When you start a car, one of the first things you notice is the vehicle warning lights on the dashboard.
These lights automatically flash and appear when you start your vehicle. But if they stay on for sustained period of time, it could be an indication there is a problem with your Mercedes.
We’ve penned this guide with a view of explaining what each dashboard warning light means, and what to do if your car’s warning lights stay on.
Here at Dronsfields, we understand that the guidelines aren’t always clear when it comes to car dashboard warning lights and what each light means.
Dashboard warning lights – Car’s ‘check engine’ light stays on
One of the most common warning lights you will encounter is your car’s engine warning light.
What does the check engine light on a car mean?
All vehicles have a check engine light, which may appear when there is a fault with your engine.
That’s not to say your car is due for the scrapyard, some check engine lights appear after a car has covered a certain amount of miles, or to remind you to get you car serviced.
What should I do if my car’s check engine light flashes and stays on?
If your Mercedes car’s check engine light stays on a few minutes after starting it, you may want to consider taking it to a garage for a service.
Dashboard warning lights – Car’s oil light stays on
If you’re the oil light stays on after starting your car, you’ll need to act fast or run the risk of seriously damaging your car engine.
What does the oil light on a car mean?
The Mercedes oil light simply means that your car has an insufficient amount of engine oil. This can be caused either through insufficient replacement level after a service or through a leak. If leakage is apparent, the problem needs to be rectified as soon as possible. Without sufficient engine oil levels, your Mercedes engine will be damaged.
What should I do if my car’s oil light flashes and stays on?
Consult your car manual and fill your car with the recommended amount of oil. If after this point the light still stays on, head to your local garage.
Dashboard warning lights – car’s brake light stays on
Most modern cars have brakes that are operated using the pedals or a button, rather than the traditional handbrake lever.
If you feel your brakes are not working properly, or have become jammed, it’s important to consult your local garage.
What does the brake light on a car mean?
The fact that the car brake light has stayed illuminated on your car dashboard suggests that the car’s handbrake is still engaged either accidentally or by fault.
What should I do if my car’s brake light flashes and stays on?
If your brakes have jammed or seized up, you’ll need to take your car to a garage to get it looked at, it could be that your cable has snapped or your brake pads have corroded.
Dashboard warning lights – car’s battery light stays on
Along with the engine, your car’s battery and alternator system are two essential components of any car. Without a working battery, your car will not ignite and turn over.
What does the battery light on a car mean?
If your car battery warning light stays on, your car is notifying you that the battery is not charging. This could be a problem with the alternator or a poor connection.
What should I do if my car’s brake light flashes and stays on?
If you have access to a battery charging pack or jump leads, attempt to charge your
battery. If this doesn’t work, you may need to get your battery replaced.
Dashboard warning lights – Car’s ABS light stays on
ABS stands for anti-lock brake system, this prevents your brakes from locking up if you were to skid or swerve.
What does the ABS light on a car mean?
This is an indication that there may be a malfunction or electrical fault with the ABS system.
What should I do if my car’s brake light flashes and stays on?
Restart your vehicle and test your brake pedal. If the light still appears and does not go away, it’s worth consulting your local garage.
Most mechanics can diagnose a car problem using a diagnostics machine.
Dashboard warning lights – car’s tyre pressure light stays on
Having the wrong PSI/BAR levels in your tyres can have a direct impact on the performance of your car. You may find your car has poor fuel consumption or doesn’t drive as smoothly.
What does the tyre pressure light on a car mean?
If your car’s tyres are short of air, you may find that your Mercedes vehicle’s tyre pressure light flags up.
What should I do if my car’s brake light flashes and stays on?
The best thing to do in this instance is to head to your nearest garage or petrol station to pump or deflate your tyres up to the recommended pressures. You’ll find these in your car manual.
Other Mercedes dashboard warning lights – what to look out for if your car’s dashboard lights flash
This guide has covered the main warning lights you will encounter if there is a fault with your car.
There are a number of other dashboard warning lights to look out for including brake wear, coolant, your steering wheel, bulb, seat belt indicator and airbag light.
You’ll find information about all of these warning lights in your Mercedes’ car handbook.
In most cases, if a vehicle light flashes and stays on, you should try to restart your car to test if the light stays on.
If you’re experiencing problems with your car’s seatbelt light, or if a bulb light stays on when driving, these could be electrical problems that may need further inspection from your garage.
For more information and advice from our mechanics, check out our selection of articles on our blog page, which includes further help with your car’s spark plugs and braking system.
Alternatively, check out our online parts shop for a wide range of cheap Mercedes car parts for most makes and models.