Page 287 of 399
284 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Brake warning lamp
Except Canada
Canada only
When the brake warning lamp and message appear 
while the engine is running, this means:
•there is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir 
(engine running and parking brake released), or
•the parking brake is set (engine running).Note:
If you find that the minimum mark on the brake fluid 
reservoir is reached, have the brake system checked for 
brake pad thickness and leaks.
Wa r n i n g !
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated 
can result in an accident. Have your brake system 
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp 
stays on. Don’t 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. 
     
        
        Page 289 of 399
286 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Fuel reserve warning
1Fuel reserve indicatorWhen the warning lamp (1) comes on after starting the 
engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that 
the fuel level is down to the reserve quantity of 
approximately 2.1 US gal (8 liters). In addition to the 
warning lamp, the message “RESERVE FUEL” –“VISIT 
FUEL STATION” appears in the multifunction display.
See page 278 for notes on refueling the vehicle.
After refueling the vehicle, the message 
“1 MALFUNCTION” appears in the multifunction 
display when turning the electronic key in starter 
switch to position 2. This malfunction message has to be 
cleared, see page 119 for notes on the malfunction /
warning message memory.
P54.30-4541-26 
     
        
        Page 290 of 399

287 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the 
electronic key in starter switch position 2 
and should go out with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and 
warning in the instrument cluster remains illuminated 
while the engine is running, it indicates that the ABS 
has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this 
case, the brake system functions in the usual manner, 
but without antilock assistance.
A malfunctioning ABS control unit can possibly affect 
the operation of other systems (e.g. Navigation, 
Automatic transmission). Be guided accordingly with 
respect to the use of those systems and have the system 
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as 
soon as possible.With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. The malfunction indicator lamps and 
malfunction messages in the multifunction display 
come on with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page 272 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).
ABS 
     
        
        Page 291 of 399

288 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the 
speedometer dial comes on with the 
electronic key in starter switch position 2. 
It should go out with engine running.
If the ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains 
illuminated with the engine running, a malfunction has 
been detected in the system. Pressing the accelerator 
pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine 
output will be available.
See electronic stability program (ESP) on page 274 if the 
warning lamp lights up or flashes when the vehicle is 
moving.Seat belt nonusage warning lamp
With the electronic key in starter switch 
position 2, the seat belt nonusage warning 
lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a 
short time if the drivers seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt nonusage 
warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind the 
driver and passengers to fasten seat belts. 
     
        
        Page 293 of 399

290 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and warning messages in the 
multifunction display
Malfunction and warning messages for the following 
systems will be displayed immediately in the 
multifunction display.
They are divided into three categories.
Category C1:
Messages of most immediate priority.
These cannot be cleared from the instrument cluster 
using the reset knob on the instrument cluster (see 
page 99).
Categories C2 and C3:
Messages of less immediate priority.
These can be cleared from the instrument cluster using 
the reset knob on the instrument cluster (see page 99) 
and are then stored in the malfunction message 
memory. See page 119.Note:
Certain malfunction and warning messages are 
accompanied by an audible signal.
Malfunction and warning messages in red are always 
accompanied by an audible signal.
Temporary messages such as “TRUNK OPEN!” will not 
be stored in the malfunction message memory.
Wa r n i n g !
All categories of messages contain important 
information which should be taken note of and, 
where malfunction indicated, addressed as soon as 
possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Failure to repair condition noted may cause 
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty, or result in property damage or personal 
injury. 
     
        
        Page 294 of 399
291 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit)
* C = Category, see page 290This message is displayed to indicate that the 
information being relayed by the engine control unit is 
no longer complete. The display for coolant temperature 
gauge, tachometer, or the cruise control may have failed.DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems)
* C = Category, see page 290The displays for several systems have failed. Some 
systems themselves may also have failed.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
VISIT WORKSHOP! DISPLAY FAULTY 2
Line 1 Line 2 C*
VISIT WORKSHOP!  DISPLAY FAULTY 2 
     
        
        Page 295 of 399
292 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR
* C = Category, see page 290
This message indicates a malfunction which must be 
repaired immediately.
It may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should 
this condition occur, the poly-V-belt must be replaced 
before continuing to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the 
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump 
which may result in damage to the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message 
displayed.
Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR VISIT WORKSHOP! 2 
     
        
        Page 296 of 399
293 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
* C = Category, see page 290See page 272 for notes on the antilock brake system 
(ABS).1 The display or the system is malfunctioning
BRAKE ASSIST* C = Category, see page 290A malfunction has been detected in the system. The 
brake system functions in the usual manner, but 
without brake assist system (BAS).
See page 271 for notes on the brake assist system (BAS).
Line 1 Line 2 C*
ABS SYSTEM VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
Line 1 Line 2 C*
BRAKE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE! 2
BRAKE ASSIST VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP! 2