2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550 4MATIC warning lights

XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up. The SPORT handling
mode message appears in the multifunction
display.XTo deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP.
Do not switch off the ESP when a spare wheel
is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWarning!
Switch on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels are able to spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available and is
also not activated if you brake firmly with
the assistance of ESP.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available and
is also not activated if you brake firmly with
the assistance of ESP.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ä warning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
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XTo deactivate: press button : until the
å warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
The message ESC-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.GWarning
When the å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the ä ESP warning lamp and the
å ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP switched off. This
could cause serious damage to the drive
train.
XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. The message ESC-ON
appears in the multifunction display.
EBD
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWarning!
If the EBD 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.
Adaptive Brake
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
( Y page 188) and hill start assist
( Y page 152). For further information, see
Driving tips ( Y page 173).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS)
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision.
This function warns you from a speed of
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) when you
are rapidly approaching a vehicle in front. An
intermittent warning tone sounds and the
· distance warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditions may cause the
system to display an unnecessary warning.
At speeds of above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), if the driver and
passengers have fastened their seat belts,
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can:
R brake the vehicle automatically at speeds
ranging up to approximately 124 mph
(200 km/h)
R trigger preventative occupant protection
measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) ( Y page 51)
GWarning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
calculates that the distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle's current speed
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XTo unlock the fuel filler flap: insert the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Removing the mechanical key
XPush release catch : in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time remove
mechanical key ; from the SmartKey.
SmartKey battery
Important safety notes
It is advisable to have batteries replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
Batteries are toxic and contain caustic
substances. For this reason, keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
If a battery has been swallowed, visit a doctor
immediately.
GWarning
SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Check with
your local government's disposal guidelines.
California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm .
Checking the batteryXPress the & or % button.
The battery is working properly if battery
charge indicator lamp : lights up briefly.
If battery charge indicator lamp : does not
light up briefly during the test, the key
batteries are discharged.
XChange the key battery ( Y page 80).
i
Consult any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for a key battery.
i If the battery is tested within the signal
range of the vehicle, you can open or close
the vehicle by pressing & or %
respectively.
Changing the battery
You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey ( Y page 79).XPress mechanical key ; into the opening
in the SmartKey in the direction of the80SmartKeyOpening and closing
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iThe steering wheel only moves upwards if
it has not already reached the upper end
stop.
The steering wheel is moved to the last
selected position when:
Rthe driver's door is closed, and
Ryou insert the key into the ignition lock.
or
Rin vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, you press the
Start/Stop button once.
When you close the driver's door with the
ignition switched on, the steering wheel is
also automatically moved to the previously
set position.
The last position of the steering wheel is
stored after each manual setting or when you
store the setting with the memory function
(Y page 115).
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature in the on-board
computer (Y page 232).
GWarning
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
iIf the crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature
is triggered in an accident, the steering
column will move upwards when the
driver's door is opened. This occurs
irrespective of the position of the key in the
ignition lock. This makes it easier to exit the
vehicle and rescue the occupants.
The crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
only operational after an accident if the
EASY-EXIT/ENTRY feature is activated in
the on-board computer.
Mirrors
Rear-view mirror
Rear-view mirror (manual anti-glare)
XAnti-glare mode: flick anti-glare
switch : forwards or back.
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
GWarning
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
rear view mirror and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
The exterior mirrors are automatically heated
if the rear window heating is switched on and
the outside temperature is low.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.
XPress button : for the left-hand exterior
mirror or button ; for the right-hand
exterior mirror.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding
button lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after
some time. You can adjust the selected
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Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations. In these countries, the daytime
running lamps are automatically switched on
when the engine is started.
Notes on driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents oncoming traffic
from being dazzled. Symmetrical lights do not
illuminate as large an area of the edge of the
road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border when
returning.
Light switch
Operation1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument lighting4 cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsCNFront fog lampsBRRear fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 120).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking
lamps/standing lamps) switches off
automatically if you:
R remove the key from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the key in
position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
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Fog lamps and rear fog lamps
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
"fog lamps" function.
GWarning!
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or
start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
iIf you switch the engine off (key in
position 1 in the ignition lock) and then
restart it, the previous fog lamp settings are
restored.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
key in the ignition lock to position 2 or start
the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.
When the light switch is set to c, the
rear fog lamp only lights up if the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XPress the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
iIf you switch the engine off (key in
position 1 in the ignition lock) and then
restart it, the previous rear fog lamp
settings are restored.
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the c position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
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The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
GWarning!
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
You can use this function to set the
headlamps to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or
traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.XTo activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer ( Y page 230).XTurn the light switch to c.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
( Y page 120).
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the _ indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If you are driving at speeds above
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the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
if you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users have been detected:
the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
if you are driving at speeds below
approximately 30 mph (45 km/h) and other
road users have been detected or the roads
are illuminated sufficiently:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.
XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on:
Rif an air bag is deployed
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed above
6 mph (10 km/h) again.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 128). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Cornering light function
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