Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsService
RequiredDo Not
Shift
GearsThe automatic transmission cannot be shifted out of the
current transmission position because of a malfunction.
If the automatic transmission is in drive position D:XWithout shifting the automatic transmission out of drive
position D, drive to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the automatic transmission is set to neutral position N,
reverse gear R or park position P:
XDo not drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.Only
Shift to
Position
'P' When
Vehicle
Is
StationaryYou have attempted to shift the automatic transmission into
park position P although the vehicle was still in motion.XStop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XShift the automatic transmission to park position P.XEngage the electronic parking brake.Shift to
P or Nto Start
EngineYou have attempted to start the engine while the automatic
transmission was in reverse gear R or drive position D.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P or
neutral position N. Make sure the brake pedal is depressed.Auxiliary
Battery
(message
appears in
white)Malfunctio
nThe backup battery for the automatic transmission is no
longer charging.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Auxiliary
Battery
(message
appears in
red)Malfunctio
nThe backup battery for the automatic transmission is
discharged. In case of failure of the on-board electrical
system, you may not be able change transmission positions.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display463Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 463Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
TiresThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 508).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
Symbol messages
Brake
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#Check
Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads have reached their wear limit.XHave the brake pads replaced as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Brake pad thickness must be visually inspected by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet.
466Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 466
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the
hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive
Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but temporarily
the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist
system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the
PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are
unavailable.
The self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XDrive a short distance with added caution at a vehicle speed
of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
When the message disappears, the ESC is available again.
If the message does not disappear:
XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display467Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 467Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS,
the ESC, the hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the
Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS,
the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist system,
the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the
PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are operational
again and the message should disappear.
If the message does not disappear:
XHave the alternator and the battery checked.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)EBR, ABS,
and ESC
Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on and an acoustic warning sounds.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the EBP, the
ESC, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-
SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
468Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 468
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Please
Release
Parking
BrakeIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking
brake flashes and an acoustic warning sounds.
You are driving with the electronic parking brake engaged, or
you are carrying out an emergency brake maneuver with the
electronic parking brake ( Y page 315).XRelease electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.
or
XRelease the handle for electronic parking brake.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Please
Release
Parking
BrakeIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking
brake flashes, the yellow warning lamp for the electronic
parking brake comes on and an acoustic warning sounds.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning. The braking
effect is reduced.
While driving:XRelease the handle for electronic parking brake.
While at a standstill:
XSwitch off the ignition.XPress handle for electronic parking brake until the warning
message disappears from the multifunction display.
If the warning message does not disappear:
XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using the
collapsible wheel chock from the vehicle tool kit
( Y page 450).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Turn On
the
Ignition
to
Release
the
Parking
BrakeIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking
brake comes on.
You have tried to release the electronic parking brake, but the
ignition was not switched on.XSwitch on the ignition.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display469Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 469Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow warning lamp for the electronic parking
brake comes on. The red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake may also come on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:XPull handle of electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
To engage:
XSwitch off the ignition.XPress handle for electronic parking brake for at least
10 seconds until the warning message in the multifunction
display disappears.
If the warning message does not disappear:
XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using the
collapsible wheel chock from the vehicle tool kit
( Y page 450).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking
brake flashes.
The power supply for the electronic parking brake was
interrupted.XPull handle of electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.
or
XPress handle for electronic parking brake until the warning
message in the multifunction display disappears.470Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 470
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking
brake flashes and the yellow warning lamp for the electronic
parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.F
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake See
Oper.
ManualWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the
red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes for
approximately 10 seconds. Afterward, it goes out or comes
on continuously. The yellow warning lamp for the electronic
parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning or overheated
for example due to overvoltage or undervoltage.XDrive off carefully.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
In the event of overvoltage or undervoltage:
XRemove the cause of the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g.
charge the battery or restart the engine.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake still cannot be released:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
If overheated:
XLet vehicle cool down, and do not engage electronic parking
brake during this time.
or
XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display471Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 471Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake
Inoperativ
eWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the
red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes
and goes out after approx. 10 seconds. The yellow warning
lamp for the electronic parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake cannot be engaged:
XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using a
chock from the vehicle tool kit ( Y page 450).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Service
See Oper.
ManualS 600 and S 65 AMG only:
The brake system sensors are malfunctioning. The brake
system continues to function normally with full brake force
boost.XContinue driving with added caution.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Check
Brake
Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not 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.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.
472Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 472