Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Warning lamps
The brake system uses four warning lamps positioned in the combined instrument panel.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS warning lamp indicates an ABS system fault.
Brake warning lamp
The brake warning lamp indicates:
- faults in the electronic brake force distribution (EBD) function
- that the brake fluid level is too low.
Traction control warning lamp (only cars with STC/DSTC) model year 1999-2002
The traction control warning lamp is on continuously when:
- STC/DSTC is deactivated because a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored
- The STC/DSTC system has been manually switched off
- the brake disc temperature is too high.
The traction control warning lamp flashes when:
- a drive wheel starts to spin during acceleration. The control module is activated to regain traction
- the lateral stability limit is exceeded (the car oversteers or understeers) during active yaw control.
Traction control warning lamp (only cars with STC/DSTC) model year 2003-
The traction control warning lamp is lit continuously when the road surface is slippery.
The traction control warning lamp flashes when:
- there is a risk of a loss of traction
- a drive wheel starts to spin during acceleration. The control module is activated to regain traction
- the lateral stability limit is exceeded (the car oversteers or understeers) during active yaw control.
- the limit for the anti-roll function is exceed and active yaw control is activated to regain stability.
General warning lamp model year 1999-2002
The general warning lamp (red/yellow) lights only for those faults in the brake control system which disable emergency brake assistance.
General warning lamp model year 2003-
- STC/DSTC is deactivated because a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored
- The brake disc temperature is too high.
Text display model year 2003-
The stability function has been manually disabled using the STC/DSTC switch.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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