2007 Mercedes-benz C Class Owners Manual

mirror button

3 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror

button

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 32). 왘 Press button 3 for the driver’s side exterior rear view mirror or button 2 for passenger-side exterior rear view mirror.

왘 Push adjustment button 1 up, down, left, or right according to the desired setting.

! If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the front), reposition it by applying firm pressure until it snaps into place. The mirror housing is now properly posi- tioned and you can adjust the mirror in the usual manner.

i At low ambient temperatures, the exterior rear view mirrors will be heated automatically. i The memory function* (컄 page 107) lets you store the settings for the exterior rear view mirrors together with the settings for the steer- ing wheel and the driver’s seat position.

For more information, see “Rear view mir- rors” (컄 page 160).

Getting started Driving

Failure to wear and properly fasten and po- sition your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only provide the protection they were designed to afford if the occupants are using their seat belts (컄 page 69).

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or toddler restraint, or booster seat recom- mended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 74). A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

왔 Driving

Warning!

Make sure that absolutely no objects are ob- structing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta- cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in the footwell, make sure that the pedals still have sufficient clearance.

During sudden driving or braking maneu- vers, the objects could get caught between or beneath the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury.

Fastening the seat belt

Warning!

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passengers are properly restrained, even those sitting in the rear.

43

Getting started Driving

Warning!

Warning!

왘 With a smooth motion, pull the belt

from the belt outlet.

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.

Warning!

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 it, the belt would apply force at the ab- domen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

44

Read and observe the additional warning notices printed in the “Safety and Security” section (컄 page 62) and (컄 page 69).

왘 Place the shoulder portion of the belt across the top of your shoulder and the lap portion across your hips.

왘 Push latch plate 1 into buckle 3 until

it engages.

왘 If necessary, tighten the lap portion to

a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

1 Latch plate 2 Release button 3 Buckle

Belt outlet height adjustment

1 Release button 왘 Press release button 1 and move the

seat belt height adjuster upward or downward.

Proper use of seat belts 앫 Do not twist the seat belt when fasten-

ing.

앫 Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder

portion is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder (it should not touch the neck). Never pass the

shoulder portion of the belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the belt outlet.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

on your hips (over hip joint) and not across the abdomen.

앫 Place the seat backrest in a nearly

upright position.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time.

앫 Do not fasten a seat belt around a

person and another object at the same time.

앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant

or toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

앫 Check your seat belt during travel to

make sure that it is properly posi- tioned.

앫 Make sure that the seat belt is always fitted snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.

Getting started Driving

Warning!

Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They could tear.

Do not allow the belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the belt.

Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effective- ness of the belts.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

45

Getting started Driving

Starting the engine

Manual transmission

Gearshift pattern for manual transmission For more information, see “Manual trans- mission” (컄 page 149).

Warning!

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un- consciousness and possible death.

Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as garage) which are not properly ven- tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected imme- diately. If you must drive under these condi- tions, drive only with at least one window fully open.

46

Starting 왘 Depress brake pedal. 왘 Make sure the gearshift lever is in neutral position (no gear selected).

왘 Fully depress clutch pedal.

Otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the integrated safety interlock.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 (컄 page 32) and hold until the engine starts.

For information on turning off the engine, see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 55).

Starting 왘 Place the gear selector lever in

position P.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 (컄 page 32) and release it again immediately. The engine then starts automatically.

For information on turning off the engine, see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 55).

Automatic transmission*

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission P Park position with gear selector lever

lock

R Reverse gear N Neutral position D Drive position For more information, see “Automatic transmission*” (컄 page 151).

Getting started Driving

Starting difficulties If the SmartKey is left in starter switch position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the steering is locked. 왘 To unlock, remove SmartKey from

starter switch and reinsert.

If the engine does not start as described, carry out the following steps: 왘 Turn the SmartKey in starter switch to

position 0 and repeat the starting procedure (컄 page 46). Remember that extended starting attempts can drain the vehicle battery.

왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 386). If the engine does not start after several starting attempts, there could be a mal- function in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system. 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

47

Getting started Driving

Parking brake

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey 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. Children could release the parking brake, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Release handle 2 Parking brake pedal

48

i At vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h), the automatic central locking system engages and the locking knobs drop down. The automatic door lock feature can be deacti- vated (컄 page 143). You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brake reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear.

! Do not run cold engine at high engine speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine speeds may shorten the service life of the engine.

