Dashboard Warning Lights Guide

While it may be tempting to ignore the warning lights on your Mercedes’ dashboard, it’s important to remember that these lights play an important role, indicating vehicle problems that might need immediate attention. Here, Hendrick Motors of Charlotte has compiled a guide to the different Mercedes-Benz warning lights symbols and what you should do if you see one.

No matter which Mercedes you’re driving—a Mercedes-Benz A Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLE, or other model—the warning light system on your dashboard will follow a “traffic-light” color scheme:

• Green means the system is working correctly or is currently in use
• Yellow means that something is not working correctly—take extra care and head to our service center as soon as you can
• Red means there is a serious and potentially dangerous problem—stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so.

 

Mercedes-Benz Parking Brake and Brake Fluid Warning Light

If you see this light after fully releasing the parking brake, or while driving, it may indicate your brake fluid level is low. Unless you know how to check your brake fluid levels yourself, you should bring it in for our service team to look at.

If the ABS warning light is also lit up, your braking system has malfunctioned and your brakes might not be working properly at all. Look also to see if the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is illuminated.

Can I still drive with my parking brake and brake fluid light on?

Since brakes are one of the most important safety features of your Mercedes-Benz, it’s important that you stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so, and do not continue driving your Mercedes when you see this light. Contact the service center at Hendrick Motors of Charlotte as soon as you can.

Mercedes-Benz Check Engine Warning Light

When you see the check engine warning light, you might also experience other signs that the engine isn’t working properly, for example a lack of power or stuttering when you press the accelerator. This warning can indicate a range of faults, from minor to major mechanical issues.

Ideally, you should get your Mercedes checked as soon as possible when you see this warning light. Neglecting to service your Mercedes-Benz while this indicator is on could risk further, potentially irreparable damage to your engine.

Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Warning Light

If you see this light, your Mercedes is experiencing an issue with its power steering. This is an incredibly major issue, so find a safe place to stop immediately and turn the car off and back on again after 30 seconds. If the light remains on, bring your car to the nearest service center as soon as possible.

If your power steering system fails, your Mercedes will become harder to maneuver and drive. Take extra caution as you drive to the nearest service center or Mercedes-Benz showroom.

Mercedes-Benz Coolant Levels Warning Light

This yellow warning light will flash when your coolant levels are running low. Top them up as soon as you can.

You should avoid making any long journey without sufficient coolant, so stop at a convenience store or service center to top up your coolant tank with more as soon as possible. You should wait until the engine is cool before adding coolant.

Mercedes-benz Engine Overheating Warning Light

This light illuminates when your engine is overheating. Your coolant levels could be running low, there could be a leak in your coolant system, or your Mercedes could be experiencing a more serious problem.

If you see this light on your Mercedes-Benz dashboard, you should stop driving right away. Find the first safe place to stop and pull over. Wait until the engine has cooled off before checking your coolant levels, and top off if needed, or call a tow truck.

Mercedes-benz Low Engine Oil Warning Light

This symbol indicates either that your oil temperature is too high, or the oil level or pressure is too low. It’s vitally important to act quickly in this situation, because it can lead to expensive or irreparable engine damage. This light could indicate that your Mercedes has an oil leak or that the oil pump may be faulty.

Mercedes-benz Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

Almost every Mercedes-Benz is outfitted with a tire pressure monitoring system, which will let you know when the tires don’t have enough pressure for safe functioning. This could be due to a puncture, or could just happen over time.

Mercedes-benz Battery Charge Warning Light

This light means that your battery isn’t charging, due to some problem with your car’s electrical system. You could have a faulty alternator, faulty battery, bad electrical connection, or even damaged cabling.

If your battery isn’t charging properly, you’ll still be able to drive it until the battery is completely drained. However, after it’s drained, nothing in your Mercedes will work—so bring your Benz to us as soon as you can to avoid being stranded!

Mercedes-benz Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

ABS is an essential safety feature in nearly every modern vehicle, and can help you come quickly to a sudden stop or keep you on an icy road. If you see this light, you can continue driving as normal for a little while, but schedule a service appointment with us today.

Mercedes-benz Brake Pad Wear Warning Light

When your brake pads begin to wear thin, this light will indicate that it’s time to book an appointment to get them changed.

Mercedes-Benz Electronic Stability Problem (ESP) Warning Light

If you see the ESP light flashing, that means this system—which can help you maintain traction in slippery conditions. However, if it stays on, your ESP system is malfunctioning. Give us a call to discuss your options if the light stays on after stopping and restarting your Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz Attention Assist Warning Light

Attention assist is a newer safety feature in Mercedes-Benz models that will light up if the car assesses that drowsiness or fatigue are affecting your driving. It reminds you to take a break and recharge your batteries.

Mercedes-Benz Dashboard Warning Light

For most other problems, this light will turn on to warn you there’s a problem that needs your attention. It should be paired with a message on the dashboard elaborating the issue.

Comprehensive Mercedes-Benz Service in Charlotte

Whenever you see one of these lights on the dashboard of your new or used Mercedes-Benz, or another indicator that something’s wrong, give the service center at Hendrick Motors of Charlotte a call today! Our expert technicians have been trained by the Mercedes factory to properly diagnose and repair any issue your Mercedes-Benz might face. Plus, our well-appointed waiting room and comprehensive service plans make service at Hendrick Motors of Charlotte easier than ever. Come see us, give us a call, or schedule a service appointment online today!