switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP ®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roadsGWarning!
If the ESP ®
warning lamp 0067 in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as
follows:
R While driving off, apply as little
throttle as possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
GWarning!
The ESP ®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESP ®
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine must be turned
off (ignition switched off) when the
parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer. Active braking action
through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously
damage the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
i The ESP ®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended tire
size ( Y page 202).
Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the hydraulic brake
assistant automatically provides full
brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The
hydraulic brake assistant is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
When the hydraulic brake assistant is
malfunctioning, the brake system is still
functioning normally, but without the
additional brake boost that would normally
be provided during an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
GWarning!
The hydraulic brake assistant cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded. The
hydraulic brake assistant cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
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This can fluctuate greatly as a
consequence of local conditions
(reflective or absorbing objects) and
interference emitted by other radio
transmission systems. Similarly, the
operating range fluctuates in line with
the direction from which the remote
control is activated.
To prevent theft, however, it is advisable
to only unlock the vehicle when you are
in close proximity to it.
Locking and unlocking from the
outside
XSelective unlocking: Press button 0034 on
the key once.
All turn signal lamps flash once.
The anti-theft warning system* is
disarmed.
The driver’s door and the fuel filler flap
are unlocked.XGlobal unlocking: Press button 0034 on the
key twice.
All turn signal lamps flash once again.
The passenger door and the tailgate are
unlocked in addition to the driver’s door
and the fuel filler flap.XGlobal locking: Press button 0038 on the
key.
With the doors, the tailgate(s), and the
fuel filler flap closed the turn signal
lamps flash three times.
The anti-theft warning system* is armed.
The indicator lamp on the central
locking switch flashes ( Y page 52).
The interior and exterior 10
lamps come
on and then go out again after 12 seconds.Automatic locking
Auto-relock function
The vehicle will lock again automatically
within approximately 60 seconds of
unlocking with the key if neither the
driver’s nor passenger door is opened.
! To prevent an inadvertent lockout,
never leave your key lying in the vehicle.
Drive lock function
The vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels are
turning at vehicle speeds of approximately
8 mph (14 km/h) or more. The drive lock
function is enabled at the factory.
XSwitching on: Switch off the ignition.XPress the central locking switch
( Y page 52) and button 0038 on the key
simultaneously.
An acoustic signal sounds.
The drive lock function is switched on.XSwitching off: Switch off the ignition.XPress the central unlocking switch
( Y page 52) and button 0034 on the key
simultaneously.
An acoustic signal sounds.
The drive lock function is switched off.
Locking and unlocking from the inside
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. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
You can lock and unlock the vehicle from
inside using the central locking or
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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
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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
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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.
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GWarning!
In the event of the vehicle needing to be
towed, a significantly greater amount of
pedal pressure will be required when the
engine is switched off.
Turning off the engine
GWarning!
Do not turn off the engine before the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. 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.
XDepress the brake pedal.XPress the release button ( Y page 76) to
disengage the gear selector lever lock.XMove the gear selector lever to park
position P.
!
Always engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting to park position P.
XRelease the brake pedal.XTurn the key to starter switch position
0 .XRemove the key from the starter switch.
The electronic immobilizer is
activated.
Transmission
Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with a 5‑speed
automated transmission with manual or
automatic mode. For information on
driving with the transmission see also
“Starting” ( Y page 75).
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.
Gear selector lever
Gearshift pattern for transmission
0046Release button0060Park position0061Reverse gear005FNeutral position005EDrive position0066Manual gear shifting0067Upshifting0044Downshifting
The current gear selector lever position
appears in the transmission position
indicator. When M is selected the currently
selected gear appears ( Y page 85).
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Manual gearshifting
With manual gearshifting M selected,
system-controlled automatic gearshifting
is switched off and you need to change the
gears by upshifting or downshifting
manually using the gear selector lever or
the steering wheel gearshift control 12
.
! Allow the engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.
Shift into reverse gear R or parking
position P only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. Otherwise, the
drivetrain could be damaged, which is
not covered by the smart Limited
Warranty.Activating manual gearshiftingXMove the gear selector lever to drive
position D ( Y page 79).XPull one of the shift paddles ( Y page 82)
towards you.
or
XMove the gear selector lever to manual
gearshifting M (Y page 79).
System-controlled automatic
gearshifting is switched off.
You can upshift or downshift through the
gears in succession.
The currently engaged gear appears in
multifunction display 0047 (Y page 82).
Upshifting
XBriefly push the gear selector lever
forward in the + direction ( Y page 79).
or
XPull right shift paddle 008A (Y page 82)
towards you.
The transmission shifts to the next
higher gear.
i With manual gearshifting M selected,
the transmission shifts up only to
prevent engine overrevving.
Downshifting
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.
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compartment cover, parts in the area
around the engine compartment cover, and
parts of the engine.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake.XOpen the tailgate.GWarning!
Exercise extreme caution if you see flames
or smoke coming from the engine
compartment. Move away from the vehicle
and call the fire department.
If the coolant temperature warning lamp
indicates that the engine is overheated, do
not attempt to open the engine compartment
cover. Move away from the vehicle and wait
until the engine has cooled before opening
the engine compartment.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear
of moving parts when the engine
compartment cover is open and the engine
is running.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a
transistorized ignition system that
utilizes high voltage. Do not touch any
components (ignition coils, spark plug
sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition
system
R while the engine is running
R while starting the engine
R if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
XOpening: Grasp the strap on cargo
compartment floor 0046.XLift cargo compartment floor 0046 with the
strap.XEngage hook 0088 into top mounting of
cargo compartment cover blind 0086.XRemove fastening screw 0047.XRemove engine compartment cover 008A.XClosing: Slide engine compartment cover
008A forward into the tabs provided.XTighten fastening screw 0047.XDisengage hook 0088 from top mounting
0086 .XFold cargo compartment floor 0046 back
down.XPush the right hand and left hand cargo
compartment floor edges under the edges
of the side panels.XClose the tailgate.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption
can occur when the vehicle is new or the
vehicle is driven at higher engine speeds
frequently.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
108Engine compartment>> Operation.
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