2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS check engine

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
7G-TRONIC: it is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse
gear.
9G-TRONIC: it is only partly possible to engage the gears or the trans-
mission is in position N .X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
7G-TRONIC: If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second
gear, if R is selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 )
if: R
the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children. Refueling 159
Driving and parking Z

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: the ESP ®
system
operates automatically. The engine and the
ignition must therefore be switched off (the
SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if the electric parking brake
is tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: the ESP ®
sys-
tem operates automatically. The engine and
the ignition must therefore be switched off
(the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if: R
the electric parking brake is tested using a
brake dynamometer. R
the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 66)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 67).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equiva lent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle. Driving tips 167
Driving and parking Z

Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pads/linings when replacing
brake disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake discs. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes The high-performance brake system is only
available on Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are 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 tempera-
ture 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 mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An
aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a
qualified specialist workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period. Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performa nce d riving,
i
t is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing 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 may occur,
you must drive in the following manner: R
lower your speed R
avoid ruts R
avoid sudden steering movements 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. Oth-
erwise, 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 by the engine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.168
Driving tips
Driving an d parking

R
if the camera lens fogs up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a rapid
change in temperature R
if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed R
if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the rear
view camera may be restricted due to additional
accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g.
license plate holder, bicycle rack).
The guide lines on the multimedia system show
the distances to your vehicle. The distances only
apply to road level.
The rear view camera is protected from rain-
drops and dust by means of a flap. When the rear
view camera is activated, this flap opens.
The flap closes again when: R
you have finished the maneuvering process R
you switch off the engine R
you open the trunk
Observe the notes on cleaning ( Y
page 323).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain open
briefly after the rear view camera has been
deactivated.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera X
To activate: make sure that the Activa‐
tion by R gear function is selected in the
multimedia system; see Digital Operator's
Manual. X
Engage reverse gear.
The rear view camera flap opens. The multi-
media system shows the area behind the vehi-
cle with guide lines.
The image from the rear view camera is avail-
able throughout the maneuvering process. X
Shift the transmission to position P .
or X
Drive forwards a short distance. Displays in the multimedia system The rear view camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera does not show objects in
the following positions: R
very close to the rear bumper R
under the rear bumper R
in the area immediately above the handle in
the trunk lid
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.: R
the bumper of a parked vehicle R
the drawbar of a trailer R
the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch R
the rear section of an HGV R
a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bottom-
most guideline.
C
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle D
White guide line without turning the steering
wheel, vehicle width including the exterior
mirrors (static)

