engine oil MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2012 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel
drive)
Display message ............................ 254
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 182
12 V socket
see Sockets A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 230
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Warning lamp .................................2 58
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode ................................... .132
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 126
Active light function ......................... 108
Active Parking Assist
Cancelling ...................................... 190
Detecting parking spaces .............. 187
Display message ............................ 248
Exiting a parking space .................. 189
Function/notes ............................ .187
Important safety notes .................. 186
Parking .......................................... 188
Towing a trailer .............................. 190
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist
Display message ............................ 237
Function/notes ................................ 63
Adaptive brake lights .......................... 64
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 243
Function/notes ............................ .109
Adaptive Main-beam Assist
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Additional speedometer ................... 220
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 344
Adjusting the headlamp range ......... 107Air filter (white display message)
.... 245
Air vents
Important safety notes .................. 139
Rear ............................................... 140
Setting .......................................... .139
Setting the centre air vents ........... 139
Setting the side air vents .............. .140
Air vents
see Climate control
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Airbags
Front airbag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 43
Important safety guidelines ............. 42
Kneebag .......................................... .44
Sidebag ............................................ 44
Triggering ......................................... 41
Windowba g...................................... 45
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 222
AMG
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 226
Performance Seat ............................ 97
Anti-glare film .................................... 281
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Aquaplaning ....................................... 167
Ashtray ............................................... 277
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 217
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 217
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........ 290
Hiding a service message .............. 289
Notes ............................................. 289
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 290
Service message ............................ 289
Special service requirements ......... 290 4
Index

Warning lamp (engine diagnos-
tics) ............................................... 264
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 336
Problem (fault) ...............................1 49
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 344
Checking the oil level ..................... 286
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 287
Display message ............................ 245
Filling capacity ............................... 343
Notes about oil grades ................... 343
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 286
Temperature (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 226
Topping up ..................................... 287
Viscosity ........................................ 344
Environmental protection
Returning an end-of-life vehicle ....... 21
ESP® (Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 226
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 66
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 218
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ..................... .67
Display message ............................ 230
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 65
Function/note s......................... 65, 66
Important safety guidelines ............. 65
Trailer stabilisation .......................... 68
Warning lamp ................................. 260
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ...................................................... 65
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 294
Exterior lighting
Settings options ............................. 105
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 99
Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........ 100
Folding in when locking (on-board computer) ...................................... 225
Folding in/out (automatically )....... 100 Folding in/out (electrically) ............. 99
Out of position (troubleshooting) ... 100
Parking position ............................. 100
Resetting ......................................... 99
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 101
F
Fault message see Display messages
Filler cap
see Fuel filler flap
Fire extinguisher ............................... 299
First-aid kit ......................................... 298
Fitting a wheel
Fitting a wheel ............................... 328
Lowering the vehicle ...................... 329
Preparing the vehicle ..................... 325
Raising the vehicle ......................... 326
Removing a whee l.......................... 328
Securing the vehicle against roll-
ing away ........................................ 325
Flat tyre
MOExtended tyre s......................... 300
Preparing the vehicle ..................... 300
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 301
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormat ............................................. 281
Foglamps
Extended rang e.............................. 109
Switching on/of f........................... 106
Frequencies
Mobile phone ................................. 336
Two-way radio ................................ 336
Front foglamps
Display message ............................ 241
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 341
Consumption information .............. 342
Consumption statistics .................. 211
Displaying the current consump-
tion ................................................ 212
Displaying the range ...................... 212
Fuel gaug e....................................... 30
Grade (petrol) ................................ 340
Important safety notes .................. 339
Notes for AMG vehicles ................. 340 10
Index

Loading guidelines
............................ 268
Locking
see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 81
Emergency locking .......................... .81
From inside (central locking but-
ton) .................................................. 80
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 223
Luggage compartment enlarge-
ment ................................................... 271
Important safety notes .................. 271
Luggage compartment floor
Important safety notes .................. 274
opening/closing ............................ 274
stowage well, under ....................... 274
Luggage net ....................................... 271
Lumbar support
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port .................................................. 96 M
M+S tyres ........................................... 320
Main-beam headlamps
Changing bulb s.............................. 114
Display message ............................ 241
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/of f................................. 109
Switching on/of f........................... 107
Maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Manual transmission
Engaging reverse gear ................... 151
Gear lever ...................................... 150
Pulling away ................................... 144
Shift recommendation ................... 151
Shifting to neutral .......................... 151
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Matt finish (cleaning instructions) .. 292
Memory card (audio) ......................... 215
Memory function ............................... 101
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre
see Qualified specialist workshop Message memory (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 229
Messages
see Display messages
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
see Vanity mirror (in sun visor)
Mobile phone
Frequencies ................................... 336
Installation ..................................... 336
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 215
Notes/placing in the bracket ......... 279
Transmission output (maximum) .... 336
Mobile telephone
Pre-installed bracket ...................... 281
Modifying the programming (key) ..... 75
MOExtended tyres ............................. 300
Motorway mode ................................ 109
MP3
Operating ....................................... 215
see Separate operating instructions
Multifunction display
Function/note s............................. 210
Permanent display ......................... 220
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board compute r..2 09
Overview .......................................... 33 N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............ 213
see separate operating instructions
Notes on running in a new vehicle .. 142 O
Occupant safety Children in the vehicle ..................... 50
Important safety notes .................... 40
Odometer .......................................... .211
see Total distance recorder
see Trip meter
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 226 Index
13