왘 Release parking brake by pulling on

handle 1. The warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

Driving

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi- cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre- vent this type of loss of control.

! If you hear a warning signal and the mes- sage Release parking brake appears in the multifunction display when driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake (컄 page 48).

Manual transmission 왘 Depress the brake pedal. 왘 Fully depress the clutch pedal.

! In order to avoid damage to the transmis- sion, place the gearshift lever to reverse gear only when the vehicle is stopped. 왘 Move gearshift lever to first gear to drive forward, or to reverse gear to drive rearward.

왘 Simultaneously release the brake pedal

and slowly the clutch pedal.

왘 Carefully depress the accelerator

pedal.

Automatic transmission*

! Wait for the gear selection process to com- plete before setting the vehicle in motion. 왘 Depress the brake pedal. 왘 Move gear selector lever to position D

to drive forward, or to position R to drive rearward.

! Place the gear selector lever in position P or R only when the vehicle is stopped in order to avoid damaging the transmission. 왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Carefully depress the accelerator

pedal.

Getting started Driving

Warning!

It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le- ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high- er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel- erate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

49

Getting started Driving

Switching on headlamps

Low beam headlamps The exterior lamp switch is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

High beam The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Turn signals

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Exterior lamp switch 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on 왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to

position B. The low beam headlamps and the low beam headlamp indicator lamp B in the instrument cluster comes on (컄 page 24).

50

Combination switch 1 High beam 2 High beam flasher 왘 Push the combination switch in

direction of arrow 1. The high beam headlamps and the high beam headlamp indicator lamp A in the instrument cluster comes on (컄 page 24).

For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (컄 page 109).

Combination switch 1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left 왘 Press the combination switch in

direction of arrow 1 or 2. The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp L or K in the instrument cluster flashes (컄 page 24). The combination switch resets automatically after major steering wheel movements.

i If the combination switch is pressed to the point of resistance and released, the corresponding turn signals will flash three times.

Windshield wipers

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

! Do not operate the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on a windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary to operate the windshield wipers in dry weather conditions, al- ways operate the windshield wipers with wind- shield washer fluid (컄 page 52).

Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the desired position depending on the intensity of the rain. 0 Windshield wipers off Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed

Combination switch 1 Single wipe

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

2 Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 32).

Getting started Driving

Intermittent wiping

! Vehicles with rain sensor*: Do not leave windshield wipers in intermittent setting when the vehicle is taken to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Wind- shield wipers will operate in the presence of wa- ter sprayed on the windshield, and windshield wipers may be damaged as a result.

! Vehicles with rain sensor*: If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on the surface of the rain sensor or optical effects may cause the windshield wipers to wipe in an undes- ired fashion. This could then damage the wind- shield wiper blades or scratch the windows. You should therefore switch off the windshield wip- ers when weather conditions are dry.

Vehicles with rain sensor*: Intermittent wiping interval is dependent on wetness of windshield. 왘 Turn the combination switch to

position I. Vehicles with rain sensor*: After the initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by the rain sensor.

51

Getting started Driving

i Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is opened. This protects persons getting into or out of the vehicle from being sprayed. Intermittent wiping will be continued when 앫 all doors are closed and 앫 the clutch pedal is depressed (vehicles with

manual transmission) or

앫 the gear selector lever is in position D or R

(vehicles with automatic transmission*) or

앫 the wiper setting is changed using the com-

bination switch

52

! If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediate- ly. 앫 For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a safe location and remove SmartKey from starter switch before attempting to remove any blockage.

앫 Remove blockage. 앫 Turn the windshield wipers on again. If the windshield wipers fail to function at all with combination switch in position I, 앫 set the combination switch to the next high-

er wiper speed

앫 have the windshield wipers checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

Single wipe 왘 Press the combination switch briefly in direction of arrow 1 to the resistance point. The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Press the combination switch in direc-

tion of arrow 1 past the resistance point. The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

i To prevent smears on the windshield, or noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with wind- shield washer fluid every now and then even when it is raining.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*” (컄 page 280).

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires 앫 An ignition cable may be damaged. 앫 The engine electronics may not be op-

erating properly.

앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.

왘 Give very little gas. 왘 Have the problem repaired by an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

The coolant temperature is above 248°F (120°C) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine. 왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and turn off the en- gine. Allow engine and coolant to cool off.

왘 Check the coolant level and add

coolant if necessary (컄 page 278).

