Get Safety -> Occupant safety Guide for Mercedes CLA 4 Door First Generation (2013-2018)

Panic alarm

To activate: press and hold

! button : for approx. one second.

A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the

alarm system is primed.

To deactivate: press ! button : again.

Insert the key into the ignition lock.

or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function

or KEYLESS‑GO:

Press the Start/Stop button.

The key must be in the vehicle.

The panic alarm function is only available in cer-

tain countries.

Occupant safety

Introduction to the restraint system

The restraint system can reduce the risk of vehi-

cle occupants coming into contact with parts of

the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident.

Furthermore, the restraint system can also

reduce the forces to which vehicle occupants

are subjected during an accident.

The restraint system includes:

Seat belt system

Airbags

Child restraint system

Child seat securing system

The various components of the restraint system

work complementary to one another. They can

only perform their intended protective function

if all vehicle occupants:

have correctly fastened their seat belt

(Y page 42)

have correctly adjusted their seat and head

restraint (Y page 97).

As the driver, you must also ensure that the

steering wheel is correctly adjusted. Observe

the information relating to the correct driver's

seat position (Y page 97).

Additionally, you must ensure that an airbag can

deploy freely (Y page 44).

The airbag is supplementary to a correctly fas-

tened seat belt. As an additional safety device,

the airbag increases the level of protection for

vehicle occupants in the event of an accident. If

the protection provided by the seat belt is suf-

ficient, the airbags do not deploy. Furthermore,

in the event of an accident, only airbags which

provide greater protection in the given accident

situation deploy. However, seat belts and air-

bags generally do not protect against objects

penetrating the vehicle from the outside.

Information on how the restraint system oper-

ates can be found in "Deployment of the seat

belt tensioner and airbags" (Y page 51).

See "Children in the vehicle" for information on

infants and children traveling with you in the

vehicle restraint systems for infants and chil-

dren(Y page 54).

Important safety notes

WARNING

If the restraint system is modified, it may no

longer work as intended. The restraint system

may then not perform its intended protective

function by failing in an accident or triggering

unexpectedly, for example. There is an

increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.

Never modify parts of the restraint system. Do

not attempt to modify the wiring as well as

electronic components or their software.

If the vehicle needs to be adapted to accommo-

date a person with disabilities, please contact a

specialist workshop.

Occupant safety

Safety

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use only

driving aids that have been approved specifi-

cally for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.

Restraint system warning lamp

The functions of the restraint system are

checked after the ignition is switched on and at

regular intervals while the engine is running.

Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in

good time.

The 6 restraint system warning lamp on the

instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is

switched on. It goes out no later than a few sec-

onds after the vehicle is started. The compo-

nents of the restraint system are in operational

readiness.

A malfunction has occurred if the 6 restraint

system warning lamp:

does not light up after the ignition is switched

does not go out after a few seconds with the

engine running

lights up again while the engine is running

WARNING

If the restraint system is malfunctioning,

restraint system components may be trig-

gered unintentionally or may not deploy as

intended during an accident. This may affect

the seat belt tensioner or airbag, for example.

This poses an increased risk of injury or even

fatal injury.

Have the restraint system checked and

repaired immediately at a qualified specialist

workshop.

PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp

PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp : and

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp ; are

part of the automatic deactivation system of the

front-passenger front airbag.

The indicator lamps display the status of the

front-passenger front airbag.

PASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up for 60 sec-

onds, then both indicator lamps are off

(PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF): the front-

passenger front airbag is able to deploy in the

event of an accident.

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: the front-

passenger front airbag is disabled. It will then

not be deployed in the event of an accident.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is

off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lamp shows the status of the front-passenger

front airbag. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

cator lamp may be lit continuously or be off.

Depending on the person in the front-passenger

seat, the front-passenger front airbag must be

either disabled or enabled; see the following

points. You must make sure of this both before

and during a journey.

Children in a rearward-facing child

restraint system: the PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF indicator lamp must be lit. The front-

passenger front airbag is disabled. It is imper-

ative to observe the notes on the "Automatic

front-passenger front airbag deactivation sys-

tem" (Y page 47) and on "Children in the

vehicle" (Y page 54).

Children in a forward-facing child

restraint system: depending on the installed

child restraint system and the age and size of

the child, the front-passenger front airbag is

either disabled or enabled. Therefore, it is

imperative to observe the notes on the "Auto-

matic front-passenger front airbag deactiva-

Occupant safety

Safety

tion system" (Y page 47) and on "Children in

the vehicle" (Y page 54).

All other persons: the PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF indicator lamp must be off. The front-

passenger front airbag is enabled. Depending

on the stature of the person on the front-

passenger seat, the PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF indicator lamp may light up. The front-

passenger front airbag is disabled. It will then

not be deployed in the event of an accident. In

this case, the front-passenger seat should not

be used.

