2025 Mercedes GLS Warning Lights and Indicators User Guide
This Guide covers the 2025 Mercedes GLS Warning Lights and Indicators, their colors, and what to do. Stay educated to ensure vehicle safety, performance, and rapid dashboard system alert reaction.
2023 Mercedes GLS Review, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)
Video: 2025 Mercedes GLS Dashboard Warning Indicators
Mercedes Warning and indicator lamps Guide
Overview of indicator and warning lamps
Some systems will perform a self-test when the vehicle is switched on. Some indicator and warning lamps may briefly light up or flash. This behavior is non-critical. These indicator and warning lamps indicate a malfunction only if they light up or flash after the vehicle has been started or during a journey. The indicator and warning lamps are located in the highlighted display sections.
DRIVER DISPLAY
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS OCCUPANT SAFETY
Restraint system
Seat belt
Occupant presence reminder (white)
Occupant presence reminder (yellow)
DRIVE SYSTEM
Reduced power
System error
Electrical malfunction
VEHICLE
Power steering (yellow)
Power steering (red)
Rear axle steering (yellow)
Rear axle steering (red)
Electric parking brake (yellow)
USA: electric parking brake (red)
Canada: electric parking brake (red)
USA: Regenerative Brake System
Canada: brakes (yellow)
USA: brakes (red)
Canada: brakes (red)
DRIVING AND DRIVING SAFETY SYSTEMS
ABS
ESP
ESP® OFF
ESP® SPORT
ATTENTION ASSIST
Traffic Sign Assist
Distance warning
Active Brake Assist
Active Brake Assist
MERCEDES-BENZ EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
Tire pressure monitoring system
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Side lights
High beam
Low beam
Turn signal lights
Rear fog light
SYMBOLS ON THE CENTRAL DISPLAY
Drive Away Assist
Rear cross traffic warning
Close-range braking
Warning and indicator lamps
The restraint system red warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is on.
The restraint system is malfunctioning.]
WARNINGRisk of injury due to malfunctions in the restraint system Components in the restraint system may be activated unintentionally or not deploy as planned in an accident.
- Have the restraint system checked and repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
DANGER
Risk of death due to the restraint system malfunctioning
Components in the restraint system may be activated unintentionally or not deploy as intended in an accident. In the event of an accident, the high-voltage on-board electrical system may not be deactivated as intended. You may receive an electric shock if you touch the damaged components of the high-voltage on-board electrical system.
- Have the restraint system checked and repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
- After an accident, switch off the vehicle immediately.
- Drive on carefully.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
The red seat belt warning lamp flashes and an intermittent warning tone sounds. The driver or front passenger has not fastened his/her seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
Seat belt warning lamp flashes
- Remove the objects from the front passenger seat.
The red seat belt warning lamp lights up for six seconds once the vehicle has started.
Seat belt warning lamp lights up
The red seat belt warning lamp lights up for six seconds once the vehicle has started.
In addition, an intermittent warning tone may sound. The red seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belts.
- Fasten your seat belt
If you have placed objects on the front passenger seat, the red seat belt warning lamp may remain lit.
The white occupant presence reminder warning lamp is lit. The occupant presence reminder is deactivated.
Occupant presence detection warning lamp (white)
- Switch on the occupant presence reminder
Occupant presence detection warning lamp (yellow)
- Observe the messages on the driver display.
Reduced warning lamp power
The yellow reduced-power warning lamp is on. Drive system power output is reduced.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
System malfunction warning lamp
The red system error warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is in a state of operational readiness õ. There is a malfunction in the drive system.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
The red electrical malfunction warning lamp is on. There is a malfunction with the electrics.
Electrical malfunction warning lamp
The red electrical malfunction warning lamp is on. There is a malfunction with the electrics.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
Power steering warning lamp (yellow)
The yellow power steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. The power assistance or the steering itself is malfunctioning.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
Power steering warning lamp (red)
The red power steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. The power assistance or the steering itself is malfunctioning.
WARNING
Risk of accident if steering capability is impaired
If the steering does not function as intended, the vehicle’s operating safety is jeopardized.
- Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
The yellow rear axle steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. The rear axle steering is malfunctioning.
Rear axle steering warning lamp (yellow)
- Note the messages on the driver’s display.
Rear axle steering warning lamp (red)
The red rear axle steering warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running. The rear axle steering is malfunctioning.
WARNING
Risk of accident if steering capability is impaired
If the steering does not function as intended, the vehicle’s operating safety is jeopardized.
- Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
- Note the messages on the driver’s display.
