2012 SMART FORTWO COUPE instrument cluster

Occupant safety
Introduction
The smart vehicle is equipped with seat
belts
and dual stage air bags to protect you
in a crash. However, children can be killed
or seriously injured by an inflating air
bag. Indeed, there is a stronger risk of
serious death or bodily injury when an air
bag deploys on a child positioned in a
rear-facing child seat in the passenger
seat. Because this vehicle has only two
front seats and no backseat, it is limited
as are other two-seat vehicles, in the
extent to which it may restrain children
traveling in the passenger front seat. Many
states have laws against placing children
of certain ages in the front seat of a
vehicle that has both front and back seats.
Those laws make exceptions to permit
children to be restrained in the front seat
of two seat vehicles. Special instructions
and warnings are provided below about
when and if you may restrain a child in the
passenger seat of the smart vehicle. Under
certain circumstances, it is appropriate
for the passenger air bag not to operate
when a child is restrained in a car seat in
the passenger seat, and this vehicle is
equipped with technology to accomplish
this. Please pay very close attention to the
instructions and warnings below,
particularly as they relate to children.
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts ( Y page 31)
R Child restraints ( Y page 43) Additional protection potential is
provided by:
R
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
with
- Air bags (Y page 33)
- Air bag control unit (with crash
sensors)
- Emergency Tensioning Devices and
seat belt force limiters

(Y page 33)
R Air bag system components with
-Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp (Y page 41)
- Passenger seat with Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
(Y page 39)
Although independent systems, their
protective functions work in conjunction
with each other.
i For information on infants and
children traveling with you in the
vehicle and restraint systems for infants
and children, see “Children in the
vehicle” ( Y page 42).
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of malfunctions. The
SRS indicator lamp 6 in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition is
switched on and goes out after
approximately four seconds.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness if the SRS indicator lamp 6
is not lit when the engine is running.
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if the SRS indicator lamp 6
R fails to go out after approximately 4
seconds after the ignition was switched
on
R does not come on at all
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving 30
Occupant safety
>> Safety.

should be positioned as low as possible
on the hips to avoid any possible
pressure on the abdomen.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always
keep
both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R When using a seat belt to secure infant or
toddler restraints or children in booster
seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and seat belt force limiters
The seat belts are equipped with
Emergency Tensioning Devices and seat
belt force limiters.
Emergency Tensioning Devices are
designed to activate in the following
cases:
R in frontal or rear-end impacts
exceeding the system deployment
threshold
R if the restraint systems are operational
and functioning correctly
R in collisions with high vehicle
deceleration/acceleration in the
longitudinal direction, e.g. a head-on
collision
R on passenger side when the seat is
occupied and the seat belt is fastened
R independently of the front air bags
When activated, Emergency Tensioning
Devices

remove slack from the seat belts in
such a way that the seat belts fit more
snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, reduce the force
exerted by the seat belts on occupants
during a crash.
When the emergency tensioning device is
triggered, the SRS indicator lamp 6 in
the instrument cluster illuminates, see
“SRS indicator lamp” ( Y page 166). G
WARNING
Once they have been triggered, Emergency
Tensioning
Devices will no longer function
properly and must be replaced. smart
recommends that you visit a qualified
workshop to have this done. In particular,
work relevant to safety or on safety-related
systems must be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Comply with safety regulations when
disposing of Emergency Tensioning
Devices. These regulations are available at
any smart center.
The belt force limiter is designed to
operate in unison with the front air bag,
which absorbs a portion of the seat belt’s
decelerating forces, distributing the load
over a larger area.
In the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, the emergency tensioning
device is activated if the vehicle is
decelerated or accelerated sufficiently in
the longitudinal direction at the start of
impact with the ignition switched on. Air bags
Air bags can reduce the severity of
injuries in serious collisions, e.g. in a
head-on collision or a side impact. G
WARNING
Air bags are designed to reduce the
potential of injury in certain frontal
impacts (front air bags and knee bags), or
side impacts (head-thorax air bags,
window

curtain air bags and thorax-pelvis
air bags) which may cause significant
injuries. However, no system available
today can completely eliminate injuries
and fatalities.
The deployment of the air bags temporarily
releases a small amount of dust from the air
bags. This dust is neither injurious to your
health, nor does it indicate a fire in the
vehicle. The dust might cause some Occupant safety
33
>> Safety.
Z

How an air bag operates
An air bag is inflated in a matter of
milliseconds. If an air bag is triggered,
the SRS indicator lamp
6 in the
instrument cluster illuminates.
! If the air bags are activated, you will
hear a loud noise and some dust may be
generated. The explosion fundamentally
represents no risk to your hearing.
An
inflated air bag slows down and reduces
the movement of the occupant. When the
occupant makes contact with a front air bag
or head-thorax air bag (cabriolet only),
hot gas flows out of the inflated front air
bags and head-thorax air bags (cabriolet
only). This reduces the load on the
occupant’s head and upper body. These air
bags are consequently deflated after the
accident.
Driver front air bag/passenger front air
bag The front air bags are designed to reduce
the potential of injury in certain frontal
impacts.
Driver front air bag and passenger front
air bag are deployed
R
at the start of an accident with high
vehicle

