ESP SMART FORTWO COUPE 2012 User Guide

Knee bags
:
Driver’s knee bag
; Passenger knee bag
The knee bags are designed to provide
increased protection for the driver and
passenger against the risk of injuries to
the knees, thighs and lower legs. The knee
bags are located on the lower instrument
panel. They are designed to operate
together
with the front air bags in certain
frontal impacts if the system determines
that air bag deployment can offer
additional protection to that provided by
the seat belts. Knee bags operate best in
conjunction with a properly positioned
and fastened seat belts.
Head-thorax air bags (cabriolet only) G
WARNING
There is a possibility for a head-thorax air
bag
related injury if occupants, especially
children, are not properly seated or
restrained when next to a head-thorax air
bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side
impact in order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury,
please follow these guidelines:
(1) Occupants, especially children, should never place their bodies
or

lean their heads in the area of
the door where the head-thorax
air bag inflates. This could
result in serious injuries or death should the head-thorax air
bag be deployed.
(2) Always sit as upright as possible, properly use the seat
belts, and for all children
12 years old or under, use an
appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for
the

size and weight of the child.
(3) Always wear seat belts properly. G
WARNING
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by smart for your vehicle
model.

A seat cover must have a deployment
control seam for the head-thorax air bag.
Using other seat covers may interfere with
or prevent the deployment of the head-
thorax air bags. Contact an authorized
smart center for availability.
If activated, the head-thorax air bags are
intended to provide increased protection
for the head and thorax (but not arms) of the
occupants on the side of the vehicle that is
struck.
The head-thorax air bags are deployed
R on the side of the vehicle that is struck
(when passenger side is struck only if the
seat is occupied)
R at the start of an accident with high
vehicle deceleration or acceleration
acting in a lateral direction, e.g. a side
impact
R regardless of whether or not the seat belt
is in use
R independently of the front air bags
being deployed
R independently of the emergency
tensioning device
The head-thorax air bags are integrated
into the driver and passenger seat
backrests. Occupant safety
37
>> Safety. Z

:
Head-thorax air bag
Window curtain air bags and thorax-
pelvis side air bags (coupé only) G
WARNING
There is a possibility for a thorax-pelvis
side air bag related injury if occupants,
especially children, are not properly
seated
or restrained when next to a thorax-
pelvis side air bag which needs to deploy
rapidly in a side impact in order to do its
job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury,
please follow these guidelines:
(1) Occupants, especially children, should never place their bodies
or

lean their heads in the area of
the door where the thorax-pelvis
side air bag inflates. This could
result in serious injuries or
death should the thorax-pelvis
side air bag be deployed.
(2) Always sit as upright as possible, properly use the seat
belts, and for all children
12 years old or under, use an
appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for
the

size and weight of the child.
(3) Always wear seat belts properly. G
WARNING
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by smart for your vehicle
model.

A seat cover must have a deployment
control seam for the thorax-pelvis side air
bag. Using other seat covers may interfere
with or prevent the deployment of the
thorax-pelvis side air bags. Contact an
authorized smart center for availability.
Window curtain air bags
Window curtain air bags are designed to
provide increased protection for the head,
but not the chest or arms.
Window curtain air bags are deployed
R on the impacted side of the vehicle
R in instances with a high rate of lateral
vehicle deceleration or acceleration
R independently of the front air bags
R regardless of whether the passenger seat
is occupied
R in a rollover if the system determines
that air bag deployment can offer
additional protection to that provided
by the seat belt.
The window curtain air bags are integrated
into the inner side of the roof frame. They
run above the doors from the A-pillar to the
B-pillar. :
Window curtain air bags
Thorax-pelvis side air bags
Thorax-pelvis side air bags are designed
to provide increased protection for the
thorax and pelvis, but not the arms. 38
Occupant safety
>> Safety.

Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the
event of
R
strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
Infant and child restraint system We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in operation.
The passenger lap-shoulder belt has a
special seat belt retractor for secure
fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow all
mounting instructions provided by the
child
restraint manufacturer. Then pull the
shoulder seat belt out completely and let it
retract. During seat belt retraction, a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is
activated. The seat belt is now locked. Push
down on child restraint to take up any
slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and
let seat belt retract completely. To
deactivate the special seat belt retractor
for the passenger seat, the passenger seat
must be in the most backward position. The
seat belt can again be used in the usual
manner. G
WARNING
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle
is in motion, since the special seat
belt retractor will be deactivated.
The use of infant or child restraints is
required by law in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia, the U.S. territories,
and all Canadian provinces and
territories.
Infants and small children should be seated
in an appropriate infant or child restraint
system properly secured in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions for the child restraint, that complies with U.S.
Federal

Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213, 213.1 and 213.2.
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint and in the
instruction manual provided with the
restraint.
When using any infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat be sure to
carefully read and follow all
manufacturer’s instructions for
installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels
affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to
infant or child restraints. G
WARNING
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended

for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be
properly secured with the vehicle’s seat
belt fully in accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their
heads in the area of the door where the
head-thorax air bags (cabriolet), window
curtain air bags (coupé) and thorax-pelvis
air bags (coupé) inflates. This could result
in serious injuries or death should the
head-thorax air bags (cabriolet), window
curtain air bags (coupé) and thorax-pelvis
air bags (coupé) be triggered. Always sit as
upright as possible, properly use the seat
belt and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured
by an inflating air bag. Note the following Occupant safety
43
>> Safety.
Z

The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification
number can be found in the
battery case.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS‑210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference, and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case. Driving safety systems
Introduction
G
WARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in
this section cannot reduce these risks or
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather and traffic
conditions and keep a safe distance to
other road users and objects on the street.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the hydraulic
brake assistant, and the ESP ®
is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 142)
or snow chains* as required. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the

brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (Y page 22) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in
the

brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is
regulating the brake pressure.
X Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields
the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal. G
WARNING
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the
hydraulic brake assistant and the ESP ®
are
also switched off. 46
Driving safety systems
>> Safety.
* optional

When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the
braking distance.
G
WARNING
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others. Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®
). The
ESP ®
is operational as soon as the engine
is running and it monitors the vehicle’s
traction (force of adhesive friction
between

the tires and the road surface) and
handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid.
By applying brakes to the appropriate
wheel and by limiting the engine output,
the ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off
and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The
ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during
braking and steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP
®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes

the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roads G
WARNING
If the ESP ®
warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as
follows:
R While driving off, apply as little
throttle as possible.
R While

driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed. G
WARNING
The ESP ®

cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESP ®
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine must be turned
off (ignition switched off) when the
parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer. Active braking action Driving safety systems
47
>> Safety. Z

through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously
damage the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
i The ESP ®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended tire
size (Y page 217). Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the hydraulic brake
assistant automatically provides full
brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure
until

the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The
hydraulic brake assistant is then
deactivated. G
WARNING
When the hydraulic brake assistant is
malfunctioning, the brake system is still
functioning normally, but without the
additional

brake boost that would normally
be provided during an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase. G
WARNING
The hydraulic brake assistant cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking

efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded. The
hydraulic brake assistant cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities

of a hydraulic brake assistant
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others. Activating the hazard warning flasher
after an emergency braking maneuver
If

you bring the vehicle to a complete stop
by strongly braking at a speed of more than
43 mph (70 km/h), the hazard warning
flasher comes on automatically as soon as
the vehicle is at a standstill. The hazard
warning flasher will remain on until it is
switched off using the hazard warning
flasher switch (Y page 69) or until the
speed of the vehicle has exceeded 6 mph
(10 km/h). Anti-theft systems
Electronic immobilizer
The electronic immobilizer prevents
unauthorized persons from starting your
vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
key with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a key
that is left inside the vehicle.
X Activating: Remove the key from the
starter switch.
X Deactivating: Insert the key in the
starter switch.
X Turn the key to starter switch position 1. Anti-theft warning system*
Once the anti-theft warning system has
been armed, a visual and audible alarm is
triggered when
R someone opens a door or the tailgate
R someone enters the vehicle’s interior 48
Anti-theft systems>> Safety.
* optional

X
Press button # on the key twice.
X Press and hold button $ on the key for
approximately two seconds.
or
X Pull the release handle in handle
recess : of the lower tailgate.
The upper tailgate is unlocked.
X Swivel the upper tailgate upwards to
open.
Observe the information on loading the
vehicle ( Y page 112).
For information on vehicle weights, see
“Vehicle specification” (Y page 215). Opening the lower tailgate on the
coupé
G
WARNING
High outside temperature, stop-and-go
traffic, driving on long uphill grades, or
driving
at high engine speed may increase
the temperature in the engine
compartment. Therefore the area around the
air slots in the rear apron may be hot. Let
the engine cool off before touching this
area to prevent burns.
X Open the upper tailgate ( Y page 54). X
Pull either of the release levers :
backwards.
The lower tailgate is unlocked.
X Swivel the lower tailgate downwards to
open.
The lower tailgate is held in the
horizontal position by means of the two
retaining straps.
! When folded down, the lower tailgate
can bear loads up to maximum of 220 lbs
(100 kg).
Observe the information on loading the
vehicle ( Y page 112).
For information on vehicle weights, see
“Vehicle specification” (Y page 215). Closing the tailgate(s) on the coupé
G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury,
always
keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing
the tailgate(s). Be especially careful when
small children are around. X
Swivel the lower tailgate upwards to
close. Allow the two release levers to
engage audibly.
X Swivel the upper tailgate downwards to
close. G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the starter switch, take it with Opening and closing
55
>> Controls.
Z

