The current generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an elegant-looking piece of engineering, styling and technology. We had a few current generation C-Class on test, and you can read our reviews here.
Related: 5 things you need to know about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
As we know globally, the C-Class is an important model as it's one of the benchmark vehicles in the small executive saloon market. South Africa has been chosen to assemble the latest C-Class, which is a feat for local manufacturing, especially when you have a rival with the Bavarian flag colours in your crosshairs. Nevertheless, the newest generation is as classy as ever.
We've compiled a list of warning lights you will find in your C-Class. The exact lights and meanings will vary from model to model, year to year and spec to spec. To get the most accurate information, consult your owner's manual for not only the meanings but also solutions to get rid of potential issues. You can also reach out to a professional if you need clarification on any warning light or if the vehicle calls for a professional to assess it.
Warning Lights
Restraint System Warning Lamp - This is a red lamp and means that a component in the restraint system may have been activated unintentionally or not deploy as intended in the event of an accident. You must get the restraint system checked and repaired immediately at a qualified service centre.
Seat belt warning lamp - The red seatbelt lamp illuminates to remind the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts. Fasten your seatbelts to switch off the lamp. The lamp may also illuminate when you have placed objects on the front passenger seat.
Reduced Power Lamp - This is a yellow lamp that illuminates when the drive system power output is reduced. The icon is a tortoise here.
System Error Warning Lamp - A red lamp that illuminates when there's a malfunction in the drive system. Alternatively, there may be a red lamp that illuminates the word 'READY' when the vehicle is in a state that's ready to operate.
Electrical Fault Warning Lamp - This lamp illuminates in red when there's a fault with the vehicle's electricals.
Trailer Tow Hitch Warning Lamp - A red illuminating lamp that comes on when the trailer hitch is not operational. There can be a potential risk of an accident if the ball neck is not locked.
Power Steering Warning Lamp - A yellow illuminating lamp that comes on when the power steering system is not functioning normally. Alternatively, if this lamp illuminates in red, then the rear axle steering is malfunctioning.
Coolant Warning Lamp - A red illuminating lamp that comes on when one of the following scenarios happens: 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. Additionally, a warning tone comes on if the coolant temperature has exceeded 120°C. In any of these instances, stop the car and switch off immediately in a safe space and consult a qualified service centre. Do not open any of the radiator caps and such to avoid injury, as the coolant system is pressurised and is scalding hot. If the lamp illuminates in yellow, then the temperature sensor may be malfunctioning, the charge air, transmission oil or battery cooling may be faulty, or the radiator shutters are blocked or defective.
Engine Diagnosis Warning Lamp - A yellow illuminating lamp that comes on when a malfunction has occurred in either the engine, exhaust or even fuel system. In one case, the emissions limit value may have been exceeded, and the engine may be operating in emergency operation mode. Vehicles with a diesel engine: The fuel tank may have been run dry, which can be solved by starting the engine 3-4 times after refuelling. If the yellow lamp goes off, then the emergency operation mode is cancelled, and the vehicle doesn't need to be checked afterwards.
Engine Operating Temperature Warning Lamp - The power outputs for the engine have been reduced until the engine reaches operating temperature. Petrol vehicles: After a cold start, this lamp illuminates in blue.
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp - Illuminates yellow when the fuel tank has dropped into reserve levels.
Electric Parking Brake Lamp - Illuminates in red when the parking brake is applied. Illuminated in yellow when there is a malfunction with the parking brake.
Brake System Warning Lamp - Illuminated in red when either the brake force boosting function is malfunctioning and will affect braking performance (Stop immediately in a safe area and don't continue driving), or there's insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. Illuminated in yellow if there's a malfunction in the braking system and will affect braking performance. You must have the braking system checked by a qualified service centre.
Warning Lamp for Distance Warning Function - Illuminates in red when the distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed selected. If an additional warning tone sounds, then you're approaching an obstacle at too high a speed, and you must be prepared to brake immediately. This lamp will turn off when you increase your following distance. For your C-Class, this will show a car in a silhouette in a triangle.
Active Brake Assist Warning Lamp - Illuminates when the sensors are dirty or when there's a malfunction. The system may not be available, or the range of functions is restricted. The system may be switched off even with the word 'OFF' above. Lastly, after you drive off, the system's range of functions will be restricted due to the teach-in process. For your C-Class, this symbol will be like two cars following each other with an exclamation mark in between.
Suspension Warning Lamp - This lamp illuminates in yellow. There may be a fault with the rear axle level control, or in the case of AMG RIDE CONTROL, there may be a fault.
ABS Warning Lamp - Illuminates in yellow when the ABS is malfunctioning. If another warning tone sounds, the EBD system may be malfunctioning. Additionally, other driving and safety systems may also be malfunctioning. You'll need to drive carefully and consult a qualified service centre.
ESP Warning Lamp - Illuminates in yellow. If the lamp flashes, it means one or more wheels have reached their grip limit. If the lamp stays on, it means the ESP is malfunctioning, and other driving or safety systems may potentially malfunction. If the lamp is illuminated but the word 'OFF' is below the symbol, it means ESP is off, or another lamp will read 'ESP OFF'. Lastly, you could also have 'ESP SPORT' illuminated, indicating a sport mode has been activated.
Mercedes Benz Emergency Call System Warning Lamp - 'SOS NOT READY' lamp will illuminate, indicating that the Mercedes Benz Emergency Call System and Mercedes Me Connect System is malfunctioning.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System - Illuminates in yellow. When the light flashes, it means the tyre pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning. When the light stays on, the monitoring system detects a pressure loss in one of the tyres.
Drive Away Assist - Illuminates when a critical situation occurs and assists the driver in avoiding a potential collision. For your C-Class, this will show a car's silhouette in a triangle.
