
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 48).
! 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
surfaces. This may cause serious damage
to the drive- train which is not covered
by the smart Limited Warranty.
High and low stressesGWarning!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating, thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness and your
ability to stop the vehicle in sufficient
time to avoid an accident.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Wet road surface
GWarning!
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through
water deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking
effect. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
To help prevent brake disc corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
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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.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires
and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0048
Danger: Ice
(Canada only)The outside temperature is below 3 ¥. The road may be icy.XAdjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.GWarning!
The display message Danger: Ice is not designed 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. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. Your
vehicle could start to skid if you do not adjust your driving style accordingly.
Therefore, always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
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 57), have the respective
bulb checked and replaced if necessary.
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0081Scenario 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
operational.0081Scenario 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 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
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Replacing bulbs for front lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a
front lamp, do the following first:
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
\000' (Y page 64).
XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the service flap (Y page 122).
Left headlamp, (right headlamp in reverse)
Parking and side marker lamp bulb
XRemoving:
Driver’s side: Turn bulb socket \000

The arrow on bulb socket \000F must be in
line with the line on the headlamp
housing.
XTurn bulb socket \000F clockwise by a
quarter of turn.
Side turn signal lamp bulb
XRemoving: Open the door on the
corresponding side.
XPress on retaining lug \000F in the
direction of the arrow until the side turn
signal lamp housing disengages.
XClose the door.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
\000' (Y page 64).
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 74).
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
\000F Retaining tab\000G Electrical connectorXPress retaining tab \000F in the center of
the bulb carrier upwards.
XPull the bulb carrier out of the tail lamp
housing.
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XRemove the jumper cables from negative terminals 008A and 0088 first.XRemove the jumper cables from positive terminals 0046 and 0047.
You can now switch on the headlamps.XRemount the positive terminal cover.XHave the battery checked at the nearest authorized smart center.Towing
About towing
This section offers information on towing
methods for breakdown situations,
emergency towing, and flat towing smart
vehicles.
Recommended towing method -
Breakdown situation
smart recommends that the vehicle be
transported with all wheels off the ground
using a flatbed carrier truck or
appropriate wheel lift/dolly equipment.
XSwitch off the tow‑away protection* and
interior motion sensor* ( Y page 49).
!
To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down the vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts — use only wheel straps
to position and hold down the vehicle.
Improper tie down on a flatbed carrier
truck or trailer can damage suspension
parts and body panels.
Emergency towing
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing method, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
using a strap or tow bar connected to
another vehicle. Only tow the vehicle as far
as necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing method can be employed.
GWarning!
If circumstances require towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground,
always tow with a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake
system
R there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
A tow bar is necessary to adequately control
the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, make sure the gear selector
lever is in neutral position N and the
ignition is switched off.
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.
! Do not tow the vehicle with the front
axle raised. Doing so may cause serious
damage to the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment
attached to suspension parts. This may
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cause damage to the radiator and other
supports if towing on a bumpy road.
RTowing the vehicle should only be done
using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope, or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame, or suspension parts.
! Make sure the ignition is switched off
while towing the vehicle. Doing
otherwise may result in
Rthe ESP® being activated. Active
braking action through the ESP® may
seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
Ra discharged battery.
! Make sure the gear selector lever is in
neutral position N while towing the
vehicle. Doing otherwise may result in
significant transmission damage.
! Towing the vehicle with a luggage
rack* mounted is not permissible. The
vehicle must not be towed by the luggage
rack*.
iIf the battery is disconnected or
discharged, the gear selector lever will
remain locked in park position P.
Contact an authorized smart center for
assistance or call Roadside Assistance.
Towing eye bolt
The towing eye bolt is located in the
passenger footwell under the carpet.
XUnscrew the carpet holder in the
passenger footwell (Y page 160).
XLift the carpet.XTake out towing eye bolt \000F.
Covers
Depending of whether you are towing a
vehicle or being towed, the towing eye bolt
can be screwed into threaded holes which
are located behind covers on the front and
rear bumper.
Front cover
XRemove cover \000F using a suitable object
to reveal the threaded hole for the towing
eye bolt.
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.
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