To Next Page

To Previous Page

Problems with trailer towing

Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The ball coupling can-

not be locked.

The key cannot be

removed from the ball

coupling.

Risk of accident

The ball coupling is dirty.

The trailer tow hitch is damaged.

Remove the ball coupling and clean it (Y page 217). If the ball

coupling still cannot be locked, remove the ball coupling. It must

no longer be used to tow a trailer, as safe operation is not guar-

anteed.

Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at aqualified specialist

workshop.

150

Trailer towing

Driving and parking

Symbols3
Publication Details3
Contents6
Index7
Introduction20
Protection of the Environment20
Returning End-Of-Life Vehicles20
Vehicle Equipment20
Operating Safety21
Safety Notes21
Vehicle Registration21
Data Stored in the Vehicle22
Correct Use22
Fault Data22
Other Devices that Store Data22
At a Glance24
Cockpit25
Instrument Cluster27
Displays and Controls27
Warning and Indicator Lamps29
Multifunction Steering Wheel30
Centre Console31
Overhead Control Panel32
Door Control Panel33
Safety34
Occupant Safety35
Important Safety Notes35
Risk of Accident and Injury35
Risk of Injury35
Srs36
SRS Warning Lamp36
Triggering of Belt Tensioners, Belt Force Limiters and Airbags36
Airbags37
Front Airbags38
Head/Thorax Sidebags, Sidebags in the Rear Compartment39
Active Head Restraints40
Seat Belts40
Windowbags40
Fastening Seat Belts41
3-Door Vehicle41
Belt Height Adjustment42
Releasing Seat Belts42
Belt Warning for Driver and Front Passenger42
5-Door Vehicle42
Rear Seat Belt Status Indicator43
Belt Tensioners, Belt Force Limiters43
Child Restraint Systems44
Children in the Vehicle44
Child Seat on the Front-Passenger Seat45
Automatic Child Seat Recognition on the Front-Passenger Seat46
ISOFIX Child Seat Securing System for the Rear Seats47
Top Tether48
Problems with Child Seat Recognition50
Integrated Child Seat50
Padded Table for the Integrated Child Seat51
Folding out the Child Seat51
Fastening a Child's Seat Belt51
Folding in the Child Seat51
Fitting the ICS Padded Play Table52
Storing the ICS Padded Play Table53
Suitable Positioning of the Child Restraint Systems54
Recommended Child Restraint Systems55
Override Feature for the Rear Side Windows56
Child-Proof Locks for the Rear Doors56
Driving Safety Systems Overview57
Abs57
Braking57
Bas58
Adaptive Brake Lamps58
Esp58
Anti-Theft Systems59
Steer Control59
Immobiliser59
Ata59
Deactivating Tow-Away Protection and the Interior Motion Sensor60
Table of Contents62
Opening and Closing62
Vehicle Equipment63
- Changing the Settings of the Locking System63
- Locking and Unlocking Centrally63
- Key Functions63
- Restoring the Factory Settings64
- Emergency Key Element64
- Battery of the Key64
- Removing the Emergency Key Element64
- Changing the Battery65
- Problems with the Key66
- Unlocking and Opening the Doors from the Inside66
Doors66
- Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle from the Inside67
- Automatic Locking Feature67
- Unlocking the Driver's Door67
- Opening/Closing from the Outside68
- Locking the Vehicle68
Luggage Compartment68
- Closing69
- Side Windows69
- Convenience Closing Feature70
- Convenience Opening Feature70
- Opening and Closing the Side Windows70
- Problems with the Side Windows71
- Resetting the Side Windows71
- Sliding Sunroof71
- Operating the Panorama Louvred Sliding Sunroof72
- Ventilation Position72
- Opening and Closing the Roller Sunblind73
- Seats, Steering Wheel and Mirrors74
- Correct Driver's Seat Position75
