Auto User Guide

2021 Mercedes A-CLASS Maintenance and Care User Manual

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2021 Mercedes A-CLASS Maintenance and Care User Manual

This guide covers 2021 Mercedes A-Class maintenance and care, including critical duties, service intervals, and tips to keep your car in top shape for years.

2023 Mercedes A Class Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

ASSYST PLUS service interval display

The function of the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display on the Instrument Display provides information on the remaining time or distance before the next service due date.
You can hide this service display using the back button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. Depending on how the vehicle is used, the ASSYST PLUS service interval display may shorten the service interval, e.g. in the following cases:

  1. Mainly short-distance driving
  2. When the engine is often left idling for long periods
  3. In the event of frequent cold start phases

Mercedes-Benz recommends avoiding such operating conditions.
You can obtain information concerning the servicing of your vehicle from a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Displaying the service due date

Information on regular maintenance work

NOTE
 Premature wear through failure to observe service due dates
Maintenance work that is not carried out at the right time or incompletely can lead to increased wear and damage to the vehicle.

  1. Adhere to the prescribed service intervals.
  2. Always have the prescribed maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Special service requirements
The prescribed service interval is based on normal operation of the vehicle. Maintenance work will need to be performed more often if the vehicle is operated under arduous conditions or increased loads.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display is only an aid. The driver of the vehicle bears responsibility as regards to whether maintenance work needs to be performed more often than specified based on the actual operating conditions and/or loads.

Examples of arduous operating conditions:

  1. regular city driving with frequent intermediate stops
  2. mainly short-distance driving
  3. frequent operation in mountainous terrain or on poor road surfaces
  4. when the engine is often left idling for long periods
  5. operation in particularly dusty conditions and/or if air-recirculation mode is frequently used

In these or similar operating conditions, have the interior air filter, engine air cleaner, engine oil, and oil filter etc. changed more frequently. The tires must be checked more frequently if the vehicle is operated under increased loads. Further information can be obtained at a qualified specialist workshop.

Battery disconnection periods
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display can only calculate the service due date when the battery is connected.

Note down the service due date displayed on the instrument display before disconnecting the battery.

Engine compartment

Opening and closing the hood

WARNING
 Risk of accident due to driving with the hood unlocked

The hood may open and block your view.

  1. Never release the hood when driving.
  2. Before every trip, ensure that the hood is locked.

WARNING
 Risk of accident and injury when opening and closing the hood
The hood may suddenly drop into the end position.

There is a risk of injury for anyone in the hood’s range of movement.
Open or close the hood only when there is nobody in the hood’s range of move‐ment.

If you open the hood when the engine has overheated or during a fire in the engine compartment, you could come into contact with hot gases or other escaping operating fluids.

  1. Before opening the hood, allow the engine to cool down.
  2. In the event of a fire in the engine com‐partment, keep the hood closed and call the fire service.

WARNING
Risk of injury due to moving parts
Components in the engine compartment may continue running or start up suddenly, even if the ignition is switched off.

Make sure of the following before performing tasks in the engine compartment:

  1. Switch the ignition off.
  2. Never reach into the danger zone surrounding moving components, e.g. the rotation area of the fan.
  3. Remove jewelery and watches.
  4. Keep items of clothing and hair away from moving parts.

WARNING
 Risk of injury from touching components under voltage
The ignition system and the fuel injection system work under high voltage. You could receive an electric shock.

  1. Never touch components of the ignition system or the fuel injection system when the ignition is switched on.

WARNING
 Risk of burns from hot component parts in the engine compartment
Certain component parts in the engine compartment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the cooler and parts of the exhaust system.

  1. Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Risk of injury from using the windshield wipers while the engine hood is open
When the engine hood is open and the windshield wipers are set in motion, you can be trapped by the wiper linkage.

  1. Always switch off the windshield wipers and ignition before opening the engine hood.

Opening the hoodMercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2021 Maintenance and Care 01

  1. To release the hood, pull on handle 1.Mercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2021 Maintenance and Care 02
  2. Push yellow handle 1 on the hood catch to the left as far as it will go (palm downwards). Lift the hood until it is automatically raised by the pneumatic spring.

Closing the hood

  1. Lower the hood and let it drop from a height of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
  2. If the hood can still be lifted slightly, open the hood again and close it with a little force until it engages correctly.

Engine oil
Checking the engine oil level using the on-board computer

Requirements:

  1. The engine has been warmed up.
  2. The vehicle is parked on a level surface.
  3. The engine is running at idle speed.
  4. The hood is closed.