objects and pedestrians cannot be gaged accu-
rately by looking at a screen.
Animal recognition Animals can be recognized in the following sit-
uations: R
darkness R
outside built-up areas R
below an ambient temperature of 90 ‡
(32 †).
Night View Assist Plus can recognize larger ani-
mals such as deer, cows or horses using typical
characteristics.
The system does not detect: R
smaller animals, e.g. dogs and cats R
animals whose silhouette is not clearly rec-
ognizable
When detected, animals are marked with small
color frame corners. In contrast to pedestrian
recognition, there is no separate readiness sym-
bol in the multifunction display.
Activating/deactivating Night View
Assist Plus
Activation conditions You can only activate Night View Assist Plus if all
of the following conditions are met: R
the ignition is switched on ( Y
page 145) or the
engine has been started. R
the light switch is in the X or X posi-
tion. R
reverse gear has not been engaged.
Activating/deactivating X
Press button C .
If Night View Assist Plus is activated, the
Night View Assist Plus display is shown in the
multifunction display.
The infrared headlamps only switch on in the
dark from speeds of approximately 6 mph
(10 km/ h) . This means that you do not have the
full visual range while the vehicle is stationary
and cannot check whether Night View Assist
Plus is working. The infrared headlamps are
deactivated at speeds below 3 mph (5 km/h).
The Night View image continues to be displayed
until you deactivate it by pressing button C .
Automatic activation You can select the Night View Assist Auto‐
matic Activation option via the Night View
Assist menu. The pedestrian and animal search
function remains active even when the Night
View image is not displayed. In the dark, in unlit
surroundings and at speeds of more than
60 km/h, the Night View image is automatically
displayed in the multifunction display as soon as
pedestrians or animals are detected. X
In the assistance menu, select automatic acti-
vation of Night View Assist Plus
( Y
page 222).
Spotlight function
General notes Under certain conditions, the spotlight function
uses the headlamps to flash at detected pedes-
trians.
The spotlight function is only active if: R
pedestrian recognition is active R
the road surface is not lit R
the driving speed is at least 40 mph
(60 km/h) R
the "Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS" func-
tion is activated ( Y
page 127).
The spotlight function is not active or is active
only to a limited extent if: R
you are driving in city traffic R
there are pedestrians located in the area of an
oncoming vehicle or a vehicle in front
Activating the spotlight function
The pedestrian detection with spotlight function
is running the background. If the prerequisites
are met, the spotlight function uses the head-202
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipmen t integrate d in th e vehi-
cle while driving , you will be distracte d from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of th e vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Only operate th e equipmen t when th e traffic
situation permits. If you are no t sur e that this
is possible , park th e vehicl e payin g attention
to traffic condition s and operate th e equip-
men t when th e vehicl e is stationary.
You must observ e th e legal requirements for th e
country in whic h you are currentl y driving when
operating th e on-board computer.
G WARNIN G
If th e instrumen t cluste r has faile d or mal-
functioned, you may no t recognize function
restriction s in systems relevan t to safety. The
operating safet y of your vehicl e may be
impaired . Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Hav e th e vehicl e checke d
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
If th e operating safet y of your vehicl e is
impaired , pull ove r as soo n as it is saf e to do so.
Contac t a qualified specialist workshop.
The on-board computer only shows message s or
warning s from certain systems in th e multifunc-
tion display. You should therefor e mak e sur e
your vehicl e is operating safely at all times .
Fo r an overview, see th e instrumen t panel illus-
tration ( Y
page 35).
Hybrid vehicles: mak e sur e that you read th e
separat e Operator's Manual. Otherwise, you
may no t recognize dangers.
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The ligh t sensor in th e instrumen t cluste r auto -
matically control s th e brightness of th e multi-
function display. In daylight, th e displays in th e instrumen t cluste r are illuminated. A dimming
function is no t possible in daylight.
The lighting in th e instrumen t cluster, in th e dis-
plays and th e control s in th e vehicl e interior can
be adjusted usin g th e brightness control knob.
The brightness control is locate d between th e
instrumen t cluste r and th e multimedia system
display ( Y
page 36). X
Turn th e brightness control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
If you tur n th e ligh t switch ( Y
page 124) to th e
` , X or X position , th e brightness
will depend upon th e brightness of th e ambi -
en t light.
Speedometer segments The segments in th e speedometer indicat e
whic h spee d range is available. R
Cruis e control activated ( Y
page 169):
The segments ligh t up from th e store d spee d
to th e en d of th e scale.R
DISTRONI C PLU S activated ( Y
page 171):
On e or two segments in th e set spee d range
ligh t up. R
DISTRONI C PLU S detects a vehicl e in fron t
moving mor e slowly than th e store d speed:
The segments between th e spee d of th e vehi-
cle in fron t and th e store d spee d ligh t up.
Tachometer
! Do no t driv e in th e overrevving range, as this
could damag e th e engine.
The red ban d in th e tachometer indicates th e
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel suppl y is interrupted to protect th e
engin e when th e red ban d is reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tion s when temperatures are aroun d freezing
point.
Bea r in min d that th e outside temperature dis-
play indicates th e temperature measured and
does no t record th e road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in th e multi-
function display ( Y
page 212).210
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up and th e red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
It is no t possibl e to apply th e electric parking brak e manually.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
' (USA
only)
M ( Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is no t enough brak e flui d in th e brak e fluid reservoir .
In addition , th e ' (US A only) or M (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in th e instrumen t cluste r and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNIN G
The braking effec t may be impaired.
There is a ris k of an accident.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions. Do no t continu e drivin g
under any circumstances. X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 162).X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .X
Do no t add brak e fluid . This does no t correc t th e malfunction .
& Check Brake Pad Wea r The brak e pads/linings hav e reached their wear limit.
US A only: th e red ' brak e system warning lamp also lights up while
th e engin e is running. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
S Inoperative On e or mor e main features of th e mbrace system are malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
Collision Preven ‐
tio n Assist Plu s
Currently Unavaila‐
ble See Operator' s
Manual COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S is temporarily no t operational.
Possibl e causes are: R
th e radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to elec -
tromagneti c radiation emitted by nearby TV or radi o station s or
other source s of electromagneti c radiationR
th e system is outside th e operating temperature rangeR
th e on-boar d voltag e is to o low.
Whe n th e causes state d abov e no longer apply, th e display message
disappears.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S is operational again .
If th e display message does no t disappear :X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 162).X
Restart th e engine. Display messages 23 3
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Radar Sensor s Dirty
See Operator' s Man ‐
ual The radar sensor system is malfunctioning .
Possibl e causes are: R
Dirt on sensor sR
Heavy rain or snow R
Whe n drivin g on inter-urban roads without traffic or infrastructure,
e.g. in desert-like area s
At least on e drivin g system or drivin g safet y system is malfunctioning
or is temporarily unavailable :R
PRE-SAF E ®
PLU SR
PRE-SAF E ®
BrakeR
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU SR
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis tR
Active Blind Spot Assis tR
DISTRONI C PLU S wit h Steering Assis t and Stop&Go Pilo t
If th e radar sensor system in fron t is dirty, Active Blind Spot Assis t will
no t perfor m a course-correcting brak e application .
A warning tone also sounds.
Once th e caus e of th e problem is no longer present, th e drivin g and
drive safet y systems will be available again . The display message dis-
appears.
If th e display message does no t disappear :X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 162).X
Switc h off th e engine.X
Clean all sensor s ( Y
page 323).X
Restart th e engine.
The display message disappears.
Check Lef t Rea r
Bel t See Operator' s
Manual or Check
Right Rea r Bel t See
Operator' s Manual The seat belt buckl e extender on th e right or lef t of th e rear compart-
men t is no t in th e predefine d position . The belt strap may be jammed
in th e belt tongue.
G WARNIN G
If th e seat belt buckl e extender is no t in th e predefine d position , th e
seat belt canno t provid e th e intended level of protection .
There is an increased ris k of injury.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Releas e th e jamming.X
Repeat th e seat belt fastenin g procedure .Display messages 23 5
On-board computer and displays Z