ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsIf the warning lamp is still on: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.EBD 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.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.392Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
֌!
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.ABS and ESP ®
are malfunctioning. Therefore, BAS, BAS PLUS,
EBD, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and hill
start assist, for example, are not available either.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.÷
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.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.XWhen pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.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 ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 67).å
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.ESP ®
is deactivated.GWARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 67).XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
XDrive on carefully.XHave ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster393On-board computer and displaysZ
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions֌
The yellow ESP ®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running.ESP ®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function and hill start assist are not available due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.֌
The yellow ESP ®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running.ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function and hill start assist are
temporarily unavailable.
BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XCarefully drive a short distance on a suitable stretch of road,
making slight steering movements at a speed above 12 mph
(20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.394Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF (USA only)
! (Canada only)
The red indicator lamp
for the electric parking
brake flashes and/or
the yellow warning
lamp for the electric
parking brake lights up.The electric parking brake is temporarily malfunctioning or
defective.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System).GWARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XDrive on carefully.XHave SRS checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
For further information about SRS, see ( Y page 44).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster395On-board computer and displaysZ
EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning
lamp lights up. This is due to the legal requirements in effect in
these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.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.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.396Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 298) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 68).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster397On-board computer and displaysZ
TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit.The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.GWARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a risk of the
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 461).XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 477).h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
approximately one
minute and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is faulty.GWARNING
The system is possibly unable to recognize or register low tire
pressure.
There is a risk of an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.398Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 29).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the driver's door frame.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear seat
backrests.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage space
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find the following installed in the
glove box: an audio and video AUX jack, a
USB socket or Media Interface, a universal
interface for portable audio equipment, e.g.
for an iPod or USB device, and a bracket for
400Stowage areasStowage and features