The engine oil level is determined during driving. Determining the engine oil level can take up to 30 minutes with a normal driving style and even longer with an active driving style.

On-board computer:
You will see one of the following messages on the multifunction display:

  1. Measuring Engine Oil Level…: measurement of the oil level is not yet possible.
  2. Repeat the request after a maximum of 30 minutes of driving.
  3. Engine Oil Level OK and the bar display for indicating the oil level on the multifunction display is green and is between “min” and “max”: the oil level is correct.
  4. Engine Oil Level Add 1,1 qts. and the bar dis‐ play for indicating the oil level on the multifunction display is orange and is below “min”:
  5. Add 1.1 US qt (1 l) of engine oil.
  6. Reduce Engine Oil Level and the bar display for indicating the oil level on the multifunction display is orange and is above “max”:
  7. Drain off any excess engine oil that has been added. To do so, consult a qualified specialist workshop.
  8. For Engine Oil Level Switch Ignition On
  9. Switch on the ignition to check the engine oil level.
  10. Engine Oil Level System Inoperative: The oil level sensor is defective or not connected.
  11. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
  12. Engine Oil Level System Currently Unavail.
  13. Close the hood.

Refilling engine oil

WARNING
Risk of burns from hot component parts in the engine compartment
Certain component parts in the engine compartment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the cooler, and parts of the exhaust system.

  1. Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Risk of fire and injury from engine oil
If engine oil comes into contact with hot component parts in the engine compartment, it may ignite.

  1. Make sure that no engine oil is spilled next to the filler opening.
  2. Allow the engine to cool off and thoroughly clean the engine oil from components parts before starting the vehicle.

NOTE
 Engine damage caused by an incorrect oil filter, incorrect oil or addi‐tives

  1. Do not use engine oils or oil filters which do not correspond to the specifi‐cations explicitly prescribed for the service intervals.
  2. Follow the instructions on the service interval display for changing the engine oil and observe the prescribed change intervals.
  3. Do not use additives.

NOTE
Damage caused by refilling too much engine oil
Too much engine oil can damage the engine or the catalytic converter.

  1. Have excess engine oil removed at a qualified specialist workshop.
  2. Depending on driving style, the vehicle consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 l) of oil per 600 miles (1000 km). The oil consumption may be higher than this when the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at high engine speeds.

Mercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2021 Maintenance and Care 03

  1. Turn cap 1 counter-clockwise and remove it.
  2. Add engine oil.
  3. Replace cap 1 and turn it clockwise until it engages.
  4. Check the oil level again.

Checking the coolant level

WARNING
 Risk of burns from hot component parts in the engine compartment
Certain component parts in the engine compartment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the cooler, and parts of the exhaust system.

Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Risk of scalding from hot coolant

If you open the cap, you could be scalded:

  1. Let the motor cool down before opening the cap.
  2. When opening the cap, wear protective gloves and safety glasses.
  3. Open the cap slowly to release pressure.Mercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2021 Maintenance and Care 04
  4. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
  5. Check the coolant temperature display in the instrument cluster.
    The coolant temperature must be in the bottom quarter of the temperature display.
  6. Slowly turn cap 1 counter-clockwise to release overpressure.
  7. Continue turning cap 1 counter-clockwise and remove it.

The coolant level is correct in the following cases:

  1. If the engine is cold, the coolant is up to marker bar 2.
  2. If the engine is warm, the coolant is up to 0.6 in (1.5 cm) over marker bar 2.
  3. If necessary, add coolant that has been approved for Mercedes-Benz.
  4. Further information on coolant

Refilling the windshield washer system

WARNING
Risk of burns from hot component parts in the engine compartment
Certain component parts in the engine compartment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the cooler and parts of the exhaust system.

  1. Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Risk of fire and injury from windshield washer concentrate
Windshield washer concentrate is highly flammable. It could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine component parts or the exhaust system.

