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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Page 221 of 299
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
221
Page 227 of 299
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
227
Page 249 of 299

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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Page 253 of 299

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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Page 254 of 299

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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Page 264 of 299
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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Page 265 of 299
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
.
265