What to do if ...
Lamps in instrument cluster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and X Solutionsé
The yellow RBS
(Recuperative Brake
System) warning lamp
is on while the
combustion engine is
running. In addition, an
acoustic warning may
sound.The RBS is malfunctioning.
Risk of accident!
Brake pedal travel may be longer than usual and the braking
behavior of the vehicle may change. The ECO Start/Stop function
may also be switched off.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 20).XContinue driving with added caution.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp is on while the
combustion engine is
running. An additional
acoustic warning
sounds.The RBS is malfunctioning.
Risk of accident!
Brake pedal travel may be longer than usual and the braking
behavior of the vehicle may change.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so. Do not continue to drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 20), see Operator’s Manual.The brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is too low.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so. Do not continue to drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 20), see Operator’s Manual.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not solve the problem.
÷
The yellow ABS/ESC
warning lamp flashes
while driving.The ESC, the ETS, or the ABS has come into operation because of
detected traction loss for at least one wheel.
Risk of accident!
The cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not switch off the ESC.
Exceptions, see Operator’s Manual.24Practical hints221_ZA; 1; 21, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 24
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and X SolutionsThe warning and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster fail
to come on when
switching on the
ignition.The 12-volt battery is discharged.XGet a jump start ( Y page 29).
or
XCharge the 12-volt battery ( Y page 28).
or
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Combustion engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and X SolutionsThe combustion engine
cannot be started. The
warning and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster come on when
switching the ignition.
The message
Charging Hybrid
Battery Please
Wait appears in the
multifunction display.The high-voltage battery is discharged.
The discharged high-voltage battery is being charged with the
ignition switched on, provided the 12-volt battery is charged
sufficiently and an approved charge unit is connected.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 22).The combustion engine
cannot be started. The
multifunction display
does not display any
messages.The self-diagnosis has not been completed yet or the HYBRID
system is malfunctioning.XSwitch off the ignition and switch it back on.XTry to start the combustion engine once more.XIf the combustion engine cannot be started: Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.The ECO Start/Stop
function does not start
the combustion engine
when attempting to
drive off.The ECO Start/Stop function may be malfunctioning. The lamps
in the instrument cluster are on.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P.XSwitch off the ignition and switch it back on.XStart the combustion engine.The HYBRID system is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Practical hints25221_ZA; 1; 21, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 25Z
RBS (Recuperative Brake System) ProblemPossible causes/consequences and X SolutionsLess brake pedal
pressure is required
and the brake pedal
travel is longer than
usual.XApply the brake pedal fully and release it.
The required brake pedal pressure and the brake pedal travel
are back to normal.The RBS is malfunctioning.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe the messages in the multifunction display and
the notes on warning and indicator lamps in the instrument
cluster ( Y page 24).The brake pedal
pulsates.The RBS is providing electronic controlled brake boost. Read and
observe the notes on the ABS/ESC warning lamp ( Y page 10).
The HYBRID system switches of automatically
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and X SolutionsThe HYBRID system
has switched off
automatically.Your vehicle was involved in an accident.
The HYBRID system remains switched off, if
R the combustion engine cannot be started again after a few
seconds
R the red SRS indicator lamp 6 in the instrument cluster
comes onXContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.The HYBRID system
has switched off
automatically. An
additional message
appears in the
multifunction display.A short circuit in the HYBRID system has occurred or a plug
connection of the HYBRID system was disconnected.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 20).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Battery
Notes
Your vehicle is equipped with a 12-volt
battery and a high-voltage battery. The high-
voltage battery stores the power required for
the electric drive. The electric drive also
starts the combustion engine.
Have any work on the batteries performed at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Read and observe the safety notes
( Y page 9) and the notes on the 12-volt
battery in the Operator’s Manual.26Practical hints221_ZA; 1; 21, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 26
GWarning!
The electrolyte, i.e. the battery fluid, is toxic
and caustic. Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing, for
example in case of an accident.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water and seek medical help
immediately.
For information on the location of the 12-volt
battery and the high-voltage battery, see
(Y page 13).
! Deep discharge caused by prolonged
periods of the vehicle not being used, can
damage the high-voltage battery.
During such periods, operate the vehicle
every 4 weeks for several minutes in order
to charge the high-voltage battery.
