towing MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS 2012 Service Manual

X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X To open: press the front of cup holder :
or ;.
Cup
holder : or ; extends automatically.
X To close: slide cup holder : or ; back
until it engages. Sun visors
Overview :
Mirror light
; Bracket
= Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket
? Vanity mirror
A Mirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor Mirror light : only functions if the sun visor
is clipped into bracket ; and mirror cover
A has been folded up. Glare from the side X
Fold down the sun visor.
X Pull the sun visor out of bracket ;.
X Swing the sun visor to the side.
X Vehicles with mirror lights:
slide the sun
visor horizontally as desired. Ashtray
Front ashtray !
The stowage space under the ashtray is
not heat resistant. Before placing lit ciga-
rettes in the ashtray, make sure that the
ashtray

is properly engaged. Otherwise, the
stowage space could be damaged. Example: vehicles with a stowage compartment
cover
X
To open: push the lower section of
cover :.
The stowage compartment opens.
X To remove the insert: lift insert =
up ; and out.
X To refit the insert:
press insert = into the
holder until it engages.
i If you remove the ashtray insert, you can
use the resulting compartment for stow-
age. Features
277
Stowing and features Z

Rear-compartment ashtray
X
To open: pull cover = out by its top edge.
X To remove: pull insert ; by recess : in
the direction of arrow ? until it audibly
releases.
X Lift insert ; up and out.
X To fit the insert: fit insert ; from above
into the holder and press down into the
holder until it engages. Cigarette lighter
G
WARNING
You can burn yourself if you touch the hot
heating
element or the socket of the cigarette
lighter.
In addition, flammable materials can ignite if:
R the hot cigarette lighter falls
R a child holds the hot cigarette lighter to
objects, for example
There is a risk of fire and injury.
Always hold the cigarette lighter by the knob.
Always make sure that the cigarette lighter is
out of reach of children. Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.
Your attention must always be focused on the
traffic conditions. Only use the cigarette
lighter when road and traffic conditions per-
mit. Example: vehicles with a stowage compartment
cover
X
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock (Y page 143).
X To open: push the lower section of
cover :.
The stowage compartment opens.
X Press in cigarette lighter ;.
Cigarette lighter ; will pop out automati-
cally when the heating element is red-hot. 12 V sockets
Points to observe before use X
Turn the key to position 1 in the ignition
lock (Y page 143).
The sockets can be used for accessories with
a maximum draw of
180 W (15 A). Accesso-
ries include such items as lamps or chargers
for mobile phones.
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
i An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the
on-board voltage is too low, the power to
the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine. 278
Features
Stowing and features

Socket in the front centre console
Vehicles with a stowage compartment cover
X
To open: push the lower section of
cover :.
The stowage compartment opens.
X Lift up the cover of socket ;.Vehicles without a stowage compartment cover
X
Lift up the cover of socket :.
Socket in the rear-compartment centre
console X
Pull cover : out by its top edge.
X Lift up the cover of socket ;.
Socket in the luggage compartment X
Lift up the cover of socket :. Mobile phone
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Operating mobile communications equip-
ment while driving distracts you from paying
attention
to traffic conditions. This could also
cause you to lose control of the vehicle. There
is a risk of an accident.
Use this device only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
i You must observe the legal requirements
for the country in which you are currently
driving when operating mobile communi-
cations equipment in the vehicle.
If it is permitted by law to operate commu-
nications equipment while the vehicle is in
motion, you may only do so if the traffic sit-
uation permits. You may otherwise be dis-
tracted from the traffic conditions, cause
an accident and injure yourself and others.
Excessive levels of electromagnetic radiation
may cause damage to your health and to the
health of others. The use of an exterior aerial
takes into consideration the scientific discus- Features
279
Stowing and features Z

