Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights15
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres (on vehicles with four-wheel
drive approx. 60 litres). The warning symbol
in the instrument cluster
lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There are now
about 8 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder for
you, that you must refuel .
The following will be displayed in the information display*:
Please refuel! (Please refuel!)
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely empty! An irregular fuel supply can
result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust
system and damage the catalytic converter.
Speedometer
Warning against excessive speeds*
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds
120 kilometres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again
when the vehicle speed goes below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries.
Counter for distance driven
The distance which you have driven with your vehicle is shown in kilom-
eters (km). On certain model versions, the readout is shown in “miles”.
The kilometer counter for distance driven is shown on the display when
the ignition is switched off. The trip counter for distance driven is shown
on the display after switching on the ignition. You can then switch over to
the counter display with the reset button.
Reset button
By briefly pressing the reset button ⇒page 13, fig. 2 you can switch
over from the trip counter to the kilometer counter. In order to recognize
which counter for the distance driven is shown on the display at that
moment, trip ⇒ fig. 3 appears after the trip counter.
If you hold the reset button pressed for about 1 second, the trip counter
is set back to zero.
If you hold the reset button pressed for longer than 2 seconds when
the ignition is switched on, a display regarding the kilometers still to be
Fig. 3 Display: Trip
counter for distance
driven
A6
A6
A6
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level;
top up the coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine
switched off and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage,
otherwise it could lead to severe engine damages.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may
be caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for
the coolant fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 290, “Fuse assignment in
engine compartment - version 1” or ⇒page 291, “Fuse assignment in
engine compartment - version 2”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the
fluid is at the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order.
Contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 253, “Cooling
system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP Check coolant! Owner's manual (STOP! Check coolant!
Owner's manual)
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at
a safe distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch
on the hazard warning light system ⇒page 68.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the
engine is hot, the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding!
It is best to allow the engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on
automatically even if the ignition is off.
Thickness of the brake pads*
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 3) when the ignition is
switched on.
If the warning light
comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately
and have the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check brake pads!
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is
insufficient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid
⇒ page 262.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Top up wash fluid!
Fuel reserve
The warning light comes on, if the fuel level is still below 8 litres.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
3)The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on
after switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.
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Heating and air conditioning system
128
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which
the interior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight
in order to allow the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the
window is open.
The desired interior temperature can also be achieved without switching
in the cooling system just by switching to fresh air mode.
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher
than +5 °C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
•The fuse on the air conditioning system has blown. Check the fuse,
replace it if necessary ⇒page 288.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time
because the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒page 14.
If you are not able to rectify the operational problem yourself, or if the
cooling capacity decreases, switch the cooling system off. Contact a
specialist garage.
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning)
Description
The Climatronic system is a combination of an automatic
heating, fresh air and cooling system which provides
optimal comfort for the occupants of the car.
The Climatronic maintains a constant temperature fully automatically,
once it has been set. This is achieved by automatically varying the
temperature of the outflowing air, the blower stages and the air distribu-
tion. The system also takes into account bright sunlight which eliminates
the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic mode ⇒ page 130
ensures maximum wellbeing of the occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above +2 °C,
•the button is not pressed.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity
drops in the vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is
enhanced as a result of this particularly at high outside temperatures and
a high air humidity. The system prevents the windows misting up during
the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full
heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance
the cooling effect ⇒.ECON
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Fuel245
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Refuelling
The filler flap is automatically unlocked or locked* with the central
locking. Opening the fuel filler cap
– Press onto the left side of the fuel filler flap
⇒fig. 187 .
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be unlocked to the left using the vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which do not
have automatic unlocking of the fuel filler flap).
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from above on the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 188 .
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be locked to the right using the vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which do not
have automatic locking of the fuel filler flap).
– Press the fuel tank flap closed.
The correct grade of fuel for your vehicle as well as the tyre size and infla-
tion pressures are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler
flap. Further information on fuel ⇒page 242, “Fuel”.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres.
WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare
canister in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel
canisters in your vehicle for safety reasons. The canister can be
damaged in the event of an accident and fuel may leak out.
Fig. 187 Right rear
side of the vehicle: Fuel
filler flap
Fig. 188 Filler flap with
cap unscrewed
s24s.book Page 245 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
Inspecting and Replenishing249
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids
(e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the
battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the
engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as
the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a
large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and
arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the
engine compartment.
•If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the
vehicle from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting
blocks: the car jack is not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work
when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating
parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Please observe in addition the
following:
−Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
− Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or
long hair from getting into the rotating parts of the engine -
Hazard! Therefore remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your
hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below
when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the
electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
− Always keep a working fi re extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are
on no account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and
also vehicle damage!
WARNING (continued)WARNING (continued)
s24s.book Page 249 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
Inspecting and Replenishing
252
Oil level within range
– You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then
be within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
– You must top up the oil ⇒page 252. It is sufficient, once this
is done, to keep the oil level is within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as
much as 0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the condi-
tions under which you operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be
slightly higher than this during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
every time after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range if the engine
has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass, but not above this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate ⇒page 38,
“Engine oil level* ” whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check
the oil level as soon as possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
•The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range . Danger
of damaging the catalytic converter.
•Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible
under the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch of the engine
and contact and obtain professional assistance from a specialist
garage.
Replenishing engine oil
– Inspecting the engine oil level ⇒page 251.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒page 250, “Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 251.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
WARNING
•Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up
will oil - a risk of fire!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ page 248, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 251. Oil
will otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass
through the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the
catalytic converter and damage it.
Ab
Aa
Ac
Ab
Aa
Aa
Aa
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Wheels and Tyres263
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels
General comments
•New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run
in for about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious
style of driving. You will also profit from longer tyre life.
•The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features
and the configuration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the
manufacturer).
•Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles
slowly and, where possible, at a right angles in order to avoid damage to
tyres and wheel trims.
•Inspect your tyres from time to time for damage (punctures, cuts, splits
and bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.
•Damage to tyres and wheels is frequently not visible. Unusual vibra-
tions or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage.
Please reduce your speed immediately and stop if you suspect that
a wheel is damaged. Inspect the tyres for signs of damage (bulges,
splits, etc.) If no visible damage is present, please drive at an appropri-
ately slow speed and carefully to the nearest specialist garage in order to
have your vehicle inspected.
•Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•Immediately replace any dust caps of the valves which have got lost.
•Mark wheels before removing them so that their previous direction of
running can be maintained when mounted them again.
•Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and,
where possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim
should be stored upright. Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the
tyre. This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential
that the tyres are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres
able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-
and-tear and aquaplaning.
Further information concerning the use of unidirectional tyres
⇒page 268.
WARNING
•New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and
should therefore be run approp riately - risk of accident!
•Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
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