S
Safety Child restraint systems .................... 50
Children in the vehicle ..................... 50
Safety system
see Driving safety systems
Seat
Adjusting (Performance Seat) ..........97
Folding the backrest (rear com-
partment) forwards/back .............. 272
Seat belt
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 225
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat bel t......................... 47
Adjusting the height ......................... 48
Belt force limite r.............................. 49
Belt tensioner .................................. 49
Cleaning ......................................... 296
Display message ............................ 237
Fastening ......................................... 47
Important safety guidelines ............. 46
Rear seat belt status indicator ......... 49
Releasing ......................................... 48
Warning lamp ................................. 257
Warning lamp (function) ................... 48
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 94
Adjusting (manually) ........................ 94
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port .................................................. 96
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 94
Cleaning the cover ......................... 296
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes .................... 93
Seat heating problem ...................... 97
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 101
Switching seat heating on/of f......... 96
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 294
Service
see ASSYST PLUS
Service Centre
see Qualified specialist workshop
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 219 Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 344
Coolant (engine) ............................ 344
Engine oil ....................................... 343
Fuel ................................................ 339
Important safety notes .................. 338
Washer fluid ................................... 345
Service report
see Qualified specialist workshop
Setting the air distribution ............... 129
Setting the airflow ............................ 129
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 225
On-board computer ....................... 220
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 226
Shifting to neutral (manual trans-
mission) ............................................. 151
Side lamps
Switching on/of f........................... 106
Side windows
Convenience closing ........................ 85
Convenience opening ...................... 84
Important safety notes .................... 83
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 85
Resetting ......................................... 85
Sidebag ................................................ 44
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama sliding sunroof
Snow chains ...................................... 321
Socket
Luggage compartment ................... 279
Points to observe before use ......... 278
Sockets
Centre console .............................. 279
Rear compartment ......................... 279
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Spectacles compartment ................. 269
Speed Limit Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-ing function .................................... 218
Display message ............................ 246
Display message in the multifunc-
tion display .................................... 197
Displaying ...................................... 218
Function/note s............................. 196
Important safety notes .................. 196 16
Index

Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 208
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 226
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 226
Outside temperature ...................... 209
Setting (climate control) ................ 128
TEMPOMAT
Function/note s............................. 168
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 69
Immobiliser ...................................... 69
Through-loading ................................ 271
Time
see Separate Owner's manual
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 226
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 301
Top Tether ............................................ 54
Tow-away protection .......................... 70
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 314
Fitting the towing eye .................... 311
Important safety notes .................. 310
Removing the towing eye ............... 312
Towing
Important safety notes .................. 310
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist ..................... 190
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 349
Bulb failure indicator for LED
lamps ............................................. 206
ESP® (Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 68
Pulling away with a traile r.............. 145
Trailer tow hitch display message .. 255
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye .................... 311
Removing the towing eye ............... 312
With both axles on the ground ....... 312
With front axle raised ..................... 312
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connecto r............................. 206
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 199
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 294
Coupling up a traile r...................... 204
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 204 Driving tips .................................... 201
Folding in the ball coupling ............ 205
Folding out the ball coupling .......... 203
Important safety notes .................. 201
Lights display message .................. 239
Mounting dimensions .................... 348
Parktronic ...................................... 185
Power supply ................................. 205
Trailer load s................................... 349
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 152
Transporting the vehicle .................. 313
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 295
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 211
Trip meter
Calling up ....................................... 211
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 212
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 114
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 115
Switching on/of f........................... 107
TV
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 215
see Separate operating instructions
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 336
Installation ..................................... 336
Transmission output (maximum) .... 336
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Display message ............................ 251
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 303
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 303
Recommended ............................... 321
Tyre pressure loss warning
Important safety notes .................. 323
Restarting ...................................... 323
Tyres
Changing a whee l.......................... 324
Checking ........................................ 319
Direction of rotation ...................... 324
Display message ............................ 251 18
Index

A Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to posi-
tion Nif the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
When you switch off the engine, the automatic transmission automati-
cally shifts into neutral N.7 Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi- vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D. Gearshifting is deter-
mined by:
R the selected drive program (Y page 155)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients G
WARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic man-
agement system is automatically deactivated. This interrupts the power transmission. The
vehicle may, for example, roll backwards on
gradients. There is a risk of an accident.
Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator.
The clutch may overheat if you hold the vehi- cle stationary on uphill gradients by depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If the clutch over-
heats, a warning tone sounds.
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): the
Stop
Stop vehicle vehicle Shift
Shiftto
toP
PLeave
Leave engine
engine
running
running display message appears in the mul-
tifunction display. You will only be able to
continue your journey once the clutch has
cooled down and the display message in the
multifunction display has disappeared.
AMG vehicles: theTrans. oil overhea‐ Trans. oil overhea‐
ted Drive on with care
ted Drive on with care display message
appears in the multifunction display.
Do not hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator
pedal. Instead, only ever hold the vehicle sta- tionary on uphill gradients by:
R depressing the brake pedal
R activating the HOLD function
R engaging the electric parking brake
Kickdown AMG vehicles:
it is only possible to use kick-
down in temporary manual drive program M.
For further information on the manual drive
program M, see (Y page 156).
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up. 154
Automatic transmissionDriving an
d parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer shifts into all of
the gears.
Reverse gear can no
longer be engaged. The transmission is in emergency mode.
X Stop.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least 10seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position D.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. Refuelling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refuelling. G
WARNING
Fuels are poisonous and hazardous to health. There is a danger of injury.
Do not swallow fuel or let it come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale fuel
vapours. Keep fuels out of the reach of chil-
dren.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R Wash the fuel off any affected areas of skin
with water and soap immediately.
R If you get fuel in your eyes, rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water immediately. Seek immediate medical attention. R
If fuel is swallowed, seek immediate medi-
cal attention. Do not induce vomiting.
R Change any clothing that has come into
contact with fuel immediately. G
WARNING
Electrostatic charge can cause sparks and
thereby ignite fuel vapours. There is a risk of
fire and explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. This discharges any electrostatic
charge that may have built up. G
WARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with petrol, the flash
point of this fuel mixture is lower than that of pure diesel fuel. When the engine is running,
components in the exhaust system may over-
heat unnoticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with petrol. Never add petrol to
diesel fuel.
! Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a petrol engine. Do not switch Refuelling
159Driving and parking Z

AMG menu in AMG vehicles
AMG displays :
Digital speedometer
; Gear indicator
= Upshift indicator
? Engine oil temperature
A Coolant temperature
B Transmission fluid temperature
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the AMG
AMGmenu.
Upshift indicator UP
UP=indicates that the
engine has reached the overrevving range
when in the manual gearshift program.
Upshift indicator UP
UP= fades out other mes-
sages until you have shifted up.
If the engine oil temperature is below 80 †,
oil temperature ?is shown in blue. Avoid
using the full output of the engine during this time.
If the transmission fluid temperature is below
50 †, oil temperature Bis shown in blue.
Avoid using the full output of the engine dur-
ing this time.
SETUP :
Drive program (C C/S S/M
M)
; ESP ®
mode (ON ON/OFF OFF) or SPORT handling
mode (SPORT SPORT) SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
SPORT handling mode.
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the AMG
AMGmenu.
X Press the 9button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
RACETIMER Displaying and starting the RACETIMER
The RACETIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function on
public roads. :
Lap
; RACETIMER
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the key is in position 2
in the ignition lock.
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the AMG AMGmenu.
X Press the 9button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
X To start: press the abutton to start the
RACETIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time 226
Menus and sub
menusOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions 4
Check eng. oil Check eng. oil
lev. when next lev. when next
refuelling refuelling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Check the oil level when next refuelling, at the latest
(Y page 286).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 287).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if the
engine oil needs topping up more often than usual. æ
Reserve fuel level Reserve fuel level The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
The auxiliary heating cannot be operated.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. ç There is very little fuel in the fuel tank.
The auxiliary heating cannot be operated.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station without fail. ¸
Replace Replace
air
aircleaner
cleaner Vehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must
be replaced.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
i This message does not appear for the 180 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY, manual transmission model A. !
Clean Clean
the
thefuel
fuel fil‐
fil‐
ter
ter Vehicles with a diesel engine: there is water in the fuel filter. The
water must be drained off.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Driving systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions À
Attention Assist: Attention Assist:
Drowsiness detec‐ Drowsiness detec‐
ted ted Based on certain criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has detected fatigue
or a lack of concentration on the part of the driver. A warning tone also sounds.
X If necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so that you get enough rest. À
Attention Assist Attention Assist
inoperative inoperative ATTENTION ASSIST is inoperative.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display
messages
245On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Trans.
Trans.
oil
oiloverhea‐
overhea‐
ted Drive on with
ted Drive on with
care care AMG vehicles: the transmission oil has overheated.
Manual drive program
Mand the temporarily active manual drive
program are no longer available. The engine power output is
reduced.
X Allow the vehicle to cool down. 4matic currently 4matic currently
unavailable unavailable 4MATIC (permanent all-wheel drive) 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 Visit 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 Apply the electric parking brake.
X Close the bonnet. Active bonnet mal‐ Active bonnet mal‐
function See Own‐ function See Own‐
er's Manual er's Manual The active bonnet (pedestrian protection) is not active due to a
malfunction or because it has already been triggered.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. C At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X Close all doors. 254
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays