Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights19
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
There is at least one error message to be read when the term VEH. STATUS is flashing in the main menu. The display will show STATUS 1/2 (for example) if a number of error messages are displayed. This display indicates that the first of a total of two error messages should be displayed.
Actuate the rocker switch , to call up the individual error messages.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol and text in the display:
•Priority 1 - three warning signals,
•Priority 2 - one warning signal.
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist, the symbols appear one after the other and are each illumi nated for about 5 seconds.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol si gnals a warning.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:
AA
Fig. 13 Information display: Oil pressure is low
Coolant level too low/coolant temperature too high⇒ page 24
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒page 25
Fuel level low⇒page 24
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor faulty⇒page 25
Brake pad worn⇒page 25
Washer fluid level low⇒page 26
Fig. 14 Information display: Fuel level low
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre- sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
Turn signal lights (to the left)⇒page 22
Turn signal lights (to the right)⇒page 22
Main beam⇒page 22
Low beam⇒page 22
Rear fog light⇒page 22
Dynamo⇒page 22
Fog lights*⇒page 22
Cornering lights*⇒page 22
Electrohydraulic power steering⇒page 23
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 23
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 23
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer*⇒ page 23
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 24
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 24