2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class service

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Pkg Brake
InoperativeThe yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator
lamp flashes for approximately 10 seconds after application or
release F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only). It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch the ignition off and on, and then apply the electric
parking brake.
If it is not possible to apply the electric parking brake:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 464) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Turn On the
Ignition to
Release the
Parking BrakeThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
You have attempted to release the electric parking brake with the
ignition switched off.XKey: turn the key to position 1 in the ignition lock.XKEYLESS-GO: switch on the ignition.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
Service See Oper.
ManualThere is a malfunction in the system. The brake system continues
to operate normally.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
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.XApply the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.Display messages393On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsABC
Malfunction Stop
VehicleThe ABC (Active Body Control) vehicle level is too low.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
After a few seconds, the vehicle level is adjusted and the display
message disappears.The vehicle is leaking oil.
The display message is shown continuously.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 or breakdown service.The display message is shown continuously.
ABC is malfunctioning.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XMake only slight steering movements. The front fender or the
tires could be damaged if the steering movement is too large.XListen for scraping sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.ABC
Vehicle Rising
Please Wait BrieflyThe ABC vehicle level is too low when the vehicle is stationary.XDo not pull away.
The vehicle level is set when the display message disappears.ABC
MalfunctionThe ABC function is restricted. The vehicle's handling
characteristics may be affected.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.HOLD
OffThe HOLD function is deactivated. The vehicle is skidding or a
condition for activation is no longer met when the brake pedal is
firmly depressed. A warning tone also sounds.XReactivate the HOLD function later.Radar Sensors
Deactivated See
Oper. ManualThe radar sensor system is deactivated.XCheck whether or not the radar sensor system may be activated
( Y page 378).XSwitch on the radar sensor system ( Y page 378).Display messages403On-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

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

Socket in the cockpitXOpen the glove box (Y page 422).XLift up the cover of socket :.
Socket in the rear compartment
Vehicles with the smoker's package (example)
XLift up the cover of socket :.
Socket in the trunk
The socket is located in the cargo
compartment on the right-hand side trim.
XLift up the cover of socket :.
mbrace27
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:
RUSA: Response Center under
1-888-990-9007
RCanada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will
be sent to you by post. You can use this
password to log in to the mbrace section
under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com28.
The mbrace system is available if:
Rit has been activated and is operational.
Activation requires an available cellular
phone network, a valid SIM card and a
27The system is called TELEAID in Canada.28USA only.
432FeaturesLoading, stowing and features

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

pressed the SOS button. Carefully leave the
vehicle and move to a safe location. The
Response Center will automatically contact
local emergency officials with the vehicle's
approximate location if they receive an
automatic SOS signal and cannot make voice
contact with the vehicle occupants.
Roadside Assistance call buttonXOpen the stowage compartment under the
armrest ( Y page 423).XPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button : for more than two seconds.
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance Representative is initiated. The
indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button : flashes while the call is active.
The Connecting Call message appears in
the COMAND display and COMAND is
muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
COMAND display.
If a mobile phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Response
Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
R vehicle model
R vehicle color
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. You can switch to the
navigation menu by pressing the
S button on COMAND during the call.
Spoken commands are not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative and the vehicle occupants.XDescribe the type of assistance needed.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative either sends a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or organizes for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You may
be charged for services such as repair work
and/or towing. Further details are available
in your mbrace manual.
i If the indicator lamp in MB info call
button : flashes continuously and it was
not possible to establish a voice
connection to the Response Center, then
the mbrace system has failed to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call (e.g. the
corresponding cellular phone network is
not available). The Call Failed message
appears in the multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Call
could not be connected! message.
Press W to confirm the message.
XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the COMAND telephone
keypad.
i Sign and Drive services 30
: you are not
charged for services such as jump-starting,
providing a few gallons of fuel for a fuel tank
that has been run dry or changing a flat tire
with the vehicle's own spare tire.
30 USA only.Features435Loading, stowing and featuresZ

MB Info call buttonXThe stowage compartment under the
armrest ( Y page 423).XPress and hold MB info call button : for
more than two seconds.
A call to the Response Center is initiated.
MB info call button indicator lamp :
flashes while the connection is being
established. The Connecting Call
message appears in the multifunction
display. The COMAND display shows the
Information Call Activated message.
The audio system or COMAND is muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the
Information Call Activated message.
If a mobile phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Response
Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
R vehicle model
R vehicle color
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. You can switch to the
navigation menu by pressing the S
button on COMAND during the call. Spoken
commands are not available.
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the vehicle occupants is
established. You can obtain information on
how to operate your vehicle's systems, on the
location of the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center, and on further products and
services offered by Mercedes-Benz USA.
Further details on the mbrace system can be
found under http://www.mbusa.com 31
.
Log in under "Owners Online".
i If the indicator lamp in MB info call
button : flashes continuously and no
voice connection to the Response Center
has been established, then the mbrace
system has failed to initiate an MB info call
(e.g. the corresponding mobile phone
network is not available). The Call
Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Call
could not be connected! message.
Press W to confirm the message.XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the COMAND telephone
keypad.
Call priority
An emergency call can still be initiated even
if a service call is currently active, e.g. a
Roadside Assistance call or an MB info call.
In this case, an emergency call will take
priority and override all other active calls.
The indicator lamp of the respective button
flashes until the call is ended. An emergency
call can only be terminated by the Response
Center. All other calls can be ended by
pressing the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel or the
corresponding button for ending a telephone
call on the COMAND telephone keypad.
31 USA only.436FeaturesLoading, stowing and features