2012 SMART FORTWO COUPE warning light

X
Make sure the parking lamps or the
low‑beam headlamps are switched on.
X Switching on: Press switch :.
The front fog lamps come on.
The indicator lamp in the switch comes
on.
X Switching off: Press switch : once
more.
The front fog lamps go out.
The indicator lamp in the switch goes
out. Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher can be switched
on at all times, even with the key removed
from the starter switch. X
Switching on: Press hazard warning
flasher switch :.
All turn signal lamps are flashing.
X Switching off: Press hazard warning
flasher switch : once more. Interior lighting
The
interior lamp comes on for a period of
time when you open the doors, or lock or
unlock the vehicle with the key.
It goes out
R immediately after switching off the
ignition with all doors closed
R after 30 seconds if the doors are not
opened
R after 15 seconds if all doors are closed
R after 10 minutes if at least one door is
open
The rocker switch can be set to three
different positions. :
Interior lamp
; Off
= Switching on the automatic control
? Continuous operation
Automatic control X
Set the rocker switch to position =.
The interior lamp comes on for a period
of time.
Switching off X
Set the rocker switch to position ;.
The interior lamp is permanently
switched off. Lighting
69
>> Controls. 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.

event of an accident. For this reason, heavy
objects must be tied down.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects
being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident G
WARNING
Do not place any objects on the mounted
cargo compartment cover blind.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects

being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident G
WARNING
Only place light loads in the parcel net
bag.
Do not transport heavy, sharp-edged or
fragile objects in the parcel net bag. The
parcel net bag cannot sufficiently secure
loads in an accident.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident
Observe the loading guidelines.
The cargo compartment cover blind
R serves to protect objects that are stored
in the vehicle’s cargo compartment from
prying eyes
R prevents smaller objects from
penetrating into the passenger
compartment from the cargo
compartment; however, it is not intended
to act as a load restraining device The parcel net bag
R
is

for storing small, lightweight objects
R prevents small objects from sliding
around inside the passenger
compartment
! If objects are placed on the cargo
compartment cover blind when mounted,
the cover may be damaged.
Fitting If you wish to use cargo compartment cover
blind : as normal, assemble it in top
mountings ;. If you do not need the cargo
compartment

cover blind, insert in bottom
mountings =.
X Open the tailgate.
X Secure cargo compartment cover
blind : at the front of the cargo
compartment with the parcel net bag.
X Insert cargo compartment cover
blind : on the right-hand side in top
mounting ; or in bottom mounting =.108
Loading and storing
>> Controls.

X
Push handle ? to the right in the
direction of the arrow.
X Insert cargo compartment cover
blind : in top mounting ; or bottom
mounting = in the left-hand side
paneling and release handle ?.
X Cargo compartment cover blind :
engages. X
Pull parcel net bag A down slightly and
secure with the hook and loop fastener.
X Remove in reverse order.
Controls X
Closing: Take hold of cargo compartment
cover blind : in the middle and pull
backwards.
X Guide cargo compartment cover
blind : into the rear right and left
mountings ;.
X Opening:
Take hold of cargo compartment
cover blind : in the middle, pull backwards, and remove from rear
mountings ;.
X Guide cargo compartment cover
blind : into position. Coat hooks
The coat hooks are located at the rear roof
rail on the driver’s and passenger side. Coat hook on driver’s side
:
Coat hook Storage compartments
G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a
collision or sudden maneuver, exercise
care when storing objects in the vehicle.
Put luggage or cargo in the cargo
compartment if possible. Do not pile
luggage or cargo higher than the seat
backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will
help to prevent stored objects from being
thrown about and injuring vehicle
occupants during
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident
Do

not store objects under the driver’s seat.
Objects stored under the driver’s seat can
slide forward into driver’s foot well during
braking and get caught between or beneath Loading and storing
109
>> Controls.
Z

?
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.