Safety systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0027
(USA only)
004D (Canada only)
USA only: the red
brake system warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.
Canada only: the
yellow brake system
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds. G
WARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking
characteristics may be affected.
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. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 156).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. 0027
(USA only)
004D (Canada only)
USA only: the red
brake system warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.
Canada only: the
yellow brake system
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds. There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
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. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 156).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the
malfunction.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. 244
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 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 156).
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 285).
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 At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 0050Solutions 00BA
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.
The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed
selected.
X
Increase the distance. 00BA
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.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 176).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
253On-board computer and displays Z
Tires
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0077
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.
G WARNING
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.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 156).
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Ypage 298).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 319).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. 0077
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.
G WARNING
The system is possibly unable to recognize or register low tire
pressure.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 254
Warning 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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 24).Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using 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.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Driving, braking and steering characteristics
change depending on:
R
type of load
R weight
R the center of gravity of the load
You should therefore load your vehicle as
shown in the illustrations.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door (Y page 342).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 342).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Ypage 322).
Observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
i Transport loads when possible in the
cargo compartment. You should only use
the cargo compartment enlargement if the
load does not fit in the cargo compartment.
R Always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests. 256
Loading guidelinesStowage and features
If the rear bench seat is not occupied:
X Insert the belt tongue on the outer seat
belts into the buckle of opposite seat
belt 0043.
X Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie downs.
X Pad sharp edges for protection. Stowage areas
Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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 cargo compartment 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
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 256).Stowage compartments in the front Glove box
X
To open: pull handle 0043and open glove box
flap 0044.
X To close: fold glove box flap 0044upwards
until it engages. 0047
Glove box unlocked
0048 Glove box locked
X To lock:(Y page 70) insert the mechanical
key into the lock and turn it 90° clockwise
to position 0048.
X To unlock:(Y page 70) insert the
mechanical key into the lock and turn it 90°
counter-clockwise to position 0047.
i The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key. Stowage areas
257Stowage and features Z
Stowage compartment/telephone
compartment under the armrest/in the
center console 0043
Small stowage compartment
0044 Release button for the armrest
Stowage compartment/telephone
compartment under the armrest
X To open: press button 0044.
X Fold up armrest.
i In the stowage compartment, there is a
stowage tray.
X To close: fold the armrest down.
The armrest engages audibly.
Stowage space in the rear Stowage pockets
G
WARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
The stowage pockets are located on the rear
side of the front seats. Stowage nets
G
WARNING
Stowage nets are only intended for
transporting light loads such as road maps,
mail, etc.
Do not use stowage nets to transport heavy,
bulky, sharp-edged or fragile objects. In an
accident, during hard braking or during a
change of direction, they could be thrown
around inside the vehicle and cause injury to
vehicle occupants.
Stowage nets cannot protect the transported
loads in the event of an accident.
The stowage net is in the front-passenger
footwell. Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
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. G
WARNING
Failure to assure that the seat bench and seat
backrests are locked into place could result
in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.
Never place hands under seat or near any
moving parts while a seat is being adjusted. 258
Stowage areasStowage and features
Rear bench seat
Folding the rear bench seat forward
X
Fold rear seat backrest (Y page 259)
forwards.
X Pull catch 0043in the direction of the arrow.
The corresponding rear bench seat is
released.
X Fold rear bench seat 0044forwards. 0044
Rear bench seat folded forward
Folding the rear bench seat into an
upright position G
WARNING
If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat
backrest are not engaged they could fold
forwards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the
event of an accident.
R The vehicle occupant would thereby be
pushed into the seat belt by the rear bench
seat/rear seat or by the seat backrest. The
seat belt can no longer offer the intended level of protection and could even cause
injuries.
R Objects or loads in the trunk/cargo
compartment cannot be restrained by the
seat backrest.
There is an increased risk of injury.
Before every trip, make sure that the seat
backrests and the rear bench seat/rear seat
are engaged.
X Fold the rear bench seat back.
The seat catch engages audibly.
X Fold the backrest backwards
(Y page 259).
X Install the head restraints (Y page 88). Securing cargo
Important safety notes Distribute the load on the cargo tie-down
rings evenly.
Do not tamper with or repair cargo tie-down
point, cargo tie down rings or tie downs. Have
maintenance work as well as modifications,
installations and conversions carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop (Y
page 24).
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R Secure the load using the cargo tie-down
rings.
R Do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R Do not route tie-downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R Pad sharp edges for protection.
R Only use tie downs that have been checked
in accordance with applicable standards,
e.g. lashing nets or lashing straps.
R Fill the spaces between the load and the
cargo compartment walls and the wheel
mountings in a form-locking way. Only use
dimensionally stable transportation aids 260
Stowage areasStowage and features
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
0043
Sun visor
0044 Bracket
0087 Mirror cover
0085 Mirror light
Mirror lights 0085will only function if sun
visor 0043is clipped into bracket 0044.
X Fold down sun visor 0043.
X Fold up mirror cover 0087.
Mirror lights 0085are switched on
automatically.
Glare from the side 0043
Sun visor
0044 Bracket
0087 Mirror cover
0085 Mirror light
X Fold down sun visor 0043.
X Pull sun visor 0043from bracket 0044.
X Swing sun visor 0043to the side. Stowage compartment/ashtray
Stowage compartment/ashtray in the
center console 0043
Cover
0044 Insert
i On new vehicles, insert 0044is stored in the
glove box. Install the insert before using the
ashtray.
X To open: press cover 0043and then release
it.
The ashtray opens.
X To remove the insert: make sure that the
engine is switched off and that the parking
brake has been applied to secure the
vehicle against rolling away.
X Move the selector lever to N.
X Press down cover 0043.
Insert 0044is released.
X Pull insert 0044upwards and remove it.
X To install the insert: install insert0044from
above.
X Push insert 0044down.
Insert 0044audibly engages.
X To close: close cover 0043fully.
i The ashtray is lit up if the low-beam
headlamps are on. Features
263Stowage an d features Z