warning light MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2020 MY20 Operator’s Manual

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle that were available at the time of
going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions rel-
evant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page
32).Occupant safety
Restraint system introduction
The restraint system can reduce the risk of
vehicle occupants coming into contact with
parts of the vehicle's interior in the event of an
accident. In the event of an accident, the
restraint system can also reduce the forces to
which the vehicle occupants are subjected.
The restraint system includes the following
components:
R Seat belt system
R Air bags
R Child restraint system
R Child seat securing system
The various components of the restraint sys-
tem work complementary to one another. They
can only perform their intended protective
function if all vehicle occupants:
R have correctly fastened their seat belt
( Y page

49)
R have correctly adjusted their seat and head
restraint ( Y page 87)
As the driver, you must also ensure that the
driver's seat is in the correct position in rela-
tion to the pedals and the steering wheel.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
can also adjust the steering wheel. Observe
the information relating to the correct driver's
seat position (Y page 87).
Additionally, you must ensure that an air bag
can deploy freely ( Y page 51).
The air bag is supplementary to a correctly fas-
tened seat belt. As an additional safety device,
the air bag increases the level of protection for
vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.
If the protection provided by the seat belt is sufficient, the air bags do not deploy. Further-
more, in the event of an accident, only air bags
which provide greater protection in the given
accident situation deploy. However, seat belts
and air bags generally do not protect against
objects penetrating the vehicle from the out-
side.
Information on how the restraint system oper-
ates can be found in "Deployment of the Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices and air bags"
( Y page

58).
See "Children in the vehicle" for information
on infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle restraint systems for infants and
children ( Y page 60). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Modifications to the restraint system may
cause it to no longer work as intended. The
restraint system may then not perform its
intended protective function and may fail in
an accident or trigger unexpectedly, for
example. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Never modify parts of the restraint system.
Never tamper with the wiring, the electronic
components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify components of the
restraint system for a person with physical dis-
abilities, contact a Mercedes-Benz Commercial
Van Centerfor details. USA only: contact our
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
for details at 1‑877 ‑762‑8267. Restraint system warning lamp
The functions of the restraint system are
checked after the ignition is switched on and
at regular intervals while the engine is running.
Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in
good time.
The 6 restraint system warning lamp on
the instrument cluster lights up when the igni-
tion is switched on. It goes out no later than a
few seconds after the vehicle is started. The
restraint system is operational. 46
Occupant safety
Safety

A malfunction has occurred if the
6
restraint system warning lamp:
R does not light up after the ignition is
switched on
R does not go out after a few seconds with the
engine running
R lights up again while the engine is running G
WARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or may not be trig-
gered as intended in the event of an acci-
dent. This may affect the Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices or air bags, for example.
There is a risk of injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
: is
part of the Occupant Classification System
(OCS).
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
informs you about the status of the co-driver's
air bag.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp:
R is lit, the co-driver's air bag is deactivated.
It will not be deployed in the event of an
accident.
R is not lit , the co-driver's air bag is enabled.
If, in the event of an accident, all deploy-
ment criteria are met, the co-driver's air bag
is deployed. Depending on the person in the co-driver's
seat, the co-driver's air bag must be either
deactivated or enabled; see the following
points. You must make sure of this both
before and during a journey.
R Children in a child restraint system:
whether the co-driver's air bag is enabled or
deactivated depends on the installed child
restraint system and the age and size of the
child. It is thus essential to comply with the
instructions on the "Occupant Classification
System (OCS)" ( Y page
54) and "Children
in the vehicle" ( Y page 60). Information is
also included here on rearward or forward-
facing child restraint systems on the co-driv-
er's seat.
R All other persons: depending on the classi-
fication of the person in the co-driver's seat,
the co-driver's air bag must be either ena-
bled or deactivated (Y page 54). Be sure to observe the notes on "Seat belts"
( Y page 47) and "Air bags" (Y page 51).
Information is also included here on the cor-
rect seating position. Seat belts
Introduction A correctly fastened seat belt is the most
effective means of limiting the movement of a
vehicle occupant during a collision or in the
event that the vehicle overturns. This reduces
the risk of vehicle occupants coming into con-
tact with parts of the vehicle interior or being
ejected from it. Furthermore, the seat belt
helps to keep the vehicle occupant in the best
position in relation to a deployed air bag.
The seat belt system consists of:
R seat belts
R Emergency Tensioning Devices for the front
seat belts
The seat belt system includes a belt force
limiter for the respective seat if the vehicle
is equipped with a front air bag.
If the seat belt is pulled quickly or suddenly
from the belt outlet, the inertia reel locks. The
belt strap cannot be pulled out further.
In an impact, the Emergency Tensioning
Device tightens the belt to pull it close to the
body. It does not pull the vehicle occupant Occupant safety
47
Safety Z

