service MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2012 Owners Manual

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Disclaimer
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special equipment of your vehicle. Country-specific language variations are
possible. Please note that your vehicle might not be equipped with all the
described functions. This also affects safety-relevant systems and functions.
Please contact your authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership if you would like
to receive a printed Owner‘s Manual for other vehicle models and vehicle
model years.
The online Owner‘s Manual is the current and valid version. It is possible that
deviations affecting your specific vehicle could not be taken into account
as Mercedes-Benz constantly adapts its vehicles according to the latest
technology and makes changes to the form and the equipment.
Please also read the printed Owner‘s Manual, supplementary documents and
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Thank you for choosing Mercedes-Benz
Before you first drive off, read this Owner's
Manual carefully and familiarise yourself with
your vehicle. For your own safety and a longer
vehicle life, follow the instructions and warn-
ing notices in this manual. Disregarding them may lead to damage to the vehicle or personal
injury.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may vary according to:
R model
R order
R country variant
R availability
The illustrations in this manual show a left-
hand-drive vehicle. On right-hand-drive vehi-
cles, the layout of components and controls
differs accordingly.
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
The equipment in your vehicle may therefore
differ from that shown in the descriptions and
illustrations.
The following are integral components of the vehicle:
R Owner's Manual
R Service Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep printed copies of the documents in the
vehicle at all times. If you sell the vehicle,
always pass the documents on to the new
owner.
i You can get to know the important fea-
tures of your vehicle in the interactive Own-
er's Manual on the Internet at:
http://www.mercedes-benz.de/
betriebsanleitung You can also use the A‑Class Guide smart-
phone App:
Apple
®
iOS Android™
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
1765841400Z102 É1765841400Z102iËÍ

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

Dashboard lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Data
see Technical data
Daytime driving lights
Display message ............................ 242
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................ .221
Switching on/off (switch) .............. 105
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
Declarations of conformity ................. 23
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Interior lighting .............................. 223
Diagnostics connection ......................23
Diesel .................................................. 341
Digital speedometer .........................212
Dipped-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 113
Display message ............................ 239
Setting for driving abroad (sym-
metrical) ........................................ 104
Setting for driving on the right/
left ................................................. 221
Switching on/off ........................... 105
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........295
Display message
Driving systems ............................ .245
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 289
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 229
Engine ............................................ 243
General information ....................... 229
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 229
Key ................................................ 256
Lights ............................................. 239
Safety systems .............................. 230
Tyres .............................................. 251
Vehicle .......................................... .252
Distance recorder
see Trip meter
Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating ................. 218 Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 266
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions ..................... 175
Cruise control lever ....................... 174
Deactivating ................................... 177
Display message ............................ 249
Displays in the multifunction dis-
pla y................................................ 175
Driving tips .................................... 178
Function/note s............................. 174
Important safety notes .................. 173
Selecting ........................................ 175
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 177
Warning lamp ................................. 266
Door
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 223
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 81
Central locking/unlocking (key) ...... 75
Control panel ................................... 37
Display message ............................ 254
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
Important safety notes .................... 79
Opening (from the inside) ................ 80
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 156
Display ........................................... 153
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 152
Manual ........................................... 156
Driver's door
see Door
Driving abroad
Service24h .................................... 290
Symmetrical dipped beam ............. 104
Driving on flooded roads .................. 167
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 61
ADAPTIVE BRAK E............................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 63
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 64
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 62
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .... 62
Distance warning function ............... 62
Electronic Brake-force Distribu-
tion .................................................. 68 8
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

Assistance menu ........................... 217
Audio menu ................................... 214
Convenience submenu .................. 225
Display message s.......................... 229
Displaying a service message ........ 290
Factory setting submenu ............... 225
Heating submenu ........................... 224
Important safety notes .................. 208
Instrument cluster submenu .......... 220
Light submenu ............................... 221
Menu overview .............................. 211
Message memory .......................... 229
Navigation menu ............................ 213
Operating the TV ............................ 215
Operating video DVD ..................... 215
Operation ....................................... 209
RACETIMER ................................... 226
Service menu ................................. 219
Settings menu ............................... 220
Standard display ............................ 211
Telephone menu ............................ 215
Trip menu ...................................... 211
Vehicle submenu ........................... 223
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 115
Operating system
see On-board computer
Outside temperature display ........... 209
Overhead control panel ...................... 36
Override feature
Rear side window s........................... 61 P
Paint code .......................................... 338
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 292
Panorama sliding sunroof
Important safety information ........... 86
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Opening/closing the roller sun-
blind ................................................. 89
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 89
Rain closing feature ......................... 88
Resetting ......................................... 89
Parking ............................................... 162
Important safety notes .................. 162
Parking brake ................................ 163 Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 100
Reversing camera .......................... 191
see Active Parking Assist
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist ..................... 186
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 233
Electric parking brake .................... 163
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Parking lamps
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/of f........................... 106
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 185
Driving system ............................... 182
Function/note s............................. 182
Important safety notes .................. 182
Problem (fault) ............................... 186
Sensor rang e................................. 183
Trailer towing ................................. 185
Warning display ............................. 184
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp ...................................................... 52
Petrol .................................................. 340
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 295
Power windows
see Side windows
PRE-SAFE® (anticipatory occupant
protection)
Operation ......................................... 45
PRE-SAFE® (preventive occupant
safety system)
Display message ............................ 236
Program selector button .................. 155
Protection of the environment
General notes .................................. 21
Pulling away
Automatic transmission ................. 144
Manual transmission ...................... 144
Trailer ............................................ 145 14
Index

