2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK battery

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions j
Check trailer Check trailer
hitch lock hitch lock The trailer tow hitch is not correctly engaged.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Engage the trailer coupling's ball coupling in the end position
(Y page 203).
Otherwise, the trailer may detach itself. Ð
Power Power
steering
steering mal‐
mal‐
function See Own‐
function See Own‐
er's Manual er's Manual The power steering assistance is faulty.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident. X Check whether you are able to apply the extra force required.
X If you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.
X If you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop. &
inoperative Bat‐ inoperative Bat‐
tery low tery low You have attempted to switch on the auxiliary heating or to acti-
vate a departure time using the on-board computer after operating
the auxiliary heating twice.
X Let the engine run for 10 seconds.
The auxiliary heating is operational again. The on-board voltage is too low. The auxiliary heating has switched
itself off or cannot be switched on (Y page 134).
X Drive for a longer distance.
The battery is being charged. The auxiliary heating is operational
again as soon as the on-board electrical system voltage is suf-
ficient. &
inoperative inoperative
Refuel
Refuel
vehicle
vehicle There is too little fuel in the fuel tank. The auxiliary heating cannot
be switched on (Y page 134).
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. Display
messages
255On-board computer and displays Z

Rear-compartment ashtray
X
To open: pull cover =out by its top edge.
X To remove: pull insert;by recess :in
the direction of arrow ?until it audibly
releases.
X Lift insert ;up and out.
X To fit the insert: fit insert;from above
into the holder and press down into the
holder until it engages. Cigarette lighter
G
WARNING
You can burn yourself if you touch the hot
heating element or the socket of the cigarette lighter.
In addition, flammable materials can ignite if:
R the hot cigarette lighter falls
R a child holds the hot cigarette lighter to
objects, for example
There is a risk of fire and injury.
Always hold the cigarette lighter by the knob.
Always make sure that the cigarette lighter is
out of reach of children. Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Your attention must always be focused on the traffic conditions. Only use the cigarette
lighter when road and traffic conditions per-
mit. Example: vehicles with a stowage compartment
cover
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 143).
X To open: push the lower section of
cover :.
The stowage compartment opens.
X Press in cigarette lighter ;.
Cigarette lighter ;will pop out automati-
cally when the heating element is red-hot. 12 V sockets
Points to observe before use X
Turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock (Y page 143).
The sockets can be used for accessories with a maximum draw of 180 W (15 A). Accesso-
ries include such items as lamps or chargers
for mobile phones.
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
i An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the on-board voltage is too low, the power to
the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine. 278
FeaturesStowing and features

Topping up the windscreen washer sys-
tem/headlamp cleaning system G
WARNING
Windscreen washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes into contact with hot
engine components or the exhaust system it
could ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that no windscreen washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck. Example
X To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer system and the headlamp cleaning system.
The recommended minimum amount when
topping up is 1 litre. If the water level drops
below this, a message appears in the multi-
function display prompting you to refill the
washer fluid (Y page 256).
Further information on windscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 345). Service
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date. Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Y page 286).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.:
R Next service A in .. days
Next service A in .. days
R Service A due Service A due
R Service A overdue by .. days
Service A overdue by .. days
Depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letter indicates which service is due. A
A
stands for a minor service and B Bfor a major
service. A number or another letter may be
displayed after the letter. This figure indicates any necessary additional maintenance work
to be performed.
If you notify a qualified specialist workshop ofthis display, you will receive a statement on
the associated costs.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before discon-
necting the battery.
or
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
Hiding a service message X
Press %ora. Service
289Maintenance and care Z

pressure cleaner nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork. X
Remove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
The following cannot always be completely
repaired:
R scratches
R corrosive deposits
R areas affected by corrosion
R damage caused by inadequate care
In such cases, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Care and treatment of matt paintwork !
Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing makes the paintwork
shiny.
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matt
effect:
R Vigorous rubbing with unsuitable mate-
rials.
R Frequent use of car washes.
R Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or pol-
ishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matt finish leads to considerable sur-
face damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances. 292
CareMaintenance and care

