2016 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class SEDAN Owner's Manual

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
åNThe yellow ESP®OFF warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If ESP
®is switched off, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
Further driving systems or driving safety systems are thus restricted, e.g. Active
Blind Spot Assist. The system does not perform course-correcting brake applica-
tions.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 74), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 73).
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP
®cannot be activated:
XDrive on carefully.
XContact a qualified specialist workshop and have ESP®checked.
F!N F (USA only) or !(Canada only): the red indicator lamp for the electric
parking brake flashes or is lit and/or the yellow warning lamp for the electric
parking brake is lit.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
6N The red restraint system warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The restraint system is faulty.
GWARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be triggered uninten-
tionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XContact a qualified specialist workshop and have the restraint system checked.
For further information about the restraint system, see (
Ypage 44).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster319
On-board computer and displays
Z

Engine
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
;NThe yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
There may be a malfunction, for example:
Rin the engine management
Rin the fuel injection system
Rin the exhaust system
Rin the ignition system
Rin the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be in emergency
mode.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
iIn some states, you must immediately visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as the yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up. This is due to the legal
requirements in effect in these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal
regulations apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
8N The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station.
8N The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
In addition, the ;Check Engine warning lamp may light up.
The fuel filler cap is not closed correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler cap.
XIf the fuel filler cap is closed:visit a qualified specialist workshop.
?NThe red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running. The coolant
temperature gauge is at the beginning of the cold range.
The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gage is defective.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a risk of engine
damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 189).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
320Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
?NThe red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or
the electric engine radiator fan may be malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 189).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 356).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is below 257 ‡
(125 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain
and stop-start traffic.
?N The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running. A warning
tone also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 255 ‡(124 †). The airflow to the engine
radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too low.
GWARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some fluids which
may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 189).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has
cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 356).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster321
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
XAt coolant temperatures below 257‡(125 †), you can continue driving to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain
and stop-start traffic.
Driving systems
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
·NThe red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion. A warning
tone also sounds.
You are approaching a vehicle, a pedestrian or a stationary obstacle in your line of travel at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to brake or take
evasive action.
Further information on PRE ‑SAFE
®Brake (Ypage 75).
For further information about the distance warning function of COLLISION PRE-
VENTION ASSIST PLUS, see (
Ypage 71).
322Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Tires
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
hNThe yellow combination low tire pressure telltale/TPMS malfunction telltale for
the TPMS (pressure loss or malfunction) is lit.
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at least one of the tires.
GWARNING
Tire pressures that are too low pose the following hazards:
Rthey may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed increase.
Rthey may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly impair tire trac-
tion.
Rthe driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may be greatly
impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking maneuvers. Pay
attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 189).
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a flat tire
(Ypage 367).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 390).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
hN The yellow combination low tire pressure telltale/TPMS malfunction telltale for
the TPMS (pressure loss or malfunction) flashes for approximately one minute and
then remains lit.
The tire pressure monitor is faulty.
GWARNING
The system is possibly unable to recognize or register low tire pressure.
There is a risk of an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster323
On-board computer and displays
Z

Vehicle
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
ÐNThe red power steering warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The power steering is malfunctioning.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.
If you are able to steer safely:
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If you are unable to steer safely:
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
324Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific 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.
iRead the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Ypage 28).
Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the
trunk lid is open when the engine is running,
especially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a
risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the trunk lid. Never drive with the trunk lid
open.
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehicle
are dependent on the distribution of the load
within the vehicle. For this reason, you should
observe the following notes when transporting a
load:
RNever exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight or the gross axle weight
rating of the vehicle (including occupants).
The values are specified on the vehicle iden-
tification plate on the B-pillar of the driver's
door.
RThe trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
RPosition heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the trunk as possible.
RThe load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
RAlways place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
RSecure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges for
protection.
Stowage spaces
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants. In
addition, cupholders, open stowage spaces
and mobile phone brackets cannot always
retain all objects they contain. There is a risk of injury, particularly in the event of sudden
braking or a sudden change in direction.
RAlways stow objects so that they cannot be
thrown around in such situations.
RAlways make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage spaces, parcel nets or
stowage nets.
Stowage areas325
Stowage and features
Z

RClose the lockablestowage spaces before
starting a journey.
RAlwa ys stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
te d, sharp-edged, fragile or bulky objects in
the trunk.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 325).
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
XTo open: pullhandle :and open glove box
flap ;.
XTo close: fold glove box flap ;upwards unt il
it engages.
The glove box can becooled (
Ypage 159).
The glove box contains:
Ra co inholder
Ra pen holder
Rthree cr editcard holders
Ra holder for the multimedia system remote
control.
The glove box can only be locked and unlocked
using the mechanical key (Ypage 81).
XTo lock: insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it 90° clockwise to position 2.
XTo unlock:insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it90° counter-clockwise to
position 1.
Eyeglasses compartment
XTo open: press marking :.
The eyeglasses compartment opens down-
wards.
XTo close: press marking :again and the
eyeglasses compartment returns upwards
and engages.
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment is
always closed while the vehicle isin motion.
Stowage compartments in the center con-
sole
XTo open: briefly press marking ;.
XTo close:push stowage compartment :in
the direction of the arrow until it engages.
326Stowage areas
Stowage and features