Page 340 of 474

338 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Lamps in instrument cluster
General information:If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during the 
bulb self-check when switching on theignition, have the respective bulb checked 
and replaced if necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction in-
dicator lamp comes on while 
driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and 
has switched off. The BAS and the ESP are 
also switched off (see messages in multi-
function display).
The brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, 
other systems such as Parktronic*, 
Distronic*, and the automatic transmission 
may also be malfunctioning.
Continue driving with added caution. 
Wheels may lock during hard braking, 
reducing steering capability. 
Read and observe messages in the mul-
tifunction display (
page 347).
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as 
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increas-
es the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below 
10 volts and the ABS has switched off.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
Switch off electrical consumers that are 
currently not needed, e.g. seat heat-
ing*.
If necessary, have the generator 
(alternator) and battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value again, 
the ABS is operational again. 
     
        
        Page 346 of 474

344 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
H
The yellow warning lamp for the 
tire inflation pressure monitor 
comes on.
The tire inflation pressure monitor detects a 
loss of pressure in at least one tire.
Bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding 
abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. 
Observe the traffic situation around you.
Take note of the messages in the multi-
function display.
The warning lamp goes out once the tire in-
flation pressure monitor has been reactivat-
ed after the tire inflation pressures have 
been corrected.
Warning!
G
When the tire inflation pressure monitoring 
system warning light is lit, one or more of 
your tires is significantly under-inflated. You 
should stop and check your tires as soon as 
possible, and inflate them to the proper 
pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire in-
formation placard. Driving on a significantly 
under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency 
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi-
cle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire, 
including the spare, should be checked 
monthly when cold and set to the recom-
mended inflation pressure as specified in 
the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
iThe recommended tire inflation pres-
sures for your vehicle can be found on 
the tire placard on the driver's door 
B-pillar or, if available, the inside of the 
fuel filler flap, not in the owner’s 
manual. 
     
        
        Page 349 of 474

347 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Vehicle status messages in the multi-function display
Warning and malfunction messages ap-
pear in the multifunction display located in 
the instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messag-
es are accompanied by an audible signal. 
Address these messages accordingly and 
follow the additional instructions given in 
this Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the vehicle status message 
memory menu in the control system 
(page 143) displays both cleared and 
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the mul-
tifunction display in red color.Certain messages of high priority cannot 
be cleared from the multifunction display 
using the reset buttonJ (
page 140) or 
button j, k, ÿ, or è on the 
multifunction steering wheel 
(
page 144) .
Other messages of high priority and mes-
sages of less immediate priority can be 
cleared from the multifunction display us-
ing the reset buttonJ or button j, 
k, ÿ, or è on the multifunction 
steering wheel. They are then stored in the 
vehicle status message memory 
(page 159). Remember that clearing a 
message will only make the message dis-
appear. Clearing a message will not cor-
rect the condition that caused the 
message to appear. 
Warning!
G
All categories of messages contain impor-
tant information which should be taken note 
of and, where a malfunction is indicated, ad-
dressed as soon as possible at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause 
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty, or result in property dam-
age or personal injury.Warning!
G
No messages will be displayed if either the 
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative. Contact your nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 
     
        
        Page 351 of 474

349 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Text messagesDisplay 
Possible cause
Possible solution
ABC
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
DRIVE CAREFULLY!
The capability of the ABC system is restrict-
ed. This can impair the handling.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz center as 
soon as possible.
The vehicle is losing oil.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do 
so.
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
STOP, CAR TOO LOW
The vehicle is parked on an extremely 
uneven surface.
Press the vehicle level control button to se-
lect level 2 (
page 232).
ABC is malfunctioning.
Stop and press the vehicle level control but-
ton to select a higher vehicle level 
(page 232).
Do not turn steering wheel too far to avoid 
damaging the front fenders.
Listen for scraping noises.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz center as 
soon as possible.
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
VISIT WORKSHOP
The display for ABC or the ABC system itself 
is malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as 
soon as possible. 
     
        
        Page 354 of 474
352 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display 
Possible cause
Possible solution
ESP UNAVAILABLE
SEE OPERATORS MANUAL
The ESP was deactivated the power supply 
has been interrupted. 
The ABS is still operational.
Synchronize the ESP. With the vehicle sta-
tionary and the engine running, turn the 
steering wheel completely to the left and 
then to the right to synchronize the ESP.
If the ESP message does not go out:
Continue driving with added caution.
Have the system checked at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the 
risk of an accident.
!When synchronizing the ESP, make 
sure you can turn the steering wheel in 
both directions as far as it will go with-
out the wheel hitting any objects, e.g. 
aroad curb. 
     
        
        Page 356 of 474
354 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Symbol messagesDisplay 
Possible cause
Possible solution
@
AIRMATIC
STOP, CAR TOO LOW
The vehicle is parked on an extremely 
uneven surface.
Press the vehicle level control button to 
select the raised vehicle level 
(page 230).
The vehicle level control is malfunction-
ing.
Stop and press the vehicle level control 
button to select a higher vehicle level 
(page 230).
Do not turn steering wheel too far to 
avoid damaging the front fenders.
Listen for scraping noises.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph 
(80 km/h).
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz center 
as soon as possible.
AIRMATIC
DRIVE CAREFULLY!
The capability of the Airmatic system is 
restricted.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph 
(80 km/h).
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz center 
as soon as possible. 
     
        
        Page 366 of 474

364 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display 
Possible cause
Possible solution
_ 
ENTRY POSITION
DO NOT DRIVE
Seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel 
have not yet moved to their preset driving 
positions.
Wait until the seat, exterior mirrors and 
steering wheel have moved to their driv-
ing positions.
The message will disappear.
Y
 
HOOD OPEN!
You are driving with the hood open.
Close the hood (
page 287).
I 
REMOVE KEY!
You have forgotten to remove the 
SmartKey.
Remove the SmartKey from the ignition.
REPLACE KEY!
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP
The SmartKey is malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT ON 
REMOVE KEY!
SmartKey in starter switch position 1 
or2.
Remove the SmartKey from the starter 
switch.
KEY
CHECK BATTERY
The battery in the KEYLESS-GO* key is 
discharged.
Replace the battery (
page 387).
KEY
NOT RECOGNIZED
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is not rec-
ognized while the engine is running be-
cause
the SmartKey is not in the vehicle
there is strong radio-frequency inter-
ference
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do 
so.
Search for the SmartKey.
Otherwise the vehicle cannot be centrally 
locked nor can the engine be started again 
after it has been stopped. 
     
        
        Page 372 of 474

370 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display 
Possible cause
Possible solution
<
SEAT BELT SYSTEM
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP
The seat belt system is malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center as soon as possible.
K 
CLOSE
SUNROOF!
You have opened the driver’s door with 
the SmartKey removed from the starter 
switch and the tilt/sliding sunroof open.
Close the tilt/sliding sunroof 
(page 211).
J 
CLOSE
SUNROOF!
You have opened the driver’s door with 
the SmartKey removed from the starter 
switch and the tilt/sliding sunroof open.
Close the tilt/sliding sunroof 
(page 211).
L 
TELE AID
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP
One or more main functions of the Tele 
Aid system are malfunctioning.
Have the Tele Aid system checked by an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
TELE AID BATTERY
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP
The emergency power battery for the Tele 
Aid system is malfunctioning. If the vehi-
cle battery is also discharged, Tele Aid 
will not be operational.
Have the Tele Aid system checked by an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
t
FUNCTION
UNAVAILABLE
This display appears if button t or 
s on the multifunction steering wheel 
is pressed and the vehicle is not equipped 
with a telephone.