2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class warning light

Vehicle equipment
iThis 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.
Notes on driving abroad
Convert 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
from 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.
Convert 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
Operation
1WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps
5TSide lamps, license plate and
instrument lighting
6LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7NFog lamps148RRear fog lamps
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch (Y page 274).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the side lamps/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
Rremove the key from the ignition lock
Ropen 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.
XTurn the light switch to $ or c.
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press
the light switch in to the stop.14Only vehicles with Bi-Xenon headlamps without Intelligent Light System* are equipped with front fog lamps.272Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers* optional

When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the T indicator lamp on
the light switch lights up.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp
Front fog lamps
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.
GWarning!
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position c to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from c to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
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 T . If the
light switch is set to c, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamps
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 T
(vehicles with fog lamps) or turn the light
switch to L (vehicles without fog
lamps). When the light switch is set toc , you cannot switch on the rear fog
lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to T, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop
(vehicles with fog lamps) or pull it out to the
stop (vehicles without fog lamps).
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Combination switch
Turn signal
: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 ?.274Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

High-beam headlampsXTo 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.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
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
Rvisibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
Rthe 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:
RRoad users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
RRoad users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
RRoad users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
RIn 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 377).
XTurn the light switch to c.Exterior lighting275Lights and windshield wipersZ

XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
(Y page 274).
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the _ indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 28 mph (45 km/h):
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 are 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) or other
road users are 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 if:
Ran 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 of above 6 mph
(10 km/h).
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 281). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
276Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Switch the reading lamp off=Interior lighting
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the key is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
The OFF indicator lamp shows whether the
automatic interior lighting control is
deactivated (indicator lamp on) or
activated (indicator lamp off).
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off
using COMAND ( Y page 259).
Manual interior lighting control
XTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
GWarning
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
GWarning!
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
278Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windscreen after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low173Å Intermittent wipe, high184° Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î to wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
XSwitch the ignition on.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is automatically set
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes
GWarning
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state 0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
17Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.18Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.
Windshield wipers281Lights and windshield wipersZ

FunctioniNotes/tipsDSwitches the rear window
defroster on/offESets the airflow, rightFSets the temperature, rightSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).GSets climate control to
automatic, rightActivate climate control using the à rocker
switch. The indicator lamp in the à rocker switch
lights up.Rear control panelHSets the temperature, leftSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).ISets the air distribution, leftJSets the airflowKOFF Deactivates the rear-
compartment climate control
AUTO Sets the rear-
compartment climate control
to automatic
MAN Sets the rear-
compartment climate control
to manualLSets the air distribution, rightMSets the temperature, rightSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).Operating the climate control
systems
Switching climate control on/off
Important information
GWarning!
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Activate climate control primarily using
the à rocker switch ( Y page 289).
Activating/deactivating the front
climate control using the front control
panelXTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XTo switch on: press the ^ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again.XTo switch off: press the ^ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
lights up.288Operating the climate control systemsClimate control

Activating/deactivating the rear-
compartment climate control using the
front control panelXTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XActivate the Y rear compartment
function via COMAND ( Y page 265).
The rear-compartment climate control can
be controlled via the front control panel
using the Y rear compartment function.XTo switch on: press the ^ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again.XTo switch off: press the ^ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
lights up.
Activating/deactivating the rear-
compartment climate control using the
rear control panel
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XTo activate: press rocker switch
K (Y page 287) up or down and select
AUTO .
or
XPress rocker switch K (Y page 287) up or
down and select MAN.XTo deactivate: press rocker switch
K (Y page 287) up or down and select
OFF .
Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.GWarning
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when the automatic climate
control is in cooling mode. This is normal and
not a sign that there is a malfunction.
You can activate or deactivate the "cooling
with air dehumidification" function via
COMAND ( Y page 263).
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Problems with the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function
If you can no longer switch on the cooling with
air dehumidification function via COMAND,
the cooling with air dehumidification function
is switched off due to a malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWarning
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Operating the climate control systems289Climate controlZ