It is imperative to observe the notes on the

"Automatic front-passenger front airbag

deactivation system" (Y page 47) as well as

on "Seat belts" (Y page 41) and "Airbags"

(Y page 44). There, you can also find infor-

mation on the correct seat position.

Seat belts

Introduction

A correctly worn seat belt is the most effective

means of restraining the movement of vehicle

occupants in the event of a collision or if the

vehicle overturns. This reduces the risk of vehi-

cle occupants coming into contact with parts of

the vehicle interior or being ejected from it. The

seat belt also helps to keep the vehicle occu-

pants in the best position in relation to the air-

bag being deployed.

The seat belt system consists of:

seat belts

belt tensioners for the front seat belts and the

outer seat belts in the rear

belt force limiters for the front seat belts and

the outer seat belts in the rear

If the seat belt is pulled quickly or sharply from

the belt outlet, the inertia reel locks. The belt

strap cannot be pulled out any further.

The belt tensioner tightens the seat belt in the

event of a collision so that it fits tightly across

your body. However, it does not pull the vehicle

occupants back in the direction of the seat

backrest.

The belt tensioner does not, however, correct an

incorrect seat position or correct the routing of

a seat belt that is worn incorrectly.

When triggered, seat belt force limiters help to

reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belt

on the vehicle occupant.

The belt force limiters on the front seats are

synchronised with the front airbags, which take

on a part of the deceleration force. This can

reduce the forces to which the vehicle occu-

pants are subjected during an accident.

If the co-driver's seat is not occupied, do not

engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on

the co-driver's seat. Otherwise, the belt ten-

sioner could be triggered in the event of an

accident and would have to be replaced.

Important safety notes

WARNING

If the seat belt is worn incorrectly, it cannot

perform its intended protective function. Fur-

thermore, an incorrectly worn seat belt can

cause additional injuries, e.g. in the event of

an accident, heavy braking or sudden

changes of direction. There is an increased

risk of injury, possibly even fatal.

Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have

their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-

ting properly.

WARNING

The seat belt does not offer the intended level

of protection if you have not moved the back-

rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-

ing or in the event of an accident, you could

slide underneath the seat belt and sustain

abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This

poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal

injury.

Adjust the seat properly before beginning

your journey. Always ensure that the backrest

is in an almost vertical position and that the

shoulder section of your seatbelt is routed

across the centre of your shoulder.

WARNING

Persons under 1.50 m tall cannot wear the

seat belts correctly without an additional suit-

able restraint system. If the seat belt is worn

incorrectly, it cannot perform its intended

protective function. Furthermore, an incor-

rectly worn seat belt can cause additional

injuries, e.g. in the event of an accident, heavy

Occupant safety

Safety

braking or sudden changes of direction. There

is an increased risk of injury, possibly even

fatal.

Always secure persons less than 1.50 mtall in

additional suitable restraint systems.

If a child younger than twelve years old and

under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehi-

cle:

always secure the child in a child restraint

system suitable for this Mercedes-Benz vehi-

cle. The child restraint system must be appro-

priate to the age, weight and size of the child.

always observe the instructions and safety

notes on the "Automatic front-passenger

front airbag deactivation system"

(Y page 47)

always observe the instructions and safety

notes on "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 54) in addition to the child restraint

system manufacturer's installation and oper-

ating instructions

WARNING

Seat belts cannot protect as intended, if:

they are damaged, have been modified, are

extremely dirty, bleached or dyed

the seat belt buckle is damaged or

extremely dirty

modifications have been made to the belt

tensioners, belt anchorages or inertia reels

Seat belts may sustain non-visible damage in

an accident, e.g. due to glass splinters. Modi-

fied or damaged seat belts can tear or fail, for

example in the event of an accident. Modified

seat belt tensioners may be deployed unin-

tentionally or not function as intended. There

is an increased risk of injury, possibly even

fatal.

Never modify seat belts, seat belt tensioners,

seat belt anchorages and inertia reels. Ensure

that seat belts are not damaged or worn and

are clean. After an accident, have the seat

belts checked immediately at a qualified spe-

cialist workshop.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use

seat belts which have been approved specifi-

cally for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz. Other-

wise, your vehicle's general operating permit

could be invalidated.

Sports seat or AMG Performance seat: this

seat is designed for the standard three-point

seat belt. If you fit another multipoint seat belt,

e.g. sport or racing seat belts, the restraint sys-

tem cannot provide the best level of protection.

WARNING

If you feed seat belts through the opening in

the seat backrest, the seat backrest may be

damaged or may even break in the event of an

accident. This poses an increased risk of

injury or even fatal injury.

Only use the standard three-point seat belt.

Never modify the seat belt system.

