Checking and topping up fluids
– If the message does not disappear again, drive
to a qualified workshop and have the fault rec-
tified.
CAUTION
– If the brake fluid level is above the MAX
mark, brake fluid may escape via the cap on
the reservoir in certain circumstances and
cause damage to the vehicle.
WARNING
An electrical system fault can cause vehicle
functions to fail, thus impairing the vehicle’s
stability – risk of accident! Switch off the igni-
tion and do not drive on. Seek professional as-
sistance.
– Brake fluid must not be allowed to come in-
to contact with the vehicle's body, other-
wise it will attack the paintwork.
Electrical system
Battery
The following driver messages may appear, de-
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-
cle:
General information on batteries
Because of the complexity of the power supply,
any battery work, such as disconnection, replace-
ment, etc. must be carried out by a qualified
If the warning/indicator lamp
/
or
lights up, there is a power supply or battery fault
or a fault in the vehicle's electrical system.
workshop ð
.
/
Electrical system: fault. Safely stop ve-
Several batteries using different technologies
may be fitted in your vehicle:
hicle
Stop the vehicle safely and do not drive on. You
should also switch off the ignition ð . Seek pro-
fessional assistance.
– Vehicle battery (e.g. for starting the engine and
the basic supply) ðpage 332, Safety informa-
tion
Electrical system: fault. No restart possible.
– Additional battery (e.g. for recuperation and ex-
tra equipment) ðpage 332, Safety information
– Plug-in hybrid drive: High-voltage battery (e.g.
for electric driving) ðpage 139, Introduction.
Please contact workshop
When you switch off the ignition it will not be
possible to restart the vehicle. The performance
of certain vehicle functions may be limited and
the vehicle’s handling may be impaired. Drive to a
qualified workshop without delay.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The battery gradually becomes discharged if the
vehicle is left standing for long periods. To en-
sure that the vehicle can be started, the electrical
equipment is powered back or switched off. Cer-
tain convenience features, such as interior light-
ing or electric seat adjustment, may not be avail-
able. These functions will be restored when you
start the engine.
Electrical system: fault. Please contact
workshop
Switch off any electrical equipment which is not
required (some equipment may be switched off
automatically). The performance of certain vehi-
cle functions may be limited and the vehicle’s
handling may be impaired. Drive to a qualified
workshop without delay.
Even though some systems are deactivated auto-
matically, certain electrical equipment continues
to draw current even when the ignition is off. If
the vehicle is left standing for long periods, this
can result in total battery discharge. If the vehi-
cle battery is allowed to discharge completely, an
internal chemical reaction damages the battery
irreparably. To avoid this, the battery should be
Electrical system: low battery charge. Bat-
tery will be charged while driving
Starting reliability may be impaired.
– If this message disappears after a while, the ve-
hicle battery will have been sufficiently charged
while driving.
330
English 