deceleration in the longitudinal
direction
R independently of other air bags in the
vehicle being deployed
R never in the event of a rollover, unless
high vehicle deceleration in the
longitudinal direction is detected
i The front air bags in this vehicle have
been designed to inflate in two stages.
This allows the air bag to have different
rates of inflation that are based on the
rate of relevant vehicle deceleration
and a fastened or unfastened seat belt as
assessed by the air bag control unit.
On the passenger side, the front air bag
deployment is additionally influenced by the passenger’s weight category as
identified by the Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
(Y page 39).
The

lighter the passenger side occupant,
the higher the vehicle deceleration rate
required for the second stage inflation
of the air bag.
The air bags will not deploy in impacts
which do not exceed the system’s
deployment thresholds. In such instances,
the seat belts are designed to protect you.
The passenger air bag will only be
deployed if
R the system, based on OCS weight sensor
readings, senses that the passenger seat
is occupied and the 4 0
indicator lamp is not lit (Y page 41)
R the impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
The driver front air bag is located in the
steering wheel housing, the passenger
front air bag above the glove box. :
Driver front air bag
; Passenger front air bag36
Occupant safety
>> Safety.

The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification
number can be found in the
battery case.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS‑210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference, and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case. Driving safety systems
Introduction
G
WARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in
this section cannot reduce these risks or
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather and traffic
conditions and keep a safe distance to
other road users and objects on the street.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the hydraulic
brake assistant, and the ESP ®
is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 142)
or snow chains* as required. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the

brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (Y page 22) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in
the

brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is
regulating the brake pressure.
X Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields
the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal. G
WARNING
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the
hydraulic brake assistant and the ESP ®
are
also switched off. 46
Driving safety systems
>> Safety.
* optional

When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the
braking distance.
G
WARNING
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others. Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®
). The
ESP ®
is operational as soon as the engine
is running and it monitors the vehicle’s
traction (force of adhesive friction
between

the tires and the road surface) and
handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid.
By applying brakes to the appropriate
wheel and by limiting the engine output,
the ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off
and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The
ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during
braking and steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP
®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes

the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roads G
WARNING
If the ESP ®
warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as
follows:
R While driving off, apply as little
throttle as possible.
R While

driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed. G
WARNING
The ESP ®

cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESP ®
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
! 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 Driving safety systems
47
>> Safety. Z

>> Controls.Opening and closing
.......................... 52
Starter switch positions .....................57
Seats .............................................. 58
Mirrors ........................................... 61
Seat belts ........................................ 62
Lighting ......................................... 64
Windshield wipers ............................ 70
Soft top system (cabriolet only)

............ 72
Side windows .................................... 77
Driving and parking .......................... 78
Transmission ................................... 82
Instrument cluster ............................. 86
Control system* ................................ 93
Audio system* .................................. 98
Driving systems ............................... 100
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Con-
ditioning) ...................................... 102
Loading and storing ......................... 107
Useful features ................................ 113

g
For removing key
1
Ignition (power supply for all
electrical consumers) and driving
position
All lamps (except low‑beam
headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam headlamp indicator
lamp, and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the
instrument cluster come on. If a
lamp
in the instrument cluster fails
to come on when the ignition is
switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in
the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes
on while driving, refer to “Warning
and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster” ( Y page 162).2
Starting (
Y page 78)i
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator and warning lamps (except
low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam

headlamp indicator lamp, and
turn signal indicator lamps unless
activated) in the instrument cluster
come on. The indicator and warning
lamps (except low‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, high‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, and turn signal
indicator lamps if activated) will go out
when the engine is running. This
indicates that the respective systems
are operational. Seats
Safety notes
G
WARNING
All seat adjustments, as well as fastening
of seat belts, must be done before the
vehicle is operated. G
WARNING
When adjusting the seat, make sure no one
becomes trapped.
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while
driving. Adjusting the seat while driving
could

cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined
position as this can be dangerous. You
could slide under the seat belt in a
collision. If you slide under the seat belt,
it could apply force at the abdomen or neck,
potentially causing serious or fatal
injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer
is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as
possible with the driver still able to
operate the controls properly.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Observe the notes on the air bag system. G
WARNING
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended

for the size and weight of the58
Seats
>> Controls.

i
If you drive in countries where
vehicles drive on the other side of the
road than the country in which the
vehicle is registered, you must have the
headlamps
modified for symmetrical low
beams. Relevant information can be
obtained at any authorized smart center. Exterior lamp switch (USA only)
$
Lamps off
Daytime running lamp mode*
T Parking lamps
L Low‑beam headlamps or high‑beam
headlamps
à Automatic headlamp mode* Exterior lamp switch (Canada only)
$
Lamps off
Daytime running lamp mode
T Parking lamps
L Low‑beam headlamps or high‑beam
headlamps Parking lamps You can switch on and off the parking lamps
with the exterior lamp switch using the
manual headlamp mode.
X
Switching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position T.
The parking lamps come on.
The following lamps also come on:
R Tail lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
Low‑beam headlamps You can switch on and off the low‑beam
headlamps with the exterior lamp switch
using the manual headlamp mode.
X
Switching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L.
The low‑beam headlamps come on.
The low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
M

in the instrument cluster comes on.
The following lamps also come on:
R Tail and parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
Automatic headlamp mode (USA only) This feature is only available on vehicles
with rain-light sensor*.
The following lamps come on and go out
automatically

depending on the brightness
of the ambient light:
R Low‑beam headlamps
R Tail and parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps G
WARNING
If the exterior lamp switch is set to
position Ã, the headlamps will not be
automatically switched on under foggy
conditions. Lighting
65
>> Controls.
* optional Z