Correct seat belt use

Pay attention to the safety notes about the seat

belt (Y page 41).

All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat

belts correctly before you start driving. You

must also make sure that all vehicle occupants

have fastened their seat belts correctly during

the journey.

When fastening your seat belt, always make

sure that:

the seat belt tongue is inserted into the belt

buckle that belongs to the seat.

the seat belt is tightened across your body.

Avoid wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter

coat.

the seat belt is not twisted.

Only then can the forces which occur be dis-

tributed over the area of the belt.

the shoulder section of the belt is always

routed across the centre of your shoulder.

The shoulder section of the belt must not

come into contact with your neck or be routed

under your arm. Adjust the seat belt to the

appropriate height as necessary.

The lap belt must be taut and as low as pos-

sible over your lap.

The lap belt must always be routed across

your hip joints and not across your abdomen.

Pregnant women must take particular care

with this. If necessary, push the lap belt down

to your hip joint and pull it tight using the

shoulder section of the belt.

Occupant safety

Safety

The seat belt is not routed over sharp, pointed

or fragile objects.

If such objects are located on or in your cloth-

ing, e.g. pens, keys, spectacles, etc. stow

these in a suitable location.

Only one person should use each seat belt at

any one time.

Babies and children must never travel sitting

on the lap of another vehicle occupant. In the

event of an accident, they could be crushed

between the vehicle occupant and seat belt.

Do not secure any objects with a seat belt if

the seat belt is being used by one of the vehi-

cle's occupants.

You must also make sure that objects, e.g.

cushions, are never placed between a person

and the seat.

Seat belts are solely intended to secure and

restrain persons. To secure objects, luggage or

loads, always observe the "Loading guidelines"

(Y page 268).

Fastening and adjusting the seat belts

Observe the safety notes on the seat belt

(Y page 41) and the information on the correct

use of the seat belt (Y page 42).

Basic illustration

Adjust the seat (Y page 97).

The seat backrest must be in an almost ver-

tical position.

Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt out-

let.

Engage seat belt tongue ; in belt buckle :.

The seat belt on the driver's seat and the

front-passenger seat may be tightened auto-

matically; see "Belt adjustment"

(Y page 43).

If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder

section of the seat belt to tighten the belt

across your body.

The shoulder section of the seat belt must

always be routed across the centre of the shoul-

der. Adjust the belt outlet if necessary.

To raise: slide the belt outlet upwards.

The belt outlet will engage in various posi-

tions.

To lower: hold belt outlet release = and slide

belt outlet downwards.

Let go of belt outlet release = in the desired

position and make sure that the belt outlet

engages.

Releasing seat belts

Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up.

Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be

trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism.

This could damage the door, the door trim

panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts

can no longer fulfil their protective function

and must be replaced. Visit a qualified spe-

cialist workshop.

Press release button in belt buckle, hold belt

tongue firmly and guide the seat belt back.

Seat belt adjustment

The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of

the PRE-SAFE

convenience function. This func-

tion adjusts the driver's and front-passenger

seat belt to the upper body of the occupants.

The belt strap is tightened slightly when:

the seat belt tongue is engaged in the belt

buckle and

the ignition is switched on

The seat-belt adjustment will apply a certain

tightening force if any slack is detected between

the vehicle occupant and the seat belt. Do not

hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is adjust-

ing.

You can switch the seat-belt adjustment on and

off in the on-board computer (Y page 212).

Occupant safety

Safety

Belt warning for the driver and front

passenger

The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-

ment cluster reminds you that all vehicle occu-

pants must fasten their seat belts. It may light up

continuously or flash. A warning tone may also

sound.

The 7 seat belt warning lamp goes out and

the warning tone stops as soon as the driver's

and the co-driver's seat belts have been fas-

tened.

Rear seat belt status indicator

The seat belts on the left and centre rear seats,

when viewed in the direction of travel, are not

fastened. (Example)

The rear seat belt status indicator is available

only in certain countries.

The rear seat belt status indicator informs you

which rear seat belt is not fastened.

Cancelling the rear seat belt status indicator

immediately (Y page 216).

Airbags

Introduction

The airbag installation location is identified by

the label AIRBAG.

An airbag supplements a correctly fastened seat

belt. It is not a substitute for seat belts. The air-

bag provides additional protection in the corre-

sponding accident situations.

Not all airbags are deployed in an accident. The

various airbag systems work independently of

one another (Y page 51).

However, no system available today can com-

pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.

Due to the required speed of the airbag after

deployment, it is also not possible to entirely

rule out the risk of injuries caused by the airbag.

Important safety notes

WARNING

If you deviate from the correct seat position,

the airbag cannot perform its intended pro-

tective function and can even cause addi-

tional injuries when deployed. There is an

increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.