sion surrounding the possible health risk
posed by electromagnetic fields.
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of an
approved exterior aerial. This ensures:
R
optimal mobile phone reception quality in
the vehicle
R mutual influences between the vehicle
electronics and mobile phones are mini-
mised
An exterior aerial has the following advan-
tages:
R it
conducts the electromagnetic fields gen-
erated by a wireless device to the exterior.
R the field strength in the vehicle interior is
lower than in a vehicle that does not have
an exterior aerial.
Information on retrofitting two-way radios
and mobile phones (RF transmitters)
(Y page 336).
General notes There are various mobile phone brackets that
may be fitted in your vehicle; in some cases,
these are country-specific.
You can connect a Bluetooth
®
-capable
mobile phone with Audio 20 or COMAND
Online

via the Bluetooth ®
interface. This also
applies if your vehicle is equipped with con-
venience telephony.
More information on suitable mobile phones,
mobile phone brackets and on connecting
Bluetooth ®
-capable mobile phones with
Audio 20 or COMAND Online can be obtained:
R at your Mercedes-Benz Service Centre
R on the Internet at http://www.mercedes-
benz.com/connect
i The functions and services available when
you use the phone depend on your mobile
phone model and service provider. Using a mobile phone If the mobile phone is inserted in the mobile
phone bracket, you can speak to the person
you are calling using the hands-free system.
X
Open the telephone compartment
(Y page 270).
X Place the mobile phone bracket into the
pre-installed fitting (see the separate
installation instructions for the mobile
phone fitting).
X Insert the mobile phone into the mobile
phone bracket (see the separate installa-
tion instructions for the mobile phone fit-
ting).
i On
some mobile phone brackets, first you
have to connect the phone to the mobile
phone bracket via Bluetooth ®
(see the sep-
arate operating instructions for the mobile
phone bracket).
If this is the case, the mobile phone does
not have to be inserted into the bracket for
you to be able to use the telephone func-
tions. However, the charging function and
aerial function are not available.
Operating the mobile phone You can operate the telephone using the
6 and ~ buttons on the multifunction
steering

wheel. You can operate other mobile
phone functions via the on-board computer
(Y page 215).
When you remove the key from the ignition
lock, the mobile phone stays switched on.
However, you can no longer use the hands-
free system.
If you have an active call and would like to
take the key out of the ignition lock, first
remove the mobile phone from the bracket.
i If you use a mobile phone bracket which
is connected to your mobile via Blue-
tooth ®
and you wish to continue a call on
your mobile phone:
You should switch the call to "Private
mode" before you remove the key from the 280
Features
Stowing and features

ignition lock. Otherwise, it will take up to
20 seconds for the mobile phone to dis-
connect from the system. Only then can
you
continue the call on your mobile phone.
Notes on the necessary steps for setting
"Private mode" can be found in the sepa-
rate operating instructions of the mobile
phone.
i Not all mobile phones support "Private
mode".
Mobile phone bracket in the stowage
space You can fold the pre-installed bracket up to
improve access to the stowage space
beneath

it. Depending on the vehicle's equip-
ment, a USB connection and an AUX-IN con-
nection/Media Interface are fitted in the
stowage compartment ( Y page 270).X
To fold the bracket up: press button :.
X To fold the bracket down: press the
bracket down and allow it to engage. Floormat on the driver's side
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardised. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Fit the floormats securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient

clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats. X
Slide the seat backwards.
X To fit: lay the floormat in the footwell.
X Press safety catch knobs : onto retain-
ers ;.
X To remove: pull the floormat away from
retainers ;.
X Remove the floormats. Retrofitted anti-glare film
Retrofitted
anti-glare film on the inside of the
windows can interfere with radio/mobile
telephone reception. This is particularly the
case for conductive or metallic-coated films.
You can obtain information about anti-glare
film from a qualified specialist workshop. Features
281
Stowing and features Z

Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after the vehicle
has been washed. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
After washing the vehicle, brake carefully
while

paying attention to the traffic conditions
in order to restore full braking efficiency.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-
age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC
PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-
ing or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position N when washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash. After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping

noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at wash bays that are specially
designed for this purpose. Observe the legal
requirements for each individual country.
X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
High-pressure cleaning equipment G
WARNING
The water jet of circular-jet nozzles (dirt grind-
ers) can cause damage not visible from the
outside

to tyres or chassis components. Com-
ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have dam-
aged tyres or chassis components replaced
immediately.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
30 cm between the vehicle and the high- Care
291
Maintenance and care Z

