2015 MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK ignition

If you turn the key to position
2in the ignition
lock, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps
light up briefly. However, they have no func-
tion and do not indicate that there is an auto-
matic front-passenger front airbag deactiva-
tion system.
Always fit the rearward-facing restraint sys-
tem to a suitable rear seat in this case
(Y page 62).
Observe the following information under
"Rearward-facing child restraint system" and
"Forward-facing child restraint system" as
well as information on the suitable position-
ing of the child restraint system
(Y page 62).
Rearward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to fit a rearward-
facing child restraint system to the front-
passenger seat, always make sure that the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. Only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is lit continuously (Y page 41)is the
front-passenger front airbag disabled.
Always observe the information on suitable
positioning of the child restraint system
(Y page 62) in addition to the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation and oper-
ating instructions.
Forward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to fit a forward-
facing child restraint system to the front-
passenger seat, always move the front-
passenger seat as far back as possible. Fully
retract the seat cushion length. The entire
base of the child restraint system must
always rest on the seat cushion of the front-
passenger seat. The backrest of the child
restraint system must, as far as possible, lie
flat against the backrest of the front-
passenger seat. The child restraint system
must not touch the roof or be put under strain
by the head restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat backrest and the head restraint position accordingly. Always make sure that the shoul-
der belt strap is correctly routed from the
vehicle belt outlet to the shoulder belt guide
on the child restraint system. The shoulder
belt strap must be routed forwards and down-
wards from the vehicle belt outlet. If neces-
sary, adjust the vehicle belt outlet and the
front-passenger seat accordingly.
Always observe the information on suitable
positioning of the child restraint system
(Y page 62) in addition to the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation and oper-
ating instructions. Suitable positioning of the child
restraint system
Introduction Only child restraint systems which are
approved in accordance with the ECE stand-
ard ECE R44 are permitted for use in the vehi- cle.
For certain child restraint systems in weight
category III, this can mean that the area of use
is restricted. The maximum size setting of the child restraint system is not possible due to
possible contact with the roof.
"Universal" category child restraint systems
can be recognised by their orange approval
label and the text "Universal". Example: approval label on the child restraint sys-
tem
"Universal" category child restraint systems
can be used on the seats indicated with U, UF
or IUF according to the tables "Suitability of 62
Children in the vehicleSafety

Pets in the vehicle
G
WARNING
If you leave animals unsupervised or unse-
cured in the vehicle, they may push a button
or a switch, for example.
They could:
R activate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
R switch vehicle systems on or off, thus
endangering other road users
In the event of an accident, sudden braking or
abrupt changes of direction, unsecured ani-
mals could be flung around the vehicle, injur-
ing the vehicle occupants. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals correctly during a
journey, e.g. in an animal transport box. Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
(Y page 69)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System) (Y page 70)
R COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
(Y page 70)
R Adaptive brake lights (Y page 73)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
(Y page 73)
R EBD ( electronic brake force distribution)
(Y page 77)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE (Y page 77)
R STEER CONTROL (Y page 77) Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you
are inattentive, the driving safety systems can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. Driving safety
systems are merely aids designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for maintaining
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time, and for stay-ing in lane. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road and weather condi-
tions and maintain a safe distance from the
vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there is
adequate contact between the tyres and the
road surface. Please pay special attention to
the notes on tyres, recommended minimum
tyre tread depths etc. (Y page 358).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tyres (M+S tyres) and, if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safety systems described in this section work as
effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General notes ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi-
cle when braking.
The ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h,
regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS
works on slippery surfaces, even when you
only brake gently.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 69). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition- Driving safety systems
69Safety
Z

R
a vehicle travelling in front on a different
line
R new vehicles or after a service on the COL-
LISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS system
Observe the important safety notes in the
"Running-in notes" section (Y page 156).
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-
sions at slow speeds where there is no visible
damage to the front of the vehicle.
Activating/deactivating The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is
automatically active after switching on the
ignition.
You can activate or deactivate COLLISION
PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS in the on-board
computer (Y page 249). When deactivated,
the distance warning function and the auton- omous braking function are also deactivated.
Vehicles with black and white multifunc-
tion display: when COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST PLUS is activated, the multifunction
display in the status overview shows the Ä
symbol.
Vehicles with colour multifunction dis-
play: when COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS is deactivated, the multifunction dis-
play in the assistance graphic shows the æ
symbol.
Distance warning function General notes
The distance warning function can help you to
minimise the risk of a collision with the vehi-
cle in front or reduce the effects of such a
collision. If the distance warning function
detects that there is a risk of a collision, you
will be warned visually and acoustically. Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems (Y page 69). G
WARNING
The distance warning function does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
Thus, the distance warning function cannot
provide a warning in all critical situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake. G
WARNING
The distance warning function cannot always
clearly identify objects and complex traffic
situations.
In such cases, the distance warning function
may:
R give an unnecessary warning
R not give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation; do not rely on the distance warning
function alone.
Function
The distance warning function issues a warn- ing at speeds:
R of approximately 30 km/h or more, if, over
several seconds, the distance maintained
to the vehicle travelling in front is insuffi-
cient. The ·distance warning lamp
then lights up in the instrument cluster.
R of approximately 7 km/h or more, if you
rapidly approach a vehicle in front. An inter-
mittent warning tone will then sound, and
the · distance warning lamp will light
up in the instrument cluster. Driving safety systems
71Safety Z

