Safety systems
| Problem | Possible causes/consequences and solutions |
![]() The red brake warning lamp |
There is not enough brake fluid in the reservoir.WARNINGBraking efficiency may be reduced. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not continue driving!
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![]() The amber ABS warning lamp |
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a malfunction. BAS (Brake Assist System), Adaptive Brake Assist, ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), PRE-SAFE® system, HOLD function, Hill-start Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights and trailer stabilization with ESP®, for example, are also deactivated. The ATTENTION ASSIST system is deactivated. WARNINGThe braking system continues to operate with its normal efficiency, but without the functions listed above. The wheels may lock, for example during full braking. The vehicle's handling during braking is then limited and the braking distance may be longer. If ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres. There is a risk of an accident.
If the ABS control module is faulty, other systems (for example, the navigation system or automatic transmission) may also be unavailable. |
![]() The amber ABS warning lamp |
ABS is temporarily unavailable. BAS, Adaptive Brake Assist, ESP®, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), PRE-SAFE® system, HOLD function, Hill-start Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights and trailer stabilization with ESP®, for example, are also deactivated. Possible causes:
The ATTENTION ASSIST system is deactivated. WARNINGThe braking system continues to operate with its normal efficiency, but without the functions listed above. The wheels may lock, for example during full braking. The vehicle's handling during braking is then limited and the braking distance may be longer. If ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres. There is a risk of an accident.
If the warning lamp goes out, the functions listed above are available again. If the warning lamp remains on:
|
![]() The amber ABS warning lamp |
EBD is faulty. ABS, BAS, Adaptive Brake Assist, ESP®, PRE-SAFE® system, HOLD function, Hill-start Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights and trailer stabilization with ESP®, for example, are also unavailable. The ATTENTION ASSIST system is deactivated. WARNINGThe braking system continues to operate with its normal efficiency, but without the functions listed above. The wheels may lock, for example during full braking. The vehicle's handling during braking is then limited and the braking distance may be longer. If ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres. There is a risk of an accident.
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![]() The red brake warning lamp |
ABS and ESP® are faulty. BAS, Adaptive Brake Assist, EBD, PRE-SAFE® system, HOLD function, Hill-start Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights and trailer stabilization with ESP®, for example, are also unavailable. The ATTENTION ASSIST system is deactivated. WARNINGThe braking system continues to operate with its normal efficiency, but without the functions listed above. The wheels may lock, for example during full braking. The vehicle's handling during braking is then limited and the braking distance may be longer. If ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres. There is a risk of an accident.
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![]() The amber ESP® warning lamp |
ESP® or traction control intervenes because there is a risk of skidding or at least one wheel is spinning. Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Exceptions: |
![]() The amber ESP® OFF warning lamp |
ESP® and trailer stabilization with ESP® are deactivated. ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle when it skids or when a wheel spins.WARNINGIf ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres. There is a risk of an accident.
Exceptions:
If ESP® cannot be activated:
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![]() The amber ESP® and ESP® OFF warning lamps |
ESP®, BAS, Adaptive Brake Assist, PRE-SAFE® system, HOLD function, Hill-start Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights and trailer stabilization with ESP® are unavailable due to a malfunction. The ATTENTION ASSIST system is deactivated. WARNINGESP® does not stabilize the vehicle when it skids or when a wheel spins. The braking system continues to operate with its normal efficiency, but without the functions listed above. If ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres. There is a risk of an accident.
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![]() The amber ESP® and ESP® OFF warning lamps |
ESP®, BAS, PRE-SAFE® system, HOLD function, Hill Start Assist and trailer stabilization with ESP® are not available at the moment. Adaptive brake lights and Adaptive Brake Assist may also be malfunctioning. The ATTENTION ASSIST system is deactivated. WARNINGESP® does not stabilize the vehicle when it skids or when a wheel spins. The self-diagnosis is not yet complete. The braking system continues to operate with its normal efficiency, but without the functions listed above. If ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres. There is a risk of an accident.
If the warning lamp goes out, the functions listed above are available again. If the warning lamp remains on:
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![]() The red electric parking brake |
The electric parking brake is temporarily out of order or faulty.
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![]() The red SRS warning lamp |
The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) are malfunctioning.WARNINGThe airbags and belt tensioners may trigger unintentionally or may not trigger in an accident. The risk of injury increases.
For more information on occupant safety, see |
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