Why Does the Mercedes Dashboard Light Stay On After Turning Off the Engine?
3 Answers
Reasons why the Mercedes dashboard light stays on after turning off the engine: 1. The power is still on after the car is turned off, causing the dashboard to remain lit. In this case, simply turn off the power switch. 2. The dashboard's standby function, which will automatically turn off the dashboard after the door is closed when someone exits the vehicle. Below is an introduction to car dashboards: Generally, conventional car dashboards include a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, fuel gauge, charging gauge, etc. Beneath the surface of modern car dashboards, various indicator lights or warning lights are installed, such as a coolant level warning light, fuel level indicator, washer fluid level indicator, charging indicator, high/low beam indicator, transmission gear indicator, anti-lock braking system (ABS) indicator, traction control indicator, airbag (SRS) warning light, etc.
This issue is quite common. The dashboard lights stay on after the Mercedes-Benz engine is turned off, and I've thought about it several times. The reason might be that the ignition system isn't completely shut off, such as the keyhole or keyless system not sensing properly, making the car think it's still running. Another possibility is a stuck relay or control module. Some older Mercedes-Benz models have aging electrical components that tend to behave this way, and if not replaced in time, they can drain the battery faster. I also suspect unstable battery voltage—when the voltage is low, the system gets confused, keeping the dashboard lights on until they turn off during a check. The inspection method is simple: first, remove the key and observe. If the lights remain on, try locking the doors to see if they turn off, or use a diagnostic tool to scan for error codes. Mercedes-Benz has dense electronic components, so it's best not to delay too long. A visit to the dealership will surely pinpoint the root cause, avoiding the bigger trouble of breaking down midway.
A friend who drives a Mercedes once shared a similar issue with me, saying the lights wouldn't turn off after the engine was shut down, which was quite unsettling. The main issue could be that the door isn't closed properly or the key is too close to the car. Some high-end Mercedes models come with smart systems where the lights stay on as a reminder if the doors aren't fully locked. Another possible reason is wear and tear on the ignition switch, especially in older models where the contacts inside the switch may have worn unevenly, preventing the electricity from cutting off. When I encountered this issue myself, I checked the fuse box to see if any fuses had blown. If they had, replacing them usually solved the problem. I'd like to remind everyone not to underestimate this issue—keeping the lights on for too long can drain the battery, and you might regret it when your car won't start on a cold winter morning. It's advisable to ask your technician to check the electrical system during regular maintenance. Mercedes cars are quite sophisticated, and overlooking small details can lead to significant expenses.
