warning lights MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2017 User Guide

Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(Mercedes ‑ AM G vehicles )Important safet y notes
i Observ e th e "Important safet y notes" sec -
tion ( Y
page 64).
You can selec t between th e followin g states of
ES P ®
: R
ES P ®
is activated.R
SPORT handlin g mode is activated.R
ES P ®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
Whe n SPORT handlin g mode is activated,
there is a greater ris k of skidding and acci-
dents .
Only activat e SPORT handlin g mode in th e sit -
uation s described in th e following.
G WARNING
If you deactivat e ES P ®
, ES P ®
no longer sta-
bilizes th e vehicle. There is an increase d ris k
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivat e ES P ®
in th e situation s descri-
bed in th e following.
! Avoid spinnin g th e driven wheels fo r an
extended period wit h ES P ®
deactivated. You
could otherwise damage th e drivetrain .
In th e followin g situations, it may be bette r to
activat e SPORT handlin g mode or deactivat e
ES P ®
: R
when usin g snow chain sR
in dee p snowR
on san d or grave lR
on specially designated roads when th e vehi-
cle's own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desire d
Spinning th e wheels result s in a cutting action
whic h provides bette r grip.
Driving in SPORT handlin g mode or without
ES P ®
require s an extremely qualified and expe-
rienced driver .
i Activat e ES P ®
as soo n as th e situation s
described abov e no longer apply . ES P ®
will
otherwise no t be able to stabilize th e vehicle if th e vehicle start s to skid or a whee l start s to
spin.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
X
To activate SPORT handling mode: briefly
press butto n C .
The t SPORT handlin g mode warnin g
lamp in th e instrumen t cluster lights up. The
SPORT handling mod e
messag e appears in
th e multifunction display. X
To deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press butto n C .
The t SPORT handlin g mode warnin g
lamp in th e instrumen t cluster goe s out .X
To deactivate ESP ®
: press butto n C until
th e

Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
G WARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you do
the following while driving: R
adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors R
fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirror and fasten your seat belt
before starting the engine.
G WARNING
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side reduces the size of the image. Visible
objects are actually closer than they appear.
This means that you could misjudge the dis-
tance from road users traveling behind, e.g.
when changing lane. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
For this reason, always make sure of the
actual distance from the road users traveling
behind by glancing over your shoulder.
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y
page 123).X
Press button C for the left exterior mirror or
button D for the right exterior mirror.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding but-
ton lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after some
time. You can adjust the selected exterior mirror using button

Exterior lighting
General notes USA only: if you wish to drive during the daytime
without lights, switch off the Daytime run‐
ning lamps function via the on-board computer
( Y
page 198).
Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using: R
the light switch ( Y
page 105)R
the combination switch ( Y
page 106)R
the on-board computer ( Y
page 198)
Light switch Operation
G c
Left-hand standing lampsH d
Right-hand standing lampsI `
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lightingJ X
Automatic headlamp mode, controlled
by the light sensor
K X
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on. X
Turn the light switch to X .
The exterior lighting (except the parking/stand-
ing lamps) switches off automatically if you: R
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock R
open the driver's door with the SmartKey in
position 0 in the ignition lock Automatic headlamp mode
G WARNING
When the light switch is set to X , the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
X .
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid.
The driver is responsible for the vehicle's light-
ing at all times.
X is the favored light switch position.
The light setting is automatically selected
according to the brightness of the ambient light,
but not in the event of poor visibility due to
weather conditions such as fog, snow or spray. R
With the SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition
lock: the parking lamps are switched on/off
automatically depending on the brightness of
the ambient light. R
If you have switched on the Daytime run‐
ning lamps function in the on-board com-
puter, the daytime running lamps or the park-
ing lamps and low-beam headlamps are
switched on or off automatically while the
engine is running, depending on the bright-
ness of the ambient light. X
To switch on the automatic headlamps:
turn the light switch to the X position.
Canada only: the daytime running lamps
improve the visibility of your vehicle during the
day. The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from a
driving position to P , the daytime running
lamps/low beam headlamps go out after three
minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is sta-
tionary and in bright ambient light: if you turn the
light switch to the ` position, the daytime
running lamps and parking lamps switch on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to the X position, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.Exterior lighting 105
Lights and windshield wipers Z

USA only: the daytime running lamps improve
the visibility of your vehicle during the day. To do
this, the Daytime running lamps
function
must be switched on using the on-board com-
puter ( Y
page 198).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to the ` or X position, the manual
settings take precedence over the daytime run-
ning lamps.
Low-beam headlamps
G WARNING
When the light switch is set to X , the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
X .
Even if the light sensor does not detect that it is
dark, the parking lamps and low-beam head-
lamps switch on when the ignition is switched on
and the light switch is set to the X position.
This is a particularly useful function in the event
of rain and fog. X
To switch on the low beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to posi-
tion 2 or start the engine.X
Turn the light switch to the X position.
The green X indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Parking lamps
! If the battery charge is very low, the parking
lamps or standing lamps are automatically
switched off to enable the next engine start.
Always park your vehicle safely and in a well lit
area, in accordance with the relevant legal
stipulations. Avoid using the ` parking
lamps over a period of several hours. If pos-
sible, switch on the right-hand d or left-
hand c standing lamps.X
To switch on the parking lamps: turn the
light switch to the ` position.
The green ` indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster lights up. Standing lamps Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is illuminated. X
To switch on the standing lamps: turn the
SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock or
remove the SmartKey. X
Turn the light switch to the c (left-hand
side of the vehicle) or d (right-hand side of
the vehicle) position.
Combination switch
C
High-beam headlamps D
Turn signal, right

