Malfunction Message
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 930
From: Costco
2023 S500
Malfunction Message
Yesterday, right when I pulled into my garage, a malfunction message popped up. It didn’t register in my brain at first and I just instinctively shut the car down like I automatically always do without seeing any other message, it just said MALFUNCTION in the center screen. I think, although I’m not sure, the AC wasn’t as cold in that brief moment in the garage before I shutdown and lost the message. I could also have just been imagining that. Nothing else seemed wrong as far as I could tell.
I started the car back up and no message or light. So, ok…
I started the car back up and no message or light. So, ok…
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 571
Likes: 195
From: PA
W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
"Malfunction" usually followed by a "Visit Workshop" = if out of warranty, immediately donate to the MB dealer fund if not educated in ways to decode what it's displaying.
Better yet, get yourself a decent Mercedes compatible code reader that may put you at ease that it wasn't anything major that can self-reset or can be reset by you and keep you out of the MB Stealerships.
Better yet, get yourself a decent Mercedes compatible code reader that may put you at ease that it wasn't anything major that can self-reset or can be reset by you and keep you out of the MB Stealerships.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 31,852
Likes: 6,198
Yesterday, right when I pulled into my garage, a malfunction message popped up. It didn’t register in my brain at first and I just instinctively shut the car down like I automatically always do without seeing any other message, it just said MALFUNCTION in the center screen. I think, although I’m not sure, the AC wasn’t as cold in that brief moment in the garage before I shutdown and lost the message. I could also have just been imagining that. Nothing else seemed wrong as far as I could tell.
I started the car back up and no message or light. So, ok…
I started the car back up and no message or light. So, ok…
You can also scroll through ASSYST Plus and see if there are any messages there that has to do with the malfunction.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3,596
Likes: 1,071
From: MA Coast
W204 2010 C300 4matic Sport M272
I wouldnt worry about it. Few times a year I will have a message pop up and I'll be worried something is broken but no, it goes away. Things like the battery warning, traction control, even tire pressure.
I bought a decent obd reader with Mercedes software in case. I have yet to really need it, I scan the car once in awhile and everything seems fine. And if I get a different brand car I can always buy the software pack for that car so its a good investment.
I bought a decent obd reader with Mercedes software in case. I have yet to really need it, I scan the car once in awhile and everything seems fine. And if I get a different brand car I can always buy the software pack for that car so its a good investment.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 930
From: Costco
2023 S500
I get a few random warnings as well but I’ve never seen a malfunction warning before. It’s no longer there so hopefully it is indeed just an anomaly. Although I just started it without driving. I’ll drive it around later today and see if it comes back.
Another thing I remember is hearing the air suspension hiss rather loudly after I shutdown without reading the entire error message.
Are these malfunction messages saved anywhere that is accessible without an obd reader?
Another thing I remember is hearing the air suspension hiss rather loudly after I shutdown without reading the entire error message.
Are these malfunction messages saved anywhere that is accessible without an obd reader?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3,596
Likes: 1,071
From: MA Coast
W204 2010 C300 4matic Sport M272
I believe they are just shown on the dash in the Service Menu in "Messages". Look in your Operators manual for more details. For my W204 the operators manual says "Malfunction and warning messages are only indicated for certain systems and are intentionally not very detailed." The messages should just be current issues, turning the car off should reset it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 930
From: Costco
2023 S500
I found where the saved messages are supposed to be and there were no saved messages for me. Based on the user’s manual (page 503), my malfunction is “low priority.” High-priority messages do not go away. So, hopefully it is indeed minor and won’t come back.
Also, according to the manual, these messages automatically get uploaded to Mercedes. I would to love to access that database and see all of the logged messages.
Also, according to the manual, these messages automatically get uploaded to Mercedes. I would to love to access that database and see all of the logged messages.
Last edited by Frenetic; Jul 4, 2024 at 11:37 AM.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 31,852
Likes: 6,198
I found where the saved messages are supposed to be and there were no saved messages for me. Based on the user’s manual (page 503), my malfunction is “low priority.” High-priority messages do not go away. So, hopefully it is indeed minor and won’t come back.
Also, according to the manual, these messages automatically get uploaded to Mercedes. I would to love to access that database and see all of the logged messages.
Also, according to the manual, these messages automatically get uploaded to Mercedes. I would to love to access that database and see all of the logged messages.
Hmmm, that gives me an idea, anything show up in the Mercedes Me app?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 31,852
Likes: 6,198
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 468
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
It was probably a glitch with your parking sensors as you entered the garage. It happened to me in a 2024 SL43 AMG when the vehicle thought is was going to be in a collision in the middle of an empty road, lights all over the dash. I turned it off and on at the next light... it all went away.
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 224
2005 S500 Designo
"Malfunction" usually followed by a "Visit Workshop" = if out of warranty, immediately donate to the MB dealer fund if not educated in ways to decode what it's displaying.
Better yet, get yourself a decent Mercedes compatible code reader that may put you at ease that it wasn't anything major that can self-reset or can be reset by you and keep you out of the MB Stealerships.
Better yet, get yourself a decent Mercedes compatible code reader that may put you at ease that it wasn't anything major that can self-reset or can be reset by you and keep you out of the MB Stealerships.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,494
Likes: 334
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 695
Likes: 364
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
Every now and again, I get a black box with red text complaining about this, that or the other thing. Usually it is crying about automatic lane changing not working while using cruise. My ageing eyes can barely see a building five feet in front of me (kidding a bit), so if Mercedes wants me to read these messages, they need to change the color combo.
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
