Page 212 of 299

Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Telescoping steering column – indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instrument cluster 
comes on with the electronic key in steering 
lock position 2 and should go out with the 
engine running.
If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the 
engine, the adjustable steering column is not properly 
locked.
For locking the adjustable telescoping steering column, 
see page
73.
Seat belt warning lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock 
position 2, the seat belt warning lamp comes 
on and a warning sounds for approx. 
6 seconds if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.Malfunction and indicator lamps in the center 
console
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
The 7 indicator lamp will light up for approx. 
6 seconds when you turn the electronic key in steering 
lock to position 1 or 2.
The 7 indicator lamp stays lit as long as a 
BabySmart
TM compatible child seat is properly installed 
on the front passenger seat. It indicates that the front 
passenger airbag is switched off.
See page62for BabySmart
TM deac tiva tio n system.
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
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Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index LIGHT SENSOR
With the electronic key removed and the driver’s door 
open, a warning sounds and the message “SWITCH OFF 
LIGHTS!” appears in the multifunction indicator if the 
vehicle’s exterior lamps (except standing lamps) are not 
switched off.STEER. WHEEL ADJUST.
For locking the adjustable telescoping steering column, 
see page73.
Line 1 Line 2
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST.
1  C*
* C = Category, see page 213
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Practical hints
Spare wheel 241
Changing wheels 242
First aid kit 228 Tire inflation pressure 247
Shelf below rear window 228 Battery 249
Stowing things in the vehicle 228 Jump starting 251
Spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage Towing the vehicle 253
compartment 229 Transmission selector lever,
Vehicle jack 230 manually unlocking 255
Fuses 231 Bulbs 256
Hood 233 Adjusting headlamp aim 261
Checking engine oil level 234 Changing batteries in the
Automatic transmission fluid level 236 electronic main key 264
Coolant level 236 Synchronizing remote control 266
Adding coolant 237 Emergency operation of
Windshield washer / headlamp
clean.system 238sliding/pop-up roof 267
Windshield and headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio 238Manual release for fuel filler flap
268
Wheels 239 Replacing wiper blade insert 268
Tire replacement 239 Trunk lamp 270
Rotating wheels 240 Roof rack 270
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Battery
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
  Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located in the trunk 
under the trunk floor. 
The service life of the battery is dependent on its 
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept 
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length 
of time.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in 
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting, you 
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow 
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or 
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected 
area with water and seek medical help if necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is 
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks 
away from battery, avoid improper connection of 
jumper cables, smoking etc..Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the 
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if 
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than 
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month, 
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for 
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the 
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s 
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and 
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always 
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the 
electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery 
and its filler caps must always be securely installed 
when the vehicle is in operation. During removal and 
installation always protect the disconnected battery 
positive (+) terminal with the cover attached to the 
battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps 
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the 
generator and other electronic components would be 
damaged.
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Towing
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Towing the vehicle
Important!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2, the vehicle 
doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the right rear 
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph 
(15 km/h) or more.
To prevent the  vehicle door locks from locking, 
deactivate the automatic central locking, see page36.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the 
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in 
steering lock position 2.If the electronic key is left in the steering lock 
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no 
longer be turned in the lock. In this case, the 
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key 
from steering lock and reinsert.
The rear towing eye is located at the right, below the 
bumper. The front towing eye is located on the 
passenger side behind a cover in the bumper panel.
Cover removal: 
Insert finger in recess of cover and pull cover out.
Cover installation: 
Engage cover at bottom and press in top securely.
P88.20-2026-26
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Towing
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using 
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other 
types of towing.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground 
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to 
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph 
(50 km/h). The electronic key must be in steering lock 
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the 
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft 
be disconnected at the rear axle drive f lange for any 
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with 
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage 
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with 
electronic key in steering lock turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning 
flasher in use, turn electronic key in steering lock to 
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or 
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected 
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning 
flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the 
engine must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock 
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be 
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off 
the tow-away alarm as well as the ESP
.
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no power 
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In 
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a 
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to 
brake and steer the vehicle.
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Electronic main key
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Changing batteries in the electronic main key
1Transmit buttons
2Lamp for battery check and function control
Checking batteries
If one of the transmit buttons (1) is pressed, the battery 
check lamp (2) lights up briefly – indicating that the 
batteries are in order.
Change batteries if the battery check lamp (2) does not 
light up briefly.Changing batteries
Move locking tab (3) in direction of right arrow and 
remove mechanical key (4, left arrow).
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Electronic main key
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Insert mechanical key (4) in side opening (5) to open 
latch. Press briefly (do not use mechanical key as lever) 
to release battery compartment.
Rem ove  mechanical key from side opening.
Lift battery   compartment in direction of 
arrow (7) and remove in direction of arrow (8).Change batteries (9), inserting new ones under contact 
spring (10) with plus (+) side facing up.
Return battery compartment into housing until locked 
in place
.
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