Fastening and adjusting seat belts
Observe the safety notes on seat belts
(Y page
48) and the notes on the correct use
of the seat belt (Y page 49). Basic diagram
X Adjust the seat (Y page
87).
The seat backrest must be in an almost ver-
tical position.
X Pull the seat belt out smoothly from the belt
outlet and engage belt tongue ; into belt
buckle :.
The shoulder section of the belt must
always be routed across the center of the
shoulder. If necessary, adjust the belt out-
let.
X If necessary, pull upwards on the seat belt
in front of your chest so that the belt sits
tightly across your body.
The shoulder section of the belt must always
be routed across the center of the shoulder. If
necessary, adjust the belt outlet. X To raise: slide the belt outlet upwards.
The belt outlet engages in a number of dif-
ferent positions.
X To lower: slide the belt outlet downwards
while pressing belt outlet release =.
X Let go of belt outlet release = in the
desired position and make sure that the belt
outlet engages.
All seat belts in the vehicle, with the exception
of the driver's seat belt, are equipped with a
child seat lock, to which a child restraint sys-
tem can be secured safely. You can find fur-
ther information under "Child seat lock"
(Y page

61). Releasing seat belts !
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt. Dam-
aged seat belts can no longer fulfill their
protective function and must be replaced.
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
X Press the release button in the belt buckle,
hold the belt tongue firmly and guide the
belt back.
Belt warning for drivers and co-drivers The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster is a reminder that all vehicle
occupants must wear their seat belts cor-
rectly. It may light up continuously or flash. In
addition, there may be a warning tone.
Regardless of whether the driver's seat belt
has already been fastened, the 7 seat belt
warning lamp lights up for six seconds each
time the engine is started. If the front doors
are closed and the driver's or front-passenger
seat belt has not been fastened, the 7 seat
belt warning lamp lights up again after the six
seconds. As soon as the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts are fastened or a front
door is opened again, the 7 seat belt warn-
ing lamp goes out.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. This warning tone stops after
a maximum of six seconds or once the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
If the vehicle's speed exceeds

15 mph
(25 km/h) once and the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts are not fastened, a warn-
ing tone sounds. A warning tone also sounds
with increasing intensity for 60 seconds or
until the driver or front passenger have fas-
tened their seat belts.
If the driver or front passenger unfasten their
seat belts during the journey, the seat belt
warning is activated again. 50
Occupant safety
Safety

Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Introduction The Occupant Classification System (OCS) cat-
egorizes the person in the front-passenger
seat. Depending on that result, the front-
passenger front air bag is either enabled or
deactivated.
The system does not deactivate:
R the side impact air bag
R the window curtain air bag
R the Emergency Tensioning Devices
Conditions To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
R with the seat belt fastened correctly
R in an almost upright position with their back
against the seat backrest
R with their feet resting on the floor, if possi-
ble
If the front passenger does not observe these
conditions, OCS may produce a false classifi-
cation, e.g. because the front passenger:
R transfers their weight by supporting them-
selves on a vehicle armrest
R sits in such a way that their weight is raised
from the seat cushion
If it is absolutely necessary to install a child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat,
be sure to observe the correct positioning of
the child restraint system. Never place objects
under or behind the child restraint system, e.g.
a cushion. The entire base of the child
restraint system must always rest on the seat
cushion of the front-passenger seat. The back-
rest of the forward-facing child restraint sys-
tem must lie as flat as possible against the
backrest of the front-passenger seat.
The child restraint system must not touch the
roof or be subjected to a load by the head
restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
and the head restraint position accordingly.
Only then can OCS be guaranteed to function
correctly. Always observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation and operat-
ing instructions. Occupant Classification System (OCS)
operation
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
:
shows you whether the front-passenger front
air bag is deactivated.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in
the ignition lock.
The system carries out self-diagnostics.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
must light up for approximately six seconds.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
then displays the status of the front-passenger
front air bag. If the status of the front-
passenger front air bag changes while the
vehicle is in motion, an air bag display mes-
sage may appear on the instrument cluster: R in vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Y page
197)
R in vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Y page 211)
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always pay attention to the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp. Be aware of the sta-
tus of the front-passenger front air bag both
before and during the journey.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp:
R lights up, the front-passenger front air bag
is deactivated. It will then not be deployed
in the event of an accident.
R is not it , the front-passenger front air bag is
enabled. If, in the event of an accident, all
deployment criteria are met, the front-
passenger front air bag is deployed. G
WARNING
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is lit, the front-passenger front air bag 54
Occupant safety
Safety

