2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS brake light

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andSolutions
The steerabilityand brakingcharacteristics may be severely
affected. The brakingdistanceinanemergencybrakingsituation
can increase.
If ESP®is notoperational, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skiddingand an accident.
XDriveoncarefully.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop immediately.

Inoperative See
Operator's Manual
ESP®,BAS, PRE-SAFE®,the HOLD functionand hill start assist are
unavailable duetoamalfunction.
In addition, theand warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosisfunctionmight not be complete,for example.
ATTENTION ASSISTisdeactivated.
GWARNING
The brakesystem continues to function normally, but without the
functionslisted above.
The braking distanceinanemergency 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 driveasuitable distance, making slight steering
movements,ataspeed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears,the functionsmentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop.
Display messages239
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andSolutions


Inoperative See
Operator'sManual
EBD(electronic brakeforcedistribution), ABS, ESP®,BAS,PRE-
SAFE®,theHOLD function and hill start assist are unavailable due
toamalfunction.
BASPLUSand PRE-SAFE®Brake may also havefailed.
In addition,the, andwarninglampslightupin
the instrument cluster andawarning tonesounds.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functionslisted above. The frontand rearwheels 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.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop immediately.
(USA
only)
(Canada
only)
Release Parking
Brake
You are driving with the parking brake applied.Awarning tone also
sounds.
XRelease theparking brake.
(USA
only)
(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level
Thereisnot enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the(USA only)/
(Canada only) warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster andawarning tone
sounds.
GWARNING
The braking effect maybeimpaired.
There isariskofanaccident.
XPull overand stop the vehiclesafelyassoonaspossible,paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away(Ypage 167).
XConsultaqualified specialist workshop.
XDo not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.
240Display messages
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andSolutions

The yellowABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
ABS is temporarily unavailable. BAS,BAS PLUS, ESP®,EBD
(electronic brake force distribution), PRE-SAFE®,
PRE-SAFE®Brake, the HOLD function, hill start assist are therefore
also deactivated, for example.
Possible causes are:
Rself-diagnosis is not yet complete.
Rthe on-board voltage may be insufficient.
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 isarisk of an accident.
XCarefullydrive onasuitable stretch of road, making slight
steering movementsataspeed 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.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop.
268Indicator and warning lampsinthe instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andSolutions

The yellowESP®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 toamalfunction.
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.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop.

The yellowESP®and
ESP®OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running.
ESP®,BAS, PRE-SAFE®,the HOLD functionand hill start assist are
temporarilyunavailable.
BAS PLUSand PRE-SAFE®Brake mayalsohavefailed.
ATTENTIONASSIST is deactivated.
self-diagnosisisnot yetcomplete.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergencybraking 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 onasuitable stretch of road, making slight
steeringmovements ataspeed 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.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop.
Indicator and warning lampsinthe instrument cluster271
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andSolutions
XLeave the vehicle and keepasafe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Ypage 308).
XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XAt coolant temperatures under 248‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainousterrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequencesandSolutions

The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.
The distance to the vehicle in front is too smallfor the speed
selected.
XIncrease the distance.

The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.Awarning tone
also sounds.
You are approachingavehicle orastationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too highaspeed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on PRE-SAFE®Brake (Ypage 72).
Indicator and warning lampsinthe instrument cluster275
On-board computer and displays
Z

Do not remove the SmartKeyfromthe
ignition lock. Do not open the driver's
door or front-passengerdoor when the
engine is switched off. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission selects park
positionPautomatically and locks the
wheels. You can prevent this by shifting
the automatic transmission toN
beforehand.
RVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park positionP
automatically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in positionN:
XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 147).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionN.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowedatspecially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUseasoft sponge to clean.
XUseamild cleaning agent, such asacar
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly withachamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet fromacircular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Componentsdamaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There isarisk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced
immediately.
!Always maintainadistance of at least
11.8in(30 cm) between the vehicleand the
powerwasher nozzle. Information about
thecorrectdistanceisavailablefromthe
equipmentmanufacturer.
Movethepower washernozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
312Care
Maintenance and care

Rbattery
Rconnectors
Rlights
Rseals
Rtrim
Rventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces.You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visitaqualified
specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
withacloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditionsand the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
XUseasuitable touch-up stick,e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Mattefinish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
!The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
RVigorous rubbing with unsuitable
materials.
RFrequent use of car washes.
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs performed
ataqualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-BenzCenter.
!Do not use wash programs withahot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a
clear mattefinish. This will help you to avoid
damage to the paintwork due to incorrect
treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
withaclear mattefinish.
iThe vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand usingasoft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
iUse only insectremover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Care313
Maintenance and care
Z

Cleaning thevehicle parts
Cleaning thewheels
!Do notuse acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive forafew minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshieldorwiper blades. There isarisk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshieldwipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshieldor
wiper blades.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwisearisk of damaging
the windows.
!Cleanthe water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain
circumstances prevent water from draining
away.This can lead to corrosion damage
and damage to electronic components.
XCleanthe inside and outside of the
windows withadamp cloth andacleaning
product that is recommended and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaningwiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There isarisk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from
the windshield.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaningthe exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic light
lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or
cleaning cloths could scratchordamage
the plastic light lenses.
XCleanthe plastic lenses of the exterior
lighting usingawet sponge andamild
cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benzcar
shampoo or cleaningcloths.
Mirror turn signals
!Only use cleaningagents or cleaning
clothsthatare suitable for plastic lenses.
Unsuitable cleaningagents or cleaning
clothscould scratch or damagetheplastic
lenses of themirror turnsignals.
314Care
Maintenance and care