2012 SMART FORTWO COUPE brake light

not touch the neck). Never pass the
shoulder portion of the seat belt under
your arm.
R Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips (over hip joint) and not
across the abdomen.
R Place
the seat backrest in a position that
is as upright as possible.
R Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time.
R Do not fasten a seat belt around a person
and another object at the same time. When
using a seat belt to secure infant or
toddler restraints or children in booster
seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
R Check your seat belt during travel to
make sure it is properly positioned.
R Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care to maintain a
snug fit when wearing loose clothing. G
WARNING
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in
the door or in the seat adjustment
mechanism. This could damage the seat
belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the
effectiveness of the seat belts.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not

be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that were
highly stressed in an accident must be
replaced. Contact an authorized smart
center. Correct driver seat adjustment
G
WARNING
Observe ”Safety notes“ ( Y page 58). X
Adjust the driver’s seat properly
(Y page 59).
Make sure that you
R are positioned as far away from the
driver’s front air bag as possible
R can reach steering wheel : with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
R can fasten seat belt ; properly
R you have adjusted seat backrest = to
a position that is as upright as
possible
R you can move your legs freely
R you can depress the brake and
accelerator pedal safely.
X Make sure the seat belt is fastened
properly (Y page 62). Lighting
Exterior lamp switch
For safety, smart recommends that you
drive with your low‑beam headlamps on
during

the day. In certain countries, local
laws dictate that low‑beam headlamps are
switched on automatically during
operation of the vehicle. 64
Lighting
>> Controls.

For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a
safe location and
R
-
remove the key from the starter
switch
- engage the parking brake
before attempting to remove any
blockage.
R Remove blockage.
R Turn the windshield wipers on again.
X Switching off: Turn the wiper switch to
position g. Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under
wet weather conditions or in the presence
of precipitation.
Vehicles
with rain-light sensor*: When you
select intermittent wiping, the sensor is
activated. The sensor automatically sets a
suitable wiping interval depending on the
wetness of the sensor surface.
! Vehicles with rain-light sensor*:
Do not leave windshield wipers in
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers
will operate in the presence of water
sprayed on the windshield, and
windshield wipers may be damaged as a
result.
! Vehicles with rain-light sensor*:
If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt
on the surface of the sensor or optical
effects may cause the windshield wipers
to wipe in an undesired fashion. This
could then damage the windshield wiper
blades or scratch the windshield. You
should therefore switch off the
windshield wipers when weather
conditions are dry. X
Make sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.
X Activating intermittent wiping:
Turn the
wiper switch to position 1.
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are automatically controlled
depending on the vehicle speed and by the
rain-light sensor*.
X Deactivating intermittent wiping: Turn
the wiper switch to position g. Wiping with windshield washer fluid
Example illustration coupé
X
Pull the wiper switch in direction of
arrow : and hold it in position.
The windshield wipers operate with
windshield washer fluid.
X Release the wiper switch.
The windshield wipers will wipe three
more times.
i To
prevent smears on the windshield, or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe
with windshield washer fluid
periodically even when it is raining.
Single wipe X
Pull the wiper switch briefly in
direction of arrow :.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
with windshield washer fluid. Windshield wipers
71
>> Controls.
* optional Z

X
Depress the brake pedal.
X Press the release button (Y page 79) to
disengage the gear selector lever lock.
X Move the gear selector lever to reverse
gear R.
R appears in the transmission position
indicator.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal. Parking
G
WARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement can cause serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always
do the following before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn
the front wheels towards the curb.
R Turn the key to starter switch position 0
and remove the key from the starter
switch.
R Take the key with you and lock the vehicle
when leaving. G
WARNING
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. X
Properly stop and park the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Engage the parking brake ( Y page 80).
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp $ (USA only) or J (Canada
only)

in the instrument cluster comes on.
X Release the brake pedal.
Parking brake The parking brake serves to secure the
vehicle against rolling away when it is
stationary or parked.
G
WARNING
Engaging the parking brake while the
vehicle is in motion can cause the rear
wheels

to lock up. You could lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident. In
addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged. X
Releasing: Depress the brake pedal.
X Pull up slightly on parking brake
lever ; and press release button :.
X Push parking brake lever ; down as far
as it will go.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp $ (USA only) or J (Canada
only)

in the instrument cluster goes out.
X Engaging: Pull up parking brake
lever ; firmly.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning 80
Driving and parking
>> Controls.
* optional

The current gear selector lever position
appears in the transmission position
indicator (Y page 88).
Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle earlier upshifting
More throttle later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
X
Press the accelerator pedal past the
point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
transmission shifts into a lower gear.
X Ease up on the accelerator pedal when you
have reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.
Stopping When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic
lights:
X
Leave the transmission in gear.
X Hold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop for a longer period with the
engine idling and/or on a hill:
X Engage the parking brake.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
Working on the vehicle G
WARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and move the gear selector
lever to park position P. Otherwise the
vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Driving on uphill grades Your vehicle has a hill‑start assist system.
G
WARNING
The hill-start assist system is not
designed to function as a parking brake and
does not prevent the vehicle from moving
when parked on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting to park position P.
On uphill grades the hill‑start assist
system maintains the pressure in the brake
system for approximately one second after
you have released the brake pedal.
Therefore, you can start off smoothly
without the vehicle moving immediately
after releasing the brake pedal.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Apply sufficient pressure to the
accelerator pedal.
! After approximately one second, the
hill‑start assist system stops braking
the vehicle, which then can roll
backwards. If you open the driver’s door
within this time, the hill‑start assist
system is deactivated and a warning
signal sounds.
i The

hill‑start assist system is inactive
if you start off with the parking brake
engaged. Manual gearshifting
With manual gearshifting M selected,
system-controlled automatic gearshifting
is switched off and you need to change the
gears by upshifting or downshifting
manually using the gear selector lever or
the steering wheel gearshift control 10
.
10 Model passion and BRABUS only. 84
Transmission
>> Controls.

