What does it mean when a Mercedes-Benz displays a spring pattern?
2 Answers
The reason a Mercedes-Benz displays a spring pattern is due to a malfunction in the engine power electronic control system. It is necessary to reduce speed immediately and drive to a professional repair facility to have the engine inspected. For driver convenience: The driver controls the accelerator pedal based on the engine's power demand. The accelerator pedal regulates the throttle opening via a cable. In the EPC system, the throttle cable is replaced with a sensor in the pedal assembly. The engine control unit determines the position based on feedback from the pedal assembly sensor. Improved signal transmission: This system is superior to cable-type acceleration control because the electronic throttle calculates and analyzes the input signal from the accelerator pedal position to determine the engine's power demand. The information is then converted into engine torque by various actuators.
I've driven quite a few Mercedes-Benz cars and seen that warning light on the dashboard with the spring-like pattern, resembling a small spiral. This usually indicates a fault in the air suspension system. Many high-end Mercedes models come with air springs, and the issue could be due to air leakage, sensor failure, or a malfunctioning compressor. When driving, you might feel the car swaying, especially when going over bumps, causing the body to become unbalanced. My advice is not to push through it—get it checked by a professional shop as soon as possible. They can use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact issue, and sometimes replacing a small part can fix it. Delaying repairs can lead to more significant damage, higher repair costs, and safety risks. During routine maintenance, remind the technician to inspect the suspension components to avoid future trouble.