ESP
®
trailer stabilisation does not work if
ESP ®
is deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction. EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General notes EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 69). G
WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 295) as well as dis-
play messages (Y page 260). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In addi- tion to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE
also has the HOLD function (Y page 204)and
hill start assist (Y page 161). STEER CONTROL
General notes STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilisation. This steering support is provided in particular
if:
R both right wheels or both left wheels are on
a wet or slippery road surface when you
brake
R the vehicle starts to skid
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 69).
No steering support is provided from STEER
CONTROL, if:
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning
R the steering is faulty
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, you will be assisted
further by the electrical power steering. Protection against theft
Immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
X To activate with the key: remove the key
from the ignition lock.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO: switch the ignition
off and open the driver's door.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Anyone can
start the engine if a valid key has been left
inside the vehicle.
i The immobiliser is always deactivated
when you start the engine. Protection against theft
77Safety Z

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
X
To prime: lock the vehicle with the key or
KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is primed after approximately
15 seconds.
X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the
key or KEYLESS-GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is primed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the emergency key ele-
ment
R the tailgate
R the bonnet
X To switch the alarm off with the key:
press the %or& button on the key.
The alarm is deactivated.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO: remove the Start/
Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 157).
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm is deactivated. X
To deactivate the alarm using KEYLESS-
GO: grasp the outside door handle. The key
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is deactivated.
or
X Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The key must be inside the vehicle.
The alarm is deactivated.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Mercedes‑Benz emer-
gency call system automatically sends a
message to the Customer Assistance
Centre. This is done by means of a text
message or a data connection.
The emergency call system sends a mes-
sage or establishes a data connection pro-
vided that:
R you have subscribed to the
Mercedes‑ Benz emergency call system
R the Mercedes‑Benz emergency call sys-
tem has been activated properly
R the necessary mobile phone network is
available Tow-away protection
Function An audible and visual alarm is triggered if your
vehicle's angle of inclination is altered while
tow-away protection is primed. This can occur if the vehicle is jacked up on one side, for
example.
Activating X
Make sure that: 78
Protection against theftSafety

R
the doors are closed
R the tailgate is closed
Only then is tow-away protection primed.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
Tow-away protection is primed after
approximately 60 second s.
Switching off X
Unlo ck the vehicle with the key or KEY-
LESS-GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
Tow-away protection is switched off auto-
matically.
Deactivating X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO: switch off the engine
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up briefly.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
Tow-away protection is deactivated.
Tow-away protection remains deactivated
until:
R the vehicle is unlocked again
R a door is opened and closed again and
R the vehicle is locked again To prevent a false alarm, deactivate tow-away
protection if you lock your vehicle and it:
R is being transported
R is being loaded onto a ferry or car trans-
porter, for example
R is parked on a movable surface, e.g. in a
split-level garage Interior motion sensor
Function When the interior motion sensor is primed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered if move-
ment is detected in the vehicle interior. This
can occur if someone reaches into the vehicle interior, for example.
Activating X
Make sure that:
R the side windows are closed
R the panorama sliding sunroof is closed
R there are no objects, e.g. mascots, hang-
ing on the rear-view mirror or on the grab handles on the roof trim
This will prevent false alarms.
X Make sure that:
R the doors are closed
R the panorama sliding sunroof is closed
R the tailgate is closed
Only then is the interior motion sensor
primed.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
The interior motion sensor is primed after
approximately 30 seconds.
Switching off X
Unlock the vehicle with the key or KEY-
LESS-GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock. Protection against theft
79Safety Z

or
X Press the Start/Stop button.
The key must be in the vehicle.
The interior motion sensor is automatically
switched off.
Deactivating X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO: switch off the engine
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;flashes several times in
rapid succession.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
The interior motion sensor is deactivated.
The interior motion sensor remains deactiva- ted until:
R the vehicle is unlocked again and
R a door is opened and closed again and
R the vehicle is locked again
To prevent a false alarm, deactivate the inte-
rior motion sensor if you lock your vehicle
and:
R people or animals remain in the vehicle
R the panorama sliding sunroof remains open
R the side windows remain open
i UK only:
your vehicle is equipped with a
double-lock function. The doors cannot be opened from the inside if the vehicle has
been locked with the key (Y page 89).
Deactivate the interior motion sensor
before you lock the vehicle with the key.
The doors can then be opened from the
inside after the vehicle has been locked
from the outside with the key. Observe the
"Important safety notes" (Y page 89).80
Protection against theftSafety

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 24). Key
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could:
R open doors, thereby endangering other per-
sons or road users
R get out and be struck by oncoming traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
In addition, the children could also set the
vehicle in motion, for example, if they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P or shift manual transmission into
neutral
R start the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children and animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Keep the keys out of the reach of children. G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the key, the key could be unintentionally turned in the
ignition lock. This could cause the engine to
be switched off. There is a risk of an accident. Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
key. Remove any bulky keyrings before insert-
ing the key into the ignition lock.
! Keep the key away from strong magnetic
fields. Otherwise, the remote control func-
tion could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the
vicinity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not keep the key:
R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another key
R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
film
R inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function: do not keep the key in the luggage compart-
ment. Otherwise, the key may not be detec-
ted, e.g. when starting the engine using the
Start/Stop button.
United Kingdom only: G
WARNING
When the double locks are activated, the
doors can no longer be opened from the
inside. People in the vehicle can no longer get out, e.g. in hazardous situations. There is a
risk of injury.
Therefore, do not leave any people unsuper-
vised in the vehicle, particularly children, eld-
erly people or people in need of special assis-
tance. Do not activate the double lock when
people are in the vehicle.
If the vehicle has been locked from the out-
side, the double lock function is activated as
standard. It is then not possible to open the
doors from inside the vehicle. You can deac-
tivate the double lock function by deactivat-
ing the interior motion sensor (Y page 80).
The doors can then be opened from the inside after the vehicle has been locked from the
outside. You can open the rear doors from
inside the vehicle if they are not secured by
the child-proof locks (Y page 68). The anti-
theft alarm system is triggered if the door is 82
KeyOpening and closing