Understanding the Fuse System of Your 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 (W220)
Maintaining your 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 in top condition requires understanding its various systems, and the electrical system is no exception. Fuses play a critical role in protecting your vehicle’s electrical circuits from overloads. When an electrical component malfunctions or a circuit is overloaded, a fuse blows, interrupting the current flow and preventing damage to more expensive components. Knowing the location and function of each fuse in your 2001 S500 is essential for troubleshooting electrical issues and performing basic maintenance.
This guide provides a comprehensive fuse chart and location information specifically for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 (W220) model. Whether you are experiencing an electrical problem or simply performing routine checks, this information will help you navigate your S500’s fuse system with confidence.
2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 Fuse Chart
Below is a detailed fuse chart for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500. Please note that fuse numbering might slightly vary, and it is always best to cross-reference with the fuse diagram located in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the fuse box cover itself. Important Note: Fuse #16 in some diagrams may be incorrectly labeled and should be considered as Fuse #6.
**Fuse and Relay chart------------ NOTE: Fuse #16 in the diagram above should be labeled #6**
Consuming unit---------------------------------------------------- FUSE NUMBER ----------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
ABC SUSPENSION------------------------ 9, 46
ADJUSTABLE MIRROR, LEFT ------------------------------ 13, 26
ADJUSTABLE MIRROR, RIGHT --------------------------------- 26, 39
ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ----------------------------- 3, 4, 25
AIR SUSPENSION ------------------------------------ 9, 32
AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR -------------------------------- 32
ANTI-THEFT ALARM --------------------------------- 51, 77
AUT MATIC TEMP CONTROL ---------------------------- 23, 35, 47
AUTOMATIC DIMMING EXTERIOR MIRROR----------------------------- 13, 39
AUTOMATIC DIMMING INT, MIRROR --------------------------------- 77
AUXILIARY HEATING---------------------------------- 41
BLOWER MOTOR A/C -------------------------------- 23, 35
BOOST INTERCOOLER-------------------------------- 47
CD CHANGER ------------------------------- 61
CENTRAL LOCKING ------------------------------------ 62
CIGARET LIGHTER FRONT ----------------------------------- 11
CIGARET LIGHTER REAR, LEFT/RIGHT ----------------------------------- 72, 74
COOL BOX ----------------------------- 76
CRUISE CONTROL ------------------------------ 25
DIAGNOSTIC SOCKET ------------------------------ 20, 24
DIPPED BEAM HEADLAMP, LEFT/RIGHT --------------------- electronic fuse
DISTRONIC ------------------------------- 36, 26
DOME LAMP ---------------------------- 77
DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTMENT------------------------------- 13, 71
DRIVER SEAT HEATING --------------------------- 13, 71
DRIVER SEAT VENTILATION ------------------------------------- 71
DRIVER LIGHT SENSOR --------------------------- 77
ENGINE FAN --------------------------------------- 33, 48
ENGINE MANAGEMENT UNIT ------------------------- 29, 30, 43, 44, 48
ENTRANCE LIGHT --------------------------------- 13, 39, 72, 74
ESP ---------------------------------- 2, 34
EXTERIOR MIRROR INDICATORS, LEFT RIGHT ---------------------------- 13. 39
HORN FANFARE ------------------------ 28
FOG LAMP, FR LEFT/RIGHT------------------------- electronic fuse
FOLDING EXTERIOR MIRROR ------------------------- 13, 39
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATING--------------------------- 39, 73
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT VENTILATION -------------------------------- 73
FRONT SIDE LIGHT, LEFT/RIGHT ------------------------------- electronic fuse
GARAGE DOOR REMOTE CONTROL ------------------------------- 77
GLOVE COMP LIGHT -------------------------------- electronic fuse
HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM --------------------------------- electronic fuse
HEADLAMP CLEANING SYSTEM ----------------------------- electronic fuse
HEADLIGHT RANGE ADJUSTMENT --------------------------- 40
HEATER MIRROR ------------------------- 13, 39
HEATER BOOSTER -------------------------- 6
IGNITION COILS -------------------------------- 49
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER --------------------------- 20, 21, 22
INTAKE MANIFOLD HEATER ------------------ 44
INTERIOR MIRROR ADJUSTER ----------------------- 13, 77
INTERIOR MOTION SENSOR ---------------------- 77
KEYLESS GO ---------------------------------- 58
LANGUAGE CONTROL SYSTEM -------------------------------- 63
MAIN BEAM HEADLAMP RIGHT/LEFT ---------------------- ELECTRONIC FUSE
MAKEUP MIRROR -------------------------------- 77
NAVIGATION SYSTEM --------------------------- 61
OIL COOLER FAN --------------------------------- 42
PARKTRONIC SYSTEM --------------------------------- 75
PASSENGER SEAT ADJUSTMENT --------------------------- 39, 73
POWER LOCKING------------------------------------ 13, 39, 62, 72, 74
POWER WINDOW DRIVER SEAT--------------------------------- 13
POWER WINDOW PASSENGER SEAT ------------------------------ 13, 39
POWER WINDOW REAR LEFT ------------------------ 13, 72
POWER WINDOW REAR RIGHT ------------------------ 13, 74
RADIO COMMAND, SOUND ----------------------------- 61, 66
RAIN SENSOR ----------- 77
READING LAMP ---------- 77
REAR AIR CONDITIONING -------------- 69, 68
REAR FOG LAMP -------------- ELECTRONIC FUSE
REAR HEAD RELEASE --------------- 26, 62
REAR HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT ------ 26, 62, 72, 74
REAR SEAT ADJUSTMENT ---------------- 67, 72, 14
REAR SEAT HEATING ---------------- 67, 72, 74
REAR SEAT VENTILATION ------------------ 67
REAR SIDE LAMP RIGHT/LEFT --------------- ELECTRONIC FUSE
REAR WINDOW BLIND ------------------------ 26, 50
