174 Controls in detailAutomatic climate controlThe automatic climate control is operation-
al whenever the engine is running. You can 
operate the climate control system in ei-
ther the automatic or manual mode. The 
system cools or heats the interior depend-
ing on the selected interior temperature 
and the current outside temperature.Nearly all dust particles, pollutants and 
odors are filtered out before outside air en-
ters the passenger compartment through 
the air distribution system.
The air conditioning will not engage (no 
cooling) if the ° mode is selected 
(
page 181).
Warning
G
When operating the automatic climate con-
trol, the air that enters the passenger com-
partment through the air vents in the 
footwell can be very hot or very cold (de-
pending on the set temperature). This may 
cause burns or frostbite on unprotected skin 
in the immediate area of the air vents. Al-
ways keep sufficient distance between un-
protected parts of the body and the footwell 
air vents. If necessary change the air flow 
using the air distribution controls to direct 
the air away from the footwell air vents 
(page 176).
Warning!
G
Follow the recommended settings for heat-
ing and cooling given on the following pag-
es. Otherwise the windows could fog up, 
impairing visibility and endangering you and 
others.
iSevere conditions (e.g. strong air pollu-
tion) may require replacement of the fil-
ter before its scheduled interval. A 
clogged filter will reduce the air volume 
to the interior.
If the vehicle interior is hot, ventilate 
the interior before driving off.
Keep the air intake grille in front of the 
windshield free of snow and debris.
Do not obstruct air flow by placing ob-
jects on the air flow-through exhaust 
slots below the rear window.