Mercedes E-Class: Vehicle

The Vehicle Messages section of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) gives an overview of displays that indicate open doors, an open hood or transmission faults. This section shows drivers how to respond to secure the vehicle properly and avoid possible damage or hazards.

Display messages	Possible causes/consequences and solutions
To start: Selector lever in P or N	You tried to start the engine with the selector lever in position R or D. Move the selector lever to position P or N.
To leave position P, apply the brake	You tried to move the selector lever to position D, R or N without depressing the brake pedal. Depress the brake pedal.
Risk of rolling away: transmission not in P	The driver's door is open or not fully closed and the selector lever is in position R, N or D. A warning tone also sounds. WARNING The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of accidents! Move the selector lever to position P. Secure the vehicle against rolling away. Close the driver's door fully.
Visit a workshop without changing gear	You cannot change the transmission position due to a fault. A warning tone also sounds. If transmission position D is selected: Without changing transmission position D, visit a qualified workshop. If transmission position R, N or P is selected: Secure the vehicle against rolling away. Contact a qualified workshop.
Park (P) only when the vehicle is stationary	The vehicle is still moving. Stop safely. Move the selector lever to position P.
Transmission fault: stop	A fault has occurred in the transmission mechanism. A warning tone also sounds. The transmission automatically shifts to position N. Stop safely. Move the selector lever to position P. Secure the vehicle against rolling away. Contact a qualified workshop.
Backup battery fault	The backup battery for the transmission is not charging. Visit a qualified workshop at the first opportunity. Until then, always move the selector lever to position P before switching off the engine. Before leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake.
	Sedan: The luggage compartment lid is open. Close the luggage compartment lid.
	Estate (T-Model): The tailgate is open. WARNING If the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. Risk of poisoning! Close the tailgate.
or	The hood is open. A warning tone also sounds. WARNING The open hood may obstruct your view while driving. There is a risk of accidents! Stop immediately and safely. Secure the vehicle against rolling away. Close the hood.
Active hood fault, see Owner's Manual	The Active Hood (pedestrian protection) is inoperative due to a fault or activation. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
	At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds. Close all doors.
Left rear backrest not locked or right rear backrest not locked	Sedan with rear pass-through: The left or right rear backrest is not engaged. A warning tone also sounds. Fold the backrest back until it engages.
Check tow hitch lock	The towing device is not properly engaged. A warning tone also sounds. WARNING If the tow ball neck is not locked in place, the trailer can come loose. There is a risk of accident! Stop safely as soon as possible and switch off the engine. Apply the parking brake. Engage the tow ball neck of the towing device fully in the end position.
Not operational, battery weak	The onboard power supply voltage is too low. The auxiliary heater has switched off or cannot be switched on. Drive a longer distance. The battery is being charged. As soon as the onboard power supply voltage is sufficient, the auxiliary heater is ready for operation again.
Not operational, refuel	There is too little fuel in the fuel tank. The auxiliary heater cannot be switched on. Refuel at the next filling station.
without function, see Operator's Manual	The auxiliary heater is temporarily faulty or defective. With the vehicle on level ground and the engine cooled down: try to switch on the auxiliary heater 4 times at intervals of 5 minutes. If the auxiliary heater does not switch on: visit a qualified workshop.
Power steering fault, see Owner's Manual	The power steering assistance is faulty. A warning tone also sounds. WARNING You need force to steer. There is a risk of accidents! Check whether you can apply the increased steering force. If you can steer safely: carefully drive to a qualified workshop. If you cannot steer safely: do not continue driving and contact the nearest qualified workshop.
Phone No Service	Your vehicle is outside the transmission and reception range of the mobile network provider. Wait until the multifunction display shows the mobile phone standby indicator.
Top up washer fluid	The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped below the minimum. Top up washer fluid.

The vehicle display messages of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) make an important contribution to safety. Notes on the transmission, open doors or the hood help you recognize hazards early and remedy them.

These well-designed systems reliably support the driver in everyday use and underline the premium character of the E-Class.

Question: What does the message "Transmission fault: stop" mean?

Answer: A fault has occurred in the transmission mechanism. The vehicle should be stopped safely and a workshop contacted.

Question: Why is it important to close the hood properly?

Answer: An open hood can obstruct your view and lead to accidents.

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