- Vehicle Equipment75
- Seats76
  - Adjusting the Head Restraints Manually77
  - Adjusting the Seat Electrically77
  - Adjusting the Seat Manually77
  - Seat Fore-And-Aft Adjustment77
  - Adjusting the Head Restraints Electrically78
  - Fitting/Removing the Rear Seat Head Restraints78
  - Rear Seat Head Restraints78
  - Adjusting the Lumbar Support79
  - Adjusting the Multicontour Backrest79
  - Folding the Front-Seat Backrests Forward/Back79
  - Problems with the Seat Heating80
- Steering Wheel80
  - Switching the Seat Heating On/Off80
  - Adjusting the Steering Wheel81
  - Automatic Anti-Dazzle Rear-View Mirror81
  - Exterior Mirrors81
  - Rear-View Mirror81
  - Exterior Mirror out of Position82
  - Folding the Exterior Mirrors in or out Automatically82
  - Folding the Exterior Mirrors in or out Electrically82
  - Setting the Exterior Mirrors82
  - Lights and Windscreen Wipers84
  - Exterior Lighting85
  - Light Switch85
  - Notes on Driving Abroad85
  - Operation85
- Vehicle Equipment85
  - Automatic Headlamps86
  - Daytime Driving Lights86
  - Dipped-Beam Headlamps86
- Exterior Lighting86
  - Foglamps and Rear Foglamp86
  - Combination Switch87
  - Main-Beam Headlamps87
  - Turn Signals87
  - Adjusting the Headlamp Range88
  - Hazard Warning Lamps88
  - Headlamp Cleaning System88
  - Headlamp Flasher88
  - Cornering Light Function89
  - Headlamps Misted up Inside89
  - Overview of Interior Lighting89
  - Automatic Interior Lighting Control90
- Changing Bulbs90
  - Crash-Responsive Emergency Lighting90
  - Manual Interior Lighting Control90
  - Other Bulbs91
  - Overview of Bulb Replacement - Bulbs91
  - Changing the Front Bulbs92
  - Removing/Fitting the Washer Fluid Reservoir92
  - Main-Beam Headlamps/Cornering Lamps93
  - Side Lamps/Parking Lamps93
  - Changing the Rear Bulbs94
  - Left-Hand Side Trim Panel94
  - Opening and Closing the Side Trim Panels94
  - Tail Lamps94
  - Bulb Holder95
  - Licence Plate Lamps95
  - Switching the Windscreen Wipers On/Off95
  - Windscreen Wipers95
  - Replacing the Wiper Blades96
  - Switching the Rear Window Wiper On/Off96
  - Fitting the Wiper Blades97
  - Removing the Wiper Blade97
  - Replacing the Rear Window Wiper Blade97
  - Replacing the Windscreen Wiper Blades97
  - Adjusting the Spraying Nozzles98
  - Problems with the Windscreen Wipers98
  - The Windscreen Wipers Are Inoperative98
  - The Windscreen Wipers Are Obstructed98
  - Climate Control100
- Overview of Climate Control Systems101
- Vehicle Equipment101
  - Heatmatic Control Panel102
  - Notes on Using Heatmatic102
  - Air-Conditioning System Control Panel103
  - Notes on Using the Air-Conditioning System103
  - Control Panel for THERMOTRONIC Automatic Climate Control104
  - Notes on Using THERMOTRONIC Automatic Climate Control104
- Operating the Climate Control System104
  - Switching Climate Control On/Off104
  - Activating/Deactivating Cooling with Air Dehumidification105
  - Problems with the Cooling with Air Dehumidification Function105
  - Heatmatic/Air-Conditioning System106
  - Setting Climate Control to Automatic106
  - Setting the Air Distribution106
  - Setting the Temperature106
  - Demisting the Windscreen107
  - Setting the Airflow107
  - THERMOTRONIC Automatic Climate Control107
  - Activating/Deactivating Air-Recirculation Mode108
  - Demisting the Windows108
  - Problems with the Rear Window Heating108
  - Rear Window Heating108
  - Activating/Deactivating the Residual Heat Function109
  - Convenience Opening/Closing Using the Air-Recirculation Button109
- Adjusting the Air Vents110
  - Setting the Air Vents in the Glove Compartment110
  - Setting the Centre Air Vents110
  - Setting the Side Air Vents110
  - Setting the Rear-Compartment Air Vents111
  - Driving and Parking112
- Driving113
- Running-In Notes113
- The First 1,500 Km113
- Vehicle Equipment113
  - Key Positions114
  - Manual Transmission114
  - Pulling Away114
  - Starting the Engine114
  - Automatic Engine Switch-Off115
  - Autotronic115
  - ECO Start/Stop Function115
  - Hill Start Assist115
  - Automatic Engine Start116
  - Deactivating/Activating the ECO Start/Stop Function117
  - Problems with the Engine118
  - Five-Speed Manual Transmission119
  - Six-Speed Manual Transmission119
- Autotronic120
  - Engaging Reverse Gear120
  - Neutral N with ECO Start/Stop Function Activated120
  - Shift Recommendation120
  - Selector Lever121
  - Transmission Position and Drive Program Display121
  - Transmission Positions121
  - Automatic Drive Program122
  - Changing Gears122
  - Driving Tips122
  - Program Selector Button122
  - Downshifting123
  - Manual Operation123
  - Selecting the Ideal Gear123
  - Upshifting123
  - Problems with the Transmission124
  - Releasing the Parking Lock Manually124
  - Vehicles with the CLASSIC or AVANTGARDE Design and Equipment Lines124
  - ELEGANCE Design/Trim Level or with Optional Front Compartment Armrest125
  - Fuel Grade125
  - Petrol125
  - Refuelling125
  - Diesel (en 590, DIN 51628)126
  - Low Outside Temperatures126
- Refuelling126
  - Turbo Engines126
  - Flow Improver127
  - Fuel Filler Flap127
  - Opening127
  - Fuel Filler Flap Emergency Release128
  - Problems with the Fuel and Fuel Tank129
- Parking130
  - Switching off the Engine130
  - Engine Oil131
  - General Driving Tips131
  - Parking Brake131
  - Parking up the Vehicle131
  - Brakes132
  - Downhill Gradients132
- Driving Tips132
  - Heavy and Light Loads132
  - Wet Road Surface132
  - Driving on Wet Roads133
  - New Brake Pads/Linings133
  - Tyre Traction133
  - Winter Driving133
  - Snow Chains134
  - Cruise Control135
  - Driving Abroad135
  - Driving Systems135
  - Slippery Road Surfaces135
  - Cruise Control Lever136
- Driving Systems136
  - Selecting Cruise Control136
  - Storing and Maintaining the Current Speed136
  - Calling up the Last Speed Stored137
  - Deactivating Cruise Control137
  - Making Adjustments in 1 Km/H Increments137
  - Setting a Speed137
  - Speedtronic138
  - Variable Speedtronic138
  - Making Adjustments in 10 Km/H Increments139
  - Storing the Current Speed139
  - Parktronic140
  - Permanent Spedtronic140
  - Range of the Sensors140
  - Front Sensors141
  - Minimum Distance141
  - Rear Sensors141
  - Warning Displays141
  - Deactivating/Activating PARKTRONIC142
  - Trailer Towing142
  - Active Parking Assist143
  - Problems with Parktronic143
  - Detecting Parking Spaces144
  - Parking Tips144
  - Use Active Parking Assist for Parking Spaces144
  - Detected Parking Space145
  - Cancelling Active Parking Assist146
  - Fitting the Ball Coupling148
- Trailer Towing148
  - Coupling up a Trailer150
  - Decoupling a Trailer150
  - Removing the Ball Coupling151
  - Storing the Ball Coupling151
  - Trailer Power Supply151
  - Fitting the Adapter152
  - Trailer with 7-Pin Connector152
  - Problems with Trailer Towing153
  - On-Board Computer and Displays154
  - Coolant Temperature Gauge155
- Displays and Operation155
- Important Safety Notes155
- Rev Counter155
- Vehicle Equipment155
  - Operating the On-Board Computer156
  - Outside Temperature Display156