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER ------------------ 26, 53
LIC PLATE LIGHTING -------------------------- ELECTRONIC FUSE
REMOTE CLOSING AND LOCKING TRUNK LID ----------- 13, 57, 62
REMOTE TRUNK LEAD RELESE ------------------ 13, 62
REVERSING LAMP--------------------- ELECTRONIC FUSE
SEATBELT COMFORT FIT SYSTEM--------------------- 71, 73
SEATBELT LOCKING SYSTEM ----------------------------- 12
SECONDERY AIR PUMP ----------------------------- 31
SLIDING TILTING SUNROOF ---------------------------- 77
STOP SIGNAL SWITCH ---------------------------- 16
TAXI -------------------------------------------------- 59
TELEPHON/ EMERGENCY CALL ------------------------ 18, 63, 64
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM --------------------------- 70
TRAILER COUPLING ---------------------------------- 54, 55, 56
TRAILER POWER SUPPLY -------------------------------- 55
TRANSMISSION CONTROL ------------------------------- 37
TRUNK LIGHT -------------------------------------- ELECTRONIC FUSE
TURN INDICATORS ----------------------------- ELECTRONIC FUSE
WINDSCREEN WIPER------------------------------ 5, 25
WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM---------------------- 10
WIPER RECESS HEATING --------------------------- 1Fuse Box Locations on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 (W220)
For the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 (W220), you will typically find fuse boxes in the following locations:
Engine Compartment Fuse Boxes
- Right Side of Engine Compartment: This is the primary fuse box location in the engine compartment. Open the hood, and locate the black plastic box, usually near the right side (passenger side in left-hand drive vehicles). This box houses fuses for critical engine and vehicle functions.
Interior Fuse Box
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Under the Hood, Left Side (Driver’s Side for LHD): While less common for primary fuses on earlier W220 models compared to later years, it’s worth checking if there’s a fuse box on the driver’s side of the engine compartment as well.
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Passenger Footwell: In the interior of your S500, check the passenger footwell area. You may need to remove a plastic panel to access this fuse box. This location often houses fuses for interior comfort and convenience features.
Important Note for W220 Models (Including 2001 S500):
While the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 typically has fuse boxes in the engine compartment and passenger footwell, it’s important to be aware of information pertaining to later W220 models (2003-2006). These later models have a more complex fuse system with four fuse panels. While your 2001 S500 might not have all four, understanding the potential locations in later models can be helpful if you are consulting general W220 resources.
For 2003-2006 W220 models, fuse box locations include:
- Two in the Engine Compartment: One on each side (driver and passenger).
- Under the Right Rear Seat: Access is usually via a panel surrounding the rear courtesy light in the floor.
- Dashboard (Right Side for LHD, Left Side for RHD): This fuse panel is often well-hidden. Fuses 78 through 86 are typically located here in these later models.
Additional High-Current Fuse Locations:
Beyond the standard fuse boxes, there are also locations for high-amp fuses that supply power to major systems:
- Right Rear Quarter Panel (Trunk): Behind the trunk lining, you may find a fuse box containing a high-amp fuse (e.g., 150-amp) for SAM (Signal Acquisition and Actuation Module) units. These are not typical user-replaceable fuses and might require replacing the entire box if they fail.
- Right Footwell: Another location for high-current fuses might be in the right footwell area.
Always Consult Your Vehicle’s Documentation:
The most reliable source of information for your specific 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 fuse locations and functions is your vehicle’s owner’s manual and the fuse diagram card that is often placed within a fuse box itself. These documents are tailored to your exact vehicle configuration.
Important Notes and Considerations for 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 Fuse Boxes
- Electronic Fuses: The fuse chart lists “electronic fuse” for certain functions like dipped beam headlamps and fog lamps. This indicates that these circuits might be protected by electronic control units rather than traditional fuses. Troubleshooting these systems may require diagnostic tools.
- Fuse Amperage: Always replace a blown fuse with one of the exact same amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage can overload the circuit and cause serious damage or even a fire.
- Fuse Puller: Use a fuse puller tool (often found in the fuse box) to safely remove and install fuses. This prevents damage to the fuses and the fuse box terminals.
- Troubleshooting: If a fuse blows repeatedly, it indicates an underlying electrical problem in the circuit. Do not simply replace fuses continuously without diagnosing and repairing the root cause of the issue. Consult a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician for complex electrical problems.
- Owner’s Manual is Key: As emphasized, your 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 owner’s manual is the definitive guide for fuse locations and functions specific to your car. Always refer to it first.
Conclusion: Keeping Your 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 Electrical System in Check
Understanding the fuse system of your 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a valuable skill for any owner. By using this guide in conjunction with your vehicle’s documentation, you can confidently troubleshoot basic electrical issues and ensure your S500 remains reliable. Remember to prioritize safety, use the correct fuses, and consult a professional for complex problems. Regularly checking your fuses can prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches, keeping your classic S-Class running smoothly for years to come.
