2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS warning lights

D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster

Dashboard lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Data
see Technical data
Daytime driving lights
Display message ............................ 242
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 221
Switching on/off (switch) .............. 105
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
Declarations of conformity ................. 23
Delayed switch-off Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Interior lighting .............................. 223
Diagnostics connection ......................23
Diesel .................................................. 341
Digital speedometer .........................212
Dipped-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 114
Display message ............................ 239
Setting for driving abroad (sym-
metrical) ........................................ 104
Setting for driving on the right/left 221
Switching on/off ........................... 105
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........295
Display message ASSYST PLUS ................................ 289
General information ....................... 229
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 229
Display messages
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 229
Driving systems ............................. 245
Engine ............................................ 243
Key ................................................ 256
Lights ............................................. 239
Safety systems .............................. 230
Tyres .............................................. 251
Vehicle ........................................... 252
Distance recorder
see Trip meter Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating .................218
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 266
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions .....................175
Cruise control lever .......................174
Deactivating ................................... 177
Display message ............................ 249
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 175
Driving tips .................................... 178
Function/notes ............................. 174
Important safety notes .................. 173
Selecting ........................................ 175
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 177
Warning lamp ................................. 266
Door
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 223
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 81
Central locking/unlocking (key) ...... 75
Control panel ................................... 37
Display message ............................ 254
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Important safety notes .................... 79
Opening (from the inside) ................ 80
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 156
Display ........................................... 153
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 152
Manual ........................................... 156
Driver's door
see Door
Driving abroad
Service24h .................................... 290
Symmetrical dipped beam .............104
Driving on flooded roads ..................167
Driving safety system Adaptive Brake Assist ......................64
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .... 62
Distance warning function ...............62
Electronic Brake-force Distribution ..69
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ......................................... 65, 668
Index

Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 314
Warning lamp (engine diagnostics)
264
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 336
Problem (fault) ............................... 149
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 344
Checking the oil level ..................... 286
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 287
Display message ............................ 245
Filling capacity ............................... 343
Notes about oil grades ................... 343
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 286
Temperature (on-board computer) . 226
Topping up ..................................... 287
Viscosity ........................................ 344
Environmental protection
Returning an end-of-life vehicle ....... 21
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 226
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 66
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 218
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ...................... 68
Display message ............................ 230
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 65
Function/notes ......................... 65, 66
Important safety guidelines .............65
Trailer stabilisation ..........................68
Warning lamp ................................. 260
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ...................................................... 65
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instructions) 294
Exterior lighting Settings options ............................. 105
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 99
Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........ 100
Folding in/out (automatically) ....... 100
Folding in/out (electrically) ............. 99
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 225
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...100 Parking position .............................
100
Resetting ......................................... 99
Storing settings (memory function)
101 F
Fault message see Display messages


Filler cap
see Fuel filler flap
Fire extinguisher ............................... 299
First-aid kit ......................................... 298
Fitting a wheel Removing a wheel ..........................328
Fitting wheels
Fitting a wheel ............................... 328
Lowering the vehicle ......................329
Preparing the vehicle .....................325
Raising the vehicle ......................... 326
Securing the vehicle against roll-
ing away ........................................ 325
Flat tyre
MOExtended tyres .........................300
Preparing the vehicle .....................300
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 301
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormat ............................................. 281
Foglamps Extended range .............................. 109
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Frequencies
Mobile phone ................................. 336
Two-way radio ................................ 336
Front foglamps
Display message ............................ 241
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 341
Consumption information .............. 342
Consumption statistics ..................211
Displaying the current consump-
tion ................................................ 212
Displaying the range ...................... 212
Fuel gauge ....................................... 30
Grade (petrol) ................................ 340
Important safety notes .................. 339
Notes for AMG vehicles ................. 340
Problem (malfunction) ...................161
Quality (diesel) ............................... 34110
Index

