Mercedes-Benz Warning Lights and Meanings
Complete guide to Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.
Understanding Mercedes-Benz Dashboard Warning Lights
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are equipped with an advanced diagnostic system that monitors various components and systems. When an issue is detected, a corresponding warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.
These warning lights are color-coded to indicate the severity of the issue:
- Red: Indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so.
- Amber/Yellow: Suggests a less urgent problem that should be checked soon, but doesn't require immediate action.
- Green: Usually informational, indicating that a system is active or functioning normally.
- Blue: Usually informational, indicating features like high beam headlights or coolant temperature.
- White: Usually informational, indicating that certain systems or features are currently active.
Below you'll find a comprehensive list of warning lights that may appear on your Mercedes-Benz vehicle's dashboard.
Mercedes-Benz Warning Light Categories
Critical Warning Lights
These red warning lights indicate serious issues that require immediate attention.
Service Warning Lights
These amber/yellow lights suggest issues that need attention soon but aren't immediately critical.
Information Indicators (Green)
These green lights simply inform you that certain systems are active.
Information Indicators (Blue)
These blue lights indicate that certain features or systems are enabled.
Information Indicators (White)
These white lights provide status information about various vehicle systems.
Critical Warning Lights
Brakes Warning Lamp
The red brake warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. Possible causes: ● The brake force boosting is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be affected. ● There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Brakes Warning Lamp
The red brake warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. Possible causes: ● The brake force boosting is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be affected. ● There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Coolant Warning Lamp
The red coolant warning lamp is lit while the engine is running. Possible causes: ● The temperature sensor is malfunctioning ● The coolant level is too low ● The air supply to the radiator is obstructed ● The radiator fan is faulty ● The engine coolant pump is faulty If there is an additional warning tone, the coolant temperature has exceeded the maximum permissible temperature. Stop immediately in accordance with the traffic conditions and switch off the vehicle. Do not continue driving. Note the messages on the instrument display. If the coolant temperature display is at the lower end of the temperature scale: Consult a qualified specialist workshop. If the coolant temperature display is at the upper end of the temperature scale: ● Exit the vehicle and keep a safe distance from it until the engine has cooled down. ● Check the coolant level. ● Make sure that the air supply to the radiator is not obstructed. ● Avoiding high loads on the engine, drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop. In doing so, ensure that the coolant temperature display remains below the red area.
Distance Warning Function Warning Lamp
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. If there is an additional warning tone, you are approaching an obstacle at too high a speed. ● Be prepared to brake immediately. ● Increase the distance.
Door Open Warning Lamp
At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds. Close all the doors.
Electric Parking Brake Indicator Lamp
The red electric parking brake indicator lamp flashes or is lit. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Electric Parking Brake Indicator Lamp
The red electric parking brake indicator lamp flashes or is lit. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Electrical Malfunction Warning Lamp
The red electrical malfunction warning lamp is lit. There is a malfunction in the electrics. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Hood Open Warning Lamp
The hood is open. A warning tone also sounds. Action to be taken: ● Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to the road and traffic conditions. ● Secure the vehicle against rolling away. ● Close the hood.
Power Steering Warning Lamp
The red power steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. The power assistance or the steering itself is malfunctioning. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Rear Axle Steering Warning Lamp
If the red rear axle steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running, the rear axle steering is malfunctioning. Note the messages on the driver’s display.
Restraint System Warning Lamp
The restraint system red warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is on. The restraint system is malfunctioning. ● Drive on carefully. ● Note the messages on the instrument display. ● Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Seat Belt Warning Lamp
The red seat belt warning lamp flashes and an intermittent warning tone sounds. The driver or front passenger has not fastened the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. Fasten your seat belt. If there are objects on the front passenger seat, remove the objects from the front passenger seat. The red seat belt warning lamp lights up for six seconds once the vehicle has started. In addition, an intermittent warning tone may sound. The red seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belts. Fasten your seat belt. If you have placed objects on the front passenger seat, the red seat belt warning lamp may remain lit.
Suspension Warning Lamp
The red AIRMATIC/E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL warning lamp is lit. A malfunction has occurred in AIRMATIC/E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. ● Note the messages on the driver’s display. ● Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
System Malfunction Warning Lamp
The red system error warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is in a state of operational readiness “READY”. There is a malfunction in the drive system. Note the messages on the driver’s display.
Trailer Tow Hitch Warning Lamp
The red trailer hitch warning lamp is lit. The trailer hitch is not operational. Note the messages on the instrument display. Action to be taken: ● Stop the vehicle immediately. Do not continue driving. ● Uncouple the trailer and secure it against rolling away. ● Initiate a new swiveling procedure and do not re-couple the trailer until the display message disappears.
Service Warning Lights
ABS Warning Lamp
The yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. ABS is malfunctioning. If an additional warning tone sounds, EBD is malfunctioning. Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Attention Assist Warning Lamp
Attention assist has detected fatigue or an increasing lack of concentration on the part of the driver. If necessary, take a break. Attention assist is malfunctioning. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Attention Assist Warning Lamp
Attention assist has detected fatigue or an increasing lack of concentration on the part of the driver. If necessary, take a break. Attention assist is malfunctioning. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
BAS ESP Warning Lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” in the instrument cluster comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. It should go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the BAS system, or both. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles at speeds greater than 30mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
Brake Pad Wear Warning Lamp
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit. Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Brakes Warning Lamp
The yellow Brakes warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. ● Adjust your speed and drive on carefully, leaving a suitable distance to the vehicle in front. ● If the instrument display shows a display message, observe it. ● Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Coolant Warning Lamp
The yellow coolant warning lamp is lit while the engine is running. Possible causes: ● The temperature sensor is malfunctioning ● The charge air, transmission oil or battery cooling is faulty ● The radiator shutters are blocked or defective Avoid high loads on the engine, drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Drift Mode Warning Lamp
Drift mode is activated while the engine is running. Observe the notes on activating DRIFT MODE.
