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Mercedes-Benz Dashboard Warning Lights Explained

black mercedes c class

No one likes to see an illuminated warning light on their dashboard when driving around Rancho Cucamonga. Some warning lights aren’t dire, but others, like the check engine light or ABS light, require the attention of certified technicians. Mercedes-Benz warning lights can be confusing for some because they sometimes refer to brand-exclusive features like ATTENTION ASSIST®

To make it easier to understand their car light symbols and meanings, Mercedes-Benz of Ontario has put together a helpful guide. Take a look at our comprehensive Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning light guide below!

 

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Common Mercedes-Benz Dashboard Symbols & Meanings

Different Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights will have different colors, looks, and meanings. Many of them are just indications that a system is one or that something should be serviced, and they’re usually nothing to worry about too much. However, some of them can indicate that a major service or repair is required, and if that’s the case, you’ll want to schedule service with us near Fontana right away. 

Here are some common Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights and their meanings: 

ABS Light

  • Icon: Circle with “ABS” in the center and one curved line on either side
  • Meaning: The Anti-Lock Brake System is deactivated, as well as ESP®, BAS®®, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Hill-Start Assist. You can slow and stop while driving through Chino, but the system won’t sense or respond to emergency braking or vehicle instability.

Steering Wheel Light

  • Icon: Steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it
  • Meaning: Power steering isn’t working. You’ll need to forcefully turn the wheel.

Battery Light

  • Icon: Battery with a plus and minus sign
  • Meaning: The battery isn’t charging properly. This could be due to a malfunctioning alternator, poly-v belt, or a problem with the electrical system.

Brake Wear Light

  • Icon: Circle with a dotted line on either side
  • Meaning: It’s time to replace the brake pads and/or brake rotors. To avoid vehicle damage and safety hazards, schedule a brake replacement ASAP.

ATTENTION ASSIST®® Light

  • Icon: Steaming cup on a saucer
  • Meaning: ATTENTION ASSIST®® monitors your driving behaviors for signs of sleepiness. This light means it’s time for a break before you get back on the streets of Corona.

Check Engine Light

  • Icon: Engine
  • Meaning: The check engine light can signify an issue with the engine itself, fuel, fuel injection systems, ignition, or exhaust. High emissions could have also caused the engine to enter emergency mode.

Glow Plug Light

  • Icon: Yellow coil
  • Meaning: Glow plugs heat the cylinders inside a diesel engine, such as the one inside the Sprinter Van. When this light is on, the glow plugs are in the process of heating the cylinders.

DEF/AdBlue® Indicator

  • Icon: Two rows of vertical dots on top of a horizontal funnel
  • Meaning: It’s time to top off your Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) as it’s low. Used to create a catalytic reaction to remove particles from the exhaust, this fluid plays a crucial role in your emissions system.

ESC or ESP® Light

  • Icon: Car with two skid marks
  • Meaning: The Electronic Stability Control (previously known as ESP® or Electronic Stability Program) has been deactivated. This feature will not intervene if the vehicle begins to skid.

Coolant Light

  • Icon: Red temperature gauge over fluid lines
  • Meaning: You may have a faulty temperature gauge on your hands, or the coolant level may be too low. Keep an eye on the temperature, and if the coolant exceeds 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius), pull over immediately. Driving a vehicle with temperatures this high could destroy the engine.

Tire Pressure Light

  • Icon: Flat tire
  • Meaning: There has been a drop in tire pressure in one or more of your tires, and they don’t have a sufficient amount of air in them. Find a safe spot to pull over, so you can check your tire pressure or replace your tire if needed.

Gas Light

  • Icon: Gas pump
  • Meaning: Most often, this will mean your fuel level is too low, and you’ll need to pull over to fill up your car. Sometimes, this can also indicate that the fuel system pressure is too low from things like a fuel cap not being closed or a leak.

Seat Belt Light

  • Icon: Person with seat belt
  • Meaning: The driver or front passenger needs to fasten their seat belts. If the vehicle reaches 15 MPH, the light will be paired with an audio alert.

Airbag Light

  • Icon: Person with airbag deployed in front of them
  • Meaning: This means that the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) is malfunctioning. If an accident were to occur, the airbag may not deploy. Seek service as soon as possible.

If you see any of these lights and need service, then visit Mercedes-Benz of Ontario. We have state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment as well as service and parts specials to get you back on the Inland Empire roads in no time at all. 

Featured Service Special

Multi-Point Inspection Special

Complimentary

Our team of Master Certified Technicians will complete a comprehensive multi-point inspection of your vehicle. Following your inspection, you will receive a detailed report of your vehicle’s condition.

Special internet offer must be presented to the Service Advisor at the time of write-up and prior to the service being performed. Valid at Mercedes-Benz of Ontario. Excludes Tires, Fletcher Care, Prepaid Maintenance, Warranties, Deductibles, etc. Cannot be combined with any other offer or applied to past services. Does not include applicable taxes, shop supplies, and hazardous waste fees. Limit one original offer per person. Other restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited. See Dealer for details.

Service Your Mercedes-Benz in Ontario!

Is your dashboard displaying any of the above warning lights or another icon not listed above? For more information about Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols and meanings, contact us.

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