  - Multifunction Display157
  - Menu Overview158
  - Menus and Submenus158
  - Audio Menu159
  - Displaying the Digital Speedometer or Outside Temperature159
  - Selecting a Radio Station159
  - Standard Display Menu159
  - CD Changer Display160
  - CD Player Display160
- Menus and Submenus160
  - Operating Audio Devices or Media160
  - Operating the CD Player160
  - Displaying Navigation Instructions161
  - Navigation Menu161
  - Route Guidance Inactive161
  - Video DVD Operation161
  - Resetting to Factory Settings162
  - Setup Menu162
  - Lighting163
  - Time/Date163
  - Activating/Deactivating the Exterior Lighting Delayed Switch-Off164
  - Activating/Deactivating the Interior Lighting Delayed Switch-Off165
  - Setting Permanent Speedtronic165
  - Switching the Automatic Locking Feature On/Off165
  - Vehicle165
  - Convenience166
  - Resetting Values166
  - Trip Computer "From Start" or "From Reset"166
  - Trip Computer Menu166
  - Accepting a Call167
  - Displaying the Current Fuel Consumption167
  - Rejecting or Ending a Call167
  - Telephone Menu167
  - Dialling a Number from the Phone Book168
  - Redialling168
  - Hiding Display Messages169
  - Message Memory Menu169
  - Safety Systems170
  - Lights173
  - Engine177
  - Tyres182
  - Key184
- Warning and Indicator Lamps in the Instrument Cluster185
  - Stowing and Features190
  - Loading Guidelines191
  - Stowage Areas191
  - Front Stowage Compartments192
  - Glove Compartment192
  - Left-Hand Stowage Compartment193
  - Rear Stowage Compartments193
  - Right-Hand Stowage Compartment193
  - Luggage Nets194
  - Removable Front-Passenger Seat194
  - Fitting the Front-Passenger Seat195
  - Folding Backrest on the Front- Passenger Seat195
  - Opening and Closing the Through-Loading Facility196
  - Removing the Armrest196
  - Through-Loading Facility196
  - Enlarging the Luggage Compartment197
  - Fitting the Armrest197
  - Folding the Rear Bench Seat Forwards197
  - Folding Back the Rear Bench Seat198
  - Fitting the Seat Cushions199
  - Removing the Backrest199
  - Removing the Seat Cushions199
  - Fitting the Backrest200
  - Lashing Eyelets201
  - Securing a Load201
  - Bag Hook202
  - Luggage Compartment Cover202
  - Rear Seat Removed202
  - EASY-VARIO System203
  - EASY-VARIO-PLUS System203
  - Extending and Retracting the Luggage Compartment Cover203
  - Fitting/Removing the Luggage Compartment Cover203
  - Opening/Closing the Luggage Compartment Floor204
  - Removing/Fitting the Luggage Compartment Floor204
  - Setting the Height of the Luggage Compartment Floor204
  - Stowage Well Underneath the Luggage Compartment Floor204
  - Attaching the Roof Carrier205
  - Roof Carrier205
  - Cup Holder in the Centre Console206
  - Cup Holder in the Rear Seat Armrest206
  - Features206
  - Sun Visors206
  - 12 V Sockets207
  - Ashtray207
  - Cigarette Lighter207
  - Vanity Mirror in the Sun Visor207
  - Mobile Phone208
  - Socket in the Cockpit208
  - Socket in the Luggage Compartment208
  - Floormat on the Driver's Side209
  - Retrofitted Anti-Glare Film209
  - Maintenance and Care210
  - Engine Compartment211
  - Opening the Bonnet211
- Vehicle Equipment211
  - Checking the Oil Level Using the Oil Dipstick212
  - Closing the Bonnet212
- Engine Compartment212
  - Notes on the Oil Level212
  - Checking the Oil Level Using the Onboard Computer213
  - Adding Engine Oil214
  - Checking and Adding Other Service Products214
  - Checking the Coolant Level214
  - Washer Fluid Reservoir215
  - Windscreen Washer System and Headlamp Cleaning System215
