Safety systems
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions J
N
The yellow brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running or
the ECO start/stop function is switched on.
G WARNING
The brake system is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be affec- ted.
There is a risk of an accident.
X If the multifunction display shows a display message, please observe this.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. J
N
The red brake system warning lamp lights up 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.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 167).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display. J
N
The red brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
Braking efficiency 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.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 167).
X Do not top up the brake fluid. Topping up will not correct the fault.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display. 282
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions !
N
The yellow ABS warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is malfunctioning.
An additional warning tone indicates that EBD (electronic brake force distribution) is malfunctioning.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
G WARNING
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 exam-
ple.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such
as the navigation system or the automatic transmission, will be unavailable. J÷
!
N
The red brake system warning lamp and the yellow ESP ®
and ABS warning lamps
are on while the engine is running.
ABS and ESP ®
are malfunctioning.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
G WARNING
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 exam-
ple.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
283On-board computer and displays Z
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions ÷
N
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP ®
or traction control has intervened due to a risk of skidding or because at least
one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X Depress the accelerator pedal only as far as necessary when pulling away.
X Accelerate more gently while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
In rare cases, it may be better to deactivate ESP ®
in the following situations:
R When snow chains are used
R In deep snow
R On sand or gravel
Observe the important safety notes on ESP ®
(Y page 73). ÷
N
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp is on while the engine is running.
ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 284
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions å
N
The yellow ESP ®
OFF warning lamp is on while the engine is running or the ECO
start/stop function is switched on.
ESP ®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is deactivated, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Further driving systems or driving safety systems are thus restricted, e.g. Active
Blind Spot Assist. The system does not perform braking actions.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
In rare cases, it may be better to deactivate ESP ®
in the following situations:
R When snow chains are used
R In deep snow
R On sand or gravel
Observe the important safety notes on ESP ®
(Y page 73).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Contact a qualified specialist workshop immediately and have the ESP ®
system
checked. M
N
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
The yellow SPORT handling mode warning lamp lights up while the engine is run-
ning.
SPORT handling mode is activated.
G WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Activate SPORT handling mode only in accordance with the conditions descri-
bed in the "Activating/deactivating ESP ®
" section (Y page 75). Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
285On-board computer and displays Z
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions !
N
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.
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display. 6
N
The red restraint system warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The restraint system is malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The airbags or belt tensioners may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the
event of an accident, may not be triggered.
This poses an increased risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Contact a qualified specialist workshop immediately and have the restraint sys-
tem checked.
Further information about the restraint system (Y page 41).Engine
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions ;
N
The yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp lights up while the engine is run-
ning.
A fault may exist with the following, for example:
R Engine management
R Fuel injection system
R Exhaust system
R Ignition system (for vehicles with petrol engines)
R Fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be running in
emergency mode.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry (Y page 164).
X Start the engine three to four times after refuelling.
If the yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp goes out, emergency running
mode is cancelled. The vehicle does not have to be checked. 8
N
The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp is on while the engine is running.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
Operation of the auxiliary heating is deactivated if the fuel level drops into the
reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. 286
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions ?
N
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 malfunctioning.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. The engine could be dam-
aged if the coolant temperature is too high.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions,
and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 167).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
287On-board computer and displays Z
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions ?
N
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 on the multifunction display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions,
and switch off the engine.
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 top up the coolant, making sure to observe the
warning notes (Y page 329).
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system
checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by frozen
slush.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is below 120 †. The
engine may otherwise be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain
and stop-start traffic. ?
N
The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running. A warning
tone also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 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.
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause any fluids that may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire.
In addition, steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns, which can
occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions,
and switch off the engine.
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 top up the coolant, making sure to observe the
warning notes (Y page 329).
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system
checked. 288
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions X
Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by frozen
slush.
X If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue driving to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain
and stop-start traffic. Driving systems
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions ·
N
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. ·
N
The red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion. A warning
tone also sounds.
You are approaching a vehicle, a pedestrian 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 PRE ‑SAFE®
Brake (Y page 77).
Further information on the distance warning function of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (Y page 70). Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
289On-board computer and displays Z