Driving instructions
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs and drive
or allow anyone to drive who has been
drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Even a
small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect
your reflexes, perceptions and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
Pedals
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.
Power assistance
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.
BrakesGWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the hydraulic
brake assistant ( Y page 46).
! 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.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the brake system
may be the reason for low brake fluid level
in the brake fluid reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir may be too low if the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on ( Y page 22) although the parking
brake is released.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized smart
center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
smart center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by smart.
Inclines
! When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes by
shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
When using the engine’s braking power, a
drive wheel may not spin for an extended
period of time, e.g. on slippery road
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 SolutionsThe electronic immobilizer is not working.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.There is a malfunction in the shifting system.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.The transmission is taught-in ( Y page 83).XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.What to do if ...
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster
General information
If any of the following lamps in the
instrument cluster fails to come on during
the bulb self-check when switching on
ignition ( Y page 55), have the respective
bulb checked and replaced if necessary.
Brake
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00EB (USA only)
0031 (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
while the engine is
running.There is a malfunction in the ABS system.XHave the ABS system checked at an authorized smart center
immediately.00EB (USA only)
0031 (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
together with the
brake warning lamp
while the engine is
running.The ABS system fails.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.What to do if ...149>> Practical hints.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 149Z
GWarning!
When the ABS system is malfunctioning, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the braking distance.
When the ABS is switched off due to a malfunction, the ESP ®
is also switched off. The basic
driving and braking functions are still available.
The risk of your vehicle skidding is then increased in certain situations. You should
therefore always adapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0027 (USA only)
004D (Canada only)
The brake warning
lamp illuminates
while the engine is
running.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.The brake circuit fails or the brake fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir is too low.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XDo not add brake fluid as this will not solve the problem.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.0027 (USA only)
004D (Canada only)
The brake warning
lamp illuminates
together with the ABS
indicator lamp while
the engine is running.The ABS system fails.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake
system checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks
immediately. Contact an authorized smart center immediately. Do not add brake fluid
as this will not solve the problem.
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Safety systems ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0082The seat belt
telltale
illuminates
constantly for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine.Regardless of whether the seat belt is fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds
after starting the engine.XFasten your seat belts.0082The seat belt
telltale
illuminates
constantly. An
additional
warning chime
sounds for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine.The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.XFasten your seat belts.0082The seat belt
telltale flashes
with
increasing
frequency of a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 60 seconds.The vehicle speed once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h), and both the
driver’s and passenger seat belt are unfastened.XFasten your seat belts.
If the driver’s or the passenger seat belt remains unfastened
after 60 seconds, the warning chime stops sounding. The seat
belt telltale stops flashing but continues to be illuminated.
The seat belt telltale will only go out if both the driver’s and
the passenger seat belt (with the passenger seat occupied) are
fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a door is opened.
0081Scenario 1:
The SRS
indicator lamp
illuminates
when the
ignition is
switched on and
goes out after a
maximum of
4 seconds.The subsequent self check of the safety systems detected no
malfunction. The supplemental restraint system is
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0081Scenario 2:
The SRS
indicator lamp
illuminates
when the
ignition is
switched on and
goes out after a
maximum of
4 seconds for
approximately
1 second, then it
comes on again
and stays on.There is a malfunction in the supplemental restraint systems.
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices could deploy
unexpectedly or fail to deploy in an accident.XDo not sit on the passenger seat; this applies particularly
to children.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.GWarning!
If the SRS indicator lamp does not come on when you switch on the ignition or does not go
out again after a few seconds once the engine is running or comes on again, the supplemental
restraint systems are malfunctioning.
In the event that a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as described in scenario 2, the SRS
may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an
authorized smart center immediately to have the system checked; A malfunctioning SRS
system may not deploy when needed in an accident resulting in serious or fatal injury, or
it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could result in an accident and/or
injury to you or to others.
! If the SRS indicator lamp comes on while driving, have the system checked at an
authorized smart center immediately.
It is possible that the air bag and the emergency tensioning device could be activated
unintentionally or will not function in the event of an accident.
i Information on the operating principle of the air bags can be found in the “Safety”
section ( Y page 33).
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0067The ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESP ®
has engaged because of detected traction loss in at
least one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.0067The ESP ®
warning lamp
illuminates
continuously
while the
engine is
running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a system failure.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.The ESP ®
is not available.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.GWarning!
When the ESP ®
warning lamp is illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is not available or not
operational due to a system failure.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and the non-operating status
of the ESP ®
.
i It may be possible to clear a system failure by restarting the engine.
XRestart the engine.
If the warning lamp still does not go out, have the system checked at an authorized smart
center immediately.
i More information on the ESP ®
can be found in the “Safety” section ( Y page 45).
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0052The EPS*
warning lamp
illuminates
while the
engine is
running.The Electronic Power Steering (EPS)* is not available.XHave the EPS* checked at an authorized smart center
immediately.GWarning!
When the EPS* is not available a higher degree of effort is necessary to steer the vehicle.
Have the system checked at a smart center.
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00ACThe fuel cap
indicator lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 106).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at an
authorized smart center.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00AEThe coolant
temperature
warning lamp
illuminates
while the
engine is
running.The coolant is too hot.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.The coolant level has fallen below the marking bar on the
coolant reservoir ( Y page 111).XAdd coolant as required.XHave the coolant system checked for leaks at an authorized
smart center.GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of
the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! Among other possible causes, the poly-V-belt could be broken. Do not continue to
drive. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine.
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00BBThe engine
malfunction
indicator lamp
illuminates
while driving.There is a malfunction in the system.XHave the vehicle checked at an authorized smart center
immediately.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as soon as the engine
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check local requirements.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00B5The engine oil
pressure
indicator lamp
illuminates
while driving.The engine oil pressure is low.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.00B5The engine oil
pressure
indicator lamp
goes out before
the engine
starts.The engine oil pressure indicator lamp has failed.XCheck the engine oil level.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.! The engine oil pressure indicator lamp should not be ignored. Extended driving with
the engine oil pressure indicator lamp illuminated could result in serious engine
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