Reading lamp
................................. 111
Setting the ambient lighting
brightness (on-board computer) .... 222
Interior motion sensor ........................70
ISOFIX child seat securing system ....53 J
Jack Storage location ............................ 299
Using ............................................. 326
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 308K
Key Changing the battery ....................... 76
Checking the battery ....................... 76
Convenience closing feature ............ 85
Convenience opening feature .......... 85
Display message
............................ 256
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 75
Emergency key element ................... 75
Important safety notes .................... 74
Loss ................................................. 78
Modifying the programming .............75
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 143
Problem (malfunction) .....................78
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Key positions (ignition lock) ............143
Kickdown Driving tips .................................... 154
Manual drive program ....................158
Kneebag ............................................... 44L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps


Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 247
Function/information .................... 199
Lane package ..................................... 197
Lap time (RACETIMER) ......................226
Lashing eyelets ................................. 273
Licence plate lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 241Lighting
see Lights

Lights
Activating/deactivating the Intel-
ligent Light System ........................ 221
Activating/deactivating the inte-
rior lighting delayed switch-off ....... 223
Active light function .......................109
Automatic headlamp mode ............ 105
Cornering light function .................109
Dipped-beam headlamps ............... 105
Display message ............................ 239
Driving abroad ............................... 104
Foglamps ....................................... 106
Foglamps (extended range) ...........109
Hazard warning lamps ................... 108
Headlamp flasher ........................... 108
Headlamp range ............................ 107
Light switch ................................... 105
Main-beam headlamps ................... 107
Motorway mode ............................. 109
Parking lamps ................................ 106
Rear foglamp ................................. 106
Setting the ambient lighting
brightness (on-board computer) .... 222
Side lamps ..................................... 106
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 222
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board computer) . 221
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (switch) ..................... 105
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 222
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........222
Turn signals ................................... 107
see Interior lighting
see Replacing bulbs
Light sensor (display message) .......242
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 169
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 174
Variable SPEEDTRONIC .................171
Limiting the speed
see SPEEDTRONIC
Loading guidelines ............................26812
Index

R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) .............181
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 226
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating
.................223
Country overview ........................... 350
Display message ............................ 246
Radio
Selecting a station .........................214
see separate operating instructions
Rain closing feature (panorama
sliding sunroof) ................................... 88
Reading lamp ..................................... 111
Rear bench seat Folding the backrest forwards/
back ............................................... 272
Rear compartment
Setting the air vents ......................140
Rear-compartment seat belt sta-
tus indicator ........................................ 49
Rear foglamp Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Rear lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
see Lights
Rear shelf ........................................... 273
Rear-view mirror Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........ 100
Dipping (manual) .............................. 98
Rear window heating
Problem (fault) ............................... 132
Switching on/off ........................... 131
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 119
Switching on/off ........................... 118
Refuelling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 30
Important safety notes .................. 159
Notes for AMG vehicles ................. 340
Refuelling process .........................160
see Fuel
Remote control
Auxiliary heating/ventilation .......... 135
Changing the batteries (auxiliary
heating) ......................................... 136Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes ..................112
Overview of bulb types ..................113
Removing/replacing the cover
(front wheel arch) .......................... 113
Replacing the battery (auxiliary
heating remote control) .................... 136
Reserve (fuel tank) see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 245
Warning lamp ................................. 264
Residual heat (climate control) ........133
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Rev counter ........................................ 208
Reverse gear
Engaging (manual transmission) ....151
Reverse gear (selector lever) ...........153
Reversing camera Cleaning instructions ..................... 294
Function/notes ............................. 191
Switching on/off ........................... 191
Reversing feature
Panorama sliding sunroof ................ 87
Roller sunblinds ............................... 88
Side windows ................................... 84
Reversing lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Reversing lamps
Display message ............................ 241
Roller sunblind
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Panorama sliding sunroof ................ 88
Roof carrier ........................................ 275
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 296
Roof load (maximum) ........................346
Route (navigation) see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............213 Index
15

Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the addi-
tional speedometer ........................220
Digital ............................................ 212
In the Instrument cluster
.................30
Segments ...................................... 209
Selecting the unit of measurement 220
see Instrument cluster
SPEEDTRONIC
Deactivating variable .....................172
Display message ............................ 250
Function/notes ............................. 171
Important safety notes .................. 171
LIM indicator lamp .........................171
Permanent ..................................... 172
Selecting ........................................ 171
Storing the current speed .............. 172
Variable ......................................... 171
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 261
SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem)
Display message ............................ 238
Introduction ..................................... 41
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Warning lamp (function) ................... 41
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 143
STEER CONTROL .................................. 69
Steering (display message) ..............255
Steering wheel Adjusting (manually) ........................98
Button overview ............................... 33
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 209
Cleaning ......................................... 295
Gearshift paddles ........................... 156
Important safety notes .................... 98
Steering wheel gearshift paddles ....156
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 226
Stowage areas ................................... 269
Stowage compartment Spectacles compartment ...............269
Stowage compartments
Armrest (front) ............................... 270
Armrest (under) ............................. 270Centre console ..............................
269
Centre console (rear) ..................... 271
Cup holder
..................................... 275
Glove compartment ....................... 269
Important safety information ......... 269
Luggage net ................................... 271
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 270
Summer tyres .................................... 320
Sun visor ............................................ 277
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 222
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............69 T
Tailgate Display message

............................ 254
Emergency unlocking .......................83
Important safety notes .................... 82
Opening/closing (from outside) ....... 82
Opening dimensions ...................... 346
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 241
see Lights
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 338
Emergency spare wheel ................. 333
Information .................................... 336
Trailer loads ................................... 349
Tyres/wheels ................................. 329
Vehicle data ................................... 346
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 216
Display message ............................ 256
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 215
Number from the phone book ........ 216
Redialling ....................................... 217
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 216
Telephone compartment ................ 270
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 208
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 226
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 226 Index
17

Outside temperature ...................... 209
Setting (climate control)
................128
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................. 168
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Immobiliser ...................................... 69
Through-loading ................................ 271
Time see Separate Owner's manual
Timing (RACETIMER) .........................226
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 301
Top Tether ............................................ 54
Tow-away protection .......................... 70
Towing Important safety notes .................. 310
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist .....................190
Axle load, permissible .................... 349
Bulb failure indicator for LED lamps 206
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) . 68
Pulling away with a trailer ..............145
Trailer tow hitch display message .. 255
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye ....................311
Removing the towing eye ...............312
With both axles on the ground ....... 312
With front axle raised ..................... 312
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 314
Fitting the towing eye ....................311
Important safety notes .................. 310
Removing the towing eye ...............312
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connector ............................. 206
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 199
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 294
Coupling up a trailer ......................204
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 204
Driving tips .................................... 201
Folding in the ball coupling ............205
Folding out the ball coupling ..........203
Important safety notes .................. 201
Lights display message .................. 239
Mounting dimensions .................... 348Parktronic ......................................
185
Power supply ................................. 206
Trailer loads ................................... 349
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................152
Transporting the vehicle .................. 313
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 295
Trip computer (on-board computer) 211
Trip meter Calling up ....................................... 211
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 213
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 115
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 116
Switching on/off ........................... 107
TV
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 215
see Separate operating instructions
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 336
Installation ..................................... 336
Transmission output (maximum) .... 336
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Display message ............................ 251
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 303
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 303
Recommended ............................... 321
Tyre pressure loss warning
Important safety notes .................. 323
Restarting ...................................... 323
Tyres
Changing a wheel .......................... 324
Checking ........................................ 319
Direction of rotation ......................324
Display message ............................ 251
Important safety notes .................. 318
M+S tyres ...................................... 320
MOExtended tyres .........................320
Replacing ....................................... 324
Service life ..................................... 319
Storing ........................................... 324
Summer tyres ........................ 168, 32018
Index

