When your Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights go on, it means that your vehicle is trying to tell you something. Although the lights on your new vehicle‘s dashboard can be confusing, they’re important to understand. Read Fletcher Jones Imports’ quick and easy guide to the Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols and meanings below!
Icon: Circle with “ABS” in the center and one curved line on either side
Meaning: This means that the Anti-Lock Brake System is deactivated, including the ESP®, BAS®, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Hill-Start Assist. The system won’t respond to emergency braking, but you can still slow down and stop your vehicle.
Icon: Steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it
Meaning: When this light is on, it means the electric power steering is not working.
Icon: Battery with a plus and minus sign
Meaning: The battery isn’t charging correctly. This problem could be the result of a malfunctioning alternator, poly-v belt, or a problem with the electrical system.
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.
Icon: Steaming cup on a saucer
Meaning: ATTENTION ASSIST® looks for signs of sleepiness by monitoring your driving. When this light comes on, the driver should take a break from driving and wait to resume until they’re feeling more alert.
Icon: Engine
Meaning: This light can mean a few things. First, it can mean there’s a problem with the engine. It can also indicate an issue with fuel or the fuel injection systems, exhaust, ignition, or high emissions.
Icon: Yellow coil
Meaning: When this light is on, it means the glow plugs are in the process of heating the vehicle’s cylinders.
Icon: Horizontal funnel with two rows of vertical dots atop the funnel
Meaning: If you are driving a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that takes diesel fuel, this indicator means it’s time to top off the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). This fluid helps facilitate a catalytic reaction to remove particles from the exhaust, making it a crucial component of the emissions system. Sometimes, the fluid gets low and requires topping off.
Icon: A vehicle with two wavy skid marks behind it
Meaning: When you see this light, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC)—formerly known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)—is deactivated. If your vehicle loses control when this light is on, ESC will not mitigate.
Icon: Two red wavy lines stacked on top of each other with a temperature gauge in the middle
Meaning: Either the temperature gauge needs attention or the coolant level has decreased. Monitor the temperature as you drive; if the coolant exceeds 248 degrees Fahrenheit, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. The longer you drive with temperatures this high, the higher the risk of engine damage.
Icon: Yellow flat tire with an exclamation mark in the middle
Meaning: One or more of your tires is experiencing a drop in pressure. Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so, and inspect all four tires. If a tire is losing air rapidly, you’ll need to replace it. If you don’t see visible air loss or a puncture point and you can continue driving, head to the nearest gas station in North Las Vegas with a tire fill station to check and refill your tires. If you have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) it will show you exactly what tire needs attention, and exactly how low the pressure is.
Icon: Gas pump
Meaning: We’ve all stressed about this dashboard light during our daily commutes to Las Vegas—typically, it means you’re going to run out of fuel soon and need to fill up. Sometimes, though, it might also indicate that the pressure in the fuel system is too low, which could be caused by a loose gas cap or a leak.
Icon: Person with seat belt
Meaning: Front-row occupants need to buckle their seat belts. If you exceed 15 mph with this light on, there will also be an audible warning.
Icon: A person seated with a deployed airbag facing them
Meaning: This is a warning that the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is malfunctioning. In the event of a collision, there’s a risk that the airbag wouldn’t deploy, so you should schedule service without delay when you see this light.
For more answers regarding your Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights or anything else auto-related, contact our team at Fletcher Jones Imports, located near Pahrump and Summerlin. From inquiries about our service specials to questions about routine maintenance, we are here to help!
