in reverse gear R
the trunk lid must be closed.
RThe hood is closed.
RYou have fastened your seat belt.
RYou depress on the accelerator pedal.
iIf you have not fastened your seat belt,
the following conditions must be met in
order for the electronic parking brake to
release automatically:
RThe driver’s door is closed and you shift
the automatic transmission out of park
position P.
or
RThe driver’s door is closed and you drive
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Engaging electronic parking brake
manually
XPress handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
iYou can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Engaging electronic parking brake
automatically
When at least one of the following conditions
is met, the electronic parking brake engages
automatically when the HOLD function
(Y page 342) or DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 330) has brought your vehicle to a
standstill.RThe engine is turned off.
RThe driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
RThe hood lock is released.
RThe trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in reverse gear R.
RThe vehicle is stationary for an extended
period of time.
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Shifting into neutral position NXWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.XMove the gear selector lever up or down to
the resistance point to select neutral
position N.
When you turn off the engine, the automatic
transmission will shift into neutral position
N automatically.
SmartKey: Removing the SmartKey from the
starter switch or opening a front door after
turning off the engine will shift the automatic
transmission into park position P
automatically.
KEYLESS-GO: Opening a front door after
turning off the engine will shift the automatic
transmission into park position P
automatically.
Remaining in neutral position N
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral position N, e.g. when taking
the vehicle through an automatic conveyor-
type car wash, observe the following
instructions.
GWarning!
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
With SmartKey:
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged release the electronic parking
brake manually.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
With KEYLESS-GO:
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XRelease the brake pedal.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.XSwitch on the ignition.XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged release the electronic parking
brake manually.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Shifting into reverse gear R
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.XMove the gear selector lever up past the
resistance point.
Shifting into drive position D
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.XMove the gear selector lever down past the
resistance point.
Shifting procedure
The automatic transmission selects individual
gears automatically, depending on
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otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
(Y page 32).
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
Rfailure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
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.
The language setting for the multifunction
display can be changed via COMAND
(Y page 94).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
Ropen a door
Rswitch on the ignition
Rswitch on the exterior lamps
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
XTo brighten illumination: Turn knob \000F
clockwise.
XTo dim illumination: Turn knob \000F
counterclockwise.
iThe instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
The instrument cluster illumination will also
be adjusted automatically when you switch
on the vehicle’s exterior lamps.
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Comfort suspension tuning
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style.XWhen indicator lamp 0047 is on: Press
button 0046.
Indicator lamp 0047 goes out. The
comfortable chassis and suspension setup
is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
COMFORT appears in the multifunction
display.
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the ESC
( Y page 66) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 67).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While 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 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 432) or
snow chains as required.
Parktronic system
The Parktronic system with Parking Guidance
is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic
sensors designed to assist the driver during
parking maneuvers. The Parktronic system
indicates the relative distance between the
vehicle and an obstacle visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
R you switch on the ignition
and
R you release the electronic parking brake
or
R you start the engine
and
R shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the electronic
parking brake and turn off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors
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XSwitching off: Press Parktronic
switch \000F.
Indicator lamp \000G comes on.
XSwitching on: Press Parktronic switch \000F
again.
iWhen you switch the Parktronic system
on or off the Parking Guidance
(Y page 350) is also switched on or off.
Parktronic system malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp \000G in Parktronic switch \000F comes on.
XHave the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp \000G in Parktronic switch \000F
comes on.
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean the Parktronic system sensors
(Y page 443).
XSwitch on the ignition.orXCheck the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.
Parking Guidance
The Parking Guidance is part of the Parktronic
system. With the Parktronic system switched
on (Y page 349), the Parking Guidance is also
available.
The Parking Guidance is an electronic parking
aid equipped with ultrasonic sensors. The
ultrasonic sensors scan the area on both
sides of vehicle. When a suitable parking
space is found, it is indicated by a parking
space symbol in the multifunction display.
You will receive steering instructions for
parking in that space.
GWarning!
