MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218 Owner's Manual

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#
Check Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Release Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also
sounds.XRelease the parking brake$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not correct the malfunction.GWARNING
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Display messages219On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA only: one or more of the main functions in the mbrace system
are malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system are malfunctioning.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.PRE-SAFE
Function Currently
Limited See Oper.
ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R AMG vehicles only: you deactivate ESP ®
.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is operational again and the display message
disappears if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R AMG vehicles only: you reactivate ESP ®
.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 289).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 289).XRestart the engine.XWait until the battery is sufficiently charged.220Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsPRE-SAFE
Functions Limited
See Operator's
ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is defective. BAS PLUS or the distance warning
signal may also have failed.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
SRS Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System). The 6 warning lamp also lights up in the instrument
cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
Front Left
Malfunction
Service Required or
Front Right
Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the front on the left or right. The 6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
Rear Left
Malfunction
Service Required or
Rear Right
Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the rear on the left or right. The 6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
Left Side Curtain
Airbag Malfunction
Service Required or
Right Side Curtain
Airbag Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
There is a malfunction in the left-hand and/or right-hand window
curtain air bag. The 6 warning lamp also lights up in the
instrument cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
Display messages221On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Enabled
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag and front-passenger knee bag are
enabled during the journey, even though:
R a child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold is located on the front-passenger
seat.
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied.
The system may detect objects or forces applying additional
weight on the seat.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front-passenger door.XRemove the child and the child restraint system from the front-
passenger seat.XIf necessary, secure the child in a child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat.XMake sure that there are no objects on the seat adding to the
weight.
The system may otherwise detect the additional weight and
interpret the seat occupant's weight as greater than it actually
is.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
Observe the 45(Y page 43) indicator lamp and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 45 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit. When
the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 43) has deactivated the
front-passenger air bag and front-passenger knee bag.
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's Manual display messages must not appear in the
multifunction display. Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds
until the necessary system checks have been completed and to
make sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are met, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 45 indicator lamp remains lit
or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the occupant.
If the conditions are not met, the system is not operating correctly.
222Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsXVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWARNING
If the 45 indicator lamp remains off even after performing the above corrective steps, do
not have any children 12 years old and under and other small individuals use the front-passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Disabled
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag and the front-passenger knee bag are
deactivated during the journey even though an adult or a person
larger than a certain size is occupying the front-passenger seat. If
additional forces are applied to the seat, the system may interpret
the occupant's weight as lower than it actually is.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XHave the occupant get out of the vehicle.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
Observe the 45(Y page 43) indicator lamp and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 45 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit. When
the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 43) has deactivated the
front-passenger air bag and front-passenger knee bag.
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's Manual display messages must not appear in the
multifunction display. Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds
until the necessary system checks have been completed and to
make sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are met, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 45 indicator lamp remains lit
or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the occupant.
If the conditions are not met, the system is not operating correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Display messages223On-board computer and displaysZ

GWARNING
If the 45 indicator lamp remains lit with an adult occupant on the front-passenger seat
even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front-
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left
Cornering Light
or Check Right
Cornering LightThe left or right-hand cornering light is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Low
Beam or Check Right
Low BeamThe left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Rear Left
Turn Signal
or Check Rear Right
Turn SignalThe rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Front Left
Turn Signal
or Check Front
Right Turn SignalThe front left-hand or front right-hand turn signal is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Mirror
Turn Signal
or Check Right
Mirror Turn SignalThe turn signal in the left-hand or right-hand exterior mirror is
defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Center Brake
LampThe high-mounted brake lamp is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.224Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left Tail
and Brake Lamps
or Check Right Tail
and Brake LampsThe left or right-hand tail lamp/brake lamp is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left High
Beam or Check Right
High BeamThe left or right-hand high beam is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Front Left
Parking Lamp
or Check Front
Right Parking LampThe front left or front right standing lamp is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Reverse
Lamp or Check Right
Reverse LampThe left or right-hand backup lamp is defective.XReplace the bulb ( Y page 112).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Front Left
Sidemarker Lamp
or Check Front
Right Sidemarker
LampThe left or right front side marker lamp is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Rear Left
Sidemarker Lamp
or Check Rear Right
Sidemarker LampThe rear left or right side marker lamp is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Daytime
Running Light
or Check Right
Daytime Running
LightThe left or right-hand daytime running lamp is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages225On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Active Headlamps
InoperativeThe active light function is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualThe exterior lighting is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
AUTO Lamp Function
InoperativeThe light sensor is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to Ã.Adaptive Highbeam
Assist InoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Adaptive Highbeam
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualAdaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily
inoperative, if:
R the windshield is dirty in the camera's field of vision.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.XClean the windshield.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is available again, if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system recognizes that the camera is fully operational again.
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Now Available message is
displayed.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 282).XIf the coolant needs to be refilled more often than usual, have
the engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.226Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

GWARNING
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
Display messages227On-board computer and displaysZ

! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is defective.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next RefuelingThe engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 281).XIf necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 282).XHave the engine checked for leaks if the engine oil needs to be
refilled more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
228Display messagesOn-board computer and displays