Coolant warning lamp (red)
The red coolant warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
POSSIBLE CAUSES:
- The temperature sensor is malfunctioning
- The coolant level is too low
- The air supply to the radiator is obstructed
- The radiator fan is faulty
- The engine coolant pump is faulty
If there is an additional warning tone, the coolant temperature has exceeded the maximum permissible temperature.
WARNING
Risk of burns when opening the hood
IF YOU OPEN THE HOOD IN THE EVENT OF AN OVERHEATED ENGINE OR FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT,
THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS MAY OCCUR:
- You may come into contact with hot gases.
- You may come into contact with other escaping hot operating fluids.
- Before opening the hood, allow the engine to cool down.
- In the event of a fire in the engine compartment, keep the hood closed and call the fire service.
- Stop immediately in accordance with the traffic conditions and switch off the vehicle. Do not continue driving.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
If the coolant temperature display is at the lower end of the temperature scale:
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the coolant temperature display is at the upper end of the temperature scale:
- Exit the vehicle and keep a safe distance from it until the engine has cooled down.
- Check the coolant level
- Make sure that the air supply to the radiator is not obstructed.
- Avoiding high loads on the engine, drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop. In doing so, ensure that the coolant temperature display remains below the red area.
Coolant warning lamp (yellow)
The yellow coolant warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
POSSIBLE CAUSES:
- The temperature sensor is malfunctioning
- The charge air, transmission oil or battery cooling is faulty
- The radiator shutters are blocked or defective
- Avoiding high loads on the engine, drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Check Engine warning lamp
The yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp is lit while the engine is running. A malfunction has occurred in the engine, the exhaust system or the fuel system. This may cause the emissions limit values to be exceeded and the engine to run in emergency mode. In some states, legal requirements stipulate that you must immediately consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as the yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp lights up.
- Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
Electrical malfunction warning lamp
The red electrical malfunction warning lamp is lit. There is a malfunction in the electrics.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
Engine operating temperature warning lamp
The blue warning lamp for engine operating temperature will remain lit until the engine operating temperature has been reached. The engine output and engine torque will remain reduced until then.
- Take this into consideration in your driving style.
Engine operating temperature warning lamp
Vehicles with gasoline engines: after a cold start, the blue engine operating temperature warning lamp is on. Engine output and engine torque are reduced.
- Take this into consideration in your driving style.
Fuel reserve warning lamp flashes
The yellow fuel reserve warning lamp lights up while you are driving.
There has been pressure loss in the fuel system. The fuel filler cap is not closed correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
- Close the fuel filler cap.
If the fuel filler cap has already been closed correctly:
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Fuel reserve warning lamp lights up
The yellow fuel reserve warning lamp lights up while the engine is running. The fuel supply has dropped into the reserve range.
- Refuel.
Electric parking brake indicator lamp (red) (USA only)!
The red electric parking brake indicator lamp flashes or is lit. The yellow electric parking brake indicator lamp is also lit up in the event of a malfunction.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
Electric parking brake indicator lamp (red) (Canada only)
Electric parking brake indicator lamp (yellow)
RBS warning lamp (USA only)
The yellow é warning lamp (USA only) or the yellow J brake warning lamp (Canada only) is lit while the vehicle is running.
Brakes warning lamp (yellow) (Canada only)
WARNING
Risk of an accident due to a brake system malfunction If the brake system is malfunctioning, braking characteristics may be impaired.
- Drive on carefully.
- Have the brake system checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
The Hill Start Assist may be malfunctioning.
- Adjust your speed and drive on carefully, leaving a suitable distance to the vehicle in front.
- If the driver’s display shows a display message, observe it.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Brakes warning lamp (USA only)
The red brakes warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running.
POSSIBLE CAUSES:
- The brake force boosting is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be affected.
- There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Brakes warning lamp (Canada only)
- Note the messages on the driver display.
WARNING
Risk of accident and injury if brake force boosting is malfunctioning
If brake force boosting is malfunctioning, increased brake pedal force may be necessary for braking. The braking characteristics may be impaired. The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
- Stop in a safe location immediately. Do not continue driving.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
WARNING
Risk of an accident due to low brake fluid level
If the brake fluid level is too low, the braking effect and the braking characteristics may be impaired.
- Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
- Do not add brake fluid.
ABS warning lamp
The yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running.
ABS is malfunctioning. If an additional warning tone sounds, EBD is malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
WARNING
There is a risk of skidding if EBD or ABS is malfunctioning
The wheels may lock during braking. The steerability and braking characteristics are heavily impaired and the braking distance may increase. In addition, other driving safety systems are switched off.
- Drive on carefully.
- Have the brake system checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
- Drive on carefully.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
ESP® warning lamp flashes
The yellow ESP® warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
One or more wheels have reached their grip limit
- Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
ESP® warning lamp lights up
The yellow ESP® warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running.