In order to avoid such risks, always ensure

that all vehicle occupants:

fasten their seatbelts correctly, including

pregnant women

are seated correctly and maintain the fur-

thest possible distance from the airbags

observe the following notes

Always ensure that there are no objects loca-

ted between the airbag and the vehicle occu-

pant.

Adjust the seats properly before beginning

your journey. Always make sure that the seat

is in an almost upright position. The centre of

the head restraint must support the head at

about eye level.

Move the driver's and front-passenger seats

as far back as possible. The driver's seat posi-

tion must allow the vehicle to be driven safely.

Only hold the steering wheel on the outside.

This allows the airbag to be fully deployed.

Always lean against the backrest while driv-

ing. Do not lean forwards or lean against the

door or side window. You may otherwise be in

the deployment area of the airbags.

Always keep your feet in the footwell in front

of the seat. Do not put your feet on the dash-

board, for example. Your feet may otherwise

be in the deployment area of the airbag.

Always secure persons less than 1.50 mtall in

suitable restraint systems. Up to this height,

the seat belt cannot be worn correctly.

If a child is travelling in your vehicle, also

observe the following notes:

Always secure children under twelve years of

age and less than 1.50 mtall in suitable child

restraint systems.

Child restraint systems should be fitted to the

rear seats.

Only secure a child to the front-passenger

seat when the front-passenger front airbag is

Occupant safety

Safety

disabled, and only then in a rearward-facing

child restraint system. If the PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF indicator lamp is permanently lit, the

front-passenger front airbag is disabled

(Y page 40).

Always observe the instructions and safety

notes on the "Automatic front-passenger

front airbag deactivation system"

(Y page 47) and on "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 54) in addition to the manufactur-

er's operating and installation instructions for

the child restraint system.

Objects in the vehicle interior may prevent

the airbag from functioning correctly. Before

starting your journey and to avoid risks resulting

from the speed of the airbag as it deploys, make

sure that:

there are no people, animals or objects

between the vehicle occupants and an airbag.

there are no objects between the seat, door

and B-pillar.

no hard objects, e.g. coat hangers, are hang-

ing on the grab handles or coat hooks.

no accessories, such as cup holders, are

attached to the vehicle within the deployment

area of an airbag, e.g. to doors, side windows,

rear side trim or side walls.

no heavy, sharp-edged or fragile objects are in

the pockets of your clothing. Store such

objects in a suitable place.

WARNING

If you modify an airbag cover or affix objects

such as stickers to it, the airbag can no longer

function correctly. There is an increased risk

of injury.

Never modify an airbag cover or affix objects

to it.

WARNING

Sensors to control the airbags are located in

the doors. Modifications or work not per-

formed correctly to the doors or door panel-

ling, as well as damaged doors, can lead to the

function of the sensors being impaired. The

airbags might therefore not function properly

any more. Consequently, the airbags cannot

protect vehicle occupants as they are

designed to do. This poses an increased risk

of injury.

Never modify the doors or parts of the doors.

Always have work on the doors or door pan-

elling carried out at a qualified specialist

workshop.

Front airbags

Do not place heavy objects on the front-

passenger seat. This could cause the system

to identify the seat as being occupied. In the

event of an accident, the restraint systems on

the front-passenger side may be triggered

and have to be replaced.

Driver's airbag : deploys in front of the steer-

ing wheel. Front-passenger front airbag ;

deploys in front of and above the glove com-

partment.

When deployed, the front airbags offer addi-

tional head and thorax protection for the occu-

pants in the front seats.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

informs you about the status of the front-

passenger front airbag (Y page 40).

The front-passenger front airbag will deploy only

if:

the automatic front-passenger front airbag

deactivation system has detected that the

front-passenger seat is occupied

(Y page 47). The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF

indicator lamp is not lit (Y page 47)

the restraint system control unit predicts a

high accident severity

Occupant safety

Safety

Driver's kneebag

Driver's knee airbag : deploys under the steer-

ing column. The driver's knee airbag is triggered

together with the front airbags.

The driver's knee airbag offers additional thigh,

knee and lower leg protection for the occupant

in the driver's seat.

The driver's knee airbag is available only in

certain countries.

Sidebags

WARNING

Unsuitable seat covers may obstruct or even

prevent deployment of the airbags integrated

into the seats. The airbags may then fail to

protect the vehicle occupants as intended.

Operation of the automatic co-driver's front

airbag deactivation system may also be

impaired. There is an increased risk of injury,

possibly even fatal.

Use only seat covers which have been specif-

ically approved for the respective seat by

Mercedes-Benz.

Front sidebags : and rear sidebags ; deploy

next to the outer bolster of the seat backrest.

When deployed, the sidebag offers additional

thorax protection. It also offers additional pelvis

protection for occupants in the front seats.

