What does the red OFF-P light on a Mercedes-Benz mean?
3 Answers
Mercedes-Benz OFF-P red light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's parking sensors. The OFF-P indicator is the radar switch, which activates when the vehicle's speed is below 20 km/h and the reverse gear is engaged, causing the corresponding OFF-P indicator to illuminate on the dashboard. When OFF-P is activated, an alarm will sound when the distance to the vehicle ahead is less than 30 centimeters. If the OFF-P button light is on, the owner cannot clear it themselves. It is necessary to visit a 4S shop or a repair shop where professionals can use a diagnostic tool to confirm the fault code. Based on the fault code, the parking sensors can be repaired. Only after the repair is completed can the diagnostic tool be used to clear the fault light, thereby turning off the Mercedes-Benz OFF-P button light. Dashboard indicator lights come in three colors: red, yellow, and green. When a red indicator light comes on, it indicates a serious fault in the vehicle, and the owner should not continue driving. When a yellow indicator light comes on, it indicates a fault that is not as severe as the red light, and the vehicle can continue to be driven, but repairs should be done as soon as possible. When a green indicator light comes on, there is no need to worry, as it indicates that the function is operating normally.
Veteran Driver's Perspective: My Mercedes also had the OFF-P red light come on last year, which actually meant the electronic parking brake was stuck. Normally, this light comes on when you pull up the handbrake while parking, but it should automatically release when driving. If the red light suddenly comes on while driving, it's most likely that the handbrake hasn't fully disengaged. Once, I was in a hurry and forced it to drive, only to smell burning halfway, so I quickly pulled over—the brake discs were so hot I couldn't even touch them. Now I've learned my lesson: when I see this light, I immediately turn on the hazard lights and pull over, first trying to repeatedly press the brake and the handbrake button. If that doesn't work, I just call a tow truck. Unlike mechanical ones, forcing an electronic parking brake can easily burn out the motor.
Female Driver's Experience: Last week, while driving my child to school, the dashboard suddenly displayed an OFF-P red light, which made my palms sweat in fear. After calling the 4S store, I learned that this symbol indicates an abnormality in the electronic parking system. Simply put, it means the handbrake is not released or has malfunctioned, and continuing to drive could cause the tires to lock up. Now, whenever this light comes on, I pull over, turn off the engine, and wait for two minutes before restarting. Sometimes, the system glitches and recovers on its own. However, if it doesn't work after three restarts, I immediately call for roadside assistance, as I don't dare to take risks with my child in the car. During regular car washes, I always ask the technician to pay special attention to cleaning the brake pad area to prevent rust and sticking.
