2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC ignition switch

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow warning lamp for the electronic parking
brake comes on. The red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake may also come on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:XPull handle of electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
To engage:
XSwitch off the ignition.XPress handle for electronic parking brake for at least
10 seconds until the warning message in the multifunction
display disappears.
If the warning message does not disappear:
XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using the
collapsible wheel chock from the vehicle tool kit
( Y page 450).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking
brake flashes.
The power supply for the electronic parking brake was
interrupted.XPull handle of electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.
or
XPress handle for electronic parking brake until the warning
message in the multifunction display disappears.470Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking
brake flashes and the yellow warning lamp for the electronic
parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the
red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes for
approximately 10 seconds. Afterward, it goes out or comes
on continuously. The yellow warning lamp for the electronic
parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning or overheated
for example due to overvoltage or undervoltage.XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
In the event of overvoltage or undervoltage:
XRemove the cause of the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g.
charge the battery or restart the engine.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake still cannot be released:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
If overheated:
XLet vehicle cool down, and do not engage electronic parking
brake during this time.
or
XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display471Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 471Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake
Inoperativ
eWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the
red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes
and goes out after approx. 10 seconds. The yellow warning
lamp for the electronic parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake cannot be engaged:
XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using a
chock from the vehicle tool kit ( Y page 450).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Service
See Oper.
ManualS 600 and S 65 AMG only:
The brake system sensors are malfunctioning. The brake
system continues to function normally with full brake force
boost.XContinue driving with added caution.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Check
Brake
Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
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.
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VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions:The trunk is open.XClose the trunk ( Y page 280).MYou are driving with the hood open.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to
do so.XClose the hood ( Y page 405).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
CYou are driving with at least one door open.
The display symbol shows you which doors are open.XClose all doors.EShift to PYou have attempted to turn off the engine with the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button and opened the driver’s door with the
automatic transmission not shift to park position P.XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).
or
XClose the driver’s door.ÂKey
Detected
In VehicleA SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO left in the vehicle was
recognized while trying to lock the vehicle from the outside.XTake the SmartKey out of the vehicle.ÂDon’t
Forget
Your KeyThis message appears for a maximum of 60 seconds if the
driver’s door is opened with the engine turned off and no
SmartKey in the starter switch. This message is only a
reminder.XTake the SmartKey with you when leaving the vehicle.ÂTake Your
Key From
IgnitionYou have forgotten to remove the SmartKey.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.ÂObtain a
New KeyThe SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be replaced.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.ÂClose
Doors to
Lock
VehicleYou tried to lock the vehicle but not all doors were closed.XClose doors and lock the vehicle again.478Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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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.
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Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·DISTRONIC PLUS
or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake: The red
distance warning
lamp comes on
while driving and
an acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or
DISTRONIC PLUS or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has recognized a stationary
obstacle on your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.
Vehicle
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe yellow fuel tank
reserve warning lamp in
the fuel gauge comes
on while driving.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
;
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 402).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.496What to do if …Practical hints
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RYour hands should be dry and free of oil and
grease.
RIf the newly installed bulb does not come
on, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
iMercedes-Benz recommends using
Longlife (LL) bulbs.
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
GWarning!
Do not remove the cover for the Bi-Xenon
headlamp. Because of high voltage in Xenon
lamps, it is dangerous to replace the bulb or
repair the lamp and its components. It is
recommended to have such work done by a
qualified technician.
Before you start to replace a bulb for a front
lamp, do the following:
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
XOpen the hood (Y page 404).
High-beam spot (vehicles with halogen
daytime running lamps)
XTurn housing cover : counterclockwise
and remove it.
XTurn bulb socket ; counterclockwise and
pull it out.
XPull the bulb out of bulb socket ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb socket ;.XInsert bulb socket ;.
Driver’s side headlamp: Wire = is guided
to the upper right.
Passenger-side headlamp: Wire = is
guided to the lower left.
XTurn bulb socket ; clockwise.
Handle ? of bulb socket ; is in a
horizontal position.
XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise.
High-beam spot (vehicles with LED
daytime running lamps)
or
infrared light (Night View Assist Plus)
i To replace bulbs of the driver’s side
headlamp, the washer fluid reservoir in the
engine compartment must be released.
Have such work performed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XTurn housing cover : counterclockwise
and remove it.
XTurn bulb socket ; counterclockwise and
pull it out.
XPress both tabs to the left and right of bulb
socket ; and pull the bulb out of bulb
socket ;.
XInsert and press the new bulb into bulb
socket ; until it engages.
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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.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 302).
!
Keep in mind that it is important to have
the ignition switched on. Removing the
SmartKey from the starter switch or
opening a front door with the ignition
switched off will automatically shift the
automatic transmission into park position
P .
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
Towing with front axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: 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.
XSwitch off the automatic central locking
( Y page 210).XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 302).XMake sure the automatic transmission
remains in neutral position N. Observe
instructions, see “Remaining in neutral
position N” ( Y page 319).
!
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
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 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.
! Keep in mind that it is important for the
SmartKey to be left in starter switch with
the ignition switched off. As soon as the
SmartKey is removed from the starter
switch the automatic transmission will shift
to park position P.
Fuses
Introduction
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the components and
systems secured by that fuse will stop
operating.
GWarning!
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
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