During the charging process, switch off
electrical consumers that are currently not
needed, e.g. climate control system or seat
heating.
If necessary, get a jump start.
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and lead to death. Do not
run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.
Removing/installing high-voltage
battery cover
XEngage the electronic parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XSwitch off the ignition.
The green or yellow READY indicator lamp
(Y page 16) in the instrument cluster goes
out.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
XObserve the safety notes on the danger of
electric shock in this manual.
XObserve the safety notes regarding the
hood in the Operator's manual.
XOpen the hood, see Operator's Manual.
Removing
XTurn locks 1 clockwise by 90°.XLift cover 2 as indicated by the arrows and
remove it forward as seen in driving
direction.
XStore cover 2 in the trunk for example.
Installing
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XPlace cover 1 onto the high-voltage
battery carefully.
XPush holder 2 onto pin 3.XTurn locks 4 counterclockwise by 90°.
The cover is locked.
Removing/installing jump start
contact cover
XRemove the high-voltage battery cover, see
(Y page 27).
Removing
XDisengage tabs :.XRemove cover ;.XStore cover 2 in the trunk for example.
Installing
XPosition cover ;.XPress down on cover ; until tabs 1
engage.
XInstall the high-voltage battery cover.! The cover must be positioned and
installed properly. Otherwise moisture
and/or dirt may impair fuse operation.
XClose the hood.
Charging the batteries
Charging the 12-volt battery
GWarning!
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
charging and could cause an explosion that
may result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
XRemove the high-voltage battery cover
(Y page 27).
XRemove the jump start terminal cover
(Y page 28).
XFollow the instructions in the separate
operating instructions of the charge unit.
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Disconnecting the jumper cablesXDisconnect the jumper cables in reverse
order, starting with jump start terminal 4
( Y page 30).XInstall the jump start terminal cover
( Y page 28).XInstall the high-voltage battery cover
( Y page 27).XClose the hood.XDrive the vehicle for some time in order to
charge the 12-volt battery and the high-
voltage battery.
Towing the vehicle
i For information on towing and
transporting the vehicle refer to the
Operator’s Manual.
GWarning!
When you depress the brake pedal for the first
time when towing, less brake pedal pressure
is required and the brake pedal travel is longer
than usual. The same applies if a malfunction
occurs, for example when the vehicle system
voltage is too low. If required, you have to
depress the brake pedal further. Adapt your
speed and driving accordingly.
Depress the brake pedal fully and release it
again before towing. When all necessary
systems are operational again, the required
brake pedal pressure and the brake pedal
travel are back to normal.
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S 400 HYBRID719" wheelsFront axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset8.5 J x 19 H2
1.69 in (43 mm)All-season tires 3255/40 R19 100V XL (Extra Load)
M+SRear axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.5 J x 19 H2
1.69 in (43 mm)All-season tires 3,6275/40 R19 101V M+S
Spare wheel
S 400 HYBRIDRim (steel)4.5 B x 19 H2Wheel offset1.38 in (35 mm)Minispare tire6T 155/70 R19 113MRecommended tire inflation pressure61 psi (4.2 bar)Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only).GWarning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.7 Vehicles with AMG Sport Package.
3 Radial-ply tires.
6 Must not be used with snow chains.34Technical data221_ZA; 1; 21, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 34
Service and Literature
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center has
trained technicians and Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts to service your vehicle properly.
For expert advice and quality service, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If you are interested in obtaining service
literature for your vehicle, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
We consider this the best way for you to
obtain accurate information for your vehicle.
For further information you can find us on the
Mercedes-Benz web-site www.mbusa.com
(USA only) or www.mercedes-benz.ca
(Canada only).GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely
careful when performing any service work or
repairs. Improper or incomplete service or the
use of incorrect or inappropriate parts or
materials may damage the vehicle or its
equipment, which may in turn result in
personal injury.
If you have any questions about carrying out
any type of service, turn to the advice of an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
We reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment.
Therefore, information, illustrations and
descriptions in this Supplemental Operating
Instructions might differ from your vehicle.
Reprinting, translation and copying, even of
excerpts, is not permitted without our prior
authorization in writing.
Press time May 13, 2009
GSP/OIS
Printed in U. S. A.
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