However, it does not protect the:

head

neck

arms

In the event of a side impact, the sidebag is

deployed on the side on which the impact

occurs.

Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger

front airbag deactivation system: the sidebag on

the front-passenger side deploys under the fol-

lowing conditions:

an occupant is detected in the front-

passenger seat or

the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged in the

belt buckle of the front-passenger seat

If the belt tongue is engaged in the belt buckle,

the sidebag on the front-passenger side deploys

if an appropriate accident situation occurs. In

this case, deployment is independent of

whether the front-passenger seat is occupied or

not.

Windowbags

Windowbags : are integrated into the side of

the roof frame and deployed in the area from the

A-pillar to the C-pillar.

When deployed, the windowbag offers addi-

tional head protection. However, it does not

protect the thorax or arms.

In the event of a side impact, the windowbag is

deployed on the side on which the impact

occurs.

If the system determines that it can offer addi-

tional protection to that provided by the seat

Occupant safety

Safety

belt, a windowbag may be deployed in other

accident situations (Y page 51).

Automatic front-passenger front air-

bag deactivation

Introduction

In order to recognise a child restraint system on

the front-passenger seat, the automatic front-

passenger front airbag deactivation system cat-

egorises the person in the front-passenger seat.

Depending on that result, the front-passenger

front airbag is either enabled or disabled. If a

rearward-facing child restraint system is fitted

to the front-passenger seat, the PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up after

the system self-test and remain lit. The front-

passenger front airbag is disabled.

The system does not disable:

the sidebag

the windowbag

the seat belt tensioner

Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with the

automatic front-passenger front airbag deacti-

vation system (Y page 57). If this is not the

case, always install a child restraint system on a

suitable rear seat (Y page 59).

If it is absolutely necessary to install a child

restraint system on the front-passenger seat, be

sure to observe the correct positioning of the

child restraint system. Never place objects

under or behind the child restraint system, e.g. a

cushion. Fully retract the seat cushion length.

The entire base of the child restraint system

must always rest on the seat cushion of the

front-passenger seat. The backrest of a forward-

facing child restraint system must, as far as

possible, rest flat against the backrest of the

front-passenger seat. The child restraint system

must not touch the roof or be put under strain by

the head restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat

backrest and the head restraint position accord-

ingly. Only then is the correct function of the

automatic front-passenger front airbag deacti-

vation system guaranteed. Always observe the

information on suitable positioning of the child

restraint system (Y page 59) in addition to the

child restraint system manufacturer's installa-

tion instructions.

Operation of automatic front-passenger

front airbag deactivation

PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp

;

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

The indicator lamps inform you whether the

front-passenger front airbag is disabled or ena-

bled.

Press the Start/Stop button once or twice, or

turn the key to position 1 or 2 in the ignition

lock.

The system carries out a self-diagnosis.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and PASSENGER

AIR BAG ON indicator lamps must light up simul-

taneously for approximately six seconds.

The indicator lamps display the status of the

front-passenger front airbag:

PASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up for 60 sec-

onds, then both indicator lamps are off

(PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF): the front-

passenger front airbag is able to deploy in the

event of an accident.

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: the front-

passenger front airbag is disabled. It will then

not be deployed in the event of an accident.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is

off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lamp shows the status of the front-passenger

front airbag. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

cator lamp may be lit continuously or be off.

If the status of the front-passenger front airbag

changes while the vehicle is in motion, an airbag

display message appears on the instrument

cluster (Y page 226). When the front-passenger

seat is occupied, always pay attention to the

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp. Be

aware of the status of the front-passenger front

airbag both before and during the journey.

Occupant safety

Safety

If a person sits in the passenger seat, he/she

must be:

seated with the seat belt fastened correctly

in an almost upright position with his/her

back against the seat backrest

with his/her feet resting on the floor, if pos-

sible

If the front passenger does not observe these

conditions, the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system may be influenced,

e.g. because the front passenger:

transfers his/her weight by supporting him-

self/herself on a vehicle armrest

sits in such a way that his/her weight is raised

from the seat cushion

The front-passenger front airbag may be disa-

bled by mistake as a result of these or similar

actions. In this case, the PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF indicator lamp lights up permanently. The

front-passenger front airbag then does not

deploy during an accident.

WARNING

If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp

is lit, the front-passenger front airbag is disa-

bled. It will not be deployed in the event of an

accident and cannot perform its intended pro-

tective function. A person in the front-

passenger seat could then, for example, come

into contact with the vehicle's interior, espe-

cially if the person is sitting too close to the

dashboard. This poses an increased risk of

injury or even fatal injury.

When the front-passenger seat is occupied,

always make sure that:

the classification of the person in the front-

passenger seat is correct and that the front-

passenger front airbag is enabled or disa-

bled in accordance with the person in the

front-passenger seat.

the front-passenger seat has been moved

back as far back as possible.

the person is seated correctly.

Make sure, both before and during the jour-

ney, that the status of the front-passenger

front airbag is correct.

WARNING

If you secure a child in a rearward-facing child

restraint system on the co-driver's seat and

the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

is off, the co-driver's front airbag can deploy in

the event of an accident. The child could be

struck by the airbag. There is an increased risk

of injury, possibly even fatal.

In this case, always make sure that the co-

driver's front airbag has been disabled. The

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

must be lit.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

stays off, do not install a rearward-facing child

restraint system on the front-passenger seat.

Further information can be found under "Prob-

lems with the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system" (Y page 50).

WARNING

If you secure a child in a forward-facing child

restraint system on the front-passenger seat

and you position the front-passenger seat too

close to the dashboard, in the event of an

accident, the child could:

come into contact with the vehicle's inte-

rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

cator lamp is lit, for example

be struck by the airbag if the PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off

This poses an increased risk of injury or even

fatal injury.

Always move the front-passenger seat as far

back as possible and fully retract the seat

cushion length. Always make sure that the

shoulder belt strap is correctly routed from

the vehicle belt outlet to the shoulder belt

guide on the child restraint system. The shoul-

der belt strap must be routed forwards and

downwards from the vehicle belt outlet. If

necessary, adjust the vehicle belt outlet and

the front-passenger seat accordingly. Always

observe the information about suitable posi-

tioning of the child restraint system in this

Owner's Manual as well as the child restraint

Occupant safety

Safety

system manufacturer's installation instruc-

tions.

Always observe the vehicle-specific information

for the correct positioning of the child restraint

system (Y page 59).

If the automatic front-passenger front airbag

deactivation system detects that:

the front-passenger seat is unoccupied, the

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

lights up after the system self-test and

remains lit. This indicates that the front-

passenger front airbag is disabled.

the front-passenger seat is occupied by a

child in a rearward-facing child restraint sys-

tem, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lamp lights up after the system self-test and

remains lit. This indicates that the front-

passenger front airbag is disabled.

But in the case of a child in a rearward-facing

child restraint system, the PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF indicator lamp can also go out after

the system self-test. This indicates that the

front-passenger front airbag is enabled. The

result of the classification is dependent on,

among other factors, the child restraint sys-

tem and the child's stature. It is recommen-

ded that you fit the child restraint system to a

suitable rear seat.

the front-passenger seat is occupied by a

child in a forward-facing child restraint sys-

tem, either the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF

indicator lamp lights up and remains lit after

the system self-test depending on the result

of the classification, or it goes out. The result

of the classification is dependent on, among

other factors, the child restraint system and

the child's stature.

Move the front-passenger seat as far back as

possible. Always observe the information in

"Child restraint systems on the front-

passenger seat" (Y page 57) and in "Suita-

ble positioning of the child restraint system"

(Y page 59). Alternatively, you can fit the

child restraint system to a suitable rear seat.

the front-passenger seat is occupied by a per-

son of smaller stature (e.g. a teenager or

small adult), the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF

indicator lamp lights up and remains lit after

the system self-test depending on the result

of the classification or, alternatively, goes out.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lamp is off, move the front-passenger seat

as far back as possible. Alternatively, a per-

son with a small stature can sit on a rear

seat.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lamp is lit, a person with a smaller stature

should not use the front-passenger seat.

the front-passenger seat is occupied by an

adult or a person with the stature of an adult,

the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

goes out after the system self-test. This indi-

cates that the front-passenger front airbag is

enabled.

If children are travelling in the vehicle, be sure to

observe the notes on "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 54).

If the automatic front-passenger front airbag

deactivation system is malfunctioning, the red

6 restraint system warning lamp on the

instrument cluster and the PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF indicator lamp light up simultaneously.

The front-passenger front airbag is disabled in

this case and does not deploy during an acci-

dent. Have the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system checked and

repaired immediately at a qualified specialist

workshop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that

you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this

purpose.

If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or the

seat cushion are damaged, have the necessary

repair work carried out at a qualified specialist

workshop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that

you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this

purpose.

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-

mends that you use only a child restraint system

that has been tested and approved by

Mercedes-Benz in combination with the auto-

matic front-passenger front airbag deactivation

system.

System self-test

DANGER

If both the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and

PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps do

not light up during the system self-test, the

system is malfunctioning. The front-

passenger front airbag might be triggered

unintentionally or might not be triggered at all

in the event of an accident with high deceler-

Occupant safety

Safety

ation. This poses an increased risk of injury or

even fatal injury.

In this case the front-passenger seat may not

be used. Do not install a child restraint system

on the front-passenger seat. Have the auto-

matic front-passenger front airbag deactiva-

tion system checked and repaired immedi-

ately at a qualified specialist workshop.

