Page 73 of 216

Opening from the inside
Retractable soft top switch
0046Closing0047OpeningXMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.XPress symbol 0056 on the retractable soft
top switch until the desired position is
reached or the retractable soft top is
opened completely.
or
XPress symbol 0056 on the retractable soft
top switch briefly.
The retractable soft top opens
completely.
i Pressing symbol 0056 or 0055 on the
retractable soft top switch while
opening the retractable soft top will
interrupt the opening procedure.
Closing
For safety reasons, you can only close the
retractable soft top using the retractable
soft top switch inside the vehicle.
XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.XPress symbol 0055 on the retractable soft
top switch until the retractable soft top
is closed.
i To avoid draining the battery, leave the
engine running when opening and
closing the retractable soft top.
Opening and closing the rear soft top
You can open and close the rear soft top
when the vehicle is either stationary or in
motion.GWarning!
Never operate the rear soft top if there is
the possibility of anyone being harmed by
the opening or closing procedure.
! Make sure objects are not stacked too
high in the cargo compartment. They
could get damaged when opening or
closing the rear soft top.
! When the rear soft top is folded down,
the side rails are accessible. To prevent
theft, you should remove the side rails
and store them in the storage
compartment of the tailgate or close the
soft top system.
XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.
Retractable soft top switch
0046Closing0047Opening
Opening the rear soft top
XPress symbol 0056 on the retractable soft
top switch or button 0035 on the key untilSoft top system (cabriolet only)71>> Controls.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 71Z
Page 74 of 216

the retractable soft top has opened
completely.XRelease the retractable soft top switch
or button 0035 on the key.XPress symbol 0056 on the retractable soft
top switch until the rear soft top has
folded down completely.
Closing the rear soft top
XPress symbol 0055 on the retractable soft
top switch until the rear soft top has
folded up completely.XRelease the retractable soft top switch.
i If you release the retractable soft top
switch while driving before the rear soft
top has closed completely, the rear soft
top will fold down again.
Removing the side rails
XOpen the retractable soft top
( Y page 54).XOpen the rear soft top ( Y page 71).XOpen the driver’s and passenger door
when conditions are safe to do so.XOpen the tailgate ( Y page 54).XPull handle 0046 on the inside of the
tailgate backward.XLift up the storage compartment cover.XPush release lever 0047 of side rail 008A
backward.
Side rail 008A can be lifted at the rear end,
but remains secured.XPush release lever 0047 backward again.XCarry out the following steps when
conditions are safe to do so.XFirst lift the side rail at the rear end in
direction of arrows 0088.XThen remove it in direction of
arrows 0086.72Soft top system (cabriolet only)>> Controls.
451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 72
Page 75 of 216

Storing the side rails0046Front left0047Rear left008AFront right0088Rear rightXStore the side rails in the storage
compartment of the tailgate with the
painted side facing down in the
designated order 0046 to 0088.0046Front left0047Rear left008AFront right0088Rear rightXClose the storage compartment cover.XPress on the “PRESS” marking in the
middle of the storage compartment cover
until it engages audibly.GWarning!
Always close the storage compartment cover
properly when storing the side rails.
Otherwise occupants could be injured by
the side rails moving about during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accidentXClose the tailgate. Let the tailgate lock
into place.XClose the driver’s and passenger door.XOpen the side windows if desired.
! Make sure the storage compartment
cover is closed before closing the
tailgate. Otherwise the tailgate could
jam.
Mounting the side rails
XOpen the driver’s and passenger door
when conditions are safe to do so.XOpen the tailgate.XPull handle 0046 on the inside of the
tailgate backward.XLift up the storage compartment cover.XRemove the side rails from the storage
compartment in the tailgate.Soft top system (cabriolet only)73>> Controls.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 73Z
Page 76 of 216

0047Front left008ARear left0088Front right0086Rear rightXInstall the side rails in the designated
order 0047 to 0086.GWarning!
Make sure the side rails are properly
mounted. Otherwise the side rails could
disengage while driving and injure you and
other persons.
XTake one side rail and start by attaching
it to front end 0087.XMake sure the seal of the side rail is
facing up at position 006E and is not
pinched.XPush the side rail at rear end 006F
downwards until it audibly engages into
place twice.XInstall the side rail on the other side in
the same manner.! Make sure the side rails are installed
correctly. Otherwise the side rails may
not function properly or may be damaged.XClose the storage compartment cover.XPress on the “PRESS” marking in the
middle of the storage compartment cover
until it engages audibly.XClose the tailgate. Let the tailgate lock
into place.XClose the driver’s and passenger door.XOpen the side windows if desired.
! Make sure the storage compartment
cover is closed before closing the
tailgate. Otherwise the tailgate could
jam.
Side windows
Opening and closing the side windows
Opening and closing the side windows
manually
Crank for side window on driver’s door
Side window on the driver’s door
XOpening: Turn crank 0046
counterclockwise.XClosing: Turn crank 0046 clockwise.
Side window on the passenger door
XOpening: Turn crank 0046 clockwise.XClosing: Turn crank 0046
counterclockwise.74Side windows>> Controls.
451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 74
Page 77 of 216

