warning MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2012 Owners Manual

Stowage areas
Stowage spaces
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you do not correctly store objects in the
vehicle interior, they can slip or be flung
around, thus striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, especially when brak- ing or abruptly changing directions.
R Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around in these or in similar situa-
tions.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage compartments, lug-
gage nets or stowage nets.
R Close lockable stowage compartments
while driving.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointy, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the luggage compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 268).
Front stowage compartments Glove compartment
X
To open: pull handle :and open glove
compartment flap ;.
X To close: fold glove compartment flap ;
upwards until it engages.
i There is a pen holder at the top of the
glove compartment flap. Spectacles compartment
X
To open: press marking :.
Make sure that the spectacles compartment
is always closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Stowage compartment in the centre con-
sole X
To open: press the marking on cover :.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there is an open instead of a closed stow-
age compartment or an ashtray in the
centre console. Stowage areas
269Stowing and features Z

Stowage compartment in front of the arm-
rest (vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion) X
To open: press the marking on cover :.
i You can remove the non-slip mat and the
insert for cleaning. When removing the
insert you will have to overcome some
slight resistance.
Stowage compartment/telephone com-
partment under the armrest X
To open: on vehicles with moveable armr-
ests, make sure that the armrest is in the
rearmost position.
X Press button :and fold the armrest up.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment, a
USB port and an AUX-IN jack or a Media
Interface are installed in the stowage com- partment. A Media Interface is a universal
interface for portable audio equipment, e.g.
for an iPod ®
or MP3 player (see the sepa-
rate Audio or COMAND Online operating
instructions). Stowage compartment under the driver's
and front-passenger seat G
WARNING
If you exceed the maximum permitted load of the stowage compartment, the cover is
unable to restrain the objects. Objects may be
thrown out of the stowage compartment and
hit vehicle occupants as a result. There is a
risk of injury, particularly in the event of sud-
den braking or a sudden change in direction.
Always observe the maximum load of the
stowage compartment. Stow and secure
heavy objects in the luggage compartment.
The maximum permissible load of the stow-
age compartment is 1.2 kg. X
To open: pull handle :up and fold
cover ;forwards.
i On vehicles with a fire extinguisher
instead of a stowage compartment, the fire
extinguisher is installed under the driver's
seat. 270
Stowage areasStowing and features

Rear stowage compartments
Stowage compartment in the rear centre
console
X
To open: pull down the top of stowage
compartment :by the edge of the handle.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be an open stowage space above the stowage compartment. Luggage nets
! The maximum load that may be placed on
the luggage net under the rear shelf is
2.5 kg.
Luggage nets are located:
R in the front-passenger footwell
R on the back of the driver's and front-
passenger seat
R beneath the parcel shelf
R on the left and right-hand side in the lug-
gage compartment
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 268)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 269). Through-loading facility in the rear
compartment
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 268). X
To open: fold down seat armrest :.
X Pull the cover, which can now be seen, for-
wards by the grip until it lies on armrest :.
X Pull the centre head restraint on the rear
bench seat into the uppermost position
(Y page 94). X
Slide locking mechanism =in the direc-
tion of the arrow.
X Swing flap ;fully to the side.
Flap ;is held open by a magnet.
X To close: swing flap ;in the luggage com-
partment back until it engages.
X Fold the cover forwards until it engages into
armrest :.
X Fold armrest :up fully if necessary. Enlarging the luggage compartment
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat
backrest are not engaged they could fold for- Stowage areas
271Stowing and features
Z

X
Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 96).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. 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 Swing the rear shelf down.
X Pull the rear shelf out to the rear ;.
X To fit: place the rear shelf on the guide rails
on the left and right.
X Push the rear shelf evenly forwards using
both hands until it engages.
X Swing the rear shelf up.
X Attach straps :to the tailgate. Securing a load
Lashing eyelets Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R observe the loading guidelines
(Y page 268).
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, as 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.
There are four lashing eyelets in the 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.
There is one bag hook on either side of the
luggage compartment. Stowage areas
273Stowing an d features Z