Useful information ............................
298
Where will I find...? ........................... 298
Flat tyre ............................................. 300
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 304
Jump-starting .................................... 308
Towing and tow-starting .................. 310
Electrical fuses ................................. 314 297Breakdown assistance

X
Remove first-aid kit =.
i Check the expiry date on first-aid kit =
at least once a year. Replace the contents
if necessary, and replace any missing
items. Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is located underneath
the front of the driver's seat.
X
Pull tab : upwards.
X Remove the fire extinguisher.
i Have the fire extinguisher refilled after
each use and checked every one or two
years. It may otherwise fail in an emer-
gency.
Observe the legal requirements for each
individual country. Vehicle tool kit
General notes Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: the TIREFIT kit is
located in the stowage well under the boot
floor.
Vehicles
with a tyre-change tool kit: the tyre-
change tool kit is in the stowage well under
the luggage compartment floor.
For vehicles with an emergency spare wheel,
see "Removing the emergency spare wheel"
(Y page 332). i
Apart from some country-specific var-
iants, vehicles are not equipped with tyre-
changing tools. Some tools for changing a
wheel

are specific to the vehicle. For more
information on which tools are required and
approved to perform a wheel change on
your vehicle, consult a qualified specialist
workshop.
Necessary tyre-changing tools can include,
for example:
R Jack
R Wheel chock
R Wheel wrench
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit :
Tyre inflation compressor
; Towing eye
= Tyre sealant filler bottle
X Open the tailgate.
X Swing the luggage compartment floor
upwards

(Y page 274).
i Towing
eye ; is located under tyre infla-
tion compressor :.
Vehicles with a tyre-change tool kit X
Open the tailgate.
X Swing the luggage compartment floor
upwards

(Y page 274).
X Remove the tyre-change tool kit.
The tyre-change tool kit contains:
R Jack
R Wheel wrench Where will I find...?
299
Breakdown assistance

Position number
B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Press together cover : of positive clamp ; and slide it back.
X Connect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery B
using the jump lead, beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal ? of donor battery B to earth point A of your vehicle using
the jump lead, connecting the jump lead to donor battery B first.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point A
and negative terminal ?, then from pos-
itive clamp ; and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle
first.
X Close cover : of positive clamp ; after removing the jump leads.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning
R the

voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical
system is malfunctioning.
If your vehicle is towed, significantly greater
force may be required to steer the vehicle or
to brake. There is a risk of an accident.
In such circumstances, use a towing bar.
Make sure that the steering is moving freely
before towing. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the

vehicle/trailer combination could over-
turn.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate ( Y page 338). G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate

HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed. 310
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

!
Only secure the tow rope or towing bar to
the towing eyes. The vehicle may otherwise
be damaged.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope
in the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This makes other road
users aware that a vehicle is being
towed.
R only secure the tow rope to the towing
eye.
R observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a
distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
R do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise dam-
age the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! Pull away smoothly when towing away or
tow-starting a vehicle. If the tractive power
is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
of 50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must
not be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the front
axle or the entire vehicle must be raised
and transported.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. The transmission
may otherwise be damaged.
Observe the legal requirements for the rele-
vant countries when towing and tow-starting.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed. Vehicles with automatic transmission:
when
towing a vehicle, the transmission must
be in position N.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2
R vehicles with automatic transmission:
cannot shift the transmission to position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
(Y page 223). You could otherwise be
locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Deactivate tow-away protection
(Y page 70) before the vehicle is towed. Fitting/removing the towing eye
Fitting the towing eye X
Remove the towing eye from the stowage
space.
The towing eye is located with the vehicle
tool kit under the luggage compartment
floor ( Y page 299). Towing and tow-starting
311
Breakdown assistance Z