Opening and closing the power windows
This feature is only available on the model
passion and BRABUS.
GWarning!
Do not keep any part of your body up against
the side window pane when opening a
window. The downward motion of the pane
may pull that part of your body down between
the window pane and the door frame and trap
it there. If there is a risk of entrapment,
release the switch and pull up the top of the
switch to close the window.
GWarning!
When closing the windows, make sure there
is no danger of anyone being harmed by the
closing procedure.
The closing of the side windows can be
immediately stopped by releasing the
switch.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
The switches for both power windows are on
the driver’s door. In addition, there is a
switch for the passenger side on the
passenger door.
0046Side window driver’s door0047Side window passenger doorXMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.XOpening: Press the top of the respective
switch to the resistance point.
The corresponding side window moves
downwards until you release the switch.XClosing: Pull the top of the respective
switch to the resistance point.
The corresponding side window moves
upwards until you release the switch.XAutomatic opening: Press the top of the
respective switch briefly.
The corresponding side window opens
completely.XStopping during automatic opening:
Press or pull the top of the respective
switch again.
The corresponding side window stops
immediately.
Driving and parking
Starting
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of motion.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats* or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden acceleration or braking
maneuvers, the objects could get caught
between or beneath the pedals and restrict
your ability to brake or accelerate. This
could lead to accidents and/or injury.
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
Driving and parking75>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 75Z
Page 78 of 216

fumes are entering the vehicle while
driving, have the cause determined and
corrected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with at
least one window fully open at all times.
Gearshift pattern for transmission
0046Release button0060Park position0061Reverse gear005FNeutral position005EDrive position0066Manual gear shifting0067Upshifting0044Downshifting
Starting the engine
! Shift the transmission into park
position P or reverse gear R only when the
vehicle is stopped in order to avoid
damaging the transmission.
XMake sure the gear selector lever is set
to park position P.
The transmission position indicator
should be on P.XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XTurn the key to starter switch position
2 and release it.
The engine starts automatically (“touch-
start” function).DrivingXDepress the brake pedal.XPress release button 0046 (Y page 76) to
disengage the gear selector lever lock.XMove the gear selector lever to drive
position D.
D appears in the transmission position
indicator.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This
could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS
will not prevent this type of loss of control.
GWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the transmission
out of park position P or neutral position
N if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your
right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service
life of the engine.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the
brakes reduces engine performance and
causes premature brake and drivetrain
wear.
Reversing the vehicle
! Shift the transmission into reverse
gear R only when the vehicle is stopped
76Driving and parking>> Controls.
451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 76
Page 79 of 216

in order to avoid damaging the
transmission.
You can drive in reverse gear at a speed
of up to 9 mph (15 km/h).XDepress the brake pedal.XPress the release button ( Y page 76) to
disengage the gear selector lever lock.XMove the gear selector lever to reverse
gear R.
R appears in the transmission position
indicator.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement can cause serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always
do the following before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn
the front wheels towards the curb.
R Turn the key to starter switch position 0
and remove the key from the starter
switch.
R Take the key with you and lock the vehicle
when leaving.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering* systems. In this case, it is
important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Adapt your driving accordingly.
XProperly stop and park the vehicle.XDepress the brake pedal.XEngage the parking brake ( Y page 77).
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp 0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster comes on.XRelease the brake pedal.
Parking brake
The parking brake serves to secure the
vehicle against rolling away when it is
stationary or parked.
GWarning!
Engaging the parking brake while the
vehicle is in motion can cause the rear
wheels to lock up. You could lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident. In
addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
XReleasing: Depress the brake pedal.XPull up slightly on parking brake
lever 0046 and press release button 0047.Driving and parking77>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 77Z
Page 80 of 216

XPush parking brake lever 0046 down as far
as it will go.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp 0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster goes out.XEngaging: Pull up parking brake
lever 0046 firmly.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp 0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster comes on.GWarning!
Getting out of your vehicle with the
transmission not fully engaged in park
position P is dangerous. When the engine is
shut off and the brakes are released, the
vehicle can be moved freely with the gear
selector lever in all positions except park
position P. Also, when parked on an incline,
park position P alone may not prevent your
vehicle from moving, possibly hitting
people or objects.
Always engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting to park position P.
When parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the curb.
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children
could release the parking brake and/or
move the gear selector lever from park
position P, either of which could result in
an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Brake pedal
The brake pedal has two brake circuits
independent of each other. A brake servo is
used during braking (when the engine is
running) to increase pedal force.
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of motion.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats* or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden acceleration or braking
maneuvers, the objects could get caught
between or beneath the pedals and restrict
your ability to brake or accelerate. This
could lead to accidents and/or injury.
GWarning!
Considerably more effort will be required
to apply the brakes if
R the brake servo has failed
R a brake circuit has failed
R the engine is switched off, e.g. for
towing the vehicle
The braking distance is likewise greater.
Make sure the engine is running whenever
the vehicle is rolling. Have the brake
system repaired at an authorized smart
center, if there is a fault in the brake
system.
0046Brake pedal
If a brake circuit has failed ( Y page 150),
you must depress the brake pedal further
down to achieve the same effect and the
braking distance is increased.
i The brake servo will only function with
the engine switched on.
78Driving and parking>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 78