2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC display

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbAuto Lamp
Function
Inoperativ
eThe light sensor is malfunctioning. The headlamps come on
automatically.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
To switch off the headlamps (U.S. vehicles only):
XSwitch off the daytime running lamp mode in the instrument
cluster control system ( Y page 234).XSwitch off the headlamps using the exterior lamp switch
( Y page 298).bCheck
Left Low
Beam
or
Check
Right Low
BeamThe left or right low-beam lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Rear Left
Fog LampThe rear fog lamp is malfunctioning. A substitute bulb is being
used.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bPlease
Switch
Off LightsYou have removed the SmartKey from the starter switch,
opened the driver’s door and left the headlamps on or
removed the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle
and left the headlamps on.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to $ or c
( Y page 298).
or
XWith the rear fog lamp switched on: Push in the exterior
lamp switch to its stop.bCheck
Left Tail
and Brake
Lamp
or
Check
Right
Tail and
Brake LampThe left or right tail lamp/brake lamp is malfunctioning. This
message will only appear if a critical number of LEDs have
stopped working. A substitute bulb is being used.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display487Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 487Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbCheck
Left
Cornering
Light
or
Check
Right
Cornering
LightThe left or right corner-illuminating lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Rear Left
Turn
Signal
or
Check
Rear
Right
Turn
SignalThe left or right rear turn signal lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Front
Left Turn
Signal
or
Check
Front
Right
Turn
SignalThe left or right front turn signal lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Left
Mirror
Turn
Signal
or
Check
Right
Mirror
Turn
SignalThe turn signal in the left or right exterior rear view mirror is
malfunctioning. This message will only appear if all LEDs have
stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.488Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 488

TiresDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshTire
Press.
Warning
Caution
Tire
Malfunctio
nAt least one tire is deflating.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 508).hCheck
Tire
PressureThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 508).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The high-
beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn
signal indicator lamps will only come on if
activated. If a lamp in the instrument cluster
fails to come on when the ignition is switched
on, have it checked and replaced if necessary.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.
What to do if …489Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 489Z

BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the
hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake
Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are
unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 452).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The brake system still functions normally but due to insufficient
power supply, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the
hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake
Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are
unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 452).XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
and the battery checked.490What to do if …Practical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 490

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The brake system is still functioning normally but temporarily the
ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist system,
the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The self-diagnosis has not been completed yet.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.
The indicator lamp will go out after driving a short distance at a
vehicle speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out:XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 452).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
÷
å
!
The yellow ESC warning
lamp, the yellow ESC
OFF warning lamp, and
the yellow ABS
indicator lamp come on
while the engine is
running and an
acoustic warning
sounds.The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) switched off due to a
malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist
system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the
PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are also switched
off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 452).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
What to do if …491Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 491Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF (USA only)
! (Canada only)
The red indicator lamp
for the electronic
parking brake flashes
and/or the yellow
warning lamp for the
electronic parking
brake is on.The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning or defective.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 452).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 452).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.492What to do if …Practical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 492

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsåThe yellow ESC
OFF warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The ESC has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESC is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESC back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 67).XIf leaving the ESC switched off, adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESC cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.÷
åThe yellow ESC
warning lamp
and the yellow
ESC OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESC is not operational due to a malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the hill-start assist system, the
HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system,
and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
÷The yellow ESC
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESC or the ETS/4-ETS has come into operation because of
detected traction loss in at least one tire.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 deactivate the ESC.
Exceptions: ( Y page 67).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
What to do if …495Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 495Z

TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.
Canada only:
Low tire
pressure telltale
for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 452).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 452).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.What to do if …497Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 497Z