The Parking Guidance is only an aid and may
display parking spaces that are not suitable
for parking such as
Rno-parking zones
Rparking space with unsuitable road/ground
surface
Rdriveways
Rentrances/exits
The Parking Guidance scans for and measures
potential parking spaces when driving past.
Subsequent changes to the parking space are
not taken into account. This may be the case
if the position of the vehicle parked in front or
behind the space changes or obstacles in the
parking space are moved.
The Parking Guidance does not relieve you of
the responsibility to pay attention. If you only
rely on the Parking Guidance, you may cause
an accident and injure yourself and others.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering.
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GWarning!
Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if
you are color-blind or have impaired color
vision.
Only use rear view camera if you can see and
distinguish all colored guidelines shown by
rear view camera on the COMAND system
display.
Camera lens \000F must be free of dirt, ice,
snow, and slush to function properly. Clean
the camera lens regularly. Being careful not
to scratch or damage the camera lens, see
“Cleaning the rear view camera lens”
(Y page 444).
Switching on or off
XSwitching on: Switch on the ignition.XSwitch on the COMAND system.XShift the automatic transmission to reverse
gear R.
The COMAND system display will show the
area behind the vehicle with guidelines.
GWarning!
Please note that objects which do not touch
the ground may appear to be further away
than they actually are, for example:
Rthe bumper of a vehicle parked behind you
Ra trailer hitch
Rthe back of a truck
In such cases, you should not use the
guidelines to judge the distance. You may
misjudge the distance which increases the
risk of impacting the objects.
Even when the object you approach is directly
on the ground do not approach the object any
closer than the red guideline.
Red guideline \000

of the bumper around the sensors is free of
dirt, ice and snow. The radar sensors must not
be obstructed, for example, by bicycle
carriers or overhanging luggage.
! In the event of a significant impact or
damage affecting the bumpers, have the
radar sensors checked by a qualified
specialist workshop such as a Mercedes-
Benz Center. Failure to do this can result in
Blind Spot Assist not functioning correctly.
Indicator and warning lamps
Exterior rear view mirror, driver’s side
XMake sure that the radar sensors
(Y page 236) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 233) are switched on.
XSwitch on the ignition.
Red warning lamps \000F in the exterior rear
view mirrors come on.
XStart the engine.
Yellow indicator lamps \000F in the exterior
rear view mirrors come on up to a speed of
20 mph (30 km/h).
Above a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h), yellow
indicator lamps \000F go out and the Blind Spot
Assist is active. If the Blind Spot Assist
detects a vehicle in its range, red warning
lamp \000F on the corresponding side of the
vehicle comes on. The warning is issued each
time a vehicle enters the area monitored by
the Blind Spot Assist from behind or from the
side. When you pass another vehicle, the
warning is issued only when the speed
differential is less than 7 mph (12 km/h).
When you shift the automatic transmission in
reverse gear R, yellow indicator lamps \000F in
the exterior rear view mirrors goes out after
approximately 3 seconds. The Blind Spot
Assist is then not active.
The brightness of indicator lamps/warning
lamps \000F is controlled automatically
depending on the brightness of the ambient
light.
GWarning!
The Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds
below approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). The
yellow indicator lamps in the exterior rear
view mirrors are illuminated. You will not be
alerted to the presence of vehicles in the
monitored area at these speeds.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to road, weather and traffic
conditions and to provide the steering,
braking and other driving inputs necessary to
retain control of the vehicle. Failure to do so
could result in recognizing dangers too late,
possibly resulting in an accident and serious
injury to yourself and others.
Collision warning
If a vehicle is detected in the Blind Spot Assist
range and you activate the turn signal, a two-
tone warning will sound once. Red warning
lamp \000F on the corresponding side of the
vehicle will flash.
GWarning!
Do not change lanes or make turns, while red
warning lamp \000F is flashing. Doing so could
result in an accident and serious injury to
yourself and others.
XRemain on the lane that you are currently
on until traffic conditions permit to change.
If the turn signal remains on, red warning
lamp \000F will flash to indicate that vehicles
have been detected. No further audible
warnings will sound.
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