2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN engine

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 its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
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 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 if:
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 defective. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may be inoperative as well.
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 the activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 177).Display messages253On-board computer and displaysZ

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 370).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 355).h
Correct Tire
PressureThe tire pressure is too low 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 355).
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 'P' You 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 'P'The 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.XApply the parking brake.Display messages257On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Don't Forget Your
KeyThe display message is shown for a maximum of 60 seconds and
is only a reminder.
You have opened the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the ignition lock.XRemember to take the KEYLESS-GO key with you when you
leave 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.XApply 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 SmartKey in the ignition lock.+
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:
XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.+
Key Detected in
VehicleThe KEYLESS-GO key has been detected inside the vehicle during
locking.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO key from the vehicle.260Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Remove 'Start'
Button and Insert
KeyKEYLESS-GO is temporarily malfunctioning or is defective. A
warning tone also sounds.XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock and turn it to the
desired position.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Close Doors to
Lock VehicleAt least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.XClose all doors and lock the vehicle again.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Seat belt
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up for six seconds.The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger
to fasten their seat belts.XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 51).7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to six seconds.GRisk of injury
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 51).
The warning tone ceases.7
The red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts,
as soon as the driver's
or the front-passenger
door is closed.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 51).
The warning lamp goes out.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster261On-board computer and displaysZ

Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (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 not enough brake fluid in the brake 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 malfunction.
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.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster263On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program), BAS (Brake Assist), BAS
PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and hill
start assist are therefore also deactivated, for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.GRisk of accident
EBD (electronic brake force distribution), is malfunctioning.
Therefore, ABS, BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and hill start assist are also unavailable,
for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
äå!
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP ®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running.GRisk of accident
ABS and ESP ®
are faulty. Other systems, e.g. BAS, BAS PLUS, EBD,
PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and hill start
assist, are also not available due to a malfunction.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.264Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsä
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.XEase off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.XDo not deactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 66).å
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
is deactivated. ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts
to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 66).XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
XHave ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.M
AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT
handling mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
SPORT handling mode is activated. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle
in extreme situations. ESP ®
intervention may not be able to
provide sufficient assistance in such situations and the vehicle
may start to skid.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 66).
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
XHave ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster265On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsäå
The yellow ESP ®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function and hill start assist are not available due to a malfunction.
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (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 applied.XRelease the parking brake
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases.6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The air bags or ETDs
may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an
accident, not be triggered at all.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
266Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays