2008 MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK towing

3A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).......... 55
Display message ............204, 205, 206
Warning lamp.................................. 224
Acceleration
Technical data. ............................... 281
Accident
Notes. ............................................. 231
Active head restraint........................... 42
Active Park Assist Display messages ........................... 210
Active parking assist......................... 123
Trailer towing. ................................. 127
Active Service System PLUS
see Service indicator
Adaptive brake lamps.......................... 56
Airbag Activation.......................................... 37
Control unit....................................... 37
Driver's ............................................. 40
Front. ................................................ 40
Front passenger ................................ 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp .............................................. 223
Sidebags. .......................................... 41
System.............................................. 39
Windowbags. .................................... 42
Airbags
Head/thorax airbags. .......................41Air conditioning
Activating/deactivating ..................135
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode. ................................ 141
Air-conditioning system ..................132
Controlling automatically. ...............136
Convenience opening/closing
(air-recirculation mode). .................141
Cooling with air dehumidification ...136
Demisting the windscreen ..............139
Heatmatic. ...................................... 131
Malfunction indicator lamp. ............222
Misted-up windows. ........................140
Rear window heating ......................140
Setting the air distribution. .............138
Setting the airflow .......................... 139
Setting the air vents .......................137
Setting the temperature .................136
Switching the residual heat func-
tion on/off ...................................... 142
Thermotronic .................................. 134
Air-conditioning system
see Air conditioning
Antifreeze concentration................... 299
Anti-lock braking system see ABS
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft systems................................ 57 Armrest
Front seat (adjusting)........................ 67
Rear seat (adjusting).. .......................68
Removing/fitting. ........................... 148
Ashtray................................................ 162
ASSYST PLUS see Service interval display
ASSYST PLUS service indicator........ 191
ATA (anti-theft alarm system)............. 57
Switching off the alarm. ....................57
Audible warning signal...................... 230
AUTO lights Display message ............................. 216
Automatic car wash........................... 193
Automatic engine start Using the ECO Start-Stop function ...91
With ECO start/stop function ...........89
Automatic transmission
Changing gear yoursel f..................... 95
Display message ............................. 209
Driving tips ....................................... 96
Emergency running mode ...............235
Malfunction..................................... 235
One-touch gearshifting. ....................95
Program selector button ...................96
Trailer towing. ................................... 96
Working on the vehicle .....................96
AUTOTRONIC
Releasing the parking lock man-
ually. ............................................... 243 Index
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6
Driving safety systems
ESP ®
................................................ 56
Driving system................................... 115
Active parking assist. ......................123
Cruise control. ................................ 115
ECO start/stop function .................127
Parktronic. ...................................... 120
Speedtronic. ................................... 117
Driving tip
Braking ........................................... 183
Trailer towing. ................................. 188
Winter ............................................. 182
Driving tips
Driving abroad ............................... 185
Driving on wet roads ......................185
Fording .......................................... 185
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer). .....104
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer). .....105 E
Easy-entry feature ................................ 67
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system................. 149
EASY-VARIO system........................... 149
ECO start/stop function.................... 127
Electrical/electronic equipment Retrofitting ..................................... 275Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
e mark................................................. 275
Emergency key element Lost. ............................................... 239
Emergency locking
Vehicle............................................ 242
Emergency release
Fuel filler fla p.................................. 242
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission ..................235
Emergency starting............................ 270
Emergency unlocking
Vehicle............................................ 241
Engine
Display message ............................. 212
Running irregularl y.......................... 234
Starting problems ........................... 233
Starting with ECO start/stop
function ............................................ 89
Starting with the key......................... 87
Switching off ..................................... 91
Switching off using the ECO Start-
Stop function .................................... 91
Technical data. ............................... 278
Engine diagnostics warning lamp
............................................................. 227
Engine electronics.............................. 275
Malfunction..................................... 233
Engine number................................... 277Engine oil
........................................... 296
Capacities.. ..................................... 174
Checking the oil level (dipstick). .....174
Checking the oil level (on-board
computer). ...................................... 173
Consumption ................................. 172
Display message
....................................... 173, 219, 220
Filler neck. ...................................... 174
Topping up. ..................................... 174
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)... 56
Display messages ...........207, 208, 209
Warning lamp. .......................... 56, 226
Exterior lighting
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer). ...................................... 110
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting .......................................... 71
Folding in/out (automatically). .........72
Folding in/out (electrically). .............72
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer). ...................................... 111
Malfunction..................................... 238
Resetting. ......................................... 72
Exterior view
Overview. .......................................... 20Index
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10 P
Padded table Integrated child seat. ........................51
Paint code number............................. 276
Park Assist Display messages ........................... 210
Parking .................................................. 90
Parking aid Active parking assist. ......................123
Display message ............................. 210
Parktronic. ...................................... 120
Parking brake....................................... 90
Display message ............................. 214
Parking lamps
Display message ............................. 218
Parking lock
Releasing manually (AUTO-
TRONIC)......................................... .243
Parktronic........................................... 120
Activating/deactivating ..................122
Malfunction..................................... 236
Range of the sensors. .....................121
Trailer towing. ................................. 123
Warning displa y.............................. 121
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp.............................................. 45, 223
Performance....................................... 280
Permanent Speedtronic .....................120Petrol
Minimum grade............................... 169
Plastic trim
Cleaning. ........................................ 195
Power supply (trailer)........................ 190
Power window switch see Side windows
Program selector button
Automatic transmission ....................96
Pulling away.......................................... 89 R
Radio Changing a station (on-board
computer). ...................................... 103
Setting for station selection (on-
board computer). ............................ 111
see separate operating instructions
Range (on-board computer).............. 113
Rear bench seat Folding forward.............................. .150
Rear-compartment seat belt sta-
tus indicator......................................... 76
Rear foglamp Display message ............................. 218
Rear-view mirror
Adjusting .......................................... 70
Anti-dazzle (manual). ........................70
Anti-dazzle mode (automatic). ..........70Rear window
Cleaning. ........................................ 194
Rear window heating .........................140
Malfunction indicator lamp. ............223
Rear window wiper.............................. 83
Replacing the wiper blade.............. .251
Refuelling............................................ 168
Replacing the wiper blades ...............251
Reserve Warning lamp.................................. 229
Reserve fuel........................................ 292
Display message ............................. 220
Fuel tank......................................... 292
Warning lamp. .......................... 26, 229
Reset button......................................... 97
Restraint system see SRS
see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Restraint systems
For children. ..................................... 43
Rev counter........................................... 98
Reverse gear
Engaging (automatic transmission) ...94
Engaging (manual transmission)
................................................... 92, 93
Reversing lamp
Display message ............................. 219
Roof load, maximum.................. 288, 289
Roof rack............................................. 144Index
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12Centre console.
.............................. 160
Glove compartment. .......................160
Luggage compartment. ...................161
Stowage space
Cup holder ...................................... 144
Submenu (on-board computer)......... 107
Convenience ................................... 108
Instrument cluster .......................... 107
Lighting........................................... 108
Time/date. ..................................... 107
Vehicle............................................ 108
Summer opening
see Convenience opening
Sun visor............................................. 162
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Surround lighting
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 110
Switching off the alarm
ATA. .................................................. 57T
Tailgate Display message ............................. 212
Opening/closing. .............................. 62
Tail lamps
changing. ........................................ 250Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank capacity..................................... 292
Technical data Acceleration. .................................. 281
Engine............................................ .278
Speed. ............................................ 280
Trailer loads .................................... 291
Tyres. .............................................. 283
Vehicle dimensions. ........................286
Vehicle weights............................... 286
Wheels. ........................................... 283
Telephone
see Mobile phone
Telephone compartment................... 160
Temperature Coolant. ............................................ 97
Outside temperature......................... 98
Thermotronic
Malfunction indicator lamp. ............222
Third brake lamp
Display message ............................. 217
Through-loading................................. 147
Tightening torque............................... 262
Time Setting (on-board computer).......... .109
Setting the time (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 109
TIREFIT kit
Using. ............................................. 253TopTether..............................................
49
Total distance recorder............... 26, 100
Tow-away protection........................... 58
Towing................................................. 269
Towing eye Fitting ............................................. 269
Removing....................................... .270
Tow-starting ........................................ 270
Trailer 7-pin connector .............................. 191
Display message ............................. 216
Power supply. ................................. 190
Trailer loads
Technical data. ............................... 291
Trailer tow hitch
Notes on care ................................. 196
Trailer towing
Active parking assist .......................127
Driving tips ..................................... 188
Malfunction..................................... 240
Mounting dimensions .....................290
Parktronic. ...................................... 123
Transmission
Display message ............................. 209
Transmission output (maximum)
Telephone/two-way radio ...............275
Transport (vehicle)............................. 270
Trip computer Menu (on-board computer). ............112 Index
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Trip meter.............................