Getting started Driving

In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking gasoline: 왘 Do not start the engine under any cir-

cumstances.

왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-

ties.

If the extent of the damage cannot be de- termined: 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

If no damage can be determined on the 앫 Major assemblies 앫 Fuel system 앫 Engine mount 왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.

53

Getting started Parking and locking

You have now completed your first drive. You have properly stopped and parked your vehicle. End your drive as follows.

Warning!

Vehicles with manual transmission: Wait until the vehicle is stationary before removing the SmartKey from the starter switch. The vehicle cannot be steered when the SmartKey is removed.

Warning!

With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering system. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.

54

Warning!

Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

To reduce the risk of personal injury, or damage to the vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain, as a result of vehicle movement, always do the following before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle: 앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal. 앫 Manual transmission: Move the gear-

shift lever into neutral position (no gear is selected).

앫 Firmly depress parking brake pedal. 앫 Manual transmission: Move the gear-

shift lever into first or reverse gear. 앫 Automatic transmission*: Move the

gear selector lever to position P.

앫 Slowly release brake pedal.

앫 When parked on an incline, always turn the front wheels towards the road curb. 앫 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 and remove.

앫 Take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle when leaving, which could endanger other road users when you en- gage the parking brake.

Parking brake

Warning!

Do not engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion. Doing so can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose con- trol of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged, which could endanger other road users.

access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or move the gear selector lever* from position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. Position P alone may not prevent your vehi- cle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects. Always set the parking brake in ad- dition to shifting to position P (컄 page 153) (manual transmission: first or reverse gear (컄 page 149)). When parked on an incline, turn front wheel towards the road curb.

Getting out of your vehicle without taking the above measurements to secure it is dangerous.

1 Release handle 2 Parking brake pedal 왘 Step firmly on parking brake pedal 2. When the engine is running, the brake warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.

Warning!

Switching off headlamps

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M

(컄 page 50).

For more information, see “Lighting” (컄 page 109).

Getting started Parking and locking

Turning off engine

왘 Manual transmission: Move the gear-

shift lever into first or reverse gear. 왘 Automatic transmission*: Place the

gear selector lever in position P.

왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 54).

i Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P (manual transmission: first or reverse gear). On slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 (컄 page 32).

왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch. The immobilizer is activated.

i Vehicles with automatic transmission: The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in position P.

55

Getting started Parking and locking

Releasing seat belts

Locking

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 44). Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

! Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so that the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot get caught or pinched in the door or in the seat mechanism. This can damage the seat belt and impair the effectiveness of the seat belt, and/or cause damage to the door and/or door trim pan- el. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Damaged seat belts must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Warning!

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be espe- cially careful when small children are around.

Before closing doors, make sure there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey 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.

56

i If you hear a warning signal you have forgotten to switch off the headlamps before opening the driver’s door. In addition the message Switch off lights appears in the multifunction display. Switch off the headlamps. 왘 Exit the vehicle and close all doors and

the trunk.

왘 Press lock button ‹ on the

SmartKey (컄 page 32). 앫 All turn signal lamps flash three

times.

앫 An acoustic signal sounds three

times. For more information, see “Factory setting” (컄 page 93).

앫 The locking knobs in the doors

move down.

앫 The anti-theft alarm system* is

armed.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 92).

Safety and Security

Occupant safety Panic alarm* Driving safety systems Anti-theft systems

57

Safety and Security Occupant safety

In this section you will learn the most im- portant facts about the restraint system components of the vehicle. 앫 Seat belts (컄 page 69) 앫 Child restraints (컄 page 77) 앫 Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) (컄 page 79)

Additional protection potential provide 앫 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

with 앫 Air bags (컄 page 59) 앫 Air bag control unit (with crash

sensors)

앫 Emergency tensioning device (ETD)

for seat belts (컄 page 72)

앫 Active head restraints (컄 page 73)

58

Air bag system components with 앫 Front passenger front air bag off

indicator lamp (컄 page 68)

앫 Front passenger seat with Occupant

Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 64)

Although independent systems, their pro- tective effects work in conjunction with each other.

i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 74). The SRS system conducts a self-test when the ignition is switched on and in regular intervals while the engine is running. This facilitates detection of system malfunc- tions. The 1 indicator lamp in the in- strument cluster comes on when the ignition is switched on and goes out no lat- er than a few seconds after the engine has been started.

The SRS components are in operational readiness if the 1 indicator lamp is not lit when the engine is running. A malfunction in the system has been detected if the 1 indicator lamp: 앫 fails to go out after approximately

4 seconds after the engine was started

앫 does not come on at all 앫 comes on after the engine was started

or while driving.

Warning!

Modifications to or work improperly con- ducted on restraint systems (such as seat belts and anchors, emergency tensioning devices, seat belt force limiters or air bags) or their wiring, as well as tampering with in- terconnected electronic systems, can lead to the restraint systems no longer function- ing as intended.

In addition, improper repair work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inopera- tive or causing unintended air bag deploy- ment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Con- tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If it is necessary to modify an air bag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Air bags or emergency tensioning devices, for example, could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents although the de- celeration threshold for air bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore, never modify the re- straint systems. Do not tamper with elec- tronic components or their software.

Warning!

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp comes on during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a malfunction. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not deploy when needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnec- essarily which could also result in injury.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Air bags

Warning!

Air bags are designed to reduce the poten- tial of injury and fatality in certain frontal im- pacts (front air bags) or side impacts (front side impact air bags, rear side impact air bags* and window curtain air bags). However, no system available today can to- tally eliminate injuries and fatalities.

The deployment of the air bags temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the air bags. This dust, however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some tem- porary breathing difficulty for people with asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

59

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury when the front air bags inflate, it is very important for the driver and front passenger to always be in a properly seated position and to wear their respective seat belts.

For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is prop- erly positioned on your body.

Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

60

앫 Occupants, especially children, should always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or toddler restraint or boost- er seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

Failure to follow these instructions can re- sult in severe injuries to you or other occupants.

If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety in- formation. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator’s Manual.

앫 Adjust the driver’s seat as far as possi- ble rearward, still permitting proper op- eration of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breast- bone to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 in (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combina- tion of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any prob- lems, please see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Do not lean your head or chest close to

the steering wheel or dashboard.

앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms in- side the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver front air bag inflates.

앫 Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

Warning!

Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat.

There is a possibility for a side impact air bag related injury if occupants, especial- ly children, are not properly seated or re- strained when next to a front side impact air bag and/or rear side impact air bag* which needs to deploy rapidly in a side im- pact 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 front side impact air bag and/or the rear side impact air bag* inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the front side impact air bag and/or the rear side impact air bag* be deployed.

(2) Always sit as upright as possible,

properly use the seat belts, and for children 12 years old and under, use an appropriately sized infant or toddler restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

(3) Always wear seat belts properly.

If you believe that, even with the use of these guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat occupants to have the rear mount- ed side impact air bags* deactivated, then deactivation can be accomplished upon your written request to do so at an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center at an additional cost.

Please contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

i Air bags are designed to deploy only in cer- tain frontal impacts (front air bags) and in side impacts (front side impact air bags, rear side im- pact air bags* and window curtain air bags) which exceed preset thresholds. Only during these events will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passengers should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental pro- tection. In case of other types of impacts and impacts be- low air bag deployment thresholds, air bags will not deploy. The driver and passenger will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible pro- tection in a rollover. We caution you not to rely on the presence of the air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt. It is important to your safety and that of your pas- sengers that you replace deployed air bags and repair any malfunctioning air bags to make sure that the vehicle will continue to provide supple- mental crash protection for occupants.

61

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and air bag

Warning!

앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use belts in- stalled or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Air bags and emergency tensioning de- vices (ETDs) are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that is deployed must be replaced. 앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts. 앫 Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide ade- quate protection.

62

앫 No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or removing any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the front seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of addition- al electrical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purs- es, umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Do not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may turn into projec- tiles and cause head and other injuries when the window curtain air bag is de- ployed.

앫 Air bag system components will be hot

after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 In addition, improper repair work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 For your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be fol- lowed. These instructions are available from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Given the considerable deployment

speed, required inflation volume, and the textile structure of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

When you sell your vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an SRS by alerting them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.