X
To apply: depress parking brake D firmly.
When the engine is running, the ' (USA
only) or M (Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster. X
To release: depress the brake pedal and keep
it depressed. X
Pull release handle C .
When the ignition is switched on or the engine
is running, the ' (USA only) or M (Can-
ada only) indicator lamp goes out in the instru-
ment cluster.
Parking the vehicle for a long period If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident. Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X
The tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure. X
Remove unnecessary loads. X
Remove roof racks when they are not needed. X
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in
cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain.
Drinking and driving
G WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs. Driving tips 143
Driving and parking Z

change dynamically at the beginning of the
journey. On longer journeys, there are fewer
changes. For more dynamic changes, carry
out a manual reset.
For further information on the ECO display, see
( Y
page 191).
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a
lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
important if the vehicle is laden.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time. ! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow
to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Driving tips 145
Driving and parking Z

This indicates that you have now reached the
minimum distance.
Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC
C
Indicator lampD
Deactivates/activates PARKTRONIC If indicator lamp D lights up, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated. Active Parking Assist is then also
deactivated.
i PARKTRONIC is automatically activated
when you turn the SmartKey to position 2 in
the ignition lock.
Problems with PARKTRONIC Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Only the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays are lit. You
also hear a warning tone
for approximately two
seconds.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated and the indi-
cator lamp on the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off. X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Only the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X
Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y
page 274).X
Switch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or ultra-
sound waves. X
See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Active Parking Assist
General notes
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking aid
with ultrasound. It measures the road on both
sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol indicates
a suitable parking space. Active steering inter-
vention and brake application can assist you during parking. You may also use PARKTRONIC
( Y
page 163).
Important safety notes
Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your immedi-
ate surroundings. You are always responsibleDriving systems 165
Driving and parking Z

