Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
EBV, ABS, ESP
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) and therefore also
PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due to a malfunction. BAS (Brake
Assist) is also deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Brake WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$
(USA only)
!
(Canada only)
Release Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. A warning tone
also sounds.XRelease the parking brake.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. In
addition, the red warning lamp $(USA only) or J (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.
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.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.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.
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Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Low Beam Left
or
Low Beam RightThe left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is faulty. XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Trailer Tail Lamp
Left
or
Trailer Tail Lamp
RightThe left or right-hand trailer tail light is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Trailer Turn
Signal Left
or
Trailer Turn
Signal RightThe left or right-hand trailer turn signal lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Trailer Brake LampThe trailer brake lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Turn Signal Rear
Left
or
Turn Signal Rear
RightThe rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Turn Signal Front
Left
or
Turn Signal Front
RightThe front left-hand or front right-hand turn signal is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages221On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 221Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Turn Signal Left
Mirror
or
Turn Signal Right
MirrorThe turn signal in the left-hand and/or right-hand exterior mirror
is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
3rd Brake LampThe high-mounted brake lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Brake Lamp Left
or
Brake Lamp RightThe left or right-hand brake lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Tail Lamp Left
or
Tail Lamp RightThe left or right-hand tail lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
High Beam Left
or
High Beam RightThe left or right-hand high beam is faulty. XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
License Plate Lamp
Left
or
License Plate Lamp
RightThe left or right-hand license plate lamp is faulty.
The left or right-hand license plate lamp is faulty. XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 121).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.222Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is faulty.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †), drive 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.#
Battery/
Alternator Stop
VehicleThe battery is faulty.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.4
Check engine oil
level at next
refuelingThe oil level is too low.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 279).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 280).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 SolutionsDISTRONIC
OverrideDISTRONIC is no longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC
InoperativeDISTRONIC is faulty or the display has failed.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualDISTRONIC is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
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 the radar sensor system has not detected any vehicles or
stationary objects, e.g. traffic signs, for a long time.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
DISTRONIC becomes available 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 cover in the radiator grill ( Y page 287).XRestart the engine.GWarning
DISTRONIC cannot take weather conditions into account. Switch off DISTRONIC or do not turn
it on if the sensor is dirty or visibility is diminished as a result of snow, rain or fog. The distance
control may be impaired even before the system is able to detect a dirty sensor. The DISTRONIC
Currently Unavailable See Operator’s Manual message will be displayed in the
multifunction display and DISTRONIC will be turned off.
Tires
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.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Tire Pressure
Check TiresGRisk 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 the wheel ( Y page 336).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 327).h
Please correct the
tire pressuresThe 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 327).
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.Depress brake
to shift out of 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 ParkThe driver's door is open and the transmission is in position R, N
or D.XShift the transmission to position P.XEngage the parking brake.Drive to workshop
without shifting
gearsYou cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
If transmission position D is selected:XDrive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R, N or P is selected:
XNotify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.Display messages233On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 233Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsOnly shift to P
when vehicle is at
a standstillThe vehicle is moving.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XShift the transmission to position P.EGRisk of accident
The hood or the tailgate is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XClose the hood or tailgate.You have attempted to lock the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO while
the tailgate or door is open.XClose all doors and/or the tailgate.;At least one door is open. XClose all doors.D
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering assistance is faulty. You will need to use more
force to steer.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.No ServiceYour vehicle is outside the network provider transmitter/receiver
range. XWait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.~
Bluetooth ReadyThe Bluetooth ®
connection between your mobile phone and
COMAND is not activated.XIf desired, activate the Bluetooth ®
connection between the
mobile phone and COMAND (see the separate operating
instructions).¥
Top Up Washer FluidThe washer fluid level has dropped to approximately ⅓ of the total
reservoir capacity.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 281).234Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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SmartKeyDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Please replace keyThe SmartKey needs to be replaced. XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Remove keyThe SmartKey is in the ignition lock.XRemove the SmartKey.+
Don't Forget Your
KeyThe display message is shown for a maximum of 60 seconds and
is only a reminder.
You are opening the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The SmartKey is not in the ignition lock.XTake the SmartKey with you when you leave the vehicle.+
Key Does Not
Belong To VehicleYou have put the wrong key in the ignition lock.XUse the correct key.+
Change Key
BatteriesThe batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.XChange the batteries ( Y page 77).+
Key Not Detected
(red display message)The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the vehicle.
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.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 SmartKey in the ignition lock if
necessary.Display messages235On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 235Z