Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
÷NThe 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®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 56), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 56).
÷N The yellow ESP®warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also be faulty.
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 immediately.
åN The yellow ESP®OFF warning lamp is lit while the engine is running or the ECO
start/stop function is activated.
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®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 56), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 56).
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 cluster193
On-board computer and displays
Z
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
MNThe yellow SPORT handling mode warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
SPORT handling mode is activated.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is switched on, ESP
®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XOnly switch to SPORT handling mode in accordance with the conditions descri-
bed in the "Activating/deactivating ESP" section (Ypage 56).
F!N F (USA only), !(Canada only): the red indicator lamp for the electric
parking brake flashes or is lit and/or the yellow warning lamp for the electric
parking brake is lit.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
6N The red restraint system warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The restraint system is faulty.
GWARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be triggered uninten-
tionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XHave the restraint system checked immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
For further information about the restraint system, see (
Ypage 35).
194Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Engine
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
;NThe yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
There may be a malfunction, for example:
Rin the engine management
Rin the fuel injection system
Rin the exhaust system
Rin the ignition system
Rin the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be in emergency
mode.
XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
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 require-
ments in effect in these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
8N 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.
8N 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 filler cap is not closed correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
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.
?NThe 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 gage is defective.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a risk of engine
damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
XPull 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.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 119).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster195
On-board computer and displays
Z
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
?NThe 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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 119).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 231).
XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the engine coolant sys-
tem checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡
(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain,
and stop-and-go traffic.
?N 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.
GWARNING
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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 119).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has
cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 231).
XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the engine coolant sys-
tem checked.
196Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the nearest qualified
specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain,
and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving systems
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
·NThe 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.
For further information about the distance warning function of COLLISION PRE-
VENTION ASSIST PLUS, see (
Ypage 53).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster197
On-board computer and displays
Z
Vehicle
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
ÐNThe red power steering warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The power steering is malfunctioning.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.
XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified specialist work-
shop.
XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the nearest qualified
specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster199
On-board computer and displays
Z
Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
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:
RNever 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 iden-
tification plate on the B-pillar of the driver's
door.
RThe cargo compartment is the preferred place
to carry objects.
RPosition heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the cargo compart-
ment as possible.
RThe load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
RHook in the cargo net when loading.
RSecure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges for protection.
Stowage spaces
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior
and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of
an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction.
RAlways stow objects in such a way that they cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations.
RAlways make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets.
REnsure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey.
RAlways stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 209).
Stowage areas209
Stowage and features
Z
Glove box
XTo open:pull handle :and open glove box
flap ;.
XTo close: fold glove box flap ;upwards until
it engages.
The glove box can be locked and unlocked using
the mechanical key.
XTo lock: insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it to position 2.
XTo unlock:insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it to position 1.
Stowage compartment in front of the
armrest
XTo open:slide cover :forwards.
Stowage compartment under armrest
XTo open: press button :.
The stowage compartment opens from the
rear.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the fol-
lowing may be in the stowage compartment: a
multimedia connector unit with an SD card slot
and 2 USB ports, e.g. for use with an iPod
®,
iPhone®or MP3 player; see the separate oper-
ating instructions.
The ignition lock for starting the engine with the
key is in the stowage compartment
(
Ypage 103).
Additional stowage space
Depending on the equipment, the following
additional stowage areas are available in the
vehicle:
Ropen stowage compartments in the doors
Rstowage net in front-passenger footwell
Rstowage net on the left hand on the rear wall
behind the seats
iReflective safety jackets can be stowed in
the stowage net on the rear wall behind the
driver's seat.
Observe the safety guidelines for stowage
spaces (
Ypage 209).
210Stowage areas
Stowage and features