26, 100, 102
Resetting. ......................................... 98
Turn signal lamps
Display message ............................. 217
Two-way radio
Installation. ..................................... 275
Tyre grip.............................................. 184
Tyre pressure ..................................... 178
Display message ............................. 211
see Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure loss warning system.1 79
Tyres Direction of rotatio n....................... 177
General notes. ................................ 176
Technical data. ............................... 283
Tyre tread............................................ 178 U
Unladen weight.......................... 287, 288
Unlocking Emergency unlocking...................... 241
From the inside (central unlocking
button) .............................................. 61 V
Variable Speedtronic .........................118
Vehicle Emergency unlocking .............241, 242
Individual settings (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 106
Leaving parked up. .........................240
Towing. ........................................... 269
Tow-starting .................................... 270
Transporting ................................... 270
Vehicle battery................................... 263
Vehicle dimensions............................ 286
Vehicle electronics............................ 275
Vehicle identification number (VIN).2 77
Vehicle identification plates............. 276
Vehicle tool kit................................... 200
Vehicle weights.................................. 286 W
Warning and indicator lamp ABS (yellow).................................... 224
LIM (cruise control)......................... 116
LIM (variable Speedtronic). .............118
Warning and indicator lamps
ESP ®
......................................... 56, 226
Warning signal
Audible. .......................................... 230
Warning triangle................................. 200 Washer fluid
Display message ............................. 221
Washer fluid reservoir....................... 300
Filling capacity. ............................... 300
Wearing seat belts............................... 73
Wheel bolts Tightening torque............................ 262
Wheel chock
Use. ................................................ 201
Wheels
General notes. ................................ 176
Interchanging.................................. 181
Technical data. ............................... 283
Windowbags......................................... 42
Windows Cleaning. ........................................ 194
Cleaning the windscreen ...............194
see Side windows
Windscreen
Cleaning ......................................... 194
Windscreen washer fluid................... 300
Topping up. ..................................... 175
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir.. 175
Windscreen washer system.............. 300
Windscreen wipers.............................. 83
Cleaning. ........................................ 194
Malfunction..................................... 237
Replacing the wiper blades .............251
Winter diesel...................................... 170
Winter driving............................. 181, 182 Index
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Exterior view
21Function Page
1
Luggage compartment
Spare wheel 201
Vehicle tool kit 200
2
Rear window heating 140
3
Opening and closing the
tailgate 61
4
Fuel filler flap 168
Fuel requirements 168
5
Opening and closing the
doors 60
6
Exterior mirrors
71 Function Page
7
Demisting the windscreen 139
Cleaning the windows 194
8
Panorama roof* 142
Panorama louvred sliding
sunroof*
142
9
Windscreen wiper opera-
tion
83
Cleaning the wiper blades 194
Replacing the wiper blades
251 Function Page
a
Opening the bonnet 171
Engine oil 172
Coolant 175
b
Front lights 245
c
Fitting the front towing eye 268
d
Tyres and wheels 176
Checking the tyre pressure 178
Flat tyre, fitting the spare
wheel
253
e
Fitting the rear towing eye 268
f
Rear lights 245At a glance
* optional
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59
Opening and closing
...........................60
Key positions ....................................... 62
Seats .................................................... 63
Steering wheel .................................... 70
Mirrors ................................................. 70
Seat belts ............................................. 73
Lights ................................................... 77
Windscreen wipers .............................83
Side windows ...................................... 84Driving and parking
............................87
Transmission ....................................... 92
Instrument cluster ..............................97
On-board computer .............................98
Driving systems ................................ 115
Air conditioning ................................. 129
Roof .................................................... 142
Loading and stowing ........................144
Features ............................................. 162 Controls
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Transmission
96
Program selector button The button is on the lower section of the
centre console. 1
Program selector button C
Comfort comfortable driving style
S
Sport sporty driving style
The selected drive program
(C/S)is shown in
the multi-function display (Y page 94).
X Press program selector button 1repeat-
edly until the letter for the desired drive
program appears in the multi-function dis-
play (Y page 94).
Comfort mode Cis characterised by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully.
R an increase in traction: this improves the
driving stability of the vehicle on slippery
road surfaces, for example.
R the transmission shifting up sooner: the
vehicle is driven at lower engine speeds
and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Driving tips Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how AUTO-
TRONIC shifts gear:
R
little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The transmission shifts back up. Trailer towing
X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Shift down to 3rdor2nd gear depending
on the incline of the uphill or downhill gra-
dient( Ypage 95), even if cruise control is
activated.
Working on the vehicle G
Risk of accident
Apply the handbrake and move the selector
lever to Pwhen working on the vehicle.
Otherwise, the vehicle could roll away. Controls
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