?
Fuel type label
A Holder
X Turn off the engine.
X Remove the key from the starter switch.
X Open the fuel filler flap by pulling at the
point indicated by arrow :.
X Turn fuel filler cap = counterclockwise
and hold on to it until possible pressure
is released.
X Take off fuel filler cap =.
! The fuel filler cap is tethered to the
fuel filler flap. Do not drop the fuel
filler cap. It could damage the vehicle
paint finish.
X Insert fuel filler cap = in direction of
arrow ; into holder A on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.
X Fully insert filler nozzle unit and
refuel.
X Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit

cuts out — do not top off or overfill .G
WARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray

back out when removing the fuel pump
nozzle, which could cause personal injury.
X Replace fuel filler cap =.
X Turn fuel filler cap = clockwise until
the handle grip overturns.
i Make sure to close the fuel filler flap
before locking the vehicle as the fuel
filler flap locking pin prevents closing
after you have locked the vehicle.
X Close the fuel filler flap.
You should hear the latch close shut.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating of
91 (average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please contact gas station personnel in
case

labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
(Y page 221) and “Fuel requirements”
(Y page 222), or contact an authorized
smart center. Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see
“Service fluids and capacities”
(Y page 218).
Check the following:
R Engine oil level ( Y page 118)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 126)
R Coolant level ( Y page 122)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 178)
R Windshield washer system (Y page 122)
R Brake fluid (Y page 123) Engine compartment
Engine compartment cover
Open the engine compartment cover to
check

the engine oil level and if necessary,
to add engine oil. G
WARNING
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 engine
compartment cover and parts in the area
around the engine compartment cover may
be hot. Parts of the engine can become very
hot. To prevent burns, let the engine cool
off completely before touching the engine
compartment cover, parts in the area
around the engine compartment cover, and
parts of the engine. Engine compartment
117
>> Operation. Z

X
Check the engine oil level once more.
X Add engine oil once more if necessary.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding
to avoid environmental damage caused by
oil entering the ground and water.
! Excess engine oil must be siphoned or
drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine or emission control system not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
X Screw filler cap : back on the filler
neck.
X Close the engine compartment cover
(Y page 117). Front compartment
Service flap
Remove the service flap to check the
coolant

level, windshield washer reservoir
level, and brake fluid level.
Insert the service flap on the front of the
vehicle so that it does not get damaged or
dirty.
i The service flap has a strap on the rear
side that ties it to the vehicle body. G
WARNING
Always turn the key to starter switch
position 0 and remove the key from the
starter switch before opening the service
flap.
If the windshield wipers should
inadvertently be switched on, you could be
seriously injured by the wiper washer
drive, which is located just below the
service flap. G
WARNING
Make sure the service flap is locked while
driving. Otherwise, the service flap could
become detached and pose a hazard to you
or others. G
WARNING
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear
of moving parts when the service flap is
open.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned
off. Stay clear of fan blades.
! Check the fill levels at regular
intervals.
! Carefully remove ice, snow, and any
other deposits from the air intake
grilles above the service flap to ensure
air intake at all times.
X Park the vehicle on level ground.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake.
Removing X
Fold both levers ;
outward in direction
of the arrows = as far as they will go.
X Lift the front end of service flap :.
X Pull service flap :
forward slightly and
remove it upwards as indicated by
arrow ?. 120
Front compartment
>> Operation.

The brake fluid level is correct when it
is between the minimum mark and the
maximum mark.
R
If the brake fluid level has fallen
slightly below the minimum mark,
drive to an authorized smart center.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
significantly below the minimum
mark, call Roadside Assistance or an
authorized smart center.
X Remount the service flap and close it
(Y page 120). Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized smart center for
information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase. G
WARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part. For further
information contact an authorized smart
center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires
are mounted, the wheel brakes or
suspension components can be damaged.
Also, the operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct. G
WARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth,
or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
smart wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by smart, since previous damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.
G
WARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive

with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized smart center or tire
dealer for repairs. G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire
affects the ability to steer or brake the
vehicle. You could lose control of the
vehicle.

Continued driving with a flat tire
or driving at high speed with a flat tire
will cause excessive heat build-up and
possibly a fire.
Modifications to the brake system and
wheels and the use of brake dust rings are
not permissible. Important guidelines
R Only

use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause
tire pressure loss and damage to the tire
beads.124
Tires and wheels
>> Operation.

(Y page 217), for example when purchasing
new tires.
For
information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire
size designation, load and speed rating”
(Y page 136).
If you are uncertain about the correct
reading of the information given on a
tire’s sidewall, any authorized smart
center will be glad to assist you.
i For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “All-season and winter
tires” ( Y page 137). Winter driving instructions
The
most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
For information on driving with snow
chains*, see “Snow chains*” (Y page 142). G
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This
could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced

vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS
will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired
braking efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed. G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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 142). 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
R the front compartment
R the engine compartment
R the passenger compartment
Water in these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result in 148
Driving instructions
>> Operation.
* optional