2015 MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK tailgate

On right-hand-drive vehicles, turn the
emergency key element clockwise.
The door is unlocked.
X Turn the emergency key element back and
remove it.
X Insert the emergency key element into the
key (Y page 85). Locking the vehicle (emergency key
element)
If the vehicle can no longer be locked with the key or KEYLESS-GO, use the emergency key
element.
X Open the driver's door.
X Close the front-passenger door, the rear
doors and the tailgate.
X Press the locking button on the driver’s
door (Y page 90).
X Check whether the locking knobs on the
front-passenger door and the rear doors
are still visible. Press the locking knobs
down by hand if necessary.
X Close the driver's door.
X Take the emergency key element out of the
key (Y page 85).
X Insert the emergency key element into the
lock of the driver's door as far as it will go. X
Turn the emergency key element clockwise
as far as it will go to position 1.On right-hand-drive vehicles, turn the
emergency key element anti-clockwise.
X Turn the emergency key element back and
remove it.
X Make sure that the doors and the tailgate
are locked.
X Insert the emergency key element into the
key (Y page 85).
i If you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-
theft alarm system is not primed. Luggage compartment
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open. G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly changing directions.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and behind the tailgate.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(Y page 404). 92
Luggage compartmentOpening and closing

Stow luggage or loads preferably in the lug-
gage compartment. Observe the loading
guidelines (Y page 306).
Do not leave the key in the luggage compart- ment. You could otherwise lock yourself out.
The tailgate can be:
R opened and closed manually from outside
R emergency release activated from the
inside Opening/closing from the outside
Opening X
Press the %button on the key.
X Pull handle :.
X Raise the tailgate.
Closing X
Pull the tailgate down using handle :.
X Let the tailgate to drop into the lock.
X If necessary, lock the vehicle with the &
button on the key or with KEYLESS-GO. Tailgate emergency release
General notes !
The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and behind the tailgate.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(Y page 404).
If the tailgate can no longer be unlocked:
R using the key, or
R using the remote operating switch in the
door control panel:
Use the emergency release on the inside of
the tailgate.
You can reach the emergency release via the
luggage compartment.
Opening X
Fold rear seat backrest forwards
(Y page 310).
X Take the emergency key element out of the
key (Y page 85).
X Insert emergency key element ;into
opening :in the trim and push it in.
X Open the tailgate.
X Insert the emergency key element into the
key (Y page 85). Luggage compartment
93Opening and closing Z

!
Vehicles with a rain sensor: if the wind-
screen becomes dirty in dry weather con-
ditions, the windscreen wipers may be acti- vated inadvertently. This could damage the
windscreen wiper blades or scratch the
windscreen.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windscreen wipers in dry weather.
Vehicles with a rain sensor: in the Äor
Å position, the appropriate wiping fre-
quency is automatically set according to the
intensity of the rain. In the Åposition, the
rain sensor is more sensitive than in the Ä
position, causing the windscreen wiper to
wipe more frequently.
If the wiper blades are worn, the windscreen
will no longer be wiped properly. This could
mean you are unable to observe the traffic
conditions. Switching the rear window wiper on/
off Combination switch
:
è Switch
2 ô Wipes with washer fluid
3 ISwitches on intermittent wiping
4 0Switches off intermittent wiping
5 ô Wipes with washer fluid X
Turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 157).
X Slide switch :on the combination switch
to the corresponding position.
When the rear window wiper is switched on,
the è symbol appears in the assistance
graphic in the instrument cluster. Further
information on the assistance graphic
(Y page 248). Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the windscreen wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiper blades, you can be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windscreen wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
! To avoid damaging the windscreen wiper
blades, make sure that you touch only the
wiper arm of the windscreen wiper.
! Never open the bonnet/tailgate if a wiper
arm is folded away from the windscreen/
rear window.
Never fold a windscreen wiper arm without a wiper blade back onto the windscreen/
rear window.
Hold the windscreen wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the wiper arm without a wiper blade and it
falls onto the windscreen/rear window, the windscreen/rear window may be damaged
by the force of the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. 130
Windscreen wipersLights and windscreen wipers