Front air bags

1 Driver air bag 2 Passenger air bag

Driver and front passenger front air bags are deployed: 앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the front side impact

air bags and/or the rear side impact air bags*

i The front air bags in this vehicle have been designed to inflate in two stages. This allows the air bag to have different rates of inflation that are based on the rate of relevant vehicle decelera- tion as assessed by the air bag control unit. On the front passenger side, the front air bag de- ployment is additionally influenced by the pas- senger’s weight category as identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 64). The lighter the front passenger side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required for the second stage inflation of the air bag.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment thresholds. You will then be protect- ed by the fastened seat belts. The front passenger front air bag will only be deployed if: 앫 the system, based on OCS weight sen- sor readings, senses that the front pas- senger seat is occupied

앫 the 56 indicator lamp in the center console is not lit (컄 page 68) 앫 the impact exceeds a preset deploy-

ment threshold

63

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Front side impact air bags, rear side im- pact air bags*, window curtain air bags

1 Window curtain air bag 2 Front side impact air bag 3 Rear side impact air bag*

64

The front side impact air bags, the rear side impact air bags*, and the window cur- tain air bags are deployed: 앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle 앫 in impacts exceeding a preset deploy-

ment threshold

앫 independently of the front air bags The front side impact air bags, the rear side impact air bags*, and the window cur- tain air bags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment threshold.

Occupant Classification System

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) automatically turns the front passenger front air bag on or off based on the classi- fied occupant weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat.

i The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window cur- tain air bag and the emergency tensioning device.

Occupants must sit properly belted in a po- sition that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant’s weight category.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

i If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Only seat accessories approved by Mercedes-Benz may be used.

Both driver and the front passenger should always use the 56 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the front passenger is properly positioned.

Warning!

If the 56 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger re-position himself or herself in the seat until the 56 indicator lamp goes out. More information about air bag display messages (컄 page 332).

In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS classified the front passenger seat occupant as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is sensed as being empty.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and re- main illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat is classified as being empty, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the en- gine is started and then, depending on occu- pant weight sensor readings from the seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the 56 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 56 indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is activated.

컄컄

65

Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

If the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed.

If the 56 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed: 앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the front side impact

air bags and/or rear side impact air bags*.

If the front passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by: 앫 the rate of vehicle deceleration as as-

sessed by the air bag control unit

앫 front passenger’s weight category as

identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS).

66

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recom- mended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropri- ate child restraint on the front passen- ger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be serious- ly injured or even killed if the front pas- senger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circum- stances, even with the air bag technolo- gy installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

앫 If you have to place a child in a

forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated (컄 page 65).

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 56 in- dicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 56 indi- cator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 56 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 56 in- dicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front pas- senger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child re- straint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

i Deployment of the driver front air bag does not mean that the front passenger front air bag also should have deployed. The Occupant Classification System (컄 page 64) may have determined: 앫 that the seat was empty or occupied by the

weight up to or less than that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint - both instances where the system suppresses deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the im- pact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

앫 that the seat was occupied by a small individ-

ual (such as a young teenager or a small adult) or a child weighing more than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint - instances where the system may suppress deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of suffi- cient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

67

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The 56 indicator lamp is located in the center console.

Warning!

If the 1 indicator lamp and the 56 indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there is a malfunction in the Occupant Classification System. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case.

In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS: 앫 Have the system checked as soon as

possible by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

앫 Do not lean on the armrests or lift your- self from the seat by using the handle over the door as this may cause the OCS to be unable to correctly approximate the occupant weight category.

1 Front passenger front air bag off

indicator lamp

The 56 indicator lamp 1 will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch or with the starter switch in position 0.

68

앫 Only have the seat repaired or replaced

by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter.

앫 Read and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

Self-test Occupant Classification System After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2, the 56 indicator lamp located in the center console illuminates. If an adult oc- cupant is properly sitting on the front pas- senger seat and the system senses the occupant as being an adult, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate and go out after approximately 6 seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the system senses the front passenger seat as being empty, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.

Warning!

Seat belts

The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fastened whenever the vehicle is in motion. For more information, see “Fastening the seat belt” (컄 page 43).

i For information on infants and children trav- eling with you in the vehicle and restraint sys- tems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 74).

If the 56 indicator lamp should not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 332).

Warning!

Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the Occupant Classifi- cation System. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protec- tion for the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of child seats.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained, including those sit- ting in the rear.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. Air bags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts.

69

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

Warning!

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 it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning!

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make sure everyone riding in the vehicle is cor- rectly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked.

Only use seat belts which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when necessary.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY 앫 Seat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in case of an accident.

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, includ- ing rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver air bag, passenger front air bag, front side im- pact air bags, rear side impact air bags*, window curtain air bags for side win- dows), ETD (seat belt emergency ten- sioning device), and front seat knee bolsters. The system is designed to en- hance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags and ETD)

70

앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.

