child. For additional information, see
“Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries
is significantly increased if the child
restraints are not properly secured in the
vehicle and/or the child is not properly
secured in the child restraint.GWarning!
Contact an authorized smart center if the
seats have become damaged.
The seat is an integral part of the vehicle’s
safety system in the same way as seat belts
and air bags. Damage to the seats may
reduce their ability to protect the
occupants in an accident.
Seat adjustment
0046Seat backrest tilt0047Seat fore and aft adjustment
Seat backrest tilt
XPull adjustment lever 0046 upwards and
adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.XRelease adjustment lever 0046 when the
desired seat backrest tilt is reached.
When you hear an audible click, the seat
backrest is again fixed into place.XCheck for proper engagement before
driving.Seat fore and aft adjustmentXPull adjustment handle 0047 upwards and
slide the seat to a seating position that
still allows you to reach the accelerator/
brake pedal safely.XRelease adjustment handle 0047 when the
desired seating position is reached.
When you hear an audible click, the seat
is again fixed into place.XCheck for proper engagement before
driving.
Seat height
The seat guide is inclined in the
horizontal plane. Seat fore and aft
adjustment also alters the seat height.
Armrest* on driver’s seat
Folding up and down
XFolding up: Hold front of armrest and fold
it up in direction of arrow 0046.XFolding down: Hold front of armrest and
fold it down in direction of arrow 0047.
Adjusting armrest angle
You can adjust the angle of the armrest when
it is folded down.
XTurn thumb wheel 008A.
R Direction of arrow 0088: down
R Direction of arrow 0086: upSeats57>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 57Z
0046Interior lamp0047Switching on the automatic control008AOff0088Continuous operation
Automatic control
XSet the rocker switch to position 0047.
The interior lamp comes on for a period
of time.
Switching off
XSet the rocker switch to position 008A.
The interior lamp is permanently
switched off.
Continuous operation
XSet the rocker switch to position 0088.
The interior lamp is permanently
switched on.
! When leaving the vehicle, make sure the
interior lamp is not set to continuous
operation and none of the doors is left
open for a long period of time.
Doing otherwise could result in a
discharged battery.
Windshield wipers
Switching windshield wipers on and off
005DWindshield wipers off004AIntermittent wiping004BSlow continuous wiping004CFast continuous wipingXMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.XSwitching on: Turn the wiper switch to
position 004B or 004C depending on the
intensity of the rain.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry. Dust that
accumulates on a windshield might
scratch the glass and/or damage the
wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry
windshield. If it is necessary to operate
the windshield wipers in dry weather
conditions, always operate the
windshield wipers with windshield
washer fluid.
! If anything blocks the windshield
wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them
off immediately.
For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a
safe location and
R -
remove the key from the starter
switch
- engage the parking brake
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Rear window wiper/washer (coupé only)XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.XActivating intermittent wiping: Push the
wiper switch to position 004A.XWiping with windshield washer fluid:
Push the wiper switch in direction of
arrow 0047 and hold in position until the
rear window is clean.XRelease the wiper switch.
The rear window wiper will wipe three
more times.
Intermittent wiping is still activated.XDeactivating intermittent wiping: Pull
the wiper switch to position 005D.
i
The rear window wiper wipes one time
when the reverse gear is engaged with the
windshield wipers switched on.
Soft top system (cabriolet only)
Introduction
The soft top system of the smart cabriolet
consists of a:
R Retractable soft top
R Rear soft top
R Side rails
You can remove the side rails over the doors
when you open the retractable soft top and
open the rear soft top.
i Opening the rear soft top is possible
after the retractable soft top has been
opened completely.
Notes on the soft top system
! When transporting long objects inside
the vehicle, make sure they do not press
against the retractable soft top when it
is closed.
When carrying objects that protrude from
the rear of the vehicle, make sure they
are not resting on the retaining clips.
When loading, make sure no sharp objects
come into contact with the soft top or the
rear window.
Do not place any evenly distributed loads
with a weight of more than 165 lbs (75 kg)
on the rear soft top when folded down.
Make sure the high-mounted brake lamp
is not concealed.
! Do not block the soft top system’s
locking apertures.
Only place the side rails in the
designated storage space of the tailgate.
! Do not sit on the folded-down rear soft
top.
Do not fold down the rear soft top at
temperatures below 14 ¦ (-10 ¥).
Do not place any pointed, sharp-edged,
hot (above 176 ¦ [80 ¥]), incandescent or
burning objects on the soft top’s lining.
Do not apply wax to the soft top fabric and
select only wax-free washing products
when using an automatic car wash.
Only drive with the retaining clips
closed, as exhaust fumes could otherwise
reach the vehicle’s interior.
! Please keep in mind that weather
conditions can sometimes change
rapidly. Make sure to close the
retractable soft top and the rear soft top
when leaving the vehicle. If water enters
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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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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
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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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