Useful information
............................298
Where will I find...? ...........................298
Flat tyre ............................................. 300
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 304
Jump-starting .................................... 308
Towing and tow-starting ..................310
Electrical fuses ................................. 314 297Breakdown assistance

X
Correct the tyre pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi) (see the fuel filler
flap for values).
X To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the tyre inflation compressor. X
To reduce the tyre pressure: depress
pressure release button :next to pres-
sure gauge ;. X
To remove the tyre sealant bottle from the
tyre inflation compressor, press together
the locking tabs on the yellow cap.
X Pull the tyre sealant bottle out of the tyre
inflation compressor.
The filler hose stays on the tyre sealant
bottle.
X Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre infla-
tion compressor and the warning triangle.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop and have the tyre changed there. X
Have the tyre sealant bottle and the filler
hose replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist work-
shop. Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or instal-
ling, requires specialist knowledge and the
use of special tools. Therefore, always have
work on the battery carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can, for example, lead to a short circuit and
damage your vehicle's electronic system. This can disrupt driving safety systems such as
ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Elec-
tronic Stability Program).
R If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock
during braking. This limits the steerability of
the vehicle when braking and the braking
distance may increase. There is a risk of
accident.
R If ESP ®
malfunctions, the vehicle will not be
stabilised if it starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin. There is a risk of accident.
You should therefore have all work involving
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up. 304
Battery (vehicle)Breakdown assistance

The highly flammable gas mixture is formed
when charging the battery or jump-starting
the vehicle.
Always make sure that neither you nor the
battery is electrostatically charged. Electro-
static charge is caused, for example, by:
R wearing synthetic clothing
R the friction of clothing on the seat
R pulling or sliding the battery over carpets or
other synthetic materials
R rubbing the battery with a cloth G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ- ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con- tact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
R It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jump leads.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with water and seek medical attention. H
Environmental note Batteries contain pollutants.
It is illegal to dispose of them
with the household rubbish.
They must be collected sep-
arately and disposed of in anenvironmentally responsible
recycling system. Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally responsible
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or to a col-
lection point for used batter-
ies.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Service
Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
! Always have work on the battery carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Should it, in exceptional circumstances, be
absolutely necessary to disconnect the bat-
tery yourself, please observe the following:
R switch off the engine and remove the
key. Check that all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster are off. Otherwise,
you may damage electronic components such as the alternator, for example.
R first, disconnect the negative terminal
clamp, followed by the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
The vehicle electronics may otherwise be
damaged.
R on vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The vehi-
cle is secured against rolling away. You
can then no longer move the vehicle.
The battery and the cover of the positive
terminal clamp must be fitted securely dur- ing operation. Battery (vehicle)
305Breakdown assistance Z

Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries. WARNING
Fire, naked flames and smoking
are prohibited when handling the
battery. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid con-
tact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective clothing,
in particular gloves, an apron and a
face mask.
Immediately rinse acid splashes
off with clean water. Consult a doc-
tor if necessary. Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Owner's Manual.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have been tested and approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehi-
cle occupants from suffering acid burns
should the battery be damaged in the event of
an accident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maxi-
mum possible service life, it must always be
sufficiently charged.
Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may
discharge over time if you do not use the
vehicle. In such cases, have the battery dis-
connected at a qualified specialist workshop. You can also charge the battery with a
charger recommended by Mercedes-Benz. For more information, please contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Have the battery charge checked more fre-
quently if you use the vehicle mainly for short
trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked up for a long period of time.
i When you park the vehicle, remove the
key if you do not require any electrical con-
sumers. The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus conserving battery power.
i If the power supply has been interrupted,
e.g. if the battery was discharged, you will
have to:
R set the clock (audio system/COMAND
Online, see the separate operating
instructions).
R reset the function for folding the exterior
mirrors in/out automatically, by folding
the mirrors out once (Y page 99). Charging the battery
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with water and seek medical attention. G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start- 306
Battery (vehicle)Breakdown assistance