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with:
R
The 6 SRS warning lamp
R Airbags
R Airbag control unit (with crash sensors)
R Belt
tensioners for the front seat belts and
the outer seat belts in the rear
R Seat belt force limiters for the front seat
belts and the outer seat belts in the rear
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with parts of the vehicle's interior
in the event of an accident. It can also reduce
the forces to which occupants are subjected
during an accident.
SRS warning lamp G
WARNING
If SRS is malfunctioning, individual systems
may
be triggered unintentionally or might not
be triggered in the event of an accident with
a high rate of vehicle deceleration.
A malfunction has occurred if:
R the 6 SRS warning lamp does not light
up when the ignition is switched on.
R the engine is running and the 6 SRS
warning lamp does not go out after a few
seconds.
R the engine is running and the 6 SRS
warning lamp lights up again.
In this case, have SRS checked immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop.
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
SRS functions are checked regularly when the
ignition is switched on or the engine is run-
ning. Therefore, malfunctions can be detec-
ted in good time. Triggering of belt tensioners and air-
bags During the first stage of a collision, the airbag
control unit evaluates important physical
data

relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, such as:
R duration
R direction
R magnitude
Based on the evaluation of this data, the air-
bag control unit pre-emptively triggers the
belt tensioners in the first stage.
If there is an even higher rate of vehicle decel-
eration or acceleration in a longitudinal direc-
tion, the front airbags are also deployed.
Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air-
bags. The airbag control unit evaluates vehi-
cle deceleration or acceleration in the event
of a collision. In the first deployment stage,
the front airbag is filled with enough propel-
lant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The
front airbag is fully deployed if a second
deployment threshold is reached within a few
milliseconds.
The belt tensioner and airbag triggering
thresholds are variable and are adapted to the
detected rate of deceleration or acceleration
of the vehicle. This process is pre-emptive in
nature. The triggering process must take
place in good time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or accelera-
tion and the direction of the force are essen-
tially determined by:
R the distribution of forces during the colli-
sion
R the collision angle
R the deformation characteristics of the vehi-
cle
R the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a
decisive role in the deployment of an airbag, Occupant safety
41
Safety Z

R
do not lean forwards, e.g. over the cover of
the driver's/front-passenger front airbag,
particularly when the vehicle is in motion.
R do not put your feet on the dashboard.
R only hold the steering wheel on the outside.
This allows the airbag to be fully deployed.
You could be injured if the airbag is
deployed and you are holding the inside of
the steering wheel.
R do not lean on the doors from inside the
vehicle.
R make sure that there are no people, ani-
mals or objects between the vehicle occu-
pants and the area where the airbags are
deployed.
R do not place any objects between the seat
backrest and the door.
R do not hang any hard objects, e.g. coat
hangers, on the grab handles or coat hooks.
R do not attach accessories, e.g. cup holders,
to the doors.
It is not possible to rule out a risk of injury
being caused by an airbag, due to the high
speed at which the airbag must be deployed. G
WARNING
Airbag functionality can only be assured if the
following
parts are not covered and no badges
or stickers are attached to them:
R padded steering wheel boss
R kneebag cover below the steering column
R front-passenger airbag cover
R outer side of front seat bolsters
R side trim next to the rear seat backrest
R roof frame cover between the front A-pillar
and the C-pillar in the rear compartment G
WARNING
When an airbag deploys, a small amount of
powder is released. The powder may cause
short-term breathing difficulties to persons
suffering from asthma or other pulmonary
conditions. In order to prevent potential breathing diffi-
culties, you should leave the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so. You can also open the
window

to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle
interior. The powder does not constitute a
health hazard and does not indicate that there
is a fire in the vehicle. G
WARNING
The airbag parts are hot after the airbag has
been deployed. Do not touch them as you
could burn yourself.
Have the airbags replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. Otherwise, occupants are
not protected by the airbags in the event of
another accident.
Airbag deployment slows down and restricts
the movement of the vehicle occupant.
If the airbags are deployed, you will hear a
bang

and a small amount of powder may also
be released. Only in rare cases will the bang
affect your hearing. The powder that is
released generally does not constitute a
health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp
lights up.
The airbag installation locations are identified
by the AIRBAG symbol.
Front airbags !
Do not place heavy objects on the front-
passenger seat. The system may then
detect

that the seat is occupied and if there
is an accident, the restraint systems on the
front-passenger side could be deployed.
Have restraint systems that have been trig-
gered replaced. Occupant safety
43
Safety Z