WARNING

If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp

remains lit after the system self-test, the

front-passenger front airbag is disabled. It will

not be deployed in the event of an accident. In

this case, the front-passenger front airbag

cannot perform its intended protective func-

tion, e.g. when a person is seated in the front-

passenger seat.

That person could, for example, come into

contact with the vehicle's interior, especially

if the person is sitting too close to the dash-

board. This poses an increased risk of injury or

even fatal injury.

When the front-passenger seat is occupied,

always ensure that:

the classification of the person in the front-

passenger seat is correct and the front-

passenger front airbag is enabled or disa-

bled in accordance with the person in the

front-passenger seat.

the person is seated properly with a cor-

rectly fastened seat belt.

the front-passenger seat has been moved

as far back as possible.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lamp remains lit when it should not, the front-

passenger seat may not be used. Do not

install a child restraint system on the front-

passenger seat. Have the automatic front-

passenger front airbag deactivation system

checked and repaired immediately at a quali-

fied specialist workshop.

WARNING

Objects between the seat surface and the

child restraint system could affect the func-

tion of the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system. This could result

in the front-passenger front airbag not func-

tioning as intended during an accident. This

poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal

injury.

Do not place any objects between the seat

surface and the child restraint system. The

entire base of the child restraint system must

always rest on the seat cushion of the front-

passenger seat. The backrest of the forwards-

facing child restraint system must, as far as

possible, be resting on the backrest of the

rear reclining seat. Always comply with the

child restraint system manufacturer's instal-

lation instructions.

After the system self-test, the PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF or PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator

lamp shows the status of the front-passenger

front airbag (Y page 47). If the front-passenger

front airbag is enabled, the PASSENGER AIR

BAG ON indicator lamp lights up for 60 seconds

and then goes out.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is

off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lamp shows the status of the front-passenger

front airbag. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

cator lamp may be lit continuously or be off.

Further information can be found under "Prob-

lems with the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system" (Y page 50).

Problems with automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation

Be sure to observe the notes on "System self-test" (Y page 49).

Occupant safety

Safety

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

The PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF indicator lamp

lights up and remains lit,

even though the front-

passenger seat is occu-

pied by an adult or a per-

son with a build corre-

sponding to that of an

adult.

The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is false.

Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the person

on the front-passenger seat are met (Y page 47).

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the front-

passenger seat may not be used.

Have the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation sys-

tem checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

The PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF indicator lamp

does not light up and/or

does not stay on.

The front-passenger seat

is:

empty

occupied with a rear-

ward-facing child

restraint system

The automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation system is

malfunctioning.

Make sure there is nothing between the seat and the child restraint

system.

Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests on

the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat.

Make sure that the seat cushion length is fully retracted.

When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the seat

belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight with the front-passenger

seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and the child

restraint system being pulled too tightly.

Check that the child restraint system is installed correctly.

Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight to the

seat.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off and/or

the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not install

a rearward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger

seat. It is recommended that you fit the child restraint system to a

suitable rear seat.

Have the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation sys-

tem checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

Deployment of belt tensioners and air-

bags

Important safety notes

WARNING

After the airbag deploys, the airbag parts are

hot. There is a risk of injury.

Do not touch the airbag parts. Have a

deployed airbag replaced at a qualified spe-

cialist workshop as soon as possible.

WARNING

Pyrotechnical belt tensioners which have

been triggered are no longer operational and

therefore cannot protect as intended. There is

an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.

Have pyrotechnic belt tensioners which have

been triggered replaced at a qualified special-

ist workshop immediately.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have the

vehicle towed to a qualified specialist workshop

after an accident. Take this into account, par-

ticularly if a seat belt tensioner was triggered or

an airbag was deployed.

An electric motor is used by PRE-SAFE

to trig-

ger the tightening of the seat belt in hazardous

situations. This procedure is reversible.

If the belt tensioners are triggered or an airbag is

deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small

Occupant safety

Safety

amount of powder may also be released. The

6 restraint system warning lamp lights up.

Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hear-

ing. In general, the powder released is not haz-

ardous to health but may cause short-term

breathing difficulties to persons suffering from

asthma or other pulmonary conditions. Provided

it is safe to do so, you should leave the vehicle

immediately or open the window in order to pre-

vent breathing difficulties.

Operation

During the first stage of a collision, the restraint

system control unit evaluates important physi-

cal data relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-

eration, such as:

duration

direction

intensity

Based on the evaluation of this data, the

restraint system control unit triggers the seat

belt tensioners in the event of a head-on or rear

collision.

A seat belt tensioner can be triggered only if:

the ignition is switched on

the components of the restraint system are

operational. You can find further information

under: "Restraint system warning lamp"

(Y page 40)

the seat belt buckle tongue has engaged in

the belt buckle of the respective front seat

The seat belt tensioners in the rear compart-

ment are triggered independently of the lock

status of the seat belts.

