unlocking switch. This can be useful, for
example, if you want to unlock the
passenger door from inside or lock the
vehicle before starting to drive.XLocking: Press central locking
switch 0046.
The indicator lamp on central locking
switch 0046 comes on, when the starter
switch is in position 1.
The indicator lamp on central locking
switch 0046 flashes, when the starter
switch is in position 0.
With the doors and the tailgate closed,
the vehicle locks.XUnlocking: Press central unlocking
switch 0047.
The vehicle unlocks and the indicator
lamp on central locking switch 0046 goes
out.
Opening the doors from the inside
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
XPull on inside door handle 0046.
With the driver’s door open a warning
signal sounds if the exterior lamps are
switched on and the ignition is switched
off.
Opening the upper tailgate on the
coupé
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving.
Among other dangers, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
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XPress button 0034 on the key twice.XPress and hold button 0035 on the key for
approximately two seconds.
or
XPull the release handle in handle
recess 0046 of the lower tailgate.
The upper tailgate is unlocked.XSwivel the upper tailgate upwards to
open.
Observe information on loading the
vehicle ( Y page 100).
For information on vehicle weights, see
“Vehicle specification” ( Y page 199).
Opening the lower tailgate on the
coupé
GWarning!
High outside temperature, stop-and-go
traffic, driving on long uphill grades, or
driving at high engine speed may increase
the temperature in the engine
compartment. Therefore the area around the
air slots in the rear apron may be hot. Let
the engine cool off before touching this
area to prevent burns.
XOpen the upper tailgate ( Y page 52).XPull both release levers 0046 backwards
either simultaneously or one after the
other.
The lower tailgate is unlocked.XSwivel the lower tailgate downwards to
open.
The lower tailgate is held in the
horizontal position by means of the two
retaining straps.
! When folded down, the lower tailgate
can bear loads up to maximum of 220 lbs
(100 kg).
Observe information on loading the
vehicle ( Y page 100).
For information on vehicle weights, see
“Vehicle specification” ( Y page 199).
Closing the tailgate(s) on the coupé
GWarning!
To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing
the tailgate(s). Be especially careful when
small children are around.
XSwivel the lower tailgate upwards to
close. Allow the two release levers to
engage audibly.XSwivel the upper tailgate downwards to
close.Opening and closing53>> Controls.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 53Z
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.
Opening and closing the retractable
soft top (cabriolet only)
You can fully open the retractable soft top
with the key.
Key with remote control
00460038 Lock button00470035 Opening the retractable soft top008A0034 Unlock buttonXOpening: Press button 0035 on the key for
approximately two seconds.
The retractable soft top opens.
i Pressing symbols 0034, 0038 or 0035 on the
key with remote control while opening
the retractable soft top will interrupt
the opening procedure.
XClosing: Press symbol 0055 on the
retractable soft top switch
( Y page 71).GWarning!
When closing the retractable soft top, make
sure there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the closing procedure.
i The remote control has an operating
range of approximately 50 ft (15 meters).
Take care that you do not open your
vehicle’s retractable soft top
inadvertently.
Opening the tailgate on the cabriolet
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving.
Among other dangers, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
GWarning!
High outside temperature, stop-and-go
traffic, driving on long uphill grades, or
driving at high engine speed may increase
the temperature in the engine
compartment. Therefore the area around the
air slots in the rear apron may be hot. Let
the engine cool off before touching this
area to prevent burns.
54Opening and closing>> Controls.
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005DFor removing key004AIgnition (power supply for all
electrical consumers) and driving
position
All lamps (except low‑beam
headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam headlamp indicator
lamp, and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the
instrument cluster come on. If a
lamp in the instrument cluster fails
to come on when the ignition is
switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in
the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes
on while driving, refer to “Warning
and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster” ( Y page 149).004BStarting ( Y page 75)
i
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator and warning lamps (except
low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp, and
turn signal indicator lamps unless
activated) in the instrument cluster
come on. The indicator and warning
lamps (except low‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, high‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, and turn signal
indicator lamps if activated) will go out
when the engine is running. This
indicates that the respective systems
are operational.
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
All seat adjustments, as well as fastening
of seat belts, must be done before the
vehicle is operated.
GWarning!
When adjusting the seat, make sure no one
becomes trapped.
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while
driving. Adjusting the seat while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined
position as this can be dangerous. You
could slide under the seat belt in a
collision. If you slide under the seat belt,
it could apply force at the abdomen or neck,
potentially causing serious or fatal
injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer
is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as
possible with the driver still able to
operate the controls properly.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Observe the notes on the air bag system.
GWarning!
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
56Seats>> Controls.
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Exterior lamp switch (Canada only)
0027Lamps off
Daytime running lamp mode006CParking lamps0064Low‑beam headlamps or high‑beam
headlamps
Parking lamps
You can switch on and off the parking lamps
with the exterior lamp switch using the
manual headlamp mode.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 006C.
The parking lamps come on.
The following lamps also come on:
R Tail lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
Low‑beam headlamps
You can switch on and off the low‑beam
headlamps with the exterior lamp switch
using the manual headlamp mode.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0064.
The low‑beam headlamps come on.
The low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
0065 in the instrument cluster comes on.
The following lamps also come on:
R Tail and parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lampsAutomatic headlamp mode (USA only)
This feature is only available on vehicles
with rain-light sensor*.
The following lamps come on and go out
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light:
R Low‑beam headlamps
R Tail and parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to
position 005A, the headlamps will not be
automatically switched on under foggy
conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others,
activate headlamps by turning exterior
lamp switch to position 0064 when driving
or when traffic and/or ambient lighting
conditions require you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only
switch from position 005A to 0064 with the
vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from position 005A to 0064 will
briefly switch off the headlamps. Doing so
while driving in low ambient lighting
conditions may result in an accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible
for the operation of the vehicle’s lights at
all times.
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
005A .
With the key in starter switch position
1 , the tail and parking lamps, the license
plate lamps, and the side marker lamps
will come on and go out automatically
depending on the brightness of the
ambient light.
With the engine running, the low‑beam
headlamps, the tail and parking lamps,
the license plate lamps and the side
marker lamps will come on and go outLighting63>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 63Z
automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
Daytime running lamp mode (Canada only)
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode
is mandatory and therefore in a constant
mode.
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
0027 .
i
With the engine running, the low‑beam
headlamps cannot be switched off
manually.
You cannot switch on the high‑beam
headlamps.
The high‑beam flasher is available at all
times.
For nighttime driving you should turn the
exterior lamp switch to position 0064 to
permit activation of the high‑beam
headlamps.
When the engine is running, and you
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
006C , the low‑beam headlamps, the tail
and parking lamps, the license plate
lamps and the side marker lamps come on
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
0064 , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come
on ( Y page 62).
Daytime running lamp mode* (USA only)
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
XActivating: Switch off the ignition.XSwitch on the high-beam flasher and
press button 0038 on the key
simultaneously.
An acoustic signal sounds.The daytime running lamp mode is
activated.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
0027 .
i
With the engine running, the low‑beam
headlamps cannot be switched off
manually.
i When the daytime running lamp mode is
activated, the rain-light sensor* is
without function.
When the engine is running, and you turn
the exterior lamp switch to position 006C
or 0064 , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 62).
XDeactivating: Switch off the ignition
and remove the key from the starter
switch.XSwitch on the high-beam flasher and
press button 0034 on the key
simultaneously.
An acoustic signal sounds.
The daytime running lamp mode is
deactivated.
Combination switch (high beam, high-
beam flasher and turn signals)
XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.64Lighting>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 64
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
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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