C-Class Interactive Owner's Manual

Display messages

Notes

The on-board computer shows warnings or malfunctions in the multi-function display. Certain display messages are accompanied by a warning tone or a continuous tone.

The multi-function display shows high-priority display messages in red. In the following tables, these display messages are printed in red.

Please respond in accordance with the display messages and follow the additional notes in this Owner's Manual.

Vehicles with a multi-function steering wheel (4-button)

Use the button on the multi-function steering wheel to fade out low-priority messages. You cannot fade out display messages of the highest priority. The multi-function display shows these messages continuously until the causes of the messages have been remedied.

The on-board computer saves certain display messages. Calling up display messages more.

For some display messages, the symbol appears in the multi-function display. More detailed information on these display messages can be found below under "Text messages" or "Symbol messages".

Vehicles with a luxury multi-function steering wheel* (12-button)

Use the or the button on the luxury multi-function steering wheel to fade out low-priority messages. You cannot fade out display messages of the highest priority. The multi-function display shows these messages continuously until the causes of the messages have been remedied.

The on-board computer saves certain display messages. Calling up display messages more.

All vehicles

Risk of accident

No further messages can be displayed if the instrument cluster and/or the multi-function display fails.

This means that you will not see information about the driving situation, such as the speed, outside temperature, warning/indicator lamps, display messages or system failures. The vehicle's handling characteristics may be affected. Adjust your driving style and speed accordingly.

Immediately consult a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Before starting a journey, check that the warning and indicator lamps are operating correctly.

  

Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock.

or
  

Press the KEYLESS GO button* twice.

 

All warning and indicator lamps (except for the main-beam indicator lamp and the turn signal indicator lamps) light up and the multi-function display is activated.

The following tables contain all the display messages. To make it easier for you to find the relevant display message, the display messages are divided into text messages more and symbol messages more.

 

Text messages

Risk of accident and injury

The operating safety of your vehicle could be compromised if service work is carried out improperly. You could lose control of the vehicle, thereby causing an accident. Safety systems may also not be able to protect you or others as intended.

Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.

In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel (4 buttons): the text messages are listed in the left-hand column under "Display messages".

Vehicles with luxury multi-function steering wheel* (12 buttons): the text messages are listed in the right-hand column under "Display messages".

Display messages

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

Max. speed 120 km/h

120 km/h Maximum speed exceeded

The maximum speed has been exceeded

(Only for certain countries.)

.

  

Drive more slowly.

ABS and ESP inoperative

  Risk of accident

ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are temporarily unavailable. It is possible that the self diagnosis is not yet complete. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Carefully drive a short distance, manoeuvring the vehicle slightly to the left and right at a speed above 20 km/h.

 

The message goes out when ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are available again.

ABS and ESP inoperative

  Risk of accident

ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to undervoltage. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

ABS and ESP inoperative

  Risk of accident

ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a malfunction. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

EBV, ABS, ESP inoperative

  Risk of accident

EBV, ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a malfunction. In addition, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.

ESP inoperative

ESP inoperative See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a malfunction. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

ESP inoperative

ESP currently unavail. See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are temporarily unavailable. It is possible that the self diagnosis is not yet complete. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster. The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Carefully drive a short distance, manoeuvring the vehicle slightly to the left and right at a speed above 20 km/h.

 

The message goes out when ESP®, ABS, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are available again.

ESP inoperative

ESP currently unavail. See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to undervoltage. It is possible that the battery is not being charged. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster. The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

ESP inoperative

ESP currently unavail. See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

If this display message is shown and the warning lamp flashes at the same time, this means that ETS has been deactivated to prevent the brakes on the drive wheels from overheating.

ETS switches on again as soon as the brakes have cooled down. The display message disappears and the warning lamp goes out.

Trailer hitch Check lock mech.

The trailer tow hitch* is not correctly engaged. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Allow the ball coupling to engage in the end position more.

Check brake fluid level

  Risk of accident

There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. In addition, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.

  

Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.

