fuel MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2008 Owner's Manual

Tyres and wheels
178 MOExtended run-flat system*
The MOExtended run-flat system allows you
to continue driving the vehicle even when one
or more tyres lose all air pressure.
The MOExtended run-flat system may only be
used in combination with the tyre pressure
loss warning system and only on wheels spe-
cifically tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
i Vehicles with MOExtended run-flat sys-
tem are not equipped with the TIREFIT
kit* 24
.
Therefore, it is recommended that you
equip your vehicle additionally with the
TIREFIT kit* when fitting tyres that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter
tyres.
i A TIREFIT kit* is available from any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre.
You will find notes on driving with a flat tyre
in the "Practical advice" section
(Y page 262). Tyr
e tread G
Risk of accident
Bear in mind that:
R tyre grip decreases rapidly on wet roads
when the tread depth is less than 3 mm.
Thus, you should replace tyres that have
insufficient tread.
R winter tyres should be replaced when the
tread depth is 4 mm or less as they will
no longer provide adequate grip.
R the tread on a tyre may not wear evenly.
Thus, you should regularly check the
tread depth and the condition of the
tread across the entire width of all tyres.
If necessary, turn the steering wheel so
that you can see the tyre tread more eas-
ily.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident due to the
reduced grip of the tyres on the road. Tyre pressures
i You will find a table of tyre pressures for
various operating conditions on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The valid value for the spare wheel* is sta-
ted on the spare wheel and in the technical
data section. G
Risk of accident
Tyre pressure that is either too high or too
low has a negative effect on the vehicle’s
driving safety, which could lead you to
cause an accident. Therefore, you should
regularly check the pressure of all your
tyres (including the spare tyre *), particu-
larly prior to long trips, and correct the
pressure as necessary.
To test tyre pressure, use a suitable pressure
gauge. The outer appearance of a tyre does
not permit any reliable conclusion about the
tyre pressure. G
Risk of accident
Should the tyre pressure drop repeatedly:
24 Only for certain countries. Operation
* optional
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Tyres and wheels
179R
Check the tyre for foreign bodies.
R Check whether the wheel is losing air or
the valve is leaking.
Tyre pressure that is too low has a negative
effect on the vehicle’s active safety, which
could lead to your causing an accident.
Tyre pressure changes by approximately
0.1 bar for every 10 °C change in ambient
temperature.
If you measure the tyre pressure in enclosed
spaces where the temperature differs from
the outside temperature, you will have to cor-
rect the measured value accordingly.
When the vehicle is driven, the tyre tempera-
ture, and with it the tyre pressure, will
increase depending on the road speed and
the load on the tyres.
Therefore, you should only correct tyre pres-
sures when the tyres are cold.
The pressure of warm tyres should only be
corrected if it is too low for the current oper-
ating conditions. Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R
shorten the service life of the tyres
R increase the likelihood of tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics (e.g. by causing aquaplaning)
i The tyre pressure values given for low
loads are minimum values which offer you
good ride comfort characteristics.
However, you can also use the values given
for higher loads. These are permissible and
will not adversely affect the running of the
vehicle. H
Environmental note
Check the tyre pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days. Tyre pressure loss warning system
While the vehicle is in motion, the tyre pres-
sure loss warning system monitors the set
tyre pressure using the rotational speed of
the wheels. This enables the system to detect
significant pressure loss in a tyre. If the speed
of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of
a loss of pressure, a corresponding warning
message will appear in the multi-function dis-
play. G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not warn you of an incorrectly set tyre pres-
sure. The table on the inside of the fuel filler
flap will help you decide whether the tyre
pressures should be corrected.
The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not replace the need to regularly check
your vehicle's tyre pressures, since an even
loss of pressure on several tyres at the
same time cannot be detected by the tyre
pressure loss warning system.
The tyre pressure loss warning system is
not able to warn you of a sudden loss of
pressure, e.g. if the tyre is penetrated by a
foreign object.
In the event of a sudden loss of pressure,
bring the vehicle to a halt by braking care- Operation
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Tyres and wheels
180 fully. Do not make any sudden steering
movements when doing so.
The function of the tyre pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration).
