Guide to Mercedes-Benz Warning Lights and what they mean.

Your car's dashboard is a control center filled with important indicators and warning lights. These lights are designed to keep you informed about the status of your vehicle and alert you to potential issues. No one likes seeing these lights appear on their dashboard, but understanding what these warning lights mean can help you keep your Mercedes-Benz in top condition and stay safe on the road. Let’s dive into the different Mercedes-Benz warning lights, what they signify, and when you might need to schedule an appointment at the Mercedes-Benz of West Chester service department.

Mercedes-Benz Warning Lights Symbols

The warning lights on your Mercedes-Benz dashboard will either be blue/green, yellow/orange, or red. Blue or green lights signify that a system is active and working properly. Yellow or orange lights indicate that there is a problem that needs attention as soon as possible. Red lights mean there is a serious issue that must be addressed immediately.

Mercedes-Benz ABS Warning Light

This light comes on when your vehicle’s automatic brake system (ABS) activates. This system provides additional braking power & control when you stop suddenly or when you’re driving on slippery or icy roads. The ABS light should turn off soon after the vehicle comes on, but if it doesn’t, there may be a problem with the system that will need to be addressed by our service technicians.

Mercedes-Benz Battery/Alternator Warning Light

The battery light indicates low battery charge which can be due to a damaged or disconnected battery or a problem with the alternator. If you see this light, it’s important to get your vehicle in for service quickly, as your battery may soon run out of charge, causing your vehicle not to start or run. Our team will check your battery and replace it, if necessary, as part of a Mercedes-Benz battery/alternator warning light reset.

Mercedes-Benz Brake Warning Light

This light can appear if you need to release the parking brake before driving (and may be accompanied by the word BRAKE). However, if your parking brake isn’t engaged, there may be another issue with your brakes, such as low brake fluid or a faulty sensor. It can also act as a Mercedes-Benz brake pad warning light to alert you that your brake pads are wearing thin. This light may appear along with the ABS warning light if there’s a problem with the system. Brakes are crucial for safe driving, so bring your vehicle in for service if you see this light.

Mercedes-Benz Check Engine Light

The infamous check engine light can be triggered by a wide variety of problems, from a loose gas tank cap to major engine malfunctions. It could also be triggered if the gas cap is cracked or damaged, allowing fuel to evaporate.

Alternatively, if your vehicle has shown symptoms of engine problems (such as hesitance when accelerating), the check engine light is probably related to bigger issues that need to be diagnosed by a mechanic.

Mercedes-Benz Coolant Warning Light

If you see one of these lights, it means your coolant levels are low (yellow) or your engine is in danger of overheating (red). Pull over and let your engine cool down, as continuing to drive could cause permanent engine damage. Once your engine is cool, you can check your coolant levels and top them off if necessary. If you still have plenty of coolant, there could be something else wrong that a mechanic would need to address.

Mercedes-Benz Oil Warning Light

The oil warning light means your engine is running low on oil. Don’t ignore this light, because driving with low oil can damage your engine. Bring your model in for an oil change as soon as you can. You can avoid seeing this light altogether by scheduling regular oil changes here at our service department.

Mercedes-Benz Tire Pressure Warning Light

This light means that you have an over- or underinflated tire. Check the pressure in all four tires and ensure that the PSI matches what’s recommended on your door jamb sticker or in your owner’s manual.

Mercedes-Benz Safety System Lights

Depending on the year and trim, your model may be equipped with various safety systems that identify possible hazards and alert you so you can react. Some of the lights that appear on the dashboard are related to these safety systems, including:

Mercedes-Benz Red Triangle Warning Light

This light comes on as part of the brake assist system (if your vehicle is equipped with it). It signifies that you are following another vehicle too closely and need to slow down to create more space for emergency braking. If you see a Mercedes-Benz triangle exclamation mark dashboard warning light that stays on, it could signify something else, so contact our technicians if this is the case.

Mercedes-Benz ATTENTION ASSIST® Warning Light

If your vehicle is equipped with the ATTENTION ASSIST® system, this light will come on if the computer has detected driving that shows you’re tired or distracted. If you see this light, it’s time to take a break and rest.

Service Light FAQs

How to reset gas cap light?

Check to see if the gas cap is loose and tighten if necessary; this could cause the light to turn off. If you notice cracks or damage in the cap, the issue will need to be addressed by a service technician.

How to reset check engine light?

If you don’t find any issues with your gas cap, there’s probably a bigger problem in your vehicle’s system. Whether or not you have noticed engine issues, we recommend making a service appointment as soon as possible. When you bring your model to Mercedes-Benz of West Chester, our team will diagnose and resolve the issue, then reset your check engine light.

Schedule a Service Appointment at Mercedes-Benz of West Chester

Do you have questions about the dashboard lights in your Mercedes-Benz? Contact us and our team will be happy to explain in further detail. If you suspect it’s time for service, schedule an appointment on our website today. We offer express service for certain maintenance, so you can get in and out quickly and return to your routine.

We always recommend servicing your Mercedes-Benz at a dealership like ours, because our team has far more specialized training on Mercedes-Benz vehicles when compared to mechanics at independent shops. Plus, our customer service is unparalleled, and we’ll go above and beyond to ensure you’re satisfied. We look forward to serving you soon.