ESP® is malfunctioning. Other driving systems and driving safety systems (e.g. BAS) may also be malfunctioning.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
WARNING
Risk of skidding if ESP® is malfunctioning If ESP® is malfunctioning, ESP® cannot carry out vehicle stabilization. In addition, other driving safety systems are switched off.
- Drive on carefully.
- Have ESP® checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
- Drive on carefully.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately
The yellow ESP® OFF warning lamp is lit while the vehicle is running.
ESP® is deactivated. Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also be inoperative.
ESP® OFF warning lamp
WARNING
Risk of skidding when driving with ESP® deactivated
ESP® does not act to stabilize the vehicle. The availability of further driving safety systems is also limited.
- Drive on carefully.
- Deactivate ESP® only for as long as the situation requires.
If ESP® cannot be activated, ESP® is malfunctioning. - Have ESP® checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
The yellow ESP® OFF warning lamps are lit while the vehicle is running. ESP® is deactivated.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also be inoperative.
WARNING
Risk of skidding when driving with ESP® deactivated
ESP® does not act to stabilize the vehicle. The availability of further driving safety systems is also limited.
- Drive on carefully.
- Deactivate ESP® only for as long as the situation requires.
If ESP® cannot be activated, ESP® is malfunctioning. - Have ESP® checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
- Observe the notes on deactivating ESP
ESP® SPORT is activated while the vehicle is running. When ESP® SPORT is activated, ESP® will stabilize the vehicle only to a limited extent.
WARNING
Risk of skidding if ESP® SPORT is used incorrectly When you activate ESP® SPORT, there is an increased risk of skidding and having an accident.
- Activate ESP® SPORT only in the circumstances described below.
ATTENTION ASSIST warning lamp
- Observe the notes on activating ESP® SPORT
The ATTENTION ASSIST warning lamp is lit. ATTENTION ASSIST is malfunctioning.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Traffic Sign Assist warning lamp
The Traffic Sign Assist warning lamp is lit. Traffic Sign Assist is malfunctioning.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
Distance warning lamp
The red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion.
The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed selected.
If there is an additional warning tone, you are approaching an obstacle at too high a speed.
- Be prepared to brake immediately.
- Increase the distance.
Function of Active Brake Assist
Active Brake Assist warning lamp
The Active Brake Assist warning lamp is on. Due to dirty sensors or a malfunction, the system is not available or the range of functions is restricted.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
Active Brake Assist warning lamp
The Active Brake Assist warning lamp is on. The system is switched off or the range of functions has been automatically restricted. This may be the case if the driver is not wearing a seat belt or another driving system has been activated.
The Active Brake Assist warning lamp is on. After you drive off, the system’s range of functions will be restricted due to the teach-in process. Depending on the ambient conditions, the teach-in process may take a few minutes.
- Observe the notes on Active Brake Assist
The yellow AIRMATIC warning lamp is lit. A malfunction has occurred in AIRMATIC
Suspension warning lamp (yellow)
The yellow AIRMATIC warning lamp is lit. A malfunction has occurred in AIRMATIC.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
Suspension warning lamp (yellow)
The yellow E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL warning lamp is on. There is a malfunction with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL.
Suspension warning lamp (red)
The red AIRMATIC warning lamp is lit. A malfunction has occurred in AIRMATIC.
NOTE
The vehicle’s driving characteristics will have changed significantly.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Suspension warning lamp (red)
The red E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL warning lamp is on. There is a malfunction with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL.
NOTE
The vehicle’s driving characteristics will have changed significantly.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
- Note the messages on the driver display.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system warning lamp
The Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is malfunctioning. The Mercedes-Benz Support system is also malfunctioning.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp flashes
The yellow tire pressure monitor warning lamp (pressure loss/malfunction) flashes for approximately one minute and then remains lit. The tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning
WARNING
There is a risk of an accident if the tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning The tire pressure monitoring system cannot issue a warning if there is pressure loss in one or more of the tires. Tires with insufficient tire pressure may impair the driving characteristics as well as steering and braking.
- Have the tire pressure monitoring system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
- Consult a qualified specialist workshop
The yellow tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp (pressure loss/malfunction) is lit. The tire pressure monitoring system has detected a loss of pressure in at least one tire.
Tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp lights up
WARNING
Risk of an accident due to insufficient tire pressure
- The tires can burst.
- The tires can wear excessively and/or unevenly.
- The driving characteristics as well as the steering and braking may be greatly impaired. You could then lose control of the vehicle.
- Observe the recommended tire pressures.
- Adjust the tire pressure if necessary.
- Stop the vehicle in accordance with the traffic conditions.
- Check the tire pressure and the tires.
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