  

Do not continue driving under any circumstances.

  

Consult the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

  

Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.

P
Shift to P

P
Shift to P

You have switched off the engine with the KEYLESS GO* button and opened the driver's door.

You have attempted to lock the vehicle.

A warning tone also sounds.

  

Move the selector lever to P.

 

The engine can be started again.

To start engine, shift to P or N

To start engine, shift to either P or N

You have attempted to start the engine while the selector lever is not in position P or N.

  

Move the selector lever to P or N.

Clean the fuel filter

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

Top up coolant

The coolant level is too low.

  

Top up the coolant, observing the warning notes more.

  

Have the coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop if the coolant needs topping up more often than usual.

Check tyres

Tyre pressure Check tyre(s)

  Risk of accident

The tyre pressure loss warning system has detected a significant pressure loss. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking manoeuvres. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Check the tyres.

  

Check the tyre pressure and correct it if necessary more.

  

Repair or change the faulty wheel as necessary more.

  

Then restart the tyre pressure loss warning system once the tyre pressure is correct more.

Run Flat Indicator inoperative

Run Flat Indicator inoperative

The tyre pressure loss warning system is deactivated due to a malfunction.

  

Have the tyre pressure loss warning system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

Check tyres Restart system

Check tyre pressures then restart Run Flat Indicator

There was a tyre pressure warning message.

  

Make sure that the pressure set is correct for all tyres more.

  

Then restart the tyre pressure loss warning system more.

Key not detected

The KEYLESS GO* key is not in the vehicle. A warning tone also sounds.

If the engine is switched off, the vehicle can no longer be locked centrally and the engine cannot be started.

  

Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Searching for the KEYLESS GO* key.

Key not detected

The KEYLESS GO* key is not detected when the engine is running, due to radio interference. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Operate the vehicle with the key in the ignition lock.

Key not detected

The KEYLESS GO* key cannot be detected.

  

Change the location of the KEYLESS GO key* within the vehicle.

  

Operate the vehicle using the key in the ignition lock if necessary.

Key does not belong to vehicle

You have put the wrong key in the ignition lock.

  

Use the correct key.

Close doors to lock veh.

Not all doors were closed as you attempted to lock the vehicle. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Close all doors and lock the vehicle again.

Rear left seat backr. not locked
or
Rear right seat backr. not locked

The right-hand or left-hand rear seat backrest is not engaged. In addition, a warning tone sounds.

  

Fully engage the rear seat backrest more.

PRE-SAFE inoperative

PRE-SAFE inoperative See Owner's Manual

  Risk of injury

Important functions of PRE-SAFE®* have failed. All other occupant safety systems, e.g. airbags, remain available.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

Child seat position

Child seat in wrong position See Owner's Manual

  Risk of injury

Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger seat*: the child seat is not positioned correctly.

  

Position the child seat correctly.

Child seat position

Child seat in wrong position See Owner's Manual

Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition in the front-passenger seat*: the child seat recognition sensor is faulty.

  

Have the sensor checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

Left windowbag malfunction:wkshp
or
Right windowbag malfunction:wkshp

  Risk of injury

The left-hand or right-hand windowbag is faulty. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

Cruise ctrl. / LIM inoperative

Cruise control and SPEEDTRONIC inoperative

Cruise control* and Speedtronic* are inoperative. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Have Speedtronic* and cruise control* checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

Cruise control - - - km/h

Cruise control - - - km/h

A condition for activating cruise control* has not been fulfilled. You have tried to store a speed below 30 km/h, for example. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Activate ESP® more  

  

If conditions permit, drive faster than 30 km/h and store the speed more.

 

Symbol messages

Risk of accident and injury

The operating safety of your vehicle could be compromised if service work is carried out improperly. You could lose control of the vehicle, thereby causing an accident. Safety systems may also not be able to protect you or others as intended.

Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.

In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Display messages

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

The boot lid is open.

  

Close the boot lid.

The tailgate is open.

