Mercedes Dashboard Symbol Guide

Safety and peace of mind are key deciding factors when purchasing a vehicle. At Mercedes-Benz of Temecula, we understand you want to feel safe behind the wheel as you cruise around Riverside County. 

Mercedes is famous for the advanced technology at the heart of its line of vehicles. Part of this involves letting you know the exact state of your vehicle and any potential issues you need to address. However, we appreciate that the vast array of dashboard symbols that convey this information can sometimes be confusing. This guide will help decipher some of these symbols so you can understand your vehicle and whether it's safe to continue driving. 

Light Colors

We'll start by explaining the traffic light system that the dashboard warning lights in Mercedes-Benz models follow. This system indicates the severity of any potential issues:

• Green: The relevant system is functioning correctly or is currently in use.
• Yellow: Something is not working as it should, so you should continue to drive with caution. Stop driving and have the issue looked at as soon as possible.
• Red: There is a serious and potentially dangerous issue — stop driving as soon as it's safe and seek immediate assistance. The expert technicians in our service department have the technical expertise to tackle such issues.

Common Mercedes Dash Symbols

We'll now look at some of the common symbols you may see on the dash of your Mercedes.

Brake Symbol

The brake system warning symbol consists of a circle with an exclamation point inside. It indicates that the handbrake is active. Check if this is the case, and if so, release the handbrake.

This will usually resolve the warning. If the warning light stays on, check brake fluid levels — you may need to fill it up.

Brake Pad Monitoring

The brake wear light is a circle with a dotted line on either side. If this light is illuminated on the dash, your brake pads are wearing thin and/or the brake rotors are nearing the end of their life. This may impact braking performance.

If you see this warning light, schedule a brake replacement as soon as possible to avoid brake failure or any damage to the vehicle.

Engine Cooling System

A thermometer symbol represents the engine cooling system. This warning indicates that the engine is overheating or there may be low coolant levels. You may see visible vehicle symptoms, such as steam coming from the engine bay.

If you see this warning, ensure the air supply to the radiator isn't impaired and avoid high loads on the engine. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and let the engine cool down completely before checking the coolant level. If it's an overheating issue, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Pressure

The engine oil pressure warning symbol is an image of an oil can with a drop of oil coming out of the spout. It indicates oil pressure issues, potentially due to low oil levels. 

If you see this warning, pull over safely and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill up accordingly. Start the engine, run for five seconds, then turn off the engine. If the warning persists or oil levels are fine on inspection, schedule a service immediately. Low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage.

Power Steering System

The power steering system warning symbol is an image of a steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it. It indicates some sort of malfunction with the power steering system. You may notice difficulty turning the steering wheel or potentially hear a whining noise from the steering system.

Schedule a service appointment as soon as possible and drive to the service station. If it's safe to do so, continue driving the vehicle with extreme caution. If the steering feels unsafe, pull over and call for assistance.

Airbag and Seatbelt System

The warning light for the airbag and seatbelt/supplemental restraint system depicts a person wearing a seatbelt with an airbag deployed in front of them. This indicates a malfunction in the airbag or seatbelt system.

It's not unsafe to drive the vehicle, but airbags and seatbelts are critical safety features. You should promptly address any passenger safety issues. If the airbag and seatbelt system light fails to illuminate when you start the car, or if it lights up repeatedly or continuously, schedule a service immediately.

Anti-Lock Braking System Light

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) light symbol is a circle with "ABS" in the center and one curved line on either side. When this light is illuminated, it indicates an issue with the ABS and other braking safety systems, meaning the systems are not available.

You'll still have brakes and can slow and stop the vehicle, but they won't lock up during emergency stops, and you will experience longer emergency braking distances. Schedule a service as soon as you can to correct the issue and restore the ABS system.

ATTENTION ASSIST Light

The ATTENTION ASSIST warning icon depicts a steaming cup on a saucer. This warning light illuminates when the Mercedes-Benz ATTENTION ASSIST detects a lack of concentration. ATTENTION ASSIST analyzes your driving habits and detects deviations from these habits, alerting you that you may be fatigued and it may be time to pull over and take a break.

If the warning symbol continues to illuminate, however, it's possible there's some sort of error with the system. Schedule an appointment with a qualified technician to repair any potential issue.

When in Doubt, Seek Assistance

If you're ever unclear on what exactly a dashboard warning message means or if you experience any concerning vehicle symptoms while driving, it's always advisable to err on the side of caution. Pull the vehicle over safely, turn off the engine, and schedule a service appointment with Mercedes-Benz of Temecula. Our expert team is on hand to provide whatever maintenance and repair assistance you may require for your Mercedes vehicle. Factory-trained technicians are ready to diagnose any issues and get your car back on the road safely. You're always in safe hands with Mercedes-Benz of Temecula.