R
you switch on th e tur n signals. In this event ,
th e warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a drivin g safet y system intervenes, suc h as
ABS, BA S or ES P ®
.
Adaptive Whe n Adaptive is selected, no warnin g vibra-
tion occur s if:R
you switch on th e tur n signals. In this event ,
th e warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a drivin g safet y system intervenes, e.g. ABS,
BA S or ES P ®
.R
you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown .R
you brak e hard.R
you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or chang e lanes quickly.R
you cut th e corner on a shar p bend.
In order that you are warned only when neces-
sar y and in goo d time if you cross th e lan e mark-
ing, th e system recognizes certain condition s
and warn s you accordingly.
The warnin g vibration occur s earlier if:R
you approac h th e outer lan e marking on a
bend. R
th e roa d has ver y wide lanes, e.g. a highway.R
th e system recognizes soli d lan e markings.
The warnin g vibration occur s later if:R
th e roa d has narrow lanes.R
you cut th e corner on a bend.
Active Driving Assistance package
Gene ra l notesThe Active Drivin g Assistance packag e consist s
of DISTRONI C PLU S ( Y
page 149), Active Blind
Spot Assis t ( Y
page 182) and Active Lan e Keep-
in g Assis t ( Y
page 184).
Active Blind Sp ot Assist
Genera l notes
Active Blind Spot Assis t uses a rada r sensor
system, pointe d toward th e rear of th e vehicle,
to monitor th e area to th e side s of th e vehicl e
whic h th e driver is unable to see . A warnin g lamp
lights up in th e exterio r mirror s and draw s your
attention to vehicles detecte d in th e monitore d area . If you then switch on th e correspondin g
tur n signal to chang e lane, you will also receiv e
an optica l and audibl e warning. If a ris k of lateral
collision is detected, corrective brakin g may
help you avoid a collision . Befor e a course-cor-
recting brak e application , Active Blind Spot
Assis t evaluates th e spac e in th e direction of
travel and at th e side s of th e vehicle. Fo r this,
Active Blind Spot Assis t uses th e forward-facing
rada r sensors.
Active Blind Spot Assis t support s you from a
speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes Active Blind Spot Assis t is only an aid and is no t
a substitut e for attentive driving.
G WARNIN G
Active Blind Spot Assis t does no t reac t to :R
vehicles overtake n to o closely on th e side ,
placin g them in th e blin d spo t areaR
vehicles whic h approac h wit h a larg e speed
differential and overtake your vehicl e
As a result , Active Blind Spot Assis t may nei-
ther giv e warnings no r interven e in suc h sit -
uations. There is a ris k of an accident.
Always observ e th e traffic condition s care-
fully, and maintai n a saf e lateral distance.
i US A only:
This device has been approve d by th e FCC as
a "Vehicular Radar System". The rada r sensor
is intended for use in an automotive rada r
system only. Removing, tamperin g with, or
altering th e device will voi d any warranties,
and is no t permitte d by th e FCC. Do no t tam -
per with, alter, or use in any non-approve d
way.
An y unauthorize d modification to this device
could voi d th e user’s authorit y to operate th e
equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies wit h
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subjec t to th e followin g tw o conditions:
1. This device may no t caus e harmful inter-
ference , and
2. This device mus t accept any interferenc e
received, includin g interferenc e that may
caus e und esire d operation of th e d
evice .
Removal, tampering, or altering of th e device
will voi d any warranties, and is no t permitted.182
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Deactivating delayed switch-off of the exterior
lighting temporarily: X
Before leaving the vehicle, turn the SmartKey
to position 0 in the ignition lock.X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the engine.
If you have activated the Surround Lighting
function and the light switch is set to the X
position, the following functions are activated
when it is dark: R
surround lighting: the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds af ter unlocking
with the SmartKey. If you start the engine, the
surround lighting is switched off and auto-
matic headlamp mode is activated
( Y
page 105). R
exterior lighting delayed switch-off: the
exterior lighting remains lit for 60 seconds
after the engine is switched off. If you close all
the doors and the trunk lid/tailgate, the exte-
rior lighting goes off after 15 second s.
i Depending on your vehicle's equipment,
when the surround lighting and delayed
switch-off exterior lighting are on, the follow-
ing light up: R
Parking lamps R
Side marker lamps R
Surround lighting in the exterior mirrors
Activating/deactivating the interior light-
ing delayed switch-off
If you activate the Light. Delay function, the
interior lighting remains on for 20 second sa fter
you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett. menu.X
Press the d or c button to select the
Lights submenu.X
Press v to confirm.X
Press the d or c button to select the
Light. Delay function.
When the Light. Delay function is activa-
ted, the vehicle interior is displayed in orange
in the multifunction display. X
Press the v button to save the setting. Vehicle Activating/deactivating the automatic
door locking mechanism X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett. menu.X
Press the d or c button to select the
Vehicle submenu. X
Press v to confirm. X
Press the d or c button to select the
Auto. Door Locks function.
If the Auto. Door Locks function is switched
on, the multifunction display shows the vehi-
cle's doors in orange. X
Press the v button to save the setting.
If you activate the Auto.
Door Locks function,
the vehicle is centrally locked above a speed of
around 9 mph (15 km/h).
For further information on the automatic locking
feature, see ( Y
page 82).
Activating/deactivating the acoustic
locking verification signal If you switch on the Acoustic Lock function, an
acoustic signal sounds when you lock the vehi-
cle. X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett. menu.X
Press the d or c button to select the
Vehicle submenu. X
Press v to confirm. X
Press the d or c button to select the
Acoustic Lock function.
If the Acoustic Lock function is activated,
the 7 symbol in the multifunction display
lights up orange. X
Press the v button to save the setting.
Convenience
Activating/deactivating the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature
G WARNING
When the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature adjusts
the steering wheel, you and other vehicle
occupants – particularly children – could
become trapped. There is a risk of injury.
While the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is mak-
ing adjustments, make sure that no one hasMenus and submenus 199
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
' (USA
only)
M ( Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is no t enough brak e fluid in th e brak e fluid reservoir .
In addition , th e ' (US A only) or M (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in th e instrumen t cluste r and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNIN G
The braking effec t may be impaired.
There is a ris k of an accident.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions. Do no t continu e drivin g
under any circumstances. X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 141).X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .X
Do no t add brak e fluid . This does no t correc t th e malfunction .
& Check Brake Pad Wea r The brak e pads/linings hav e reached their wear limit.X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
S mbrace Inoperative On e or mor e main features of th e mbrace system are malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
Collision Preven ‐
tio n Assist Plu s
Currently Unavaila‐
ble See Operator' s
Manual COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S is temporarily no t operational.
Possibl e causes are: R
th e radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to elec -
tromagneti c radiation emitted by nearby TV or radi o station s or
other source s of electromagneti c radiationR
th e system is outside th e operating temperature rangeR
th e on-boar d voltag e is to o low.
Whe n th e causes state d abov e no longer apply, th e display message
disappears.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S is operational again .
If th e display message does no t disappear :X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 141).X
Restart th e engine.
Collision Preven ‐
tio n Assist Plu s
Inoperative COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S is temporarily inoperative due
to a malfunction . Adaptive Brake Assis t may also hav e failed.X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator' s Manual Importan t function s of PRE-SAF E ®
hav e failed. Al l other occupant
safet y systems , e.g. air bags , remain available.X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .206
Display messages
On-board computer and displays