2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class warning lights

The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times. G
WARNING
When it is dark or foggy, turn the light switch
quickly from 000Dto000A.O therwise, the
headlamps could switch off temporarily and
you could cause an accident.
Front fog lamps G
WARNING
If you suspect tha tdriving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to 000Abefore you
start yourj ourney. Your vehicle may
otherwise not be visible and you could
endanger yourself and others. G
WARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position 000Dto000A with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from 000Dto000A will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
X To switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Aor0012. If the
light switch is set to 000D, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.
X Pull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green 000Bindicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.
X To switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green 000Bindicator lamp on the light
switch goes out. Rear fog lamp X
To switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Aor0012
(vehicles with front fog lamps), or turn the
light switch to 000A(vehicles without front
fog lamps). If the light switch is set to
000D, you cannot switch on the rear fog
lamp.
X Turn the light switch to 000A. If the light
switch is set to 0012, you cannot switch on
the rear fog lamp.
X Pull the light switch out to the second stop
(vehicles with front fog lamps) or pull it out
to the stop (vehicles without front fog
lamps).
The yellow 000Dindicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.
X To switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow 000Dindicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Headlam pcleaning system If the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times (Y
page 289) while the
lights are on and the engine is running, the
headlamps are cleaned automatically. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning syste mis reset and
counting is resumed from 0. 282
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Combination switch
Turn signals 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Right tur nsignal
0026 High-beam flasher
0025 Left turn signal
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow 0003or0025.
The corresponding tur nsignal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow 0003or0025.
High-beam headlamps X
To switch on th ehigh-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000A.
X Press the combination switc hbeyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0002.
The 0009 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The 0009 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1or 2or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow 0026. Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down rapidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
X To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button 0002.
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.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0002.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6m ph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Exterior lighting
283Lights and windshield wipers Z

the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The 0009indicator lamp in
the instrument cluste ralso lights up.
If you drive at speeds below approximately
30 mph (45 km/h) or if other road users
are identified or if the roads are sufficiently
illuminated:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The 0009indicator lamp in
the instrumen tcluster goes out. The 0003
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.
X To deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The 0003 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. G
WARNING
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to suppor tyou 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
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the 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:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In 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. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
X Drive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
0002
0011 Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
0003 0001 Switches the rear interior lighting
on/off
0026 0004 Switches the front interior lighting
on/off
0025 0018 Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off
0023 0011 Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off Interior lighting
285Lights and windshield wipers Z

can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
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. G
WARNING
Bulbs and lamps can become very hot. For
this reason, allow them to cool down before
changing them. Otherwise, you could burn
yourself when you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could, for example, damage
the bulbs and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may explode and injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and could
explode when you change them, especially if
they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them. Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend. Bi-Xenon headlamps (vehicles with halogen
daytime running lamps)
0002
High-beam spot lamp: H7 55 W Bi-Xenon headlamps (vehicles with LED daytime
running lamps)
0002
High-beam spot lamp 13
: H11 55 W
0003 Infrared light (Night View Assist Plus):
H11 55 W
13 Due to their location, have the bulbs in the left-hand headlamp changed at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Replacing bulbs
287Lights and windshield wipers Z

Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off G
WARNING
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wea rand tear. Replace the wipe rblades
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 windshield 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
0005
000E Windshield wipers off
0006 0004 Intermittent wipe, low 14
0007 0005 Intermittent wipe, high 15
000B 0014 Continuous wipe, slow 000C
000F Continuous wipe, fast
0024 0005 Single wipe/ 0006To wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn 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 the ndamage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the 0004or0005 position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the 0005 position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the 0004position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently. Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the SmartKey from the
ignition loc kbefore 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.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield.
14 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
15 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity. Windshield wipers
289Lights and windshield wipers Z

Notes on using climate control
Below, you can find a numbe rofnotes and
recommendations to help you use climate
control optimally.
R Activate climate control using the 0004
rocker switch. The indicator lamp in the
0004 rocker switch lights up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 † ).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as in air-recirculation
mode no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off. Operating the climate control
systems
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information G
WARNING
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 Switch on climate control primarily using
the 0004 rocker switch (Y page 297). Switching the front climate control on/
off using the front control panel X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To activate: press the0012rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again.
X To deactivate: press the0012rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
lights up.
Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the front
control panel X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Activate the 0007rear compartment
function via COMAND (Y page 273).
The rear-compartment climate control can
be controlled via the front control panel
using the 0007rear compartment function.
X To activate: press the0012rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again.
X To deactivate: press the0012rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
lights up. 296
Operating the climate control systemsClimate control

Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the rear
control panel X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on: press rocker switch
001F(Y page 295) up or down and select
AUTO .
or
X Press rocker switch 001F(Ypage 295) up or
down and select MAN .
X To switch off: press rocker switch
001F(Y page 295) 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. G
WARNING
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 it 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 271).
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.
X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Setting climate control to automatic
G
WARNING
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.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
Controlling the front climate control
using the front control panel X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Set the desired temperature.
X To switch on: press the0004rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the 0004rocker
switch lights up. Operating the climate control systems
297Climate control Z

Windows fogged up on the outside
X
Switch on the windshield wipers.
X Activate automatic climate control.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clea ragain. Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating G
WARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear. Otherwise, the
rear window defroster switches off
automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Press the 000Brocker switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the 000Brocker
switch lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster The rear window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated.
X
Switch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically. Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated. G
WARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the 0008
button.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To activate: press the0010rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the 0010rocker
switch lights up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. The indicator lamp in the
0010 rocker switch is not lit when
automatic air-recirculation mode is
activated.
Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
X To deactivate: press the0010rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the 0010rocker
switch goes out. Operating the climate control systems
301Climate control Z