앫 Pregnant women should also always use a lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant

or toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

and side (front side impact air bags, rear side impact air bags*, window curtain air bags and ETD) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.

앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm, against your neck or off your shoul- der. In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal or- gans such as your liver or spleen.

앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys, etc., as these might cause injuries.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdo- men. If the belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Enhanced seat belt reminder system When the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < will always illuminate for 6 seconds to remind you and your pas- sengers to fasten your seat belts. If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened when the engine is started, an additional warning chime will also sound for a maxi- mum of 6 seconds or until the driver’ s seat belt is fastened. If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) is not fastened with front doors closed, 앫 the seat belt telltale < remains illu- minated for as long as either the driv- er’s or front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened.

앫 and if the vehicle speed once exceeds

15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds with increasing

71

Safety and Security Occupant safety

intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver’s and the front pas- senger’s seat belt are fastened. If you and/or your passenger release the seat belt during driving, the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds as described be- fore. If the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds, the warning chime stops sounding, the seat belt telltale < stops flashing but continues to be illu- minated. After a vehicle standstill the warning chime is reactivated and the seat belt telltale < is flashing again if the ve- hicle speed once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).

The seat belt telltale < will only go out if both the driver’s and the front passen- ger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front door is opened.

72

When activated, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the belts. Belt force limiters reduce the force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash.

Warning!

An emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced.

When disposing the emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 328).

Emergency tensioning device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency tensioning devices and belt force limiters. The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases: 앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts

exceeding the system deployment threshold.

앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 58).

i The ETDs for the front seats will only acti- vate if the respective front seat belt is fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belt fastened.

Active head restraint

The active front seat head restraints are in- tended to offer the driver and front passen- ger increased protection from whiplash type injuries in rear-end collisions. In the event of a rear-end collision exceeding the systems’ deployment threshold, the active head restraints on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats are designed to move forward in the direction of travel, providing the head with increased support earlier on in the collision sequence. The active head restraints activate whether the seat is oc- cupied or not.

Warning!

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close to the head as possible and the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the

potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intend- ed to help reduce injuries during an accident.

Warning!

Only use seat or head restraint covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat or head restraint covers may interfere with or prevent the activation of the active head restraints. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.

Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the head restraint posts. Otherwise, the ac- tive head restraints may not be able to func- tion properly or offer the intended degree of protection in the event of an accident.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

You cannot remove the active head re- straints on the driver’s and front passen- ger’s seat. For removal of the active head restraints we recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. For information on head restraint adjust- ment, see “Seats” (컄 page 34). For information on resetting the activated active head restraints, see “Resetting acti- vated head restraints” (컄 page 365).

73

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Children in the vehicle

If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle: 왘 Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

왘 Make sure that the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Warning!

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system. The children could 앫 injure themselves on parts of the vehicle 앫 be seriously or fatally injured through excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold

74

If children open a door, they could 앫 injure other persons 앫 get out of the car and injure themselves

or be injured by oncoming traffic

Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts.

Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment or trunk unless they are firmly secured in place. For more in- formation, see “Loading” (컄 page 230), and see “Useful features” (컄 page 237) in the “Controls in detail ” chapter.

Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child’s risk of injury in the event of 앫 strong braking maneuvers 앫 sudden changes of direction 앫 an accident

Infant and child restraint systems We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull the shoulder 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 acti- vated. The 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. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.

! A statement by the child restraint manufac- turer 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, or 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.

Warning!

Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

i Information on child seats with anchor fit- tings for tether anchorages (컄 page 77). For information on LATCH-type child seat an- chors (컄 page 79).

! 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. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system prop- erly secured in accordance with the manufactur- er'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 and 210.2.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recom- mended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instruc- tions.

Occupants, especially children, should nev- er place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the front side im- pact air bag and/or the rear side impact air bag* inflates. This could result in serious injuries or

컄컄

75

Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

death should the air bag be triggered. Al- ways sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized in- fant or toddler restraint or booster seat rec- ommended for the size and weight of the child.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front pas- senger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the OCS senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on

the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the

76

air bag technology installed in your vehi- cle. The only means to completely elim- inate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 56 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 56 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 56 indicator lamp goes out or remains out,

do not transport a child on the front pas- senger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child re- straint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

앫 If you have to place a child in a

forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activat- ed (컄 page 65).

When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised children in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment and may cause an acci- dent and/or serious personal injury.

Warning!

Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi- tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul- der, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

Safety and Security Occupant safety