  1. Make sure that no windshield washer concentrate spills out next to the filler opening.

Mercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2021 Maintenance and Care 05

  1. Remove cap 1 by the tab.
  2. Add washer fluid.

Keeping the air-water duct free

  1. Keep the area between the hood and the windshield free of deposits, e.g. ice, snow and leaves.

Checking the brakepad thicknessMercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2021 Maintenance and Care 06

  1. Bring the vehicle and wheels into a suitable position so that you can position the gauge.
    The position to place gauge 3 depends on the equipment. Depending on the brake caliper used, correct point 3 is either in the middle or at the side on the upper end of the brake pad.
  2. Switch off the engine.
  3. Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
  4. Take the gauge out of the vehicle document wallet in the glove box.
  5. Place the gauge between the wheel’s spokes in position 3 on the brake pad.
  6. Hold the gauge vertically to the brake disc and slide measuring pin 2 onto brake disc 1.
  7. Check which color field 4 the arrow on the measuring pin is pointing to.
    Green: the brake pad thickness is sufficient.
    Red: the brake pad thickness is not sufficient. Have the brake pads checked at a qualified specialist workshop?

To avoid an inaccurate measurement:

  1. Make sure the wheels are suitably positioned.
  2. In the case of perforated brake discs, do not put the measuring pin on one of the bores in the brake disc.

Cleaning and care

Notes on washing the vehicle in a car wash

WARNING
 Risk of accident due to reduced braking effect after washing the vehicle
The braking effect is reduced after washing the vehicle.

After the vehicle has been washed, brake carefully while paying attention to the traffic conditions until the braking effect has been fully restored.

NOTE
Damage from automatic braking

If one of the following functions is switched on, the vehicle brakes automatically in cer‐tain situations:

  1. Active Brake Assist
  2. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
  3. HOLD function
  4. Active Parking Assist

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate these systems in the following or similar situations:

  1. During towing
  2. In a car wash

NOTE
Damage due to unsuitable car wash

  1. Before driving into a car wash make sure that the car wash is suitable for the vehicle dimensions.
  2. Ensure there is sufficient ground clearance between the underbody and the guide rails of the car wash.
  3. Ensure that the clearance width of the car wash, in particular the width of the guide rails, is sufficient.

To avoid damage to your vehicle when using a car wash, ensure the following beforehand:

  1. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is deactivated.
  2. The HOLD function is switched off.
  3. The surround view camera or the rear view camera is switched off.
  4. The side windows and sliding sunroof are completely closed.
  5. The blower for the ventilation/heating is switched off.
  6. The windshield wiper switch is in positiong.
  7. The SmartKey is at a minimum distance of 10 ft (3 m) away from the vehicle. Otherwise, the trunk lid could open unintentionally.
  8. For car washes with a conveyor system: neutral i is engaged.
  9. In car washes with a conveyor system: if you leave the vehicle while it is being washed, make sure the SmartKey is located in the vehicle. The park position j is otherwise automatically engaged.
  10. If, after the car wash, you remove the wax from the windshield and wiper rubbers, this will prevent smearing and reduce wiper noise.

Automatic car wash mode
In car wash mode, the vehicle is prepared for driving into the automatic car wash. Car wash mode can be activated at a speed of up to 12 mph (20 km/h)(/ page 259).

The following settings are made when car wash mode is activated:

  1. The outside mirrors are folded in.
  2. To prevent the windshield washer system from starting up automatically, the rain sensor is deactivated.
  3. The rear window wiper is deactivated.
  4. The air conditioning system is set to air-recirculation mode.
  5. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated. R Vehicles with surround view camera: the front image is activated after approx. eight seconds.

If one of the settings cannot be selected, this is displayed by a% behind the respective setting.
Above a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h) car wash mode is automatically deactivated.

The following settings are reset when car wash mode is deactivated:

  1. The outside mirrors are folded out.
  2. The rain sensor is activated.
  3. The rear window wiper is activated.
  4. The air conditioning system is set to fresh air mode.
  5. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is reset to the previously selected setting.
  6. Vehicles with surround view camera: the front image is deactivated at speeds above 11 mph (18 km/h).

Activating/deactivating automatic car wash mode

Requirements:

  1. The vehicle is stationary.
  2. The engine is running.

Deactivating automatic car wash mode

  1. Select Stop.
  2. The automatic car wash settings are reset.% The automatic car wash mode is automatically deactivated as soon as a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h) is exceeded.

Notes on using a power washer

WARNING
Risk of an accident when using power washers with round-spray nozzles
The water jet can cause externally invisible damage.

Components damaged in this way may unexpectedly fail.

