Child restraint system on the front passenger seat. Problems with automatic child seat detection

The Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) helps you transport children safely in the front passenger seat. This article covers important information on automatic child seat detection and shows how to avoid problems. From correct positioning to airbag checks, you will find everything important for your children's safety here.

Child restraint system on the front passenger seat

General Notes

Accident statistics show that children secured on the rear seats are safer than children secured on the front seats. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends installing the child restraint system preferably on a rear seat.

Vehicles with automatic child seat detection in the front passenger seat: If circumstances require you to secure a child in a child restraint system on the front passenger seat, always also observe the notes on "Automatic child seat detection in the front passenger seat".

How to avoid risks that may arise from

• a child restraint system not detected by the sensor system of automatic child seat detection
• the front passenger airbag having been deactivated unintentionally
• an unfavorable positioning of the child restraint system, e.g. too close to the cockpit.

Observe the warning label on the front passenger sun visor, see illustration.

WARNING

If you secure a child in a child restraint system on the front passenger seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off, the front passenger airbag may deploy in a crash. The child may be struck by the airbag. There is an increased risk of injury or even of fatal injury!

In this case, always make sure the front passenger airbag is deactivated. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up.

NEVER use a rear-facing child restraint on a seat with an ACTIVE FRONT AIRBAG; this can result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to children.

Vehicles without automatic child seat detection in the front passenger seat

If your vehicle does not have automatic child seat detection in the front passenger seat, you can recognize this by the special label. The label is affixed to the side of the cockpit on the passenger side. When you open the front passenger door, the label is visible.

When you turn the key in the ignition to position 2, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp briefly lights up. However, it has no function and is not an indication of automatic child seat detection in the front passenger seat.

In this case, always install a rear-facing child restraint system on a suitable rear seat.

Observe the following information under "Rear-facing child restraint system" and "Forward-facing child restraint system" as well as on the correct positioning of the child restraint system.

Rear-facing child restraint system

Warning symbol for a rear-facing child restraint system.

If circumstances require you to secure a child in a rear-facing child restraint system on the front passenger seat, you must always ensure that the front passenger airbag is deactivated. The front passenger airbag is only deactivated when the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit continuously.

Always observe the information on correct positioning of the child restraint system as well as the installation and operating instructions of the child restraint system manufacturer.

Forward-facing child restraint system

If circumstances require you to secure a child in a forward-facing child restraint system on the front passenger seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as possible. The base of the child restraint system must rest fully on the front passenger seat cushion. The backrest of the child restraint system must rest as flat as possible against the front passenger seatback. The child restraint system must not touch the roof or be loaded by the head restraint. Adjust the seatback recline and the head restraint setting accordingly. Always observe the correct routing of the shoulder belt from the belt outlet on the vehicle to the shoulder belt guide of the child restraint system. The shoulder belt must run forward and downward from the belt outlet. If necessary, adjust the belt outlet and the front passenger seat accordingly.

Always observe the information on correct positioning of the child restraint system as well as the installation and operating instructions of the child restraint system manufacturer.

Problems with automatic child seat detection

Problem	Possible causes/consequences and solutions
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp on the center console lights up.	A special Mercedes-Benz child restraint system with transponder for automatic child seat detection is installed on the front passenger seat. The front passenger airbag is therefore deactivated as intended. WARNING No child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat. The automatic child seat recognition is malfunctioning, for example due to electronic devices on the front passenger seat. There is a risk of injury! Remove electronic devices from the front passenger seat, e.g. Laptop Cell phone Card with transponder, such as a ski pass or access authorization If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp still illuminates, no person may use the front passenger seat. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The restraint system warning lampilluminates and/or the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp does not briefly illuminate when you switch on the ignition.	WARNING The automatic child seat recognition is malfunctioning. Do not install a child restraint system on the front passenger seat. In this case, install the child restraint system on a suitable rear seat. Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Also observe the notes on the restraint system warning lamp.

The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) provides a valuable safety feature for children on the front passenger seat with automatic child seat recognition. It ensures that the airbag is deactivated when necessary, so that small children are not endangered.

Special attention should be paid to correct positioning and to the use of recommended child seats, so that the system works reliably and achieves maximum protective effect.

Question: What must be observed when using a child restraint system on the front passenger seat?

Answer: The front passenger airbag must be deactivated and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must be illuminated.

Question: What to do if the automatic child seat recognition does not work?

Answer: Do not install a child seat on the front passenger seat and have the vehicle checked by an authorized workshop.