is disabled. It will not be deployed in the
event of an accident and cannot perform its
intended protective function. A person in the
front-passenger seat could then, for exam-
ple, come into contact with the vehicle's
interior, especially if the person is sitting too
close to the dashboard. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always ensure that:
R the classification of the person in the
front-passenger seat is correct and the
front-passenger front air bag is enabled or
disabled in accordance with the person in
the front-passenger seat
R the front-passenger seat has been moved
back as far back as possible.
R the person is seated correctly.
Make sure, both before and during the jour-
ney, that the status of the front-passenger
front air bag is correct. G
WARNING
If you secure a child in a child restraint sys-
tem on the front-passenger seat and the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is
off, the front-passenger front air bag can
deploy in the event of an accident. The child
could be struck by the air bag. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Make sure that the front-passenger front air
bag has been deactivated. The PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit.
NEVER use a rearward-facing child restraint
on a seat protected by an ACTIVE FRONT
AIR BAG in front of it; DEATH or SERIOUS
INJURY to the child can occur. G
WARNING
If you secure a child in a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat
and you position the front-passenger seat
too close to the dashboard, the child could,
in the event of an accident:
R come into contact with the vehicle's inte-
rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-
cator lamp is lit, for example
R be struck by the air bag if the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
is off
This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
Move the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible. Always make sure that the
shoulder belt strap is correctly routed from
the vehicle belt sash guide to the shoulder
belt guide on the child restraint system. The
shoulder belt strap must be routed forwards
and downwards from the vehicle belt sash
guide. If necessary, adjust the vehicle belt
sash guide and the front-passenger seat
accordingly. Always observe the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions.
If OCS determines that:
R The front-passenger seat is unoccupied, the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up after the self-test and remains lit.
This indicates that the front-passenger front
air bag is deactivated.
R The front-passenger seat is occupied by a
child of up to twelve months old, in a stand-
ard child restraint system, the PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp lights up after
the self-test and remains lit. This indicates
that the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated.
But even in the case of a twelve-month-old
child, in a standard child restraint system,
the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp can go out after the self-test. This indi-
cates that the front-passenger front air bag
is enabled. The result of the classification is
dependent on, among other factors, the
child restraint system and the child's stat- Occupant safety
55Safety Z

ure. In this case, install the child restraint
system on a suitable rear seat.
R The front-passenger seat is occupied by a
person of smaller stature (e.g. a teenager or
small adult), the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp lights up and remains lit after
the self-test depending on the result of the
classification or, alternatively, goes out.
- If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is off, move the front-passenger seat
as far back as possible. Alternatively, a
person of smaller stature can sit on a rear
seat.
- If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is lit, a person of smaller stature
should not use the front-passenger seat.
R The front-passenger seat is occupied by an
adult or a person of corresponding stature,
the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp goes out after the self-test. This indi-
cates that the front-passenger front air bag
is enabled.
If children are traveling in the vehicle, be sure
to observe the notes on "Children in the vehi-
cle"
(Y page 60).
When the occupant classification system
(OCS) is malfunctioning, the red 6 restraint
system warning lamp in the instrument cluster
and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp light up simultaneously. The front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated in this
case and does not deploy during an accident.
Have the Occupant Classification System
(OCS) checked and repaired immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you visit a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the nec-
essary repair work carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you visit a Mercedes-Benz Com-
mercial Van Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use seat accessories that
have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Deployment of the driver's air bag does not
mean that the front-passenger front air bag
deploys as well. The Occupant Classification
System (OCS) categorizes the occupant on the
front-passenger seat. Depending on that
result, the front-passenger front air bag is
either enabled or deactivated. Occupant classification system (OCS)
self-test G
DANGER
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp does not light up during the self-test,
the system is malfunctioning. The front-
passenger front air bag might be triggered
unintentionally or might not be triggered at
all in the event of an accident with high
deceleration. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
In this case the front-passenger seat may
not be used. Do not install a child restraint
system on the front-passenger seat. Have
the Occupant Classification System (OCS)
checked and repaired immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp remains lit after the self-test, the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated. It will
not be deployed in the event of an accident.
In this case, the front-passenger front air
bag cannot perform its intended protective
function, e.g. when a person is seated in the
front-passenger seat.
That person could, for example, come into
contact with the vehicle's interior, especially
if the person is sitting too close to the dash-
board. This poses an increased risk of injury
or even fatal injury.
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always ensure that:
R the classification of the person in the
front-passenger seat is correct and the
front-passenger front air bag is enabled or
deactivated in accordance with the per-
son in the front-passenger seat
R the person is seated properly with a cor-
rectly fastened seatbelt
R the front-passenger seat has been moved
as far back as possible
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp remains lit when it should not, the 56
Occupant safety
Safety