X
Opening: Push release levers :, located
to the left and right of the retaining
clip, upwards.
X Swivel the rear soft top upwards to open. G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury,
always
keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing
the rear soft top. Be especially careful
when small children are around.
X Closing: Swivel the rear soft top
downwards to close.
X Pull soft top down.
X Pull release levers :,
located to the left
and right of the retaining clip,
downwards.
X Make sure the rear soft top is correctly
locked in place on both sides. Closing the tailgate on the cabriolet
G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury,
always
keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing
the tailgate. Be especially careful when
small children are around.
! When closing the tailgate, you must
first close the rear soft top. Otherwise
you might break the release levers of the
rear soft top. X
Swivel the tailgate upwards to close. Let
the tailgate lock into place. G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children

unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury. Starter switch positions
Starter switch Starter switch positions
57
>> Controls. Z

g
For removing key
1
Ignition (power supply for all
electrical consumers) and driving
position
All lamps (except low‑beam
headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam headlamp indicator
lamp, and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the
instrument cluster come on. If a
lamp
in the instrument cluster fails
to come on when the ignition is
switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in
the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes
on while driving, refer to “Warning
and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster” ( Y page 162).2
Starting (
Y page 78)i
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator and warning lamps (except
low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam

headlamp indicator lamp, and
turn signal indicator lamps unless
activated) in the instrument cluster
come on. The indicator and warning
lamps (except low‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, high‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, and turn signal
indicator lamps if activated) will go out
when the engine is running. This
indicates that the respective systems
are operational. Seats
Safety notes
G
WARNING
All seat adjustments, as well as fastening
of seat belts, must be done before the
vehicle is operated. G
WARNING
When adjusting the seat, make sure no one
becomes trapped.
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while
driving. Adjusting the seat while driving
could

cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined
position as this can be dangerous. You
could slide under the seat belt in a
collision. If you slide under the seat belt,
it could apply force at the abdomen or neck,
potentially causing serious or fatal
injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer
is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as
possible with the driver still able to
operate the controls properly.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Observe the notes on the air bag system. G
WARNING
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended

for the size and weight of the58
Seats
>> Controls.

To minimize risk to you and to others,
activate headlamps by turning exterior
lamp
switch to position L when driving
or when traffic and/or ambient lighting
conditions require you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only
switch from position à to L with the
vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from position à to L will
briefly switch off the headlamps. Doing so
while driving in low ambient lighting
conditions may result in an accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible
for the operation of the vehicle’s lights at
all times.
X Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
Ã.
With the key in starter switch position
1,

the tail and parking lamps, the license
plate lamps, and the side marker lamps
will come on and go out automatically
depending on the brightness of the
ambient light.
With the engine running, the low‑beam
headlamps, the tail and parking lamps,
the license plate lamps and the side
marker lamps will come on and go out
automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
Daytime running lamp mode (Canada only) In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode
is mandatory and therefore in a constant
mode.
X
Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
i With the engine running, the low‑beam
headlamps cannot be switched off
manually.
You cannot switch on the high‑beam
headlamps.
The high‑beam flasher is available at all
times. For nighttime driving you should turn the
exterior lamp switch to position
L to
permit activation of the high‑beam
headlamps.
When the engine is running, and you
R turn

the exterior lamp switch to position
T, the low‑beam headlamps, the tail
and parking lamps, the license plate
lamps and the side marker lamps come on
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come
on (Y page 65).
Daytime running lamp mode* (USA only) In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
X
Activating: Switch off the ignition.
X Switch on the high-beam flasher and
press button * on the key
simultaneously.
An acoustic signal sounds.
The daytime running lamp mode is
activated.
X Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
i With the engine running, the low‑beam
headlamps cannot be switched off
manually.
i When

the daytime running lamp mode is
activated, the rain-light sensor* is
without function.
When the engine is running, and you turn
the exterior lamp switch to position T
or L, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
(Y page 64). 66
Lighting
>> Controls.
* optional