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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efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature display is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that
purpose. Indicated temperatures just
above the freezing point do not guarantee
that the road surface is free of ice.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
( Y page 132).
Standing water
! Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary
equipment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water,
drive slowly to prevent water from entering
the passenger compartment, the front
compartment, or the engine compartment.
Water in these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result in
water being ingested by the engine through
the air intake, causing severe internal
engine damage.
Any such damage is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
Passenger compartment
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items thrown
around inside the vehicle may injure
vehicle occupants.
The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Radio and telephone
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle
safely. Only operate the radio or telephone
16 if road, weather and traffic conditions
permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
Telephones and two-way radios
GWarning!
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e.
without being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the
engine is running. Doing so could lead to a
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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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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 Solutions0063The high‑beam
headlamp
indicator lamp
does not
illuminate
when the
high‑beam
headlamps are
switched on or
when using the
high‑beam
flasher.The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp has failed.XHave the high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp checked at an
authorized smart center.0065The low‑beam
headlamp
indicator lamp
does not
illuminate
when the
low‑beam
headlamps are
switched on.The low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp has failed.XHave the low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp checked at an
authorized smart center.0026 0024
The turn signal
indicator lamp(s)
do(es) not illuminate
when the ignition is
switched on and the
corresponding turn
signal is switched on
or the hazard warning
flasher is switched
on.The turn signal indicator lamp(s) has (have) failed.XHave the turn signal indicator lamp(s) checked at an
authorized smart center.0026 0024
The turn signal
indicator lamp(s)
flashes at double
frequency.One of the turn signals is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 165).
or
XHave the turn signal checked at an authorized smart center
as soon as possible.What to do if ...155>> Practical hints.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 155Z
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)* ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0077The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale
illuminates
continuously.The TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic
situation around you.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 116).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has
(have) been corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
See also “Restarting the TPMS” ( Y page 119).
0077The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale flashes
60 seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.XHave the TPMS checked at an authorized smart center.
After the malfunction has been remedied the combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few
minutes of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
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XInstalling: Insert the new bulb into bulb
socket 0047.XPress gently onto the bulb and turn it
clockwise.XInsert bulb socket 0047 into the headlamp
housing.
The arrow on bulb socket 0047 must be in
line with the line on the headlamp
housing.XTurn bulb socket 0047 clockwise by a
quarter of turn.
Side turn signal lamp bulb
XRemoving: Open the door on the
corresponding side.XPress on retaining lug 0046 in the
direction of the arrow until the side turn
signal lamp housing disengages.XUse a suitable tool to loosen the side turn
signal lamp housing from the fender.XTurn the bulb socket counterclockwise
and pull it out of the side turn signal
lamp housing.XPull the bulb out of the bulb socket.XInstalling: Insert the new bulb into the
bulb socket.XInsert the bulb socket into the side turn
signal lamp housing and turn the bulb
socket clockwise.XFit the side turn signal lamp housing
onto the fender.XPress gently onto the side turn signal
lamp housing.
The side turn signal lamp housing must
audibly engage.
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear
lamp, do the following first:
XTurn exterior lamp switch to position
0027 (Y page 62).XSwitch off the ignition.
Tail lamp unit
XRemoving:
Coupé: Open the upper tailgate.XOpen the lower tailgate.XCabriolet: Open the rear soft top
( Y page 71).XRemove the side cover in the cargo
compartment on the corresponding side.XFold the damping material forward, if
necessary.
Left bulb carrier illustrated as example
0046Retaining tab0047Electrical connectorXPress retaining tab 0046 in the center of
the bulb carrier upwards.XPull the bulb carrier out of the tail lamp
housing.168Replacing bulbs>> Practical hints.
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