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up and remains
lit, even though the
front-passenger seat is
occupied by an adult or
a person of a stature
corresponding to that of
an adult. The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is incor-
rect.
X Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the per-
son on the front-passenger seat are met (Y page 54).
X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the
front-passenger seat may not be used.
X Have OCS checked as soon as possible at a Mercedes-Benz Com-
mercial Van Center. The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up
and/or does not stay
on.
The front-passenger
seat is:
R
unoccupied
R occupied by the
weight of a child up
to twelve months old
in a child restraint
system OCS is malfunctioning.
X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the
child seat.
X Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests
on the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest of
the forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat as possi-
ble against the backrest of the front passenger seat. If necessary,
adjust the position of the front-passenger seat.
X When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the
seat belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight using the front-
passenger seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and
the child restraint system being pulled too tightly.
X Check for correct installation of the child restraint system.
Make sure that the head restraint does not apply a load to the
child restraint system. If necessary, adjust the head restraint
accordingly.
X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto the
seat.
X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off, do
not install a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat. It
is recommended that you install the child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat.
X Have OCS checked as soon as possible at a Mercedes-Benz Com-
mercial Van Center. Deployment of Emergency Tension-
ing Devices and air bags
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The air bag parts are hot after an air bag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have a
deployed air bag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible. G
WARNING
A deployed air bag no longer offers any pro-
tection and cannot provide the intended pro-
tection in an accident. There is an increased
risk of injury.
Have the vehicle towed to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop in order to have a deployed
air bag replaced.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air 58
Occupant safety
Safety

bags continue to perform their protective func-
tion for the vehicle occupants in the event of a
crash. G
WARNING
Emergency Tensioning Devices that have
deployed pyrotechnically are no longer
operational and are unable to perform their
intended protective function. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have pyrotechnically triggered Emergency
Tensioning Devices replaced immediately at
a qualified specialist workshop.
If Emergency Tensioning Devices are triggered
or air bags are deployed, you will hear a bang,
and some powder may also be released. The
6 restraint system warning lamp lights up.
Only in rare cases will the bang affect your
hearing. The powder that is released generally
does not constitute a health hazard, but it may
cause short-term breathing difficulties in peo-
ple with asthma or other respiratory problems.
Provided it is safe to do so, you should leave
the vehicle immediately or open the window in
order to prevent breathing difficulties.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tension-
ing Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate mate-
rial, which may require special handling and
regard for the environment. National guide-
lines must be observed during disposal. In Cal-
ifornia, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/index.cfm .
Method of operation During the first stage of a collision, the
restraint system control unit evaluates impor-
tant physical data relating to vehicle decelera-
tion or acceleration, such as:
R duration
R direction
R intensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, the
restraint system control unit triggers the Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices during a head-on or
rear-end collision. An Emergency Tensioning Device can only be
triggered, if:
R the ignition is switched on
R the components of the restraint system are
operational. You can find further information
under "Restraint system warning lamp"
(Y page
46)
R the seat belt buckle tongue has engaged in
the belt buckle of the respective front seat
If the restraint system control unit detects a
more severe accident, further components of
the restraint system are activated independ-
ently of each other in certain frontal collision
situations:
R Front air bags
R Window curtain air bag, if the system deter-
mines that deployment can offer additional
protection to that provided by the seat belt
Depending on the person in the front-
passenger seat, the front-passenger front air
bag is either enabled or disabled. The front-
passenger front air bag can be deployed in an
accident only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp is off. Observe the information
on the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp (Y page 47).
Your vehicle has two-stage front air bags.
The activation threshold of the Emergency
Tensioning Devices and the air bags is deter-
mined by evaluating the rate of vehicle decel-
eration or acceleration which occurs at various
points in the vehicle. This process is pre-emp-
tive in nature. Deployment should take place
in good time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or accelera-
tion and the direction of the force are essen-
tially determined by:
R the distribution of forces during the collision
R the collision angle
R the deformation characteristics of the vehi-
cle
R the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a
decisive role in the deployment of an air bag.
Nor do they provide an indication of air bag
deployment.
The vehicle can be deformed considerably,
without an air bag being deployed. This is the
case if only parts which are relatively easily
deformed are affected and the rate of deceler- Occupant safety
59
Safety Z

