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Seeing a warning light illuminate on your Mercedes-Benz dashboard can be concerning, but it’s also one of the most important ways your vehicle communicates with you. Modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles continuously monitor critical systems—including the engine, brakes, tires, battery, safety features, and driver assistance technologies—and will alert you when service or attention may be needed.
At Mercedes-Benz of White Plains, our factory-trained technicians are here to help you understand what your dashboard warning lights mean and ensure your vehicle continues to perform at its best.
Whether you’re driving through White Plains, Scarsdale, Purchase, Armonk, Rye, Greenwich, or anywhere in Westchester County, our Mercedes-Benz Service Center is equipped with the latest factory diagnostic equipment to quickly identify the cause of a warning light and recommend the appropriate repair.
Not every dashboard warning light indicates an emergency, but none should be ignored.
If you’re unsure what a warning light means, our Mercedes-Benz service experts are happy to help.
If your Mercedes-Benz displays a dashboard warning light, don’t guess—let our experienced team provide an accurate diagnosis. We offer convenient online scheduling, genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, and service performed by factory-trained technicians who know your vehicle inside and out.
Below, you’ll find explanations of many of the most common Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights and what they may indicate.
Please note: The information below is intended as a general guide for U.S.-specification Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Warning light behavior may vary depending on your model year and equipment. If you have questions about a specific dashboard indicator or believe your vehicle requires immediate attention, please contact a Mercedes-Benz of White Plains Service Advisor at 914-750-4123.
ABS LightABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), BAS® (Brake Assist), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), and hill start are also deactivated. The brake system continues to function normally but without the functions listed above. You will be able to slow and stop but without the additional safety provided by the Anti-Lock Brakes, stability, and other systems.
Airbag LightThere is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).
This may cause an airbag to not deploy in the event of an accident. We highly recommended you bring your vehicle to an Authorized Mercedes-Benz repair facility as soon as possible.
Attention AssistBy continually monitoring a variety of driving behaviors, this Mercedes-Benz innovation can audibly and visually alert the driver if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips.
Brake LightYou are driving with the parking brake on. Release the parking brake to avoid damaging the braking system.
Coolant LightIf the red coolant light is on, you may have a faulty temperature gauge, or the coolant level is too low.
If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius), DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle. Driving the vehicle while the engine is this hot could otherwise damage the engine irreparably.
Check Engine LightThere may be a malfunction in the engine management system, the fuel injection system, the exhaust system, the ignition system, or the fuel system. The emission values may have been exceeded, and the engine may be breaking into emergency mode.
ESC or ESP LightElectronic Stability Control (previously known as ESP®, Electronic Stability Program) is deactivated. ESC will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
Most vehicles have an ESC on/off button. If this icon should appear inside a yellow triangle, then ESC or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin. Cruise control, if engaged, will be deactivated.
If the light remains on the system may have been turned off.
Gas LightYour fuel level could be low, or the fuel system pressure is too low. Check your fuel level, and ensure the filler cap is securely fastened or replaced. The fuel filler cap is not closed correctly, or the fuel system is leaking.
Seat Belt IndicatorThe seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belts. Fasten your safety belts. In addition, if you are driving faster than 15 mph without your seat belts fastened an audible warning alert will sound.
Tire Pressure LightThe pressure in one or more of your tires is insufficient or has dropped significantly. Low tire pressure causes excessive wear on your tires and can contribute to a dangerous blowout.
Pull over to a safe spot and check all tires. Refill or replace as necessary.
Traction Off LightThe ESC (or ESP®) system has been deactivated.
ESC will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin. Some vehicles are equipped with an ESP® on/off button. Try to reactivate the system or bring it to a dealership.
Battery LightThe battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are a faulty alternator, a torn poly-V belt, or a malfunction in vehicle electronics. An Authorized Mercedes-Benz service center will be able to perform a diagnostics test to confirm the cause and recommend the necessary service.
Brake WearThe brake pads and/or rotors have reached their wear limit and need to be replaced. Have your braking system inspected and worn elements replaced. We recommend using an Authorized Mercedes-Benz service center using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts.
BulbA light bulb has failed. Darkened bulbs lead to limited visibility, both of your vehicle by other drivers and of the road ahead.
This light may be accompanied by a message on the dashboard specifying which light is not operating.
Steering WheelThe power steering assistance is faulty. A warning tone will also sound.
You will need to use more force to steer the vehicle, making some maneuvers unsafe or difficult. Your Authorized Mercedes-Benz service center will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend service to repair the fault.
Glow PlugDiesel engines require heat in the cylinders to operate, which is supplied by glow plugs when the engine is cold. This light will be illuminated when the ignition is turned on until the plugs are heated sufficiently to start the engine. The image will look like a coil or loops in amber or yellow.
DEF/AdBlueThe Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is low. The fluid creates a catalytic reaction to remove particles from the exhaust. It plays an essential role in your emissions system.
If you have fixed the problem in your Mercedes-Benz, but an aggravating light is still on in your Armonk vehicle, you can count on the team at Mercedes-Benz of White Plains to get your Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning light reset. We’ve got Mercedes-Benz-trained technicians ready to get your vehicle back in tip-top shape. Contact service today with any questions you may have.