:
Bag hook Stowage well underneath the luggage
compartment floor
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive when the luggage compartment
floor is open, objects could be flung around,
thus striking vehicle occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly
changing directions.
Always close the luggage compartment floor
before a journey.
! The maximum load capacity of the stow-
age well under the luggage compartment
floor is 25 kg.
Opening/closing the luggage compart-
ment floor A bracket for TIREFIT, the vehicle tool kit, etc.
is located underneath the luggage compart-
ment floor. X
To open: open the tailgate.
X Press down handle :on ribbing ;.
Handle :folds upwards.
X Swing the luggage compartment floor
upwards using handle :until it rests
against the luggage compartment cover.
X If the rear shelf is fitted: hook the loop on
the luggage compartment floor into the
hook on the underside of the rear shelf. X
If the rear shelf is not fitted : fold out hook
= on the underside of the luggage com-
partment floor. X
Attach hook =to the luggage compart-
ment's upper seal ?.
X To close (if the rear shelf is fitted):
unhook the loop from the hook on the
underside of the rear shelf.
X If the rear shelf is not fitted: detach hook
= from upper seal ?.
X Fasten hook =to the bracket on the
underside of the luggage compartment
floor. 274
Stowage areasStowing and features

X
Fold the luggage compartment floor down.
X Press the luggage compartment floor down
until it engages. Roof carrier
Important safety notes G
WARNING
An incorrectly secured roof carrier, ski rack or load could become detached from the vehi-
cle. These objects might then be thrown
around, and could injure you or others or
cause an accident. Follow the roof carrier/ski
rack manufacturer's installation instructions
and special instructions for use.
The roof load raises the vehicle's centre of
gravity, thereby affecting vehicle handling.
You must always observe the maximum roof
load of 75 kg. Always adapt your driving style to the prevailing road, traffic and weather
conditions and drive with particular care if the
roof is laden.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the vehi-
cle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain dam-
age even when it is in motion.
Ensure that, depending on the vehicle's
equipment, you can raise the panorama
sliding sunroof fully and open the tailgate
fully when the roof carrier is fitted.
i Vehicles with panorama sliding sun-
roof: if a roof carrier is fitted, the panorama
sliding sunroof cannot be opened. In order to allow ventilation of the vehicle interior,
you can raise the panorama sliding sunroof.
If a roof carrier approved by Mercedes-
Benz makes contact with the panorama
sliding sunroof, the sunroof will lower
slightly but remain raised in the rear. Attaching the roof carrier
X
Open covers :carefully in the direction of
the arrow.
X Fold covers :upwards.
X Only secure the roof carrier to the anchor-
age points under covers :.
X Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cup holder cannot secure a drinks con-
tainer in place during a journey. If you use a
cup holder during a journey, the drinks con-
tainer could be flung around and liquid could
be spilt. Vehicle occupants could come into
contact with the liquid and, in particular, be
scalded by hot liquid. You could be distracted
from the traffic situation and lose control of
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident and
injury.
Only use the cup holder when the vehicle is
stationary. Only place containers of a suitable size in the cup holder. Seal the container, in
particular when it contains hot liquid. G
WARNING
If you do not correctly store objects in the
vehicle interior, they can slip or be flung
around, thus striking vehicle occupants. Features
275Stowing 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 2in 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 1in 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
FeaturesStowing 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
279Stowing and features Z

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
281Stowing and features Z

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). Engine compartment
Bonnet
Important safety notes G
WARNING
An unlocked bonnet may open while driving
and block your view. There is a risk of an acci- dent.
Never unlock the bonnet while driving. G
WARNING
When being opened and closed, the bonnet
may suddenly fall into the closed position.
There is a risk of injury to persons in the range of movement of the bonnet.
Open and close the bonnet only when nobody
is in the range of movement. G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade. G
WARNING
There are parts in the engine compartment
that move. Certain components may continue
to run even if the ignition is switched off or
may suddenly start again, e.g. the radiator
fan. There is a danger of injury.
If you need to access the engine compart-
ment:
R switch off the ignition
R never enter the danger area of moving com-
ponents, e.g. the rotation area of the fan
R keep items of clothing away from moving
parts G
WARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection sys- tem operate with a high voltage. If you touch
the live components, you could receive an
electric shock. There is a danger of injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem or the fuel injection system when the
ignition is switched on.
Active bonnet (pedestrian protection) Operating principle
! Once triggered, an active bonnet must be
reset at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. The
active bonnet function will then be availa-
ble again. The additional pedestrian pro-
tection provided by the active bonnet will
then be restored.
The active bonnet is only available in certain
countries.
The active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians in certain accident situations. 284
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care