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

Important safety notes .................. 318
M+S tyres ...................................... 320
MOExtended tyres .........................3
20
Replacing ....................................... 324
Service life ..................................... 319
Storing .......................................... .324
Summer tyres ........................ 168, 320
Tyre size (data) .............................. 329
Tyre tread ...................................... 319
see Flat tyre U
Unladen weight ................................. 346
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................ .80V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 277
Variable SPEEDTRONIC
see SPEEDTRONIC
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Electronics ..................................... 336
Equipment ....................................... 22
Implied warranty .............................. 24
Individual settings .......................... 220
Leaving parked up ......................... 164
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 81
Locking (key) ................................... 75
Lowering ........................................ 329
Pulling away ................................... 144
Raising ........................................... 326
Registration ..................................... 24
Securing from rolling away ............ 325
Tow-starting ................................... 310
Towing away .................................. 310
Transporting .................................. 313
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 81
Unlocking (key) ................................ 75
Vehicle data ................................... 346
Vehicle data ....................................... 346
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 346
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 338
Vehicle maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 299
Vehicle weights ................................. 346
Video (DVD) ........................................ 215
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 215
VIN ...................................................... 338 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 258
Brakes ........................................... 258
Distance warning signal ................. 266
ESP® ............................................. 260
ESP® OFF ...................................... 261
Fuel tank ........................................ 264
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 169
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 174
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 171
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 52
Reserve fue l................................... 264
Seat belt ........................................ 257
SRS ................................................ 263
Warning triangle ................................ 298
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 256
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 329
Wheel chock ...................................... 325
Wheels
Changing a whee l.......................... 324
Changing/replacing ....................... 324
Checking ........................................ 319
Cleaning ......................................... 292
Cleaning (warning) ......................... 324
Emergency spare wheel ................. 332
Fitting a new wheel ........................ 328
Fitting a wheel ............................... 325
Important safety notes .................. 318
Removing a whee l.......................... 328
Storing ........................................... 324
Tightening torque ........................... 329
Wheel size/tyre size ...................... 329 Index
19

Protection of the environment
General notes
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
Our objectives are to use the natural resour-
ces which form the basis of our existence on
this planet sparingly and in a manner which
takes the requirements of both nature and
humanity into consideration.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tyre wear depend on
the following factors:
R operating conditions of your vehicle
R your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. Therefore,
please bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
R avoid short trips, as these increase fuel
consumption.
R observe the correct tyre pressure.
R do not carry any unnecessary weight in the
vehicle.
R remove the roof rack once you no longer
need it.
R a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
R all maintenance work should be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
R do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
R do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
R drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
R avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
R switch off the engine in stationary traffic.
R monitor the vehicle's fuel consumption. Returning an end-of-life vehicle
EU countries only:
Mercedes-Benz will take back your old vehicle to dispose of it in an environmentally-respon-sible manner in accordance with the Euro-
pean Union (EU) End of Life Vehicles Direc-
tive.
There is a network of return points and dis-
assembly plants available. You can return
your vehicle to these plants free of charge.
This makes a valuable contribution to the
recycling process and the conservation of
resources.
For further information on recycling old vehi- cles, recovery and the terms of the policy,
visit the Mercedes-Benz homepage. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
H
Environmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. For these, the same war-
ranty applies as for new parts.
! Airbags and seat belt tensioners, as well
as control units and sensors for these
restraint systems, may be installed in the
following areas of your vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R dashboard
R instrument cluster
R centre console Introduction
21 Z

Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint sys-
tems.
Have accessories retrofitted at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If you use parts, tyres and wheels as well as
accessories relevant to safety which have not been approved by Mercedes, the operating
safety of the vehicle could be jeopardised.
This could lead to malfunctions in safety-rel-
evant systems, e.g. the brake system. Only
use genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of
equal quality. Only use tyres, wheels and
accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts and con-
version parts and accessories that have been specifically approved for your vehicle for their
reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for the use of such
parts in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, even if they
have been independently or officially
approved.
In Germany, certain parts are only officially
approved for installation or modification if
they comply with legal requirements. This
also applies to some other countries. All gen- uine Mercedes-Benz parts meet the approval
requirements. The use of non-approved parts
may invalidate the vehicle's general operating
permit.
This is the case:
R if they cause a change of the vehicle type
from that for which the vehicle's general
operating permit was granted
R if other road users could be endangered
R if the emission or noise levels are adversely
affected
Always specify the vehicle identification num-
ber (VIN) (Y page 338) and the engine num-
ber (Y page 338) when ordering genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts. Owner's Manual
General notes
Before you first drive off, read this Owner's
Manual carefully and familiarise yourself with
your vehicle.
For your own safety and a longer vehicle life,
follow the instructions and warning notices in this manual. Disregarding them may lead to
damage to the vehicle or personal injury. Vehicle equipment
This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available for your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Note that your
vehicle may not be fitted with all features
described. This is also the case for systems
and functions relevant to safety. Therefore,
the equipment on your vehicle may differ from
that in the descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase contract documenta-
tion for your vehicle contains a list of all of the systems in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are
important documents and should kept in the
vehicle. Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or necessary repairs car-
ried out, this could result in malfunctions or
system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as necessary repairs car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop. 22
Introduction