X
To release: pull handle
:
.
The red
F
(USA only) or
!
(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be released:
R
when the SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock (
Y
page 136) or
R
if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button
Applying automatically
The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position P
and:
R
the engine is switched off or
R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake from being
automatically applied, pull handle
:
.
The electric parking brake is also engaged auto-
matically if:
R
DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or
R
the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-
tionary
R
Active Parking Assist is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following condi-
tions must be fulfilled:
R
the engine is switched off
R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
R
there is a system malfunction
R
the power supply is insufficient
R
the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
The red
F
(USA only) or
!
(Canada only)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
engaged if the engine is switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Releasing automatically
The electric parking brake is released automat-
ically when all of the following conditions are
fulfilled:
R
the engine is running.
R
the transmission is in position D or R.
R
the seat belt has been fastened
R
you depress the accelerator pedal
If the automatic transmission is in position R,
the trunk lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R
the driver's door is closed.
R
you have shifted out of transmission position
P or you have previously driven faster than
2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator
pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the parking
brake will be released and the vehicle will start
to move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake.
X
While driving, push handle
:
of the electric
parking brake (
Y
page 154).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle
:
of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer electric parking brake
handle
:
is depressed, the greater the brak-
ing force.
During braking:
R
a warning tone sounds
R
the
Please Release Parking Brake
mes-
sage appears
R
the red
F
(USA only) or
!
(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
Cabriolet: the battery may drain if the vehicle is
left stationary for long periods. In this case, con-
Parking
155
Dr
iv
in
g
an
d
parkin
g
Z
