Mercedes-Benz Dashboard Warning Lights Explained

Your vehicle can communicate with you about a range of mechanical issues using the symbols and colors of your dashboard warning lights as shorthand. When you’re on the highway and a light starts flashing from your vehicle’s dashboard, it’s easy to worry that it’s something serious. While this may be the case (especially if the light is red), your Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights aren’t necessarily cause for immediate alarm. Some warning lights simply indicate that one or more of your features is currently engaged, and others identify issues that—while serious—may not require immediate action.

So, what does the light on your dashboard mean? Although you can always check your owner’s manual to be certain, we’ve explained the meaning of the most common Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols below.

Which Mercedes-Benz Dashboard Warning Lights Need Immediate Attention?

If you’re unsure of what to do when one of your Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights comes on, you can always contact the experts at our service center or call for Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. However, most Mercedes-Benz warning lights use a color-coding system to let you know how serious your problem really is. Here’s what you should know:

• Red dashboard warning lights are very serious. Take immediate action by finding somewhere safe to pull over.
• Yellow or amber dashboard warning lights indicate a problem that needs attention in the near future. You can keep driving, but you should visit a local service center at the earliest opportunity.
• Green and blue warning lights are generally informational. They indicate the use of a feature or the activation of one of your in-car technologies. In the vast majority of cases, they don’t require any action on your part.

Breaking Down the Mercedes-Benz Dashboard Symbols

You may already be familiar with the symbols for check engine, battery charge, oil pressure warning, and tire pressure. Of course, even if you are familiar, you should know that all Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights are explained in your owner’s manual. Here, we’ve listed a few key symbols and their meanings:

• Safety Alerts and Routine Reminders
  • Washer Fluid Reminder — This light simply means that the windshield washer fluid is low and it’s time for a refill.
  • Fog Lamp — This light ensures you won’t forget to turn your brights back off after using them to navigate dark stretches of road outside Cranston.
  • Security Alert — This is the “door ajar” light. It also comes on if your ignition switch is locked, indicating a tech malfunction.
  • Airbag Fault — This light warns you that there’s a fault in the airbag system, meaning the airbags won’t deploy correctly in the event of a collision. You’ll want to get this checked out ASAP at a trusted Mercedes-Benz service center near Providence.

• Engine Issues
  • Service Vehicle — An issue in your vehicle’s electrical system can cause this light to come on. That means there could be a problem with the battery, starter or alternator — so it’s definitely something you’ll want to diagnose properly at a service center.
  • Coolant Temp Warning — Abnormal coolant temperature can be caused by low coolant levels, malfunctioning fan, or a coolant leak.
  • Reduced Power Warning — This light indicates that a part in your engine could be malfunctioning and causing reduced power output. Have your engine as inspected as soon as possible to be sure you stay safe. If you’re a Mercedes-Benz driver near East Greenwich, genuine OEM parts are available at the Mercedes-Benz of Warwick parts department.

• Brake Issues
  • Traction Control or ESP® — This light tells you that your Mercedes-Benz vehicle’s electronic stability system has engaged on an unstable section of Cranston roadway.
  • Brake System — This light can indicate several different problems with the brake system, from low brake fluid, an ABS issue, or a problem with the brakes themselves.

If you have more Mercedes-Benz car-care questions, we go over a range of maintenance topics for your GLE or C-Class on the Mercedes-Benz of Warwick service tips page.

Don’t forget: the most important part of caring for your Mercedes-Benz is getting all of your required services on schedule. With regular visits for Mercedes-Benz Service A* and Mercedes-Benz Service B*, you’ll never have to worry about the most serious dashboard warning lights.

Explore More Mercedes-Benz Safety Features with Mercedes-Benz of Warwick

If you have questions about Mercedes-Benz dashboard warning lights or other safety technologies, reach out to our team of expert technicians at Mercedes-Benz of Warwick. We’re also happy to provide Mercedes-Benz maintenance tips, whether you’re interested in extending the life of your tires, changing your spark plugs, or replacing your Mercedes-Benz key fob battery.

Schedule service so we can get your car in top shape today! Now that you know what the lights on your dash indicate, you can learn how to reset your check engine light and more when you visit us.