2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Condition

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

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsService Required
Do Not Shift GearsYou cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position D is selected:XDrive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R, N or P is selected:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.Only Shift to 'P'
when Vehicle is
StationaryThe vehicle is moving.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XShift the transmission to position P.NThe trunk lid is open.XClose the trunk lid.MGRisk of accident
The hood is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XClose the hood.CAt least one door is open.XClose all doors.D
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Oper. ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering assistance is faulty. You will need to use more
force to steer.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.¥
Top up washer fluidThe washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 450).410Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

SmartKeyDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÂ
Key Does Not
Belong to VehicleYou have put the wrong SmartKey in the ignition lock.XUse the correct SmartKey.Â
Take Your Key From
IgnitionThe SmartKey is in the ignition lock.XRemove the SmartKey.Â
Obtain a New Key The SmartKey needs to be replaced.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Â
Replace Key BatteryThe batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.XChange the batteries ( Y page 79).Â
Don't Forget Your
KeyThe display message is displayed for a maximum of 60 seconds
and is just a reminder.
You have opened the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the ignition lock.XTake the KEYLESS-GO key with you when leaving the vehicle.Â
Key Not Detected
(red display message)The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle
centrally or start the engine.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XLocate the KEYLESS-GO key.The KEYLESS-GO key is not detected while the engine is running
because there is interference from a strong source of radio waves.
A warning tone also sounds.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XOperate the vehicle with the KEYLESS-GO key in the ignition
lock if necessary.Display messages411On-board computer and displaysZ

Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Brakes
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF (USA only)
! (Canada only)
The red indicator lamp
for the electric parking
brake flashes and/or
the yellow warning
lamp for the electric
parking brake lights up.The electric parking brake is temporarily malfunctioning or
defective.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the fluid reservoir.
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.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify 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.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster413On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions֌!
The yellow ESP ®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
EBD is faulty. Therefore, ABS, BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and hill start assist are also
not available.
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 ESP ®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running.GRisk of accident
ABS and ESP ®
are faulty. Therefore, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and hill start assist are not
available either, due to a malfunction.
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 ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.XRelease the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.XDo not deactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 69).26
Not available on HYBRID vehicles.416Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionså
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
is deactivated. ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts
to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 69).XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
XHave ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.֌
The yellow ESP ®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function and hill start assist are not available, due to a malfunction.
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
ATTENTION ASSIST 26
is deactivated.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The air bags or ETDs
may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an
accident, not be triggered at all.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWarning
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
26 Not available on HYBRID vehicles.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster417On-board computer and displaysZ

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

service subscription to a surveillance
service provider.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the corresponding cellular phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
customer center.
i Determining the location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the customer center.
The mbrace system
The mbrace system provides three different
services:
R automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB info call
To control the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the H volume controller of
COMAND ( Y page 117).
You can find information and a description of
all available features under "Owners Online"
at http://www.mbusa.com 29
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
GWarning
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if any or all of the following
conditions occur:
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not come on during the system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button º does not come on during the
system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Information button
E does not come on during the system
self-test.
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button,
Roadside Assistance button º, or
Information button E remains
illuminated constantly in red after the
system self-test.
R The message Tele Aid Inoperative or
Tele Aid Not Activated appears in the
multifunction display after the system self-
test.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
case of an emergency, help will have to be
summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under the number
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
Emergency call
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Make sure
that your system is activated and ready for
use, and press the E MB info call button
to register. If you cannot carry out any of
the steps mentioned, the system may not
be activated.
If you have any questions concerning
activation, please contact one of the
following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
29 USA only.Features433Loading, stowing and featuresZ