Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is faulty.XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), continue driving
to the next qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a faulty alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next
Refueling Check
Engine Oil at Next
RefuelingThe engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 309).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 310).XHave the engine checked for leaks if engine oil has to be added
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCThere is only a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Fuel Level LowThe fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Gas Cap LooseThe fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.8
Ultra Low-sulfur
Diesel Fuel OnlyVehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel level has fallen below the
reserve range.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.XOnly use commercially available vehicular ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM).¸
Replace Air FilterVehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must
be replaced. XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.!
Check Fuel FilterVehicles with a diesel engine: there is water in the fuel filter. The
water must be drained off. XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Ø
Check Additive See
Operator's ManualThe AdBlue ®
tank is empty.XHave the AdBlue ®
tank filled as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop ( Y page 167).
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.Ø
Remaining Starts:
20The AdBlue ®
level has fallen to a minimum.XHave the AdBlue ®
tank filled as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop ( Y page 167).
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages249On-board computer and displaysBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 249Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsBlind Spot Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual
or
Active Blind Spot
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualBlind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is temporarily
inoperative if:
R the sensors are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is operational again
and the display message disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the radar sensor system is back within the operating
temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the sensors ( Y page 317).XRestart the engine.Blind Spot Assist
Inoperative
or
Active Blind Spot
Assist InoperativeBlind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is faulty.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance
InoperativeParking Guidance is faulty. XRestart the engine.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.252Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsParking Guidance
CanceledParking Guidance is deactivated, because:
R the vehicle is skidding.
R the sensors are dirty.
R a malfunction has occurred.
A warning tone also sounds.XReactivate Parking Guidance later.
If the parking space symbol is not displayed in the multifunction
display when you are driving at a speed of less than 19 mph
(30 km/h):
XClean the sensors ( Y page 317).XRestart the engine.
If the parking space symbol is still not displayed in the
multifunction display when you are driving at a speed of less than
19 mph (30 km/h):
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance is deactivated because you have left the lane.XPark again and, while doing so, observe the display messages
in the multifunction display.Parking Guidance
FinishedThe vehicle is parked. A warning tone also sounds.
The display message disappears automatically.DISTRONIC PLUS
OffDISTRONIC PLUS has been switched off. When it is deactivated
automatically, a warning tone also sounds ( Y page 186).DISTRONIC PLUS
Now AvailableDISTRONIC PLUS is operational again after being temporarily
unavailable. You can now activate DISTRONIC PLUS again
( Y page 179).Display messages253On-board computer and displaysBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 253Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 317).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 317).XRestart the engine.DISTRONIC PLUS
InoperativeDISTRONIC PLUS is faulty. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
also have failed. A warning tone also sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC PLUS
OverrideYou have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mphAn activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.XCheck activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Check Tire PressureGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 367).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 357).h
Correct Tire
PressureThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 357).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R or D. XShift the transmission to position P or N.Auxiliary Battery
MalfunctionThe auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer
being charged.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Apply Brake to
Shift from PYou have attempted to move the transmission selector lever to
position D, R or N without depressing the brake pedal.XDepress the brake pedal.Door Open
Vehicle Not in PThe driver's door is open and the transmission is in position R, N
or D.
A warning tone also sounds.XShift the transmission to position P.XEngage the parking brake.258Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Don't Forget Your
KeyThe display message is displayed for a maximum of 60 seconds
and is just a reminder.
You have opened the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the ignition lock.XTake the KEYLESS-GO key with you when leaving the vehicle.+
Key Not Detected
(red display message)The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle
centrally or start the engine.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XLocate the KEYLESS-GO key.The KEYLESS-GO key is not detected while the engine is running
because there is interference from a strong source of radio waves.
A warning tone also sounds.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XOperate the vehicle with the KEYLESS-GO key in the ignition
lock if necessary.+
Key Not Detected
(white display
message)The KEYLESS-GO key cannot be detected at present.XChange the location of the key with the KEYLESS-GO functions
in the vehicle.
If the KEYLESS-GO key is still not detected:
XChange the location of the key with the KEYLESS-GO functions
in the vehicle.XOperate the vehicle with the KEYLESS-GO key in the ignition
lock if necessary.+
Key Detected in
VehicleThe KEYLESS-GO key has been detected inside the vehicle during
locking.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO key from the vehicle.Display messages261On-board computer and displaysBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 261Z
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Brakes
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the vehicle is
moving. A warning tone
also sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking
characteristics may be affected.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the fluid reservoir.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the problem.
GWarning
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. 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.
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