Page 250 of 406

247 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the starter switch 
position 0 for a extended period of time, it can no longer 
be  turn ed  in  t he lock . In  t his  cas e, rem ove electron ic  key 
from starter switch and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible 
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the 
starter switch. Do not leave the electronic key in starter 
switch position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened 
with the electronic key is in starter switch position 1 
or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter 
switch, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently 
charged. See battery on page 342 or jump starting on 
page 344.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the 
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off 
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of 
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system 
may be minimized by turning off the following power 
consumers, for example:
Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the 
automatic climate air volume control should be set to 
the lowest position.
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        Page 280 of 406

277 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
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 in the 
instrument cluster comes on 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.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 291.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps 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.If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated, 
have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions 
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as 
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase 
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded 
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or 
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent 
accidents, including those resulting from excessive 
speed in turns, following another vehicle too 
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The 
capabilities of a ABS equipped vehicle must never 
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner 
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others.
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        Page 294 of 406

291 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 of f. 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 276 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).
ABS
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