ESP OFF Warning Lamp
The yellow ESP OFF warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. ESP is deactivated. Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also be inoperative. Observe the notes on deactivating ESP
ESP OFF Warning Lamp
The yellow ESP OFF warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. ESP is deactivated. Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also be inoperative. Observe the notes on deactivating ESP
ESP Warning Lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion. One or more wheels have reached their grip limit. Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions. The yellow ESP warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. ESP is malfunctioning. Other driving systems and driving safety systems (e.g. BAS) may also be malfunctioning. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Electric Parking Brake Indicator Lamp
The yellow electric parking brake indicator lamp is also lit in the event of a malfunction. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Engine Diagnosis Warning Lamp
The yellow Check Engine warning lamp is lit while the engine is running. A malfunction has occurred in the engine, the exhaust system or the fuel system. The emissions limit value may have been exceeded and the engine may be running in emergency operation mode. In some states, legal requirements stipulate that you must immediately consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp
The yellow fuel reserve warning lamp lights up while you are driving. There has been pressure loss in the fuel system. The fuel filler cap is not closed correctly or the fuel system is leaking. Close the fuel filler cap. If the fuel filler cap has already been closed correctly: Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The yellow fuel reserve warning lamp lights up while the engine is running. The fuel supply has dropped into the reserve range. Refuel.
Low Coolant Warning Lamp
The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged. ● Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so. ● If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Occupant Presence Reminder Warning Lamp
The yellow occupant presence reminder warning lamp is lit. The occupant presence reminder is malfunctioning. Note the messages on the driver’s display.
Power Steering Warning Lamp
The yellow power steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. The power assistance or the steering itself is malfunctioning. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Preglow Indicator Lamp
To start a diesel engine: turn the Smart Key to position 2 in the ignition lock. The pre-glow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up. When the pre-glow indicator lamp goes out, turn the Smart Key to position 3 and release it as soon as the engine is running.
Rear Axle Steering Warning Lamp
The yellow rear axle steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. The rear axle steering is malfunctioning. Note the messages on the driver’s display.
Rear Fog Light
Rear fog light has failed. Have the lights checked as soon as possible.
Recuperative Brake System Warning Lamp
The yellow Recuperative Brake System warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. ● Adjust your speed and drive on carefully, leaving a suitable distance to the vehicle in front. ● If the instrument display shows a display message, observe it. ● Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Reduced Power Warning Lamp
The yellow reduced-power warning lamp is on. Drive system power output is reduced. Note the messages on the driver’s display.
Sport Handling Mode Warning Light
The yellow SPORT handling mode warning lamp is lit while the engine is running. It is also lit when the SPORT handling mode is activated.
Suspension Warning Lamp
The yellow AIR BODY CONTROL warning lamp is lit. A malfunction has occurred in the AIR BODY CONTROL. The yellow DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL warning lamp is lit. A malfunction has occurred in the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Lamp
The yellow tire pressure monitor warning lamp (pressure loss/malfunction) flashes for approximately one minute and then remains lit. The tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning The yellow tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp (pressure loss/malfunction) is lit. The tire pressure monitoring system has detected tire pressure loss in at least one of the tires. ● Stop the vehicle in accordance with the traffic conditions. ● Check the tire pressure and the tires.
Washer Fluid Warning Lamp
The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped below the minimum. Add washer fluid.
Information Indicators (Green)
Blind Spot Assist
It illuminates when the Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is active.
Low Beam
It illuminates when you switch the low beam lamps on.
Standing Lights
It illuminates when you switch the standing lights on.
Turn Signal Lights
It flashes when you switch the turn signal lamps on.
Information Indicators (Blue)
High Beam Indicator
Illuminates when you switch the high beam headlamps on.
Information Indicators (White)
Active Brake Assist Warning Lamp
The Active Brake Assist warning lamp is on. After you drive off, the system’s range of functions will be restricted due to the teach-in process. Depending on the ambient conditions, the teach-in process may take a few minutes. Observe the notes on Active Brake Assist
Active Brake Assist Warning Lamp
The Active Brake Assist warning lamp is on. The system is switched off or the range of functions has been automatically restricted. This may be the case if another driving system has been activated. Observe the notes on Active Brake Assist
Active Brake Assist Warning Lamp
The Active Brake Assist warning lamp is on. Due to dirty sensors or a malfunction, the system is not available or the range of functions is restricted. Note the messages on the instrument display.
Active Steering Assist
Active Steering Assist has reached the system limits. You have not steered independently for a considerable period of time. Take over the steering and drive on in accordance with the traffic conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
If Adaptive Highbeam Assist is activated, the indicator lamp will light up on the driver’s display.
Blind Spot Assist
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is enabled.
Emergency Call System Warning Lamp
The Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is malfunctioning. The Mercedes connect system is also malfunctioning. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Occupant Presence Reminder Warning Lamp
The white occupant presence reminder warning lamp is lit. The occupant presence reminder is deactivated. Switch on the occupant presence reminder.
Rear Seat Backrest Not Latched
Sedan with through-loading feature in the rear bench seat: The backrest in the rear is not engaged on the left-hand and/or right-hand side. A warning tone also sounds. Push the backrest back until it engages.
Traffic Sign Assist Warning Lamp
The Traffic Sign Assist warning lamp is lit. Traffic Sign Assist is malfunctioning. Note the messages on the driver’s display.