  

Close the tailgate.


or

  Risk of accident

Vehicles with an anti-theft alarm system*: you are driving with the bonnet open.

  

Stop immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.

  

Close the bonnet.

At least one door is open. The display symbol shows you which doors are open. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Close the doors.

ABS and ESP currently unavail. See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are temporarily unavailable. It is possible that the self diagnosis is not yet complete. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Carefully drive a short distance, manoeuvring the vehicle slightly to the left and right at a speed above 20 km/h.

 

The message goes out when ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are available again.

ABS and ESP currently unavail. See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to undervoltage. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

ABS and ESP currently unavail. See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a malfunction. The warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

Trailer hitch Check lock mech.

The trailer tow hitch* is not correctly engaged. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Allow the ball coupling to engage in the end position more.

The battery is not being charged. Possible causes:

  • faulty alternator

  • torn poly-V-belt

  • malfunction in the electronics

  

Stop immediately and safely when traffic conditions allow and check the poly-V-belt.

  

If it has torn: do not drive on. Contact the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

  

If it is not damaged: have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.

with 4 buttons:
Check brake wear
with 12 buttons:
Check brake wear

The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.

  

Have the brake pads/linings replaced as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.

Check brake fluid level

  Risk of accident

There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. In addition, the warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster.

  

Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.

  

Do not continue driving under any circumstances.

  

Consult the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

  

Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.

with 4 buttons:
Release park. brake
with 12 buttons:
Release parking brake

You are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Release the parking brake.

EBV, ABS, ESP inoperative See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

EBV, ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE®*, hill start assist and ESP® trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a malfunction. In addition, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.

The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.

  

Drive on carefully.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.

with 4 buttons:
Stop vehicle Engine off
with 12 buttons:
Coolant Stop vehicle Switch engine off

The coolant is too hot. In addition, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.

  

Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Switch off the engine.

  

Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.

  

Observe the coolant temperature gauge.

  

If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.

with 4 buttons:
Stop vehicle Engine off
with 12 buttons:
Coolant Stop vehicle Switch engine off

The poly-V-belt may have torn. A warning tone also sounds.

  

Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Switch off the engine.

  

Check the poly-V-belt.

  

If it is not damaged: do not start the engine again until the display message goes out. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.

  

If it has torn: do not drive on. Contact the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

The radiator's electric fan has failed.

  

If the coolant temperature is less than 120 , you can continue driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

  

In doing so, avoid heavy loads on the engine (e.g. driving in mountainous terrain) and stop-and-go driving.

Top up coolant See Owner's Manual

The coolant level is too low.

  

Top up the coolant, observing the warning notes more.

  

Have the coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop if the coolant needs topping up more often than usual.

Clean the fuel filter

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

Power steering malfunction See Owner's Manual

  Risk of accident

The power steering assistance is reduced. You will need to use more force to steer.

  

Check whether you are able to apply the extra force required.

  

If you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified specialist workshop.

  

If you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

with 4 buttons:
Left corner. light
or
Right corner. light
with 12 buttons:
Left cornering light
or
Right cornering light

The left-hand and/or right-hand cornering lamp* is faulty.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

with 4 buttons:
Left dipped beam
or
Right dipped beam
with 12 buttons:
Left dipped beam
or
Right dipped beam

The right-hand or left-hand dipped-beam headlamp is faulty.

  

Halogen headlamps: replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

  

Bi-xenon headlamps*: visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Trailer left turn sig.
or
Trailer rt. turn sig.
with 12 buttons:
Trailer left turn sig.
or
Trailer rt. turn sig.

The left-hand or right-hand trailer turn signal is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Trailer brake lamp
with 12 buttons:
Trailer brake lamp

The trailer brake lamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Trailer left tail lamp
or
Trailer rt. tail lamp
with 12 buttons:
Trailer left tail lamp
or
Trailer right tail lamp

The left-hand or right-hand trailer tail lamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
AUTO lights inoperative
with 12 buttons:
AUTO lights inoperative

The light sensor is faulty. Daytime driving lights are switched on.

