On-board computer and displays

Safety systems

~8min read
Problem Possible causes/consequences and solutions
des freins s'allume alors que le moteur tourne. En outre, un signal d'alerte

The red brake warning lamp
lights up while the engine is running. An audible warning signal also sounds.

There is not enough brake fluid in the reservoir.

WARNING

Braking efficiency may be reduced.

There is a risk of an accident.

  • Stop immediately, taking traffic conditions into account.

Do not continue driving!

  • Apply the electric parking brake.
  • Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not rectify the fault.
  • Contact a qualified workshop.
  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
ABS s'allume alors que le moteur tourne.

The amber ABS warning lamp
lights up while the engine is running.

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.

WARNING

The 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.

  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
  • Continue driving carefully.
  • Visit a qualified workshop.

If the ABS control module is faulty, other systems (for example, the navigation system or automatic transmission) may also be unavailable.

ABS s'allume alors que le moteur tourne.

The amber ABS warning lamp
lights up while the engine is running.

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 self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
  • The vehicle electrical system voltage may be too low.

The ATTENTION ASSIST system is deactivated.

WARNING

The 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.

  • Drive a short, slightly winding route at more than 20 km/h, driving carefully.

If the warning lamp goes out, the functions listed above are available again.

If the warning lamp remains on:

  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
  • Continue driving carefully.
  • Visit a qualified workshop.
ABS s'allume alors que le moteur tourne. En outre, un signal d'alerte retentit.

The amber ABS warning lamp
lights up while the engine is running. An warning tone also sounds.

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.

WARNING

The 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.

  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
  • Continue driving carefully.
  • Visit a qualified workshop.
des freins, les voyants orange d'alerte ESP® et ESP® OFF et le voyant orange

The red brake warning lamp
, the amber ESP® and ESP® OFF warning lamps and the amber ABS warning lamp light up while the engine is running.

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.

WARNING

The 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.

  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
  • Continue driving carefully.
  • Visit a qualified workshop.
ESP® clignote pendant la marche.

The amber ESP® warning lamp
flashes while driving.

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.

  • When starting off, do not accelerate more than necessary.
  • While driving, reduce pressure on the accelerator pedal.
  • Adapt your driving style to road and weather conditions.
  • Do not switch off ESP®.

Exceptions:

ESP® OFF s'allume alors que le moteur tourne.

The amber ESP® OFF warning lamp
lights up while the engine is running.

ESP® and trailer stabilization with ESP® are deactivated. ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle when it skids or when a wheel spins.

WARNING

If ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability is reduced during standard manoeuvres.

There is a risk of an accident.

  • Reactivate ESP®.

Exceptions:

  • Adapt your driving style to road and weather conditions.

If ESP® cannot be activated:

  • Have ESP® checked by a qualified workshop.
ESP® et ESP® OFF s'allument alors que le moteur tourne.

The amber ESP® and ESP® OFF warning lamps
light up while the engine is running.

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.

WARNING

ESP® 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.

  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
  • Continue driving carefully.
  • Visit a qualified workshop.
ESP® et ESP® OFF s'allument alors que le moteur tourne

The amber ESP® and ESP® OFF warning lamps
light up while the engine is running.

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.

WARNING

ESP® 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.

  • Drive a short, slightly winding route at more than 20 km/h, driving carefully.

If the warning lamp goes out, the functions listed above are available again.

If the warning lamp remains on:

  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
  • Continue driving carefully.
  • Visit a qualified workshop.
de stationnement électrique clignote et/ou le voyant orange d'alerte du

The red electric parking brake
warning lamp flashes and/or the amber electric parking brake warning lamp is on.

The electric parking brake is temporarily out of order or faulty.
  • Observe the other messages that appear on the multifunction display.
SRS s'allume alors que le moteur tourne.

The red SRS warning lamp
lights up while the engine is running.

The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) are malfunctioning.

WARNING

The airbags and belt tensioners may trigger unintentionally or may not trigger in an accident.

The risk of injury increases.

  • Continue driving carefully.
  • Have the SRS checked immediately by a qualified workshop.

For more information on occupant safety, see

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