Warning symbols illuminated on the dashboard is something car owners don’t want to see. While the ABS or check engine light will give you a lot of stress because it requires immediate attention, some warning lights are not dire and can be fixed quickly. Not all warning lights are terrifying, some dashboard symbols refer to brand-exclusive features like ATTENTION ASSIST® to ensure your safety. It is important that you know how to respond to each warning light to reduce any additional damage to your vehicle and to ensure that it is safe. If you are unsure how to carry out an action or repair on your vehicle, our certified experts know your Mercedes-Benz better than anyone. Here is a simple guide to help you understand each of the common warning light:
Red warning lights
mean you should stop the car as soon as it is safe
Brake SystemThis indicator appears when the parking brake is on while driving.
What to do: Release the handbrake. If the light remains, check your brake fluid level and fill up accordingly. Contact Roadside Assistance if the indicator stays on after refilling with brake fluid.
Engine Cooling System
The coolant level could be too low or the temperature gauge may be faulty.
What to do: If the coolant temperature exceeds 120 degrees Celsius(248 degrees Fahrenheit), DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle. The engine could otherwise be damaged.
Caution: The cooling system is a pressurised system. Allow the car to cool down before adding coolant to prevent injury. We advise that topping up the system with coolant must be done by a certified expert at an Authorized Service Center.
Engine Oil Pressure
Either the oil temperature gets too high or the oil level/pressure is too low. If the oil is not lubricating the engine effectively, it could lead to irreparable engine damage, so it’s important to act quickly.
What to do: Switch off the engine immediately. Do not restart. Check the oil level. If it is low, fill up accordingly. Start the engine and let it run for five (5) seconds, then switch off the engine. If the light stays on, contact Roadside Assistance.
Steering Wheel Light
The power steering isn’t working. More force is required to turn the steering wheel and a warning tone will sound.
What to do: If the steering wheel feels heavy, please pull over when safe to do so and contact Roadside Assistance.
Airbag and Seatbelt System
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). This may cause an airbag not to deploy in the event of an accident.
What to do: It is best to bring the vehicle to an Authorized Service Center as soon as possible.
Battery System
This means the battery isn’t charging properly. The issue could be a problem with the electrical system, faulty alternator or the battery itself.
What to do: Leave the engine running a few minutes or drive for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the battery to recharge. If the engine has no power, contact Roadside Assistance.
Seat Belt Indicator
The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belts. If you are driving faster than 20kms, an audible warning alert will sound. If the light does not disappear, bring the vehicle to an Authorized Service Center.
Recharge AdBlue (Red)
Mercedes-Benz Genuine AdBlue® is composed of urea and deionized water. It is injected into the exhaust gases of selected diesel engines as a post-combustion process. Its purpose is to reduce the percentage of harmful NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) found in the vehicle’s emissions. With BlueTEC technology, Mercedes-Benz has been able to heavily reduce exhaust gas emissions while at the same time maintaining the performance of diesel engines in terms of power and torque output.
The red warning light appears when there is no AdBlue range left; If this happens, the car will not restart once the ignition is turned off.
What to do: Stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so. Top-up the system with AdBlue into its separate tank before you restart your vehicle. DO NOT PUT INTO THE DIESEL TANK.
Yellow/Orange warning lights
mean that action is required.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light can signify a few different issues including engine problems, issues with the fuel or fuel injection systems, ignition, or exhaust. High emissions can also cause the engine to enter emergency mode.
What to do: Remove the key for 30 seconds then reinsert and start the engine. If the light disappears, the system may reset itself. Visit an Authorized Service Center for checking.
When to contact Roadside Assistance:
- If the lights return and the engine has no power
- If the warning light is flashing and the vehicle is vibrating
ABS Light
The Anti-Lock Brake System has been deactivated. If this is the case, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), Brake Assist System (BAS®), Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Hill-Start Assist will deactivate as well. Emergency braking and traction control will be unavailable.
What to do: Drive carefully to an Authorized Service Center or contact Roadside Assistance
Glow Plug Light
Glow plugs heat the cylinders inside a diesel engine. When this light is on, the system is malfunctioning.
What to do: Drive slowly and carefully to an Authorized Service Center or contact Roadside Assistance due to engine management fault.
Brake Wear Light
The brake pads and/or brake rotors have reached their limit.
What to do: Contact your dealership to replace the brake pads and/or brake rotors immediately.
ESC or ESP® Light
Electronic Stability Control (previously known as ESP®, Electronic Stability Program) has been deactivated. ESC will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
What to do: Try to reactivate the system or bring to an Authorized Service Center.
Parking Sensor Malfunction
The park assist PARKTRONIC system is not working due to either signal interference, dirty sensors or a malfunction.
What to do: Turn the vehicle on and off. If the problem persists, contact an Authorized Service Center.
Engine Oil Level
If this light stays on, it indicates the oil level has either dropped or exceeded from the recommended levels and the oil sensor may not be working properly.
What to do:
- If the oil is too low, top-up until it reaches the required level.
- If the oil is beyond the maximum level, consult a certified expert as excess engine oil can damage the engine.
- If the oil level is sufficient and the light is on, consult a certified expert.
Tire Pressure Light
The tire pressure is insufficient or has dropped significantly.
What to do: Pull over to a safe spot and ensure that all tires follow the correct pressure. Bring your vehicle at the nearest Petrol Station to pump the tires with air.
Automatic Gearbox
The gearbox has malfunctioned.
What to do: A message may appear – follow the instructions and drive to an Authorized Service Center immediately as long as it is safe to do so. If the message asks you to stop the vehicle and select P, contact Roadside Assistance.
Suspension Dampers
Malfunction has been detected with the suspension system which may impact vehicle handling characteristics.
What to do: Drive in an appropriate manner below 40kph to an Authorized Service Center.
Gas Light
Your fuel level or fuel system pressure could be too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
What to do: Refuel as soon as possible or contact an Authorized Service Center if the light still appears.
Light Bulb
The headlights are still on or the lighting system is faulty.
What to do: Switch the light off or to auto mode. Contact an Authorized Service Center if the warning light is on.
ATTENTION ASSIST® Light
The ATTENTION ASSIST® system monitors your driving behaviors for signs of drowsiness. Paired with a warning tone, this alert means that the driver needs to rest before driving any further.
Service A or B
This prompts when your vehicle is due for Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS). It also indicates the number of days left before PMS.
What to do: Contact your dealership or click Online Service Booking to book an appointment.
If you experience red or yellow warning light while driving, you may contact any of these channels:
Trunkline: 8784 5001
Service Appointment: 0998 868 1627 / 0920 919 7687 / 0908 865 4620
Book an Appointment via Online: Service Booking
Roadside Assistance:
Working hours: 0918 827 7053 / 0929 519 0611 / 0920 904 6489
Beyond working hours: 0998 540 1800 / 0917 634 8669