  1. Do not use a power washer with round-spray nozzles.
  2. Have damaged tires or chassis parts replaced immediately.

To avoid damage to your vehicle, observe the following when using a power washer:

  1. The SmartKey is at a minimum distance of 10 ft (3 m) away from the vehicle. Otherwise, the trunk lid could open unintentionally.
  2. Maintain a distance of at least 11.8 in (30 cm) to the vehicle.
  3. Vehicles with decorative foil: parts of your vehicle are covered with a decorative foil.
    Maintain a distance of at least 27.6 in (70 cm) between the foil-covered parts of the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer. Move the power washer nozzle around whilst cleaning. The water temperature of the power washer must not exceed 140°F (60°C).
  4. Observe the information on the correct distance in the implement manufacturer’s operating instructions.
  5. Do not direct the nozzle of the power washer directly at sensitive parts, e.g. tires, gaps, electrical components, batteries, light sources and ventilation slits.

Washing the vehicle by hand

NOTE
 Engine damage due to water ingress
Take care not to point the water jet directly toward the air inlet grille below the hood.

Observe the legal requirements, e.g. in a number of countries, washing by hand is only permitted in specially designated wash bays.

  1. Use a mild cleaning agent, e.g. car shampoo.
  2. Wash the vehicle with lukewarm water using a soft car sponge. When doing so, do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight.
  3. Carefully hose the vehicle off with water and dry using a chamois.
  4. Observe the notes on the care of vehicle parts.

Notes on paintwork/matte finish paintwork care
Observe the notes on cleaning and care to avoid damaging the paintwork.

Paint

  1. Insect remains: soak with insect remover and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
  2. Bird droppings: soak with water and rinse off afterwards.
  3. Tree resin, oils, fuels and greases: remove by rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in petro‐leum ether or lighter fluid.
  4. Coolant and brake fluid: remove with a damp cloth and clean water.
  5. Tar stains: use tar remover.
  6. Wax: use silicone remover.
  7. Do not attach stickers, films or similar materials.
  8. Remove dirt immediately, where possible.

Matte finish

  1. Only use care products approved for Mercedes-Benz.
  2. Do not polish the vehicle and alloy wheels.
  3. Only use car washes that correspond to the latest engineering standards.
  4. Do not use car wash programs with a final hot wax treatment.
  5. Do not use paint cleaners, buffing or polish‐ing products, gloss preservers, e.g. wax.
  6. Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Notes on cleaning decorative foils
Observe the notes on matte finish care in the chapter “Notes on paintwork/matte finish paint‐work care”. They also apply to matte decorative foils.
Observe the notes on cleaning decorative foils to avoid vehicle damage.

Cleaning

  1. For cleaning, use plenty of water and a mild cleaning agent without additives or abrasive substances, e.g. a car shampoo approved for Mercedes-Benz.
  2. Remove dirt immediately, where possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the decorative foil irreparably.
  3. If there is dirt on the finish or if the decora‐ tive foil is dull: use the Paint Cleaner recom‐mended and approved for Mercedes-Benz.
  4. Insect remains: soak with insect remover and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
  5. Bird droppings: soak with water and rinse off afterwards.
  6. To prevent water stains, dry a foil-wrapped vehicle with a soft, absorbent cloth after every car wash.

Avoiding damage to the decorative foil

  1. The service life and color of decorative foils are impaired by:
    1. Sunlight
    2. Temperature, e.g. hot air blower
    3. Weather conditions
    4. Stone chippings and dirt
    5. Chemical cleaning agents
    6. Oily products
  2. Do not use polish on matte decorative foil. Polishing will have the effect of shining the foil-wrapped surface.
  3. Do not treat matte or structured decorative foils with wax. Permanent stains may occur.

Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by corrosion and damage caused by incorrect care cannot always be completely repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop. You can obtain more information on care and cleaning products from the manufacturer. In the case of foil-wrapped surfaces, optical dif‐ferences may occur between the surfaces that were not protected by a decorative foil after removing a decorative foil. Have work or repairs to decorative foils caried out at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Notes on care of vehicle parts

WARNING
 Risk of entrapment if the windshield wipers are switched on while the windshield is being cleaned
If the windshield wipers are set in motion while you are cleaning the windshield or wiper blades, you can be trapped by the wiper arm.

Always switch off the windshield wipers and the ignition before cleaning the windshield or wiper blades.

WARNING
 Risk of burns from the tail‐ pipe and tailpipe trims
The exhaust tailpipe and tailpipe trims can become very hot. If you come into contact with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn yourself.

  1. Always be particularly careful around the tailpipe and the tailpipe trims and supervise children especially closely in this area.
  2. Allow vehicle parts to cool down before touching them.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, observe the notes on cleaning and care of the following vehicle parts:

Wheels and rims

  1. Use water and acid-free alloy wheel cleaners.
  2. Do not use acidic alloy wheel cleaners to remove brake dust. This could damage wheel bolts and brake components.
  3. To avoid corrosion of the brake discs and brake pads, drive the vehicle for a few minutes after cleaning before parking it. The brake discs and brake pads warm up and dry out.