ation is not high. Conversely, air bags may be
deployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformation. This is the case if, for
example, very rigid vehicle parts such as longi-
tudinal body members are hit, and sufficient
deceleration occurs as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a
side impact or if the vehicle rolls over, the
applicable components of the restraint system
are deployed independently of each other
depending on the apparent type of accident.
R Side impact air bag and pelvis air bag on the
side on which an impact occurs, independ-
ent from the Emergency Tensioning Device
and seat belt usage
The side impact air bag on the front
passenger side deploys under the following
conditions:
- the OCS system detects that the front
passenger seat is occupied or
- the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged in
the belt buckle of the front passenger
seat
R Window curtain air bag on the side of
impact, independently of the use of the seat
belt and independently of whether the front-
passenger seat is occupied
R Emergency Tensioning Devices, if the sys-
tem determines that deployment can offer
additional protection in this situation
R Window curtain air bags on the driver's and
front-passenger side in certain situations
when the vehicle rolls over, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection to that provided by the
seat belt
i Not all air bags are deployed in an acci-
dent. The various air bags work independ-
ently of each other.
How the air bag works is determined by the
severity of the accident detected, especially
the vehicle deceleration or acceleration and
the apparent type of accident:
R Head-on collision
R Side impact
R Rollover Automatic measures after an acci-
dent
Immediately after an accident, the following
measures are implemented, depending on the
type and severity of the impact:
R the hazard warning lamps are switched on
R the emergency lighting in the interior is acti-
vated
R the vehicle doors are unlocked
R the front side windows are lowered
R air-recirculation mode is activated
R climate control is switched off
R the engine is switched off and the fuel sup-
ply is cut off Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children secured
on the rear seats are safer than children
secured on the front seats. For this reason,
Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you fit
the child restraint system to a rear seat. The
child is generally better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft
(1.50 m) in height is traveling in the
vehicle:
R always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appropri-
ate to the age, weight and size of the child.
R always observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
R always observe the instructions and safety
notes on the "Occupant Classification Sys-
tem (OCS)" ( Y page 54). G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could, in particular:
R open doors, thereby endangering other
persons or road users.
R get out and be struck by oncoming traffic.
R operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example.60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

In addition, children could set the vehicle in
motion, for example, if they:
R release the parking brake.
R change the transmission position.
R start the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Keep the SmartKey out of the reach of chil-
dren. G
WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjec-
ted to prolonged exposure to extreme heat
or cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly
even fatal. Never leave children unattended
in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Protect it with a blanket, for example. If the
child restraint system has been exposed to
direct sunlight, let it cool down before secur-
ing the child in it. Never leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants have fas-
tened their seat belts properly and are seated
correctly. This is particularly important for chil-
dren.
Observe the safety notes on seat belts
(Y page
48) and the notes on the correct use
of the seat belt (Y page 49).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
40 lbs (18 kg) until they reach a height where
a three-point seat belt fits properly without a
booster seat. Special seatbelt retractor
G
WARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt
retractor is disabled and the inertia real
draws in a portion of the seat belt. The seat
belt cannot be immediately refastened.
There is an increased risk of injury, possibly
even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reacti-
vate the special seat belt retractor and
secure the child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driver's
seat belt, are equipped with a special seat belt
retractor. When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures that the seat belt cannot
slacken once the child seat is secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
X Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt
outlet.
X Engage seat belt tongue in belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor is enabled.
X Push the child restraint system down so that
the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and deac-
tivating the special seat belt retractor:
X Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
X Press the release button of the seat belt
buckle and guide the seat belt tongue back
towards the belt sash guide.
The special seat belt retractor is deactiva-
ted. Children in the vehicle
61
Safety Z