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
X Before restarting, consult the table of tyre
pressures on the inside of the fuel filler flap
to ensure that the tyre pressure in all four tyres is set correctly for the operating con-
ditions concerned.
X Also observe the notes in the section on
tyre pressures ( Ypage 178). G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set
the correct tyre pressure.
If an incorrect tyre pressure is set, these
incorrect values will be monitored.
A tyre with insufficient pressure results in
vehicle instability when driving, thus
increasing the risk of an accident.
X Make sure that the key is in position
2(Y page 62) in the ignition lock.
You will see the following message on the
standard screen of the multi-function dis-
play (Y page 100)
X Press korj to select the tyre pres-
sure function:
Run Flat Indicator active
Menu: R-Button
X Press the reset button on the left of the
instrument cluster.
The following message appears in the
multi-function display: Restart Run Flat Indicat.? Yes Can-
cel
If you wish to confirm the restart:
X Press the æbutton.
The following message appears in the
multi-function display:
Run Flat Indicator restarted
After a teach-in period, the tyre pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tyre pressures of all four tyres.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the çbutton.
or
X Wait until the message
Restart Run Flat Indicator?
Yes Cancel disappears.
The tyre pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored. Operation
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Driving ab
road 185Driving on wet roads
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts, and
brake carefully. Driving on flooded roads
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permitted still water depth is
25 cm.
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create
waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
You must observe these notes. Otherwise,
damage may occur to the engine, electrics
and transmission. Driving abroad
Points to remember
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" chapter of the Service
Booklet.
Only low-octane fuel is available in certain
countries.
You can find further information about fuel
grades on (Y page 168). Symmetrical dipped beam
If your journey takes you to countries where
vehicles are driven on sides of the road oppo-
site to the country in which the vehicle is reg-
istered, your headlamps must be switched to
symmetrical dipped beam or be partially
masked. Oncoming traffic will be dazzled
less.
X Vehicles with halogen headlamps: mask
the headlamps with special masking tape.
i You can obtain this masking tape from a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. !
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use genuine Mercedes-Benz masking
tape. Your headlamps could otherwise be
damaged.
Remove the masking tape when you are
once again driving on the same side of the
road as in the country in which your vehicle
is registered.
X Vehicles with projection and bi-xenon
headlamps*: have the headlamps
switched over at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre. G
Risk of accident
Have your headlamps switched back to
asymmetrical dipped beam if you are driv-
ing in a country in which traffic drives on
the same side of the road as in the country
in which your vehicle was registered. Oth-
erwise, you may dazzle the oncoming traffic
and could cause an accident. Operation
* optional
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Trailer towing*
189
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-
bar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not connect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise your
vehicle could be damaged by the spring
action of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer. Driving tips In Germany, the maximum permitted speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h.
G
Risk of accident
A maximum speed of 80 km/h should not
be exceeded, even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/
trailer combinations. This lowers the risk of
an accident.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select a lower gear in good time, or in
vehicles with AUTOTRONIC*, select shift
range 1,2or 3. i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control* or Speedtronic*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continu-
ously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g.
never cause the brakes to rub by applying
constant slight pedal pressure. This causes
the brake system to overheat, increases
the braking distance and can lead to the
brakes failing completely.
Driving tips
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas, Operation
* optional
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Care
192
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
before disconnecting the battery.
or
X Subtract the battery disconnection periods
from the service date shown on the display
after reconnecting the battery. Fading out the service message
X
Press reset button 1. Service due date exceeded
The multi-function display shows one of the
following messages:
Service A overdue by .. days
Service A overdue by .. km
You will also hear a warning tone.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, will reset the
ASSYST PLUS service indicator after the nec-
essary service work has been carried out.
i If you fail to have the service performed
by the specified date, you may be violating
applicable laws. Your warranty may be inva-
lidated and goodwill settlements may be
refused. Calling up the service due date
Use the buttons on the multi-function steer-
ing wheel.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press the èorÿ button to select the
standard display (Y page 103).
X Press the jork button to select the
service information.
The multi-function display shows the
9 symbol and the service due date. Care
Notes on care
Regular and proper care maintains the value
of your vehicle.
i It is advisable to use Mercedes-Benz care
products.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop immediately, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Repair damage caused by loose chippings
and remove the following substances imme-
diately, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard:
R Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off afterwards.
R Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off afterwards.
R Remove tree resin, oils, fuels and greases
by rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in
petroleum ether or lighter fluid.
R Use silicone remover to remove wax.
R Use tar remover to remove tar stains. Operation
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Display
messages 214 Display messages Possible cause/consequence Possible solution
3 Check brake fluid
level
G
Risk of accident
There is insufficient brake fl uid in the
brake fluid reservoir. X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not
continue driving under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not rec-
tify the fault. ! Release parking
brake You are driving with the parking brake
applied. X
Release the parking brake. [ Clean fuel filter There is water in the fuel filter. The water
must be drained off
27
. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. D Coolant Stop car,
turn eng. off The coolant is too hot. X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch
off the engine, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
X Make sure, that the air supply to the radiator
is not blocked, e.g. by slush.
X Restart the engine only when the display mes-
sage disappears. Otherwise, there is a risk of
engine damage.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature dis-
play.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a quali-
fied specialist workshop immediately. 27
Only for certain countries. Practical advice
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Display
messages 219Display messages Possible cause/consequence Possible solution
. Reversing lamp
left
or
Reversing lamp
right Vehicles with lights and visibility pack-
age*: the left-hand or right-hand reversing
light is fa
ulty. X
Change the bulb (Y page 245). N Add 1.0 litreof
engine oil when
next refuelling Vehicles with a diesel engine: the oil level
is too low. X
Check the oil level (Y page 173).
X If necessary, top up the motor oil.
X Have the engine checked for leaks if the engine
oil needs topping up more often than usual. N Engine oil pres-
sure Stop car, turn
eng. off Vehicles with a petrol engine: the engine
oil pressure is too low. There is a risk of
engine damage. X
Stop in accordance with traffic conditions.
X Switch off the engine.
X Check the oil level (Y page 173).
X If necessary, top up the motor oil. N Eng. oil level
Check level Vehicles with a petrol engine: the oil level
is too low. X
Check the oil level (Y page 173).
X If necessary, top up the motor oil.
X Have the engine checked for leaks if the engine
oil needs topping up more often than usual. N Eng. oil level Stop
car, turn eng. off Vehicles with a diesel engine: the oil level
is too low. There is a risk of engine dam-
age. X
Stop in accordance with traffic conditions.
X Switch off the engine.
X Top up the engine oil and check the level
(Y page 173). Practical advice
* optional
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Display
messages 220 Display messages Possible cause/consequence Possible solution
N Engine oil level
Reduce oil level Vehicles with a diesel engine:
you have
added too much engine oil. There is a risk
of damage to the engine or to the catalytic
converter. X
Siphon off excess engine oil until it is at the
specified level. Observe the legal require-
ments. N Cannot measure oil
level Vehicles with a diesel engine: the meas-
uring system is faulty. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. I Key does not belong
to vehicle You have put the wrong key in the ignition
lock. X
Use the correct key. I Remove key The key is in the ignition lock. X
Remove the key. I Replace key The key needs to be replaced. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Ñ SPEEDTRONIC inop-
erative
Speedtronic* and cruise control* are
faulty. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ¿ There is only a small amount of fuel in the
fuel tank. X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. 4 Reserve fuel level The fuel level has fallen below the reserve
range. X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. t Enter PIN You have not yet logged on to your mobile
phone*. X
Enter the PIN for the SIM card. Practical advice
* optional
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Troubleshooting
227Problem Possible cause/consequence Suggested solutions
H
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. G
Risk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in
the fluid reservoir. X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely, pa ying attention to road and
traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstan-
ces.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
X Observe the additional messages in the multi-function display
(Y page 202).
Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not rectify the fault. ±
The yellow engine diagnos-
tics warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning. Vehicles with a diesel engine: the
fuel tank has been run dry. X
Start the engine three to four times after refuelling.
Emergency running mode is cancelled. The vehicle need not be
checked. ±
The yellow engine diagnos-
tics warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning. There may be a fault, for example
R
in the engine management
R in the ignition system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehi-
cles with petrol engines)
The emission limit values may be
exceeded and the engine can run
in emergency mode. X
Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. Practical advice
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