Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 18If the warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up, flashes or
flickers when the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction in
the system. This is also the case if the warning lamp does not light
up when the ignition is switched on.
WARNING
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immedi-
ately by a qualified workshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk
that the airbag system and/or belt tensioners may not be acti-
vated in an accident.Alternator
The warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator or in
the vehicle's electrical system.The warning lamp
lights up when the ignition is switched on. It
should go out when the engine starts running.
If the warning lamp lights up when you are driving, you can
normally continue as far as the nearest qualified workshop.
However, you should avoid using electrical equipment that is not
absolutely necessary because this will drain the battery.
Caution
If the coolant warning lamp
in the instrument display lights up
as well while driving ⇒page 35, stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no longer
being driven, and there is a risk of engine damage.
Seat belt warning lamp
The warning lamp acts as a reminder to fasten the seat
belts.After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp
will remain lit
until the driver has fastened his seat belt. When the vehicle has
gathered speed you will also hear a warning chime.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 109.
Brake system
The warning lamp flashes if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the ABS system.If the warning lamp
flashes (and the handbrake is not applied),
stop the vehicle and obtain professional assistance ⇒.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp
will
light up together with the brake warning lamp
⇒.
Handbrake applied
The warning lamp
also lights up when the handbrake is applied.
If you drive by mistake with the handbrake still applied, you will hear
a warning buzzer.
WARNING
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up
when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low – this
may cause an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not
drive on. You should obtain professional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively
easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
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Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Fault in the brake system
The warning lamp flashes when the handbrake is applied,
or if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in
the ABS system.If the symbol
flashes in the display when the handbrake
is not applied, there is a fault in the brake system. One of the
following messages will appear in the display together with
the symbol:
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
Brake fault ! Drive carefully to nearest workshop
–Stop the vehicle.
– You should obtain professional assistance.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp
will light up together with
the brake warning symbol
⇒.
Handbrake applied
The warning lamp
also lights up when the handbrake is applied.
In addition to this, a warning buzzer will sound after driving for
3 seconds at a speed above 5 km/h.
WARNING
•
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could
result in an accident. Do not drive on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively
easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
Fault in the cooling system
Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immedi-
ately.If the
symbol flashes in the display, this means that either
the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is
too low. The following message will appear in the display
together with the symbol:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 160.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 160.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a
malfunction of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 18, it is
possible that the drive belt has broken.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle should break down for technical reasons, stop it
at a safe distance away from moving traffic, switch off the engine
and turn on the hazard warning lights ⇒page 56, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the engine lid if you can see or hear steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of
being scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
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