Driving systems

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and Solutions
The red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion.

The red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion. A warning tone also sounds.

stationary vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead of you at too high a Risk of accident

The warning is issued if you approach a stationary vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead of you at too high a speed.
– Be prepared to brake immediately.
– Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Brake.

USA only:

USA only:

The yellow tire pressure monitor warning lamp (pressure loss/malfunction) is lit.

Canada only:

The yellow tire pressure monitor warning lamp (pressure loss) is lit.

loss of pressure in at least one of the tires. Risk of accident

The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at least one of the tires.
– Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
– Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
– Check the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
– If necessary, change a wheel.

USA only:

USA only:

The yellow tire pressure monitor warning lamp (pressure loss/malfunction) flashes for 60 seconds and then remains lit.

The tire pressure monitor is faulty.
– Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
– Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least every WARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least every two weeks when cold and inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or, if available, the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or the tire pressure label, you should determine the proper tire pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will be repeated every time the vehicle is started as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

    See also:

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