Windows

  1. Clean the windows inside and outside with a damp cloth and with a cleaning agent recommended for Mercedes-Benz.
  2. Do not use dry cloths or abrasive or solvent-based cleaning agents to clean the inside of windows.

Wiper blades

  1. Move the wiper arms into the replacement position.
  2. With the wiper arms folded out, clean the wiper blades with a damp cloth.
  3. Do not clean the wiper blades too often.

Exterior lighting

  1. Clean the lenses with a wet sponge and mild cleaning agent, e.g. car shampoo.
  2. Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths that are suitable for plastic lenses.

Sensors

  1. Clean the sensors in the front and rear bumpers with a soft cloth and car shampoo.
  2. When using a power washer, maintain a minimum distance of 11.8 in (30 cm).

Rear view camera and surround view camera

  1. Open the camera cover with the multimedia system.
  2. Use clean water and a soft cloth to clean the camera lens.
  3. Do not use a power washer.

Tailpipes

  1. Clean with a cleaning agent recommended for Mercedes-Benz, especially in the winter and after washing the vehicle.
  2. Do not use acidic cleaning agents.

Notes on care of the interior

WARNING
 Risk of injury from plastic parts breaking off after the use of sol‐vent-based care products

Care and cleaning products containing sol‐vents can cause surfaces in the cockpit to become porous. When the airbags are deployed, plastic parts may break away.
Do not use any care or cleaning products containing solvents to clean the cockpit.

WARNING
 Risk of injury or death from bleached seat belts
Bleaching or dyeing seat belts can severely weaken them.

This can, for example, cause seat belts to tear or fail in an accident.

  1. Never bleach or dye seat belts.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, observe the following notes on cleaning and care:

Seat belts

  1. Clean with lukewarm and soapy water.
  2. Do not use chemical cleaning agents.
  3. Do not dry by heating them to over 176°F (80°C) or exposing them to direct sunlight.

Display

  1. Switch off the display and let it cool down.
  2. Clean the surface carefully with a microfiber cloth and a suitable display care product (TFT-LCD).
  3. Do not use any other agents.

Plastic trim

  1. Clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
  2. For heavy soiling: use a cleaner recommended for Mercedes-Benz.
  3. Do not attach stickers, films or similar materials.
  4. Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent or sun cream to come in contact with the plas‐tic trim.

Real wood and trim elements

  1. Clean with a microfiber cloth.
  2. Black piano-lacquer look: clean with a damp cloth and soapy water.
  3. For heavy soiling: use a cleaner recommended for Mercedes-Benz.
  4. Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents, polishes or waxes.

Headliner

  1. Clean with a brush or dry shampoo.

Carpet

  1. Use a carpet and textile cleaning agent recommended for Mercedes-Benz.

Steering wheel made of genuine leather or DINAMICA

NOTE
 Damage caused by wrong cleaners
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents such as tar remover or wheel cleaner; neither should you use pol‐ishes or waxes. Otherwise you may damage the finish.

  1. Clean with a damp cloth and 1% soapy water solution and then wipe with a dry cloth.
  2. For heavy soiling: use a cleaner recommended for Mercedes-Benz.
  3. Leather care: use a leather care agent that has been recommended for Mercedes-Benz.
  4. Do not allow the leather to become too damp.
  5. Do not use a microfiber cloth.
  6. Leather is a natural product. It has natural surface properties, such as differences in structure, marks caused by growth and injury or subtle color differences.

Genuine leather seat covers

  1. Clean with a damp cloth and then wipe with a dry cloth.
  2. Leather care: use a leather care agent that has been recommended for Mercedes-Benz.
  3. Do not allow the leather to become too damp.
  4. Do not use a microfiber cloth.

DINAMICA seat covers

  1. Clean with a damp cloth.
  2. Do not use a microfiber cloth.

Imitation leather seat covers

  1. Clean with a damp cloth and 1% soapy water.
  2. Do not use a microfiber cloth.

Fabric seat covers

  1. Clean with a damp microfiber cloth and 1% soap solution and allow to dry.

Useful Links

View Full PDF: 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-CLASS User Manual | Auto User Guide

2023 Mercedes A Class Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

2021 Mercedes A-CLASS Emergency User Manual

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