In addition, at least one of the following con-
ditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine is switched off
R the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is open
R there is a system malfunction
R the power supply is insufficient
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
The red !indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
The electric parking brake is not automati-
cally applied if the engine is switched off by
the ECO start/stop function.
Releasing automatically The electric parking brake can only be
released automatically in vehicles with auto-
matic transmission.
The electric parking brake of your vehicle is
released automatically when all of the follow-
ing conditions are fulfilled:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position Dor R
R the seat belt is fastened
R you depress the accelerator pedal
If the transmission is in position R, the tailgate
must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R the driver's door is closed
R you have shifted out of transmission posi-
tion Por you have previously driven faster
than 3 km/h
Ensure that you do not depress the acceler-
ator pedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the
parking brake will be released and the vehicle will start to move.
Emergency braking The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake. X
While driving, push handle :of the electric
parking brake (Y page 185).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle :of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle :is depressed, the greater
the braking force.
During braking:
R a warning tone sounds
R the Release park. brake Release park. brake message
appears
R the red !indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand- still, the electric parking brake is applied. Parking up the vehicle
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be damaged by exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, it may suffer from lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop. Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. Driving tips
187Driving and parking Z

Under the following circumstances, the
reversing camera will not function, or will
function in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning
(Y page 333)
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
case, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
The field of vision and other functions of the
reversing camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. licence plate holder, bicycle rack).
Activating/deactivating the reversing
camera X
To activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the Activation by R
Activation by R
gear
gear function is selected in Audio 20/ COMAND Online; see the Digital Owner's
Manual.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown with
guide lines in the Audio 20/COMAND
Online display.
The image from the reversing camera is
available throughout the manoeuvring
process.
X To change the function mode for vehi-
cles with trailer tow hitch: using the
Audio 20/COMAND controller, select sym- bol :for the "Reverse parking" function or
symbol ;for "Coupling up a trailer".
The symbol of the selected function is high- lighted.
To deactivate: the reversing camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the Audio 20/COMAND dis-
play The reversing camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles or show them incorrectly or
not at all. Obstacles are not shown by the
reversing camera in the following locations:
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline. 218
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The engine has stalled while pulling away, e.g. because the clutch
pedal was released too quickly.
X Depress the clutch pedal again.
The engine starts automatically.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal to pull away. Trans. Trans.
oil
oiloverhea‐
overhea‐
ted Drive on with
ted Drive on with
care care Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the transmission oil has overheated.
Manual drive program
Mand the temporarily active manual drive
program are no longer available. Engine power output is reduced.
X Allow the vehicle to cool down. 4matic currently 4matic currently
unavailable unavailable 4MATIC has overheated. The vehicle is only driven by the front
wheels.
X Drive on.
The airflow cools 4MATIC more quickly.
When the display message goes out, 4MATIC is available again
and the vehicle is driven by all four wheels. 4matic inoperative 4matic inoperative 4MATIC is malfunctioning. The vehicle is only driven by the front
wheels.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. A The tailgate is open.
G WARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
X Close the tailgate. ? The bonnet is open.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The open bonnet may then block your view when the vehicle is in
motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 184).
X Close the bonnet. 288
Display
messagesOn-board computer/Displays

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). Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly changing directions.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open. G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them. The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. For this reason, you
should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R never exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight or the permissible axle
loads for the vehicle (including occupants).
R the luggage compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the load compart-ment as possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R use the lashing eyelets and the luggage
nets to transport loads and luggage.
R only use lashing eyelets and fastening com-
ponents that are suitable for the weight and size of the load.
R the maximum load capacity of the stowage
well under the luggage compartment floor
is 25 kg.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. pad sharp
edges for protection.
! Do not position the load on one part of the
folding luggage compartment floor only.
The maximum load capacity of the folding
luggage compartment floor is 100 kg.
Spread the weight evenly to avoid damag-
ing the luggage compartment floor. Place a
solid board under the load if necessary.
Please note that the load on the luggage
compartment floor will be increased when
the load is lashed down. 306
Loading guidelinesStowing and features

Securing a load
Lashing eyelets General notes
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R observe the loading guidelines
(Y page 306).
R secure the load using the lashing eyelets.
R distribute the load on the lashing eyelets
evenly.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure a
load. These are only intended as an anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route lashing materials across sharp
edges or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
Luggage compartment :
Lashing eyelets
Bag hook G
WARNING
The bag hooks cannot restrain heavy objects
or items of luggage. Objects or items of lug-
gage could be flung around and thereby hit
vehicle occupants when braking or abruptly
changing directions. There is a risk of injury.
Only hang light objects on the bag hooks.
Never hang hard, sharp-edged or fragile
objects on the bag hooks.
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load of
3 kg. Do not use it to secure a load. :
Bag hook Parcel shelf
! The maximum load which may be placed
on the rear shelf is 2.5 kg. X
To remove: detach straps :from the tail-
gate.
X Fold the parcel shelf downwards.
X Pull the parcel shelf out to the rear ;.
X To fit: place the parcel shelf on the guide
rails on the left and right.
X Push the parcel shelf evenly forwards using
both hands until it engages.
X Fold the parcel shelf up.
X Attach straps :to the tailgate. Stowage areas
311Stowing and features Z