  

Switch the lights on and off using the light switch more.

with 4 buttons:
Rear left turn signal
or
Rear right turn signal
with 12 buttons:
Rear left turn signal
or
Rear right turn signal

The rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is faulty. On vehicles with LEDs, this display message only appears when all LEDs have failed.

  

Vehicles without LEDs: replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

Vehicles with LEDs: visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Left mirror turn signal
or
Right mirror turn signal
with 12 buttons:
Left mirror turn signal
or
Right mirror turn signal

The turn signal lamp on the left-hand or right-hand exterior mirror is faulty. This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Front left turn signal
or
Front right turn signal
with 12 buttons:
Front left turn signal
or
Front right turn signal

The front left-hand or right-hand turn signal is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Third brake lamp
with 12 buttons:
Third brake lamp

The third brake lamp is faulty. This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Tail/brake lamp, left
or
Tail/brake lamp, right
with 12 buttons:
Left-hand tail lamp/brake lamp
or
Right-hand tail lamp/brake lamp

The left-hand or right-hand brake lamp/tail lamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Left-hand brake lamp
or
Right-hand brake lamp
with 12 buttons:
Left-hand brake lamp
or
Right-hand brake lamp

The left-hand or right-hand brake lamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Left main beam
or
Right main beam
with 12 buttons:
Left main beam
or
Right main beam

The left-hand or right-hand main-beam headlamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

Intell. Light System inoperative

The Intelligent Light System* is faulty. The lights remain available without the Intelligent Light System*.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

with 4 buttons:
Left licence plate lamp
or
Right licence plate lamp
with 12 buttons:
Left licence plate lamp
or
Right licence plate lamp

The left-hand or right-hand licence plate lamp is faulty.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Left foglamp
or
Right foglamp
with 12 buttons:
Left foglamp
or
Right foglamp

The front left-hand or right-hand foglamp is faulty.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.

with 4 buttons:
Rear left foglamp
or
Rear right foglamp
with 12 buttons:
Rear left foglamp
or
Rear right foglamp

The left-hand or right-hand rear foglamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Front left parking lamp
or
Front right parking lamp
with 12 buttons:
Front left parking lamp
or
Front right parking lamp

The front left-hand or right-hand parking lamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Left revers. lamp
or
Right revers. lamp
with 12 buttons:
Left revers. lamp
or
Right revers. lamp

The left-hand or right-hand reversing lamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Rear left side marker lamp
or
Rear right side marker lamp
with 12 buttons:
Rear left side marker lamp
or
Rear right side marker lamp

The rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Left-hand tail lamp
or
Right-hand tail lamp
with 12 buttons:
Left-hand tail lamp
or
Right-hand tail lamp

The left-hand or right-hand tail lamp is faulty.

  

Replace the bulb as soon as possible more.

with 4 buttons:
Switch off lights
with 12 buttons:
Switch off lights

You did not switch off the lights when leaving the vehicle.

  

Turn the light switch to or .

or
  

If the rear foglamp is switched on: press the light switch in to the stop.

with 4‑buttons:
Malfunction
with 12‑buttons:
Malfunction See Owner's Manual

There is an exterior lighting malfunction.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

with 4 buttons:
Replace air cleaner
with 12 buttons:
Replace air cleaner

The engine air filter must be replaced.

  

Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

with 4 buttons:
Check eng. oil level
with 12 buttons:
Check eng. oil lev. when next refuelling

The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.

  

Check the engine oil level more and top up the engine oil if necessary.

  

Have the engine checked for leaks if the engine oil needs topping up more often than usual.

with 4 buttons:
Change battery
with 12 buttons:
Change key batteries

The KEYLESS GO* key batteries are discharged.

  

Change the batteries more.

Key not detected

The KEYLESS GO* key is not in the vehicle. A warning tone also sounds.

If the engine is switched off, the vehicle can no longer be locked centrally and the engine cannot be started.

  

Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.

  

Look for the KEYLESS GO* key.

Key not detected