2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class engine

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Active Headlamps
InoperativeThe active light function is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Malfunction See
Oper. ManualThe exterior lighting is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
AUTO Lamp Function
InoperativeThe light sensor is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
USA only:
XSwitch off the daytime running lamps in the on-board computer
( Y page 377).XSwitch the lights on and off using the light switch.b
Please Switch Off
LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop.Adaptive High-beam
Assist
InoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 450).XIf coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
Display messages397On-board computer and displaysZ

! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
398Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is faulty.XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), continue driving
to the next qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a faulty alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil at
Next RefuelingVehicles with oil dipstick: the oil level has dropped to a critical
level.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 447).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 449).XHave the engine checked for leaks if engine oil has to be added
more often than usual.4
Check Engine Oil
Level(Add 1 quart)
(USA only)
Check Engine Oil
Level(Add 1 Liter)
(Canada only)Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 447).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 447).XHave the engine checked for leaks if engine oil has to be added
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
Display messages399On-board computer and displaysZ

The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4
Engine Oil Level
Low Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine OffVehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.
There is a risk of engine damage.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the parking brake.XAdd the engine oil ( Y page 449) and check the oil level
( Y page 447).4
Engine Oil Level
Too HighVehicles without an oil dipstick: you have added too much engine
oil. There is a risk of damage to the engine or to the catalytic
converter.XHave the excess oil siphoned off at a qualified specialist
workshop. Observe the legal requirements.4
Engine Oil Level
Cannot Be MeasuredVehicles without an oil dipstick: the measuring system is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.CThere is only a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Reserve FuelThe fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Gas Cap LooseThe fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.400Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsLane Keeping
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. Manual
Active Lane
Keeping Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualLane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is deactivated
and temporarily inoperative if:
R the windshield is dirty in the camera’s field of vision.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
R there are no lane markings for a longer period.
R the lane markings are worn, dark or covered, for example by dirt
or snow.
Lane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is operational
again and the display message disappears if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the camera is fully operational again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the windshield.Lane Keeping
Assist Inoperative
Active Lane
Keeping Assist
InoperativeLane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Blind Spot Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. Manual
Active Blind Spot
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualBlind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is temporarily
inoperative if:
R the sensors are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is operational again
and the display message disappears if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the radar sensor system is back within the operating
temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the sensors ( Y page 456).XRestart the engine.404Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsBlind Spot Assist
Inoperative
Active Blind Spot
Assist InoperativeBlind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is faulty.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance
InoperativeParking Guidance is faulty.XRestart the engine.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance
CanceledParking Guidance is deactivated because:
R the vehicle is skidding.
R the sensors are dirty.
R a malfunction has occurred.XReactivate Parking Guidance later.
If the parking space symbol is not displayed in the multifunction
display when you are driving at a speed of less than 19 mph
(30 km/h):
XClean the sensors ( Y page 456).XRestart the engine.
If the parking space symbol is still not displayed in the
multifunction display when you are driving at a speed of less than
19 mph (30 km/h):
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance is deactivated because you have left the lane.XPark again and, while doing so, observe the display messages
in the multifunction display.Parking Guidance
FinishedThe vehicle is parked. A warning tone also sounds.
The display message disappears automatically.DISTRONIC PLUS
OffDISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated. If it was deactivated
automatically, a warning tone also sounds ( Y page 333).DISTRONIC PLUS
Available AgainDISTRONIC PLUS is operational again after having been
temporarily unavailable. You can now reactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 325).Display messages405On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational again and the display message
disappears if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 456).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 456).XRestart the engine.DISTRONIC PLUS
InoperativeDISTRONIC PLUS is faulty. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
also have failed. A warning tone also sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC PLUS
OverrideYou have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mphAn activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.XCheck activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 325).406Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Check Tire PressureGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 502).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 487).h
Correct Tire
PressureThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 487).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to P or N
to startto Start
Engine to Start
EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R or D.XShift the transmission to position P or N.Auxiliary Battery
Malfunction
(white display
message)The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer
being charged.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Auxiliary Battery
Malfunction
(red display message)The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is discharged.
If there is a malfunction in the vehicle's electrical system, you may
not be able to change the transmission position.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Apply brake to
Shift from 'P'You have attempted to move the transmission selector lever to
position D, R or N without depressing the brake pedal.XDepress the brake pedal.Door Open
Vehicle Not in ParkThe driver's door is open and the transmission is in position R, N
or D.XShift the transmission to position P.XEngage the parking brake.Display messages409On-board computer and displaysZ