  - ASSYST PLUS Service Interval Display216
  - Displaying Service Messages216
- Maintenance216
  - Please Bear the Following in Mind216
  - Service Messages216
  - Automatic Car Wash217
  - Care of the Exterior217
  - High-Pressure Cleaning Equipment217
  - Notes on Care217
  - Care and Treatment of Matt Paintwork218
  - Cleaning the Paintwork218
  - Cleaning the Wheels218
  - Cleaning the Windows218
  - Cleaning the Exhaust Tail Pipes219
  - Cleaning the Exterior Lighting219
  - Cleaning the Sensors219
  - Cleaning the Wiper Blades219
  - Cleaning the Display220
  - Cleaning the Plastic Trim220
  - Cleaning the Trailer Tow Hitch220
  - Interior Care220
  - Cleaning Real Wood and Trim Strips221
  - Cleaning the Seat Belts221
  - Cleaning the Seat Covers221
  - Breakdown Assistance222
  - First-Aid Kit223
  - Removing the Warning Triangle223
- Vehicle Equipment223
  - Warning Triangle223
  - Where will I Find?223
  - Fire Extinguisher224
  - Spare Wheel/"Minispare" Emergency Spare Wheel224
  - Vehicle Tool Kit224
- Where will I Find224
  - Flat Tyre225
  - Preparing the Vehicle225
- Flat Tyre226
  - TIREFIT Kit226
  - TIREFIT Kit Version 1227
  - TIREFIT Kit Version 2228
  - Tyre Pressure of at Least 180 Kpa Not Reached228
  - Tyre Pressure of 180 Kpa Is Reached229
  - Changing a Wheel and Fitting the Spare Wheel230
  - Securing the Vehicle to Prevent It from Rolling Away230
  - Raising the Vehicle231
  - Steel Wheel with Wheel Trim231
  - Fitting a New Wheel232
  - Removing a Wheel232
  - Lowering the Vehicle233
  - Moextended Tyres233
  - Battery234
  - Installation Location of the Battery235
  - Charging the Battery236
  - Disconnecting the Battery236
  - Removing/Fitting the Battery236
  - Reconnecting the Battery237
- Jump-Starting238
  - Towing and Tow-Starting239
  - Fitting/Removing the Towing Eye240
- Towing and Tow-Starting240
  - Removing the Towing Eye241
  - Towing the Vehicle with both Axles on the Ground241
  - Towing the Vehicle with the Front Axle Raised241
- Electrical Fuses242
  - Tow-Starting242
  - Transporting the Vehicle242
  - Before Changing a Fuse243
  - Fuse Box in the Front-Passenger Footwell243
  - Tyres and Wheels244
  - Checking Wheels and Tyres245
- Directives to be Observed245
- Important Safety Notes245
- Maintenance and Care of Wheels and Tyres245
- Maintenance and Care of Wheels and Tyresifurther245
- Vehicle Equipment245
- Storing Tyres246
- Tyre Pressure246
  - Tyre Tread246
  - Restarting the Tyre Pressure Loss Warning System248
  - Tyre Pressure Loss Warning System248
- Direction of Rotation249
- Interchanging the Wheels249
- Wheel and Tyre Combinations250
  - AMG Equipment252
  - Spare Wheel252
  - Technicalk Data254
- Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts255
- Notes on the Technical Data255
- Vehicle Equipment255
  - Retrofitting of Two-Way Radios and Mobile Phones256
  - Tampering with the Engine Electronics256
- Vehicle Electronics256
- Vehicle Identification Plates257
- Engine Number258
- Service Products and Capacities258
  - Vehicle Identification Number258
  - Fuel259
  - Notes on Fuel Consumption259
  - Tank Capacity259
  - Additives260
  - Capacities260
  - Engine Oil Viscosity260
  - Brake Fluid261
  - Coolant261
- Vehicle Data262
- Tailgate Opening Dimensions267
- Trailer Tow Hitch267
- Installation Dimensions267
- Trailer Loads269

Brand	Mercedes-Benz
Model	A 160
Category	Automobile
Language	English

Mercedes-Benz A 160 User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Mercedes-Benz A 160 Specifications

Related product manuals