warning lights MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class WAGON 2013 W212 User Guide

Tensioning Device could be triggered in the
event of an accident.
The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with Emergency
Tensioning Devices and belt force limiters.
The
ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,
pulling them close against the body.
The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat
positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back
towards the backrest.
If the seat belt is also equipped with a seat
belt force limiter and this is triggered, the
force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle
occupant is reduced.
When triggered, seat belt force limiters help
to reduce the peak force exerted by the seat
belt on the vehicle occupant.
The belt force limiters for the front seats are
synchronized with the front air bags, which
take on a part of the deceleration force. This
results in the force exerted on the occupant
being distributed over a greater area.
The ETDs can only be activated when:
R the ignition is switched on.
R the restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" ( Y page 41).
R
R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front.
R the front-passenger seat is occupied and
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
the front-passenger side.
The ETDs on the outside seats in the rear
compartment are triggered independently of
the lock status of the seat belts.
The ETDs are triggered depending on the type
and severity of an accident:
R if, in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, the vehicle decelerates or
accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal direction during the initial stages of the
impact
R if,
in the event of a side impact, on the side
opposite the impact the vehicle
decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a
lateral direction
R if, in certain situations where the vehicle
overturns, the system determines that it
can provide additional protection
If the ETDs are deployed, you will hear a bang,
and a small amount of powder may also be
released. Only in rare cases will the bang
affect your hearing. The powder that is
released generally does not constitute a
health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp
lights up. Children in the vehicle
Child restraint systems
Important safety notes G
WARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children

be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an appropriate
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight of
the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat
belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and
top tether strap, fully in accordance with the
child seat manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. 60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions
included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
i The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tires and
the road surface. Please pay special
attention to the notes on tires,
recommended minimum tire tread depths,
etc. (Y page 362).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 67). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become

inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y page 278) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Y page 247).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking X
If ABS intervenes:
continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 67). Driving safety systems
67
Safety Z

G
WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As
a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, altering or
tampering with the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the
device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 67). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases

the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. !
Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the rear axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 355).
ESP ®


is deactivated if the å warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 279) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 247).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly. Driving safety systems
69
Safety Z

ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You

could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To deactivate: (Y page 236).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To activate: (Y page 236).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engine was switched
off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
If

ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP
®


will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles) Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following. X
To activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display. 70
Driving safety systems
Safety

SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on designated roads when the
vehicle's own oversteering and
understeering characteristics are desired.
Driving in SPORT handling mode requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver
who is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
X To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If

SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning wheels produce a
cutting effect for better traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again. Deactivating/activating ESP
® G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You

could otherwise damage the drivetrain. X
To deactivate: press button : until the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷OFF message appears in the
multifunction display.
Deactivate ESP ®
when driving on
designated roads when the vehicle's own
oversteering and understeering
characteristics

are desired. Driving without
ESP ®
requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
X To activate: briefly press button :.
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If

ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in Driving safety systems
71
Safety Z

ignition lock. The SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
or
X Lock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.
If you unlock the vehicle using the mechanical
key, the fuel filler flap will not be unlocked
automatically.
X To unlock the fuel filler flap: insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
Removing the mechanical key :
Release catch
; Mechanical key
X Push release catch : in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time remove
mechanical key ; from the SmartKey.SmartKey battery
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Batteries contain toxic and caustic
substances. For this reason, keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
If
a battery has been swallowed, seek medical
help immediately. G
WARNING
The SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling and regard for the environment. Observe
government disposal guidelines. California
residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the

batteries replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Checking the battery X
Press the & or % button.
The battery is working properly if battery
check lamp : lights up briefly.
The battery is discharged if battery check
lamp : does not light up briefly.
X Change the battery ( Y page 81).
i If
the SmartKey battery is checked within
the signal reception range of the vehicle,
pressing the & or % button:
R locks or
R unlocks the vehicle
i You can get a battery in any qualified
specialist workshop.
Replacing the battery You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
X
Take the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey (Y page 80). SmartKey
81
Opening/closing Z

