
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
DISTRONIC PLUS
Currently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManual
DISTRONICis deactivated and temporarily inoperative. Possibl ecau-
ses are:
RThe DISTRONI CPLU Scover in th eradiato rtrim is dirty
RFunction is impaire ddue to heav yrain or snow.
RThe sensor sin th ebumpers are dirty.
RThe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagneti cradiation emitted by nearby TV or radi ostation sor
other source sof electromagneti cradiation .
RThe system is outside th eoperating temperature range.
RThe transfer cas eis in th eLOW RANGE transmission position .
RThe vehicleis on an uphil lor adownhill slop eof mor ethan
22 ‑25 %
RThe on-boar dvoltag eis to olow.
A warning tone also sounds.
If th edisplay message does no tdisappear :
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XApply th eparking brake.
XClean th eDISTRONI CPLU Scover in th eradiato rtrim and th e
bumper (Ypage 239).
XRestart th eengine.
If th esystem detects that th esensor sare full yoperational, th edisplay
message disappears.
DISTRONI CPLU Sis operational again .
DISTRONIC PLUS
Inoperative
DISTRONICPLU Sis malfunctioning
BA S(anti-lock braking system) may also hav efailed.
A warning tone also sounds.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
DISTRONIC PLUS
Suspended
You havedepressed th eaccelerato rpedal .DISTRONI CPLU Sis no
longer controllin gth espeed of th evehicle.
XRemove your foo tfrom th eaccelerato rpedal .
DISTRONIC PLU S
- - -mph
An activation condition for DISTRONI CPLU Sis no tfulfilled .
XCheckth eactivation condition sfor DISTRONI CPLU S (Ypage 134).
Cruise Contro l
- - -mph
Acondition for activating cruise control has no tbeen fulfilled .
You hav etried to store aspeed belo w20 mph (30 km/ h), for example.
XIf conditions permit, drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/ h)and store
the speed.
XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control (Ypage 133).
186Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Shiftto'P'or'N'to Start EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in posi-
tionkorh.
XShift the transmission to position jori.
Auxiliary BatteryMalfunctionThe auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer being
charged.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop at the next opportunity.
XUntil then, set the automatic transmission to jbefore you switch
off the engine.
XBefore leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake.
Apply Brake toShift from 'P'You attempted to shift the transmission to position h,kori
without depressing the brake pedal.
XDepress the brake pedal.
Apply Brake toSelect RYou have attempted to shift from position hto position kwithout
applying the brakes.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XShift the transmission to position k.
AThe rear door is open.
GWARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle inte-
rior if the rear door is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
XClose the rear door.
?The hood is open.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
The open hood may block your view when the vehicle is in motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 122).
XClose the hood.
CAt least one door is open.
A warning tone also sounds.
XClose all the doors.
190Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Safety
Seat belts
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
üNAfter starting the engine, the red seat belt warning lamp lights up for 6 seconds.
The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their
seat belts.
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 41).
üN After starting the engine, the red seat belt warning lamp lights up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds for up to 6 seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 41).
The warning tone ceases.
üN The red seat belt warning lamp lights up after the engine starts, as soon as the
driver's or the front-passenger door is closed.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 41).
The warning lamp goes out.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out.
üN The red seat belt warning lamp flashes and an intermittent audible warning
sounds.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. The vehicle is being driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or has briefly been driven faster than 15 mph
(25 km/h).
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 41).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. The vehicle is being driven faster
than 15 mph (25 km/h) or has briefly been driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases.
192Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Safety systems
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
JNCanada only: the red brake system warning lamp is on while the engine is
running.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
The brake system is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be affec-
ted.
There is a risk of an accident.
XIf the multifunction display shows a display message, please observe this.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
$JN $ (USA only): the red brake system warning lamp is on while the engine is
running.
J (Canada only): the yellow brake system warning lamp is lit while the engine
is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be
affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 122).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
$JN $ (USA only): the red brake system warning lamp is on while the engine is
running.
J (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.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 122).
XDo not add brake fluid. Adding more will not correct the malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster193
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
FJNF (USA only): the red parking brake warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is in
motion.
J (Canada only): the red parking brake warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is
in motion.
You are driving with the parking brake applied.
XRelease the parking brake.
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases.
!N The yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ABS (anti-lock braking system) is malfunctioning.
If there is an additional warning tone, the EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
is malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction.
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 exam-
ple.
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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit 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 not be available.
194Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
!NThe yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ABS is temporarily unavailable.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be unavailable.
Possible causes are:
RSelf-diagnosis is not yet complete.
RThe on-board voltage may be insufficient.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above. The 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 is a risk of an accident.
XCarefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making gentle steering movements
at speeds of 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.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
!N The yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
You have engaged the differential locks. ABS is deactivated.
XDisengage the differential locks.
Subsequently ABS is reactivated.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster195
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
$J
÷!N$ (USA only): the red brake system warning lamp and the yellow ESP®and
ABS warning lamps are on while the engine is running.
J (Canada only): the yellow brake system, ESP
®and ABS warning lamps are on
while the engine is running.
ABS and ESP
®are malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction.
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 exam-
ple.
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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
÷N 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.
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 59), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 59).
196Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
åNThe yellow ESP®OFF warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If ESP
®is switched off, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
Further driving systems or driving safety systems are thus restricted.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 59), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 59).
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.
÷åN The yellow ESP®and ESP®OFF warning lamps are lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction.
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.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster197
On-board computer and displays
Z