
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions# The battery is not being charged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are:
R
a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do
not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
X
Check the oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 295).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 296).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). 8
Fuel Level Low The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. Display messages
241
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsC There is only a very small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station without fail. 8
Gas Cap Loose The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
X Close the fuel filler cap.
If the fuel filler cap is correctly closed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÀ
Attention Assist:
Take a Break! Based on certain criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has detected fatigue
or
a lack of concentration on the part of the driver. A warning tone
also sounds.
X If necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so you get
enough rest. À
Attention Assist
Inoperative ATTENTION ASSIST is inoperative.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ë
Off The HOLD function is deactivated. the vehicle is skidding.
A warning tone also sounds.
X
Reactivate the HOLD function later (Y page 189). The HOLD function is deactivated. When the brake pedal is firmly
depressed, an activation condition is not fulfilled.
A warning tone also sounds.
X
Check the activation conditions for the HOLD function
(Y page 189). Radar Sensors
Deactivated See
Operator's Manual The radar sensor system is deactivated.
X
Switch on the radar sensor system (Y page 226).242
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsWhile the HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is active, you have:
R
opened the driver's door and released the seat belt or
R switched off the engine or
R opened the hood
A
tone may also sound at regular intervals. If you attempt to lock
the vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
You cannot start the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
You can restart the engine. Service Required
Do Not Shift Gears You cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position
D is selected:
X Drive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R, N or P is selected:
X Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service. N The trunk lid is open.
X
Close the trunk lid. M The hood is open. A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The open hood may block your view when the vehicle is in motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X Close the hood. C At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Close all the doors. _
Rear
Left Backrest
Not Latched or
Rear Right
Backrest Not
Latched The backrest in the rear is not engaged on the left-hand and/or
right-hand side. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Push the backrest back until it engages.252
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsK
Open/Close
Convertible Top
Completely The roof is not locked.
If
you drive at speeds of more than 25 mph (40 km/h), you cannot
open or close the soft top.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Push or pull the soft-top switch until the soft top is fully open or
closed ( Y page 90). K
Start Engine See
Operator's Manual The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Start the engine. The soft top has been opened and closed several times in a row.
The soft-top drive has been switched off automatically for safety
reasons.
You
can open and close the soft top again after approximately ten
minutes.
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Repeat the opening or closing procedure ( Y page 90).¥
Check Washer Fluid The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.
X
Add washer fluid ( Y page 297).SmartKey
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÂ
Key Does Not
Belong to Vehicle You have put the wrong SmartKey in the ignition lock.
X
Use the correct SmartKey. Â
Take
Your Key from
Ignition The SmartKey is in the ignition lock.
X
Remove the SmartKey. Â
Obtain a New Key The SmartKey needs to be replaced.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Replace
Key Battery The batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.
X
Change the batteries ( Y page 75).254
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÂ
Don't Forget Your
Key The 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.
X
Remember to take the KEYLESS-GO key with you when you
leave the vehicle. Â
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.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X Locate 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.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Â
Key Not Detected
(white display
message) The KEYLESS-GO key cannot be detected at present.
X
Change the location of the SmartKey with the KEYLESS-GO
functions in the vehicle.
If the KEYLESS-GO key is still not detected:
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Â
Key Detected in
Vehicle The KEYLESS-GO key has been detected inside the vehicle during
locking.
X
Remove the KEYLESS-GO key from the vehicle. Display messages
255
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsä
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.
X When pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 66).å
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 66).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. äå
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.
G WARNING
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.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.260
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Engine
Problem Possible 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.
X Have 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. 8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 8
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.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. ?
The red coolant
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running
and the coolant
temperature gauge is
at the start of the scale. The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
defective.
The
coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.262
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 296).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
under
248 ‡ (120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. ?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow
to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do
not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
263
On-board computer and displays Z