Adjusting the steering wheel
:
To adjust the steering wheel height
; To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
i Further related subjects:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
(Y page 112)
R Storing settings
(Y page 116) Steering wheel heating
Activating/deactivating X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X To switch on/off: turn the lever in the
direction of arrow : or ;.
Indicator lamp = lights up or goes out.
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: when you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock,
the steering wheel heating is deactivated. Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: when you switch
off

the ignition and open the driver's door, the
steering wheel heating is deactivated.
i The steering wheel heating may switch off
temporarily if:
R the temperature of the vehicle interior is
above 86 ‡ (30 †)
R the temperature of the steering wheel is
above 95 ‡ (35 †)
Indicator lamp = remains on.
Problems with the steering wheel
heating If steering wheel heating indicator lamp
=
is
flashing, the steering wheel heating has
switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system voltage is too low because
too many electrical consumers are switched
on.
X Switch off electrical consumers that you do
not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once

the battery is sufficiently charged, the
steering wheel heating will switch back on
automatically. EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
when you activate the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature.
If there is a risk of someone becoming
trapped, stop the adjustment procedure. To
halt the procedure:
R press the steering column adjustment
button.
R press one of the memory function position
buttons.
The steering column stops moving
immediately. 112
Steering wheel
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior mirrors G
WARNING
The exterior mirrors reduce the size of the
image. Objects are actually closer than they
appear.
You could misjudge the distance from
vehicles driving behind and cause an
accident, e.g. when changing lane. For this
reason, make sure of the actual distance from
the vehicle driving behind by glancing over
your shoulder. X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.
X Press button : for the left-hand exterior
mirror or button ; for the right-hand
exterior mirror.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding
button lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after
some time. You can adjust the selected
mirror using adjustment button = as long
as the indicator lamp is lit.
X Press adjustment button = up, down, or
to the left or right until you have adjusted
the exterior mirror to the correct position.
You should have a good overview of traffic
conditions.
The convex exterior mirrors provide a larger
field of vision.
The

exterior mirrors are heated automatically
if the rear window defroster is switched on
and the outside temperature is low. Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
electrically This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.
X Briefly press button :.
Both exterior mirrors fold in or out.
i Make sure that the exterior mirrors are
always folded out fully while driving. They
could otherwise vibrate.
i If you are driving faster than 9 mph
(15 km/h

) you can no longer fold in the
exterior mirrors.
Setting the exterior mirrors This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
If the battery has been disconnected or
completely discharged, the exterior mirrors
must be reset. The exterior mirrors will
otherwise

not fold in when you select the Fold
in mirrors when locking function in the on-
board computer ( Y page 241).
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in
position 1 in the ignition lock.
X Briefly press button :.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.114
Mirrors
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible.
Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 25).Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched

on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
If you wish to drive during the daytime without
lights, switch off the daytime running lamps
function in the on-board computer
(Y page 239). Driving abroad
Symmetrical low-beam headlamps Switch the headlamps to symmetrical low
beam in countries in which traffic drives on
the

opposite side of the road from the country
where the vehicle is registered. This prevents
glare to oncoming traffic. When using
symmetrical lights, the edge of the road is not
lit as widely and as far ahead as normal.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries. Asymmetrical low-beam headlamps Have the headlamps converted back to
asymmetrical low-beam headlamps at a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border again.
Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using:
R
the light switch
R the combination switch ( Y page 124)
R the on-board computer (Y page 239)
Light switch Operation
1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps)
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to Ã.120
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing 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.
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
If the light switch is set to Ã
and it is foggy,
snowing or there is poor visibility, the low-
beam headlamps will not come on
automatically. This could endanger you and
others. In such situations turn the light switch
to L.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times. 1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps) Ã is the favored light switch setting. The
light setting is automatically selected
according to the brightness of the ambient
light

(exception: poor visibility due to weather
conditions such as fog, snow or spray):
R SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
R With the engine running: if you have
activated the daytime running lamps
function via the on-board computer, the
daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps and parking lamps are switched
on or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
X To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to Ã.
Only for Canada:
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 drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T, you turn on the daytime running
lamps and parking lamps.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
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 computer
(Y page 239).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L, the manual settings Exterior lighting
121
Lights and windshield wipers Z