2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN check engine

Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals
by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads. G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 70) or of BAS PLUS on
(Y page 70).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles The high-performance brake system is
installed

only on the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG. G
WARNING
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide

optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly. The high-performance brake system is
designed for heavy loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R
speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake

system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R
you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in

conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
R reduce your speed
R avoid ruts
R brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads !
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check

the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in Driving tips
329
Driving and parking Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible.
Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 31). Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
(Y page 35). G
WARNING
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver

when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second. G
WARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps R
malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If

you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible. G
WARNING
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions

included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle. G
WARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance

and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages. Displays and operation
Coolant temperature display
G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause
some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the 372
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

X
Press a.
The current selection is displayed.
X To activate/deactivate: press a
again.
When ATTENTION ASSIST (Y page 356) is
activated, the À symbol appears in the
multifunction
display when the ignition is on.
Activating/deactivating Blind Spot
Assist You can use the
Blind Spot Assist
function to activate or deactivate Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 360) or Active Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 364).
X Press = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the DriveAssist menu.
X Press 9
or : to select Blind Spot
Assist.
X Press a.
The current selection is displayed.
X To activate/deactivate: press a
again.
Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist You can use the
Lane Keeping Assist
function
to activate/deactivate Lane Keeping
Assist (Y page 362) or Active Lane Keeping
Assist (Y page 367).
X Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the DriveAssist
menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Lane Keeping Assist.
X Press a.
The current selection is displayed.
X To activate/deactivate: press a
again.
If Lane Keeping Assist or Active Lane keeping
Assist is activated, the multifunction display
shows the à symbol when the ignition is
switched on. Service menu
In the Service menu you can:
R call up display messages

(Y page 388)
R check the tire pressure electronically
(Y page 497)
R call up the service due date (Y page 462)
R check the oil level ( Y page 457) Settings menu
Introduction The Settings menu can be used for:
R
switching the daytime running lamps on/
off
R switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist on/
off
R showing or hiding the additional
speedometer
R selecting the units for speed and distance
R switching the belt adjustment on/off
R activating/deactivating the radar sensor
system
Switching the daytime running lamps
on/off This function is not available in Canada.
If

you have activated the Daytime Running
Light function and the light switch is in the
$ or c position, the daytime running
lamps are switched on automatically when
the engine is running.
In the dark, the following also light up:
R the parking lamps
R the tail lamps
R the license plate lamp
R the side marker lamps
If you turn the light switch to a different
position, the corresponding lights are
switched on. If you switch off the daytime
running lamps at night, make sure that the
light switch is set to L or c.
The factory setting is On. Menus and submenus
385
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$(USA
only)J(Canada
only)
Service See Oper.
Manual There is a malfunction in the system. The brake system continues
to operate normally.
X
Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. $(USA
only)J(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level G
Risk of accident
There is not enough 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.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention
to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Engage the electric parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction. G
WARNING
Driving with the message Check
Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
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. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
Inoperative USA only: one or more of the main functions in the mbrace system
are malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system are malfunctioning.
X
USA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Canada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual
G
Risk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®

have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.396
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsb
Please Switch Off
Lights The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Turn the light switch to $ or c.
or
X If the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop. Adaptive High-beam
Assist inoperative Adaptive Highbeam Assist is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See Oper.
Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
(Y page 460).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The
coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored. 404
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The poly-V-belt may have torn.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do
not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam

from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged. Display messages
405
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The engine fan is defective.
X
At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 † ), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. # The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R
a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do

not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check Engine Oil
at Next Refueling Vehicles with an oil dipstick: the oil level has dropped to the
minimum level.
X
Check the engine oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page 457).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 459).
X If engine oil needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check Engine Oil
Level

(Add 1 quart)
(USA only)Check
Engine Oil Level
(Add 1 Liter)
(Canada only) Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level (Y page 457).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 457).
X If engine oil needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at

http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).406
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

!
The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions4
Engine Oil Level
Low Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine Off Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.
There is a risk of engine damage.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Add engine oil ( Y page 459) and check the oil level
(Y page 457). 4
Engine Oil Level
Too High Vehicles without an oil dipstick: you have added too much engine
oil. There is a risk of damage to the engine or to the catalytic
converter.
X
Have the excess oil siphoned off at a qualified specialist
workshop. Observe the legal requirements. 4
Engine Oil Level
Cannot Be Measured Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the measuring system is
defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 8
Reserve Fuel The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. C There is only a very small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station without fail. 8
Gas Cap Loose The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
X Close the fuel filler cap.
If the fuel filler cap is correctly closed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 8
Ultra Low-sulfur
Diesel Fuel Only Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel level has fallen below the
reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station.
X Only use commercially available vehicular ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM). Display messages
407On-board computer and displays Z