2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class warning light

Seat beltsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up for 6 seconds.The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger
to fasten their seat belts.XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 55).7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to 6 seconds.GRisk of injury
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 55).
The warning tone ceases.7
The red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts,
as soon as the driver's
or the front-passenger
door is closed.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 55).
The warning lamp goes out.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out.7
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. In
addition, you are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have
briefly driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 55).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent audible warning
ceases.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. In addition, you are
driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent audible warning
ceases.414Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
Therefore, BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS),
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program), EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution), PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function
and hill start assist are also deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST 26
is deactivated.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ABS is temporarily unavailable. Therefore, ABS, BAS, BAS PLUS,
ESP ®
, EBD, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and
hill start assist are also deactivated.
Self diagnosis is not yet complete.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST 26
is deactivated.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.26 Not available on HYBRID vehicles.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster415On-board computer and displaysZ

EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R the fuel system
The emission limit values may have been exceeded and the engine
may be breaking in emergency mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states/provinces, you are required by law to visit a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as the Check Engine
warning lamp lights up. If necessary, check whether this is the
case in the state/province you are in.
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the engine is
running.The 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.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The amount of fuel in the tank has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.418Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
A warning is issued if:
R you are approaching a vehicle in front at too great a speed
R DISTRONIC PLUS or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a stationary
obstacle in your line of travel
XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Tires
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow combination
low tire pressure
warning lamp/TPMS
malfunction warning
lamp is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow low tire
pressure warning lamp
for the TPMS is lit.GRisk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 487).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 502).h
USA only:
The yellow combination
low tire pressure
warning lamp/TPMS
malfunction warning
lamp flashes for sixty
seconds and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is faulty.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Each tire, including the spare tire (if there is one), should be inspected at least every two weeks
when they are cold and pumped to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (see
the tire and load data label on the B-pillar on the driver's side or the tire pressure table on the
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster419On-board computer and displaysZ

inside of the fuel filler flap of your vehicle, if there is one). If your vehicle has tires which are a
different size to those on the tire and load data label or those specified in the tire pressure table,
if there is one, you should determine the correct tire pressure for these tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitor (TPMS).
An indicator lamp lights up if one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure indicator lamp lights up, 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.
An excessively low tire pressure also increases fuel consumption, reduces the service life of the
tires and may impair the driving and braking characteristics of the vehicle. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level at which the low tire
pressure indicator lamp of the TPMS lights up.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure indicator lamp. When the system detects a malfunction, the indicator lamp will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator
is lit, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction indicator after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.420Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Stowage box in the rear seat backrest
! Do not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them.
XTo open: fold down the rear seat armrest.XPull handle : and fold down cover ;.
iIt will be easier to open the cover when
the rear seats are in the basic position.
Storage bags
GWarning!
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Storage bags are located in the rear
compartment on the driver's and front-
passenger seat backrests.
Stowage areas
Parcel nets
GWarning
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the left and right-hand sides
of the trunk.
Securing cargos
Cargo tie down rings
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
Rsecure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
Rdo not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
Rdo not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
Rpad sharp edges for protection.
There are four cargo tie down rings in the
trunk.
Stowage areas425Loading, stowing and featuresZ

XTo open: press marking ; at the front.XTo remove: slide catch : back and pull
the cup holder upwards.
XTo insert: insert the cup holder and slide
catch : forwards.
Cup holder in the rear seat armrest
! Do not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them.
Vehicles without multicontour seats in the rearcompartment
Vehicles without Rear Seat Entertainment System
Vehicles with Rear Seat Entertainment System
XTo open: fold down the rear armrest.XPress the marking on the front of cup
holder :.
XTo close: slide the cup holder back until it
engages.
Sun visors
Overview of sun visors
GWarning
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Reflected glare can endanger you and others.
:Mirror light;Bracket=Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket?Vanity mirrorAMirror cover428FeaturesLoading, stowing and features

Vanity mirror in the sun visor
Mirror light : only functions if the sun visor
is clipped into retainer ; and mirror cover
A has been folded up.
Glare from the side
XFold down the sun visor.XPull sun visor out of retainer ;.XSwing the sun visor to the side.
Rear window roller sunblind
Important safety information
GWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could:
Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle
Rbe seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
GWarning!
When operating the rear window sunshade
make sure there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the extending or retracting
procedure.
The extending or retracting procedure can be
immediately halted by briefly pressing rear
window sunshade switch. To reverse direction
of movement, press rear window sunshade
switch again.
Extending/retracting from the driver's
seat
! Make sure that the roller sunblind can
move freely. Otherwise, the roller sunblind
or other objects could be damaged.
At temperatures below -4 ‡ (-20 †), the roller
sunblind cannot be operated.
XTo extend or retract: briefly press
button :.
The roller sunblind fully extends or fully
retracts.
XTo stop: briefly press button : again.
The roller sunblind stops briefly and moves
back into the out-of-use position.
Extending/retracting from the rear
compartment
The switch is located on the rear door control
panel.
Features429Loading, stowing and featuresZ