If the restraint system control unit detects a

high-severity accident, in certain head-on colli-

sions, additional components of the restraint

system are deployed independently of each

other:

Front airbags and driver's kneebag

Windowbag, if the system determines that

deployment can offer additional protection to

that provided by the seat belt

On vehicles with the automatic front-passenger

front airbag deactivation system: depending on

the person in the front-passenger seat, the

front-passenger front airbag is either disabled or

enabled. The front-passenger front airbag can

be deployed in an accident only if the

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off.

Observe the information on the PASSENGER AIR

BAG indicator lamps (Y page 40).

Your vehicle has two-stage front airbags. In the

first deployment stage, the front airbag is filled

with propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.

The front airbag is fully deployed if the second

deployment stage is activated within a few mil-

liseconds.

The activation threshold for the seat belt ten-

sioners and airbags is determined based on the

evaluation of the vehicle's rate of deceleration

or acceleration at various points in the vehicle.

This process is pre-emptive in nature. The trig-

gering/deployment process should take place

in good time at the start of the collision.

The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration

and the direction of the force are essentially

determined by:

the distribution of forces during the collision

the collision angle

the deformation characteristics of the vehicle

the characteristics of the object with which

the vehicle has collided

Factors that can be seen and measured only

after a collision has occurred do not play a deci-

sive role in the deployment of an airbag, nor do

they provide an indication of airbag deployment.

The vehicle may be deformed significantly with-

out an airbag being deployed. This is the case if

only parts that are relatively easily deformed are

affected and the rate of deceleration is not high.

Conversely, an airbag may be deployed even

though the vehicle suffers only minor deforma-

tion. This is the case if, for example, very rigid

vehicle parts such as longitudinal body mem-

bers are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs

as a result.

If the restraint system control unit detects a side

impact, the applicable components of the

restraint system are activated independently of

each other.

Sidebags on the side on which an impact

occurs, independently of the seat belt ten-

sioner and seat belt usage

Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger

front airbag deactivation system: the sidebag

Occupant safety

Safety

on the front-passenger side deploys under the

following conditions:

an occupant is detected in the front-

passenger seat or

the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged in

the belt buckle of the front-passenger seat

Windowbag on the side on which an impact

occurs, independently of seat belt usage and

regardless of whether the front-passenger

seat is occupied

Seat belt tensioners, if the system determines

that deployment can offer additional protec-

tion for the vehicle occupants in this situation

Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.

The different airbag systems work independ-

ently of each other.

How the airbag system works is determined

by the severity of the accident detected,

especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-

eration, and the apparent type of accident:

frontal collision

side impact

PRE-SAFE

(anticipatory occupant

protection)

Introduction

In certain hazardous situations, PRE-SAFE

takes pre-emptive measures to protect the vehi-

cle occupants.

Important safety notes

Make sure that there are no objects in the

footwell or behind the seats. There is a risk

that the seats and/or the objects could be

damaged when PRE-SAFE

is activated.

Although your vehicle is equipped with PRE-

SAFE

, the possibility of injury in the event of an

accident cannot be ruled out. Always adapt your

driving style to suit the prevailing road and

weather conditions and maintain a safe distance

from the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.

Function

PRE-SAFE

intervenes:

in emergency braking situations, e.g. when

BAS is activated

in critical driving situations, e.g. when physi-

cal limits are exceeded and the vehicle under-

steers or oversteers severely

when active Brake Assist intervenes power-

fully

PRE-SAFE

takes the following measures

depending on the hazardous situation detected:

the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.

if the vehicle skids, the side windows and the

panorama sliding sunroof are closed.

vehicles with the memory function: the front-

passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfav-

ourable position.

If the hazardous situation passes without result-

ing in an accident, PRE-SAFE

slackens the belt

pre-tensioning. All settings made by PRE-SAFE

can then be reversed.

If the seat belt pre-tensioning is not reduced:

Move the seat backrest or seat back slightly

when the vehicle is stationary.

Seat belt pre-tensioning is reduced and the

locking mechanism is released.

The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of

the PRE-SAFE

convenience function. Informa-

tion about the convenience function can be

found under "Belt adjustment" (Y page 43).

Automatic measures after an acci-

dent

Immediately after an accident, the following

measures may be implemented, depending on

the type and severity of the impact:

the hazard warning lamps are activated

the emergency lighting is activated

the vehicle doors are unlocked

the front side windows are lowered

the engine is switched off and the fuel supply

is cut off

vehicles with the Mercedes-Benz emergency

call system: automatic emergency call

Occupant safety

Safety

Safety -> Occupant safety for Your Mercedes CLA 4 Door First Generation (2013-2018)

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