An illuminated warning light is never a welcome sight on your dashboard, but not all warning lights are cause for panic. While some warning lights aren’t dire, other symbols like the ABS or the “check engine” light require more immediate attention by Irvine drivers. What’s more, there are other Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols that refer to brand-exclusive features like ATTENTION ASSIST®.
If you’ve ever wanted all of those Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols and meanings explained, then you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at what those symbols and lights mean with the experts at Fletcher Jones Motorcars.
Let’s dive into some of the most common Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols and their meanings below:
Symbol: Circle with “ABS” in the center and one curved line on either side
Meaning: The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is deactivated. Once this system is off, ESP®, BAS®, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Hill-Start Assist will deactivate as well. You’ll be able to slow and stop as you drive around Costa Mesa, but you won’t get the response of emergency braking or traction control.
Symbol: Steaming cup on a saucer
Meaning: Often accompanied by a warning tone, the ATTENTION ASSIST® monitors your driving behaviors for signs of sleepiness. This alert means it may no longer be safe for you to drive.
Symbol: Circle with a dotted line on either side
Meaning: If this symbol is present, it’s time to replace the brake pads and/or brake rotors.
Symbol: Battery with a plus and minus sign
Meaning: This means the battery isn’t charging properly. This could be caused by a problem with the electrical system or a malfunctioning alternator or poly-v belt.
Symbol: Engine
Meaning: The check engine light can signify a variety of issues, including problems with the engine, fuel, fuel injection systems, ignition, or exhaust. The engine can also enter into emergency mode due to high emissions.
Symbol: Red coolant light
Meaning: The coolant level may be too low, or you may have a faulty temperature gauge.
Symbol: Tilting car with wavy lines behind it
Meaning: When the symbol for ESC (Electronic Stability Control), previously known as ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), remains illuminated on the dash, it means that the system has been manually deactivated. If you’re driving and this symbol briefly appears inside a yellow triangle but doesn’t stay illuminated, that means traction control has intervened due to wheels spinning or a skid risk.
Symbol: Yellow coil
Meaning: Glow plugs heat the cylinders inside a diesel engine. When this light’s on, the glow plugs are in the process of heating the cylinders.
Symbol: Light bulb
Meaning: A lightbulb has failed.
Symbol: Steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it
Meaning: The power steering isn’t working. You’ll need to be forceful in operating the steering wheel until it can be repaired.
Symbol: Two rows of vertical dots on top of a horizontal funnel
Meaning: This is a warning symbol you’ll only see on vehicles that take diesel fuel. It’s an indicator that your Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is low and that you’ll need to top it off. The DEF helps create a catalytic reaction to remove particles from the exhaust and is crucial to the overall function of the emissions system.
Symbol: A flat tire with an exclamation mark in the middle
Meaning: Tire pressure is dropping in one or more of your tires. If this occurs when driving through Huntington Beach, pull over where it’s safe to get out and inspect your tires. If there’s a flat tire, you’ll need to replace it where you’re at or get a tow. If none of your tires appear to be losing air rapidly and nothing has punctured them, proceed to the nearest gas station with a tire filling station. Measure your tire pressure on all four tires, and add air to those that need it. If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), it should show you what tire is low and how much pressure it has lost.
Symbol: Gas pump
Meaning: Often, this light is merely telling you that your gas tank is almost empty and that you need to stop and fill up in Laguna Beach as soon as possible. If you see this light and you’re not low on gas, it could also indicate that the pressure in the fuel system is too low. Often, this would be caused by a loose gas cap or a leak.
Symbol: Person with a seat belt on
Meaning: One of the front-row passengers needs to buckle in. The light will stay on until both passengers are seat belted, and if you exceed 15 mph while unbelted, an audible warning will sound as well.
Symbol: Seated passenger with airbag deployed
Meaning: There is an issue with the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). Don’t ignore this light! When this symbol is illuminated, the airbag might not deploy if you get into an accident on the Orange County roads.
If you ever see any of the above-mentioned symbols that indicate your Mercedes-Benz needs service, then be sure to schedule service with Fletcher Jones Motorcars right away! We’ll answer any other questions you have regarding the Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols and meanings we discussed here or others that we didn’t show. Don’t forget to see about our ongoing service specials, which is just one of the reasons why we continue to be Orange County’s premier resource for all things Mercedes-Benz.
Feel free to contact us with any additional questions about Mercedes-Benz dashboard symbols and meanings. The expert team at our service center is happy to go into detail about what the symbols mean as well as diagnose your vehicle and complete any necessary service or repairs.
