76 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Fuel reserve and fuel cap placement 
warning, see page 207
High beam, see page 86
Battery not being charged properly, 
see page 211
Low windshield and headlamp washer 
system fluid level see page 210
Coolant level low, see page 209
Engine oil level low, see page 210
Exterior lamp failure indicator lamp, 
see page 211
Roll bar warning lamp, see page 212
ESP warning lamp. Adjust driving to road 
condition, see page 207
ADS indicator lamp, see page 212BAS/ESP malfunction, see page 207
ABS malfunction, see page 208
Brake pads worn down, see page 205
Brake fluid low (except Canada)
Parking brake engaged, see page 205
Brake fluid low (Canada only)
Parking brake engaged, see page 205
SRS malfunction, see page 206
Fasten seat belt, see page 206
If the lamp comes on when the engine is 
running, it indicates a malfunction of the 
fuel management system or the emission 
control system, or the fuel cap is not closed 
tight. In all cases, we recommend that you 
have the malfunction checked as soon as 
possible, see page 204.
ABS 
177 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Power assistance
BrakesThe condition of the parking brake system is checked 
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required 
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning 
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the 
reason for low brake f luid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
All checks and service work on the brake system should 
be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and 
steering systems are without power assistance. 
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is 
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without 
applying the brakes or through water deep enough 
to wet brake components, the first braking action 
may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal 
pressure may be necessary to obtain expected 
braking effect. Be sure to maintain a safe distance 
from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause 
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby 
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may 
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time 
to avoid an accident.
Wa r n i n g !
If other than recommended brake pads are 
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid 
is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be 
degraded to an extent that safe braking is 
substantially impaired. This could result in an 
accident.The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects. 
205 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the 
passenger compartment near the engine hood release, 
allowing the accurate identification of system 
malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble 
codes.
Brake warning lamp
Except Canada
Canada only
With the key in steering lock position 2, the brake 
warning lamp will come on. It should go out when the 
engine is running.
The brake warning lamp will come on:
• when there is insufficient brake fluid in the 
reservoir (engine running and parking brake 
released), or
• when 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.
Brake pad wear indicator lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the 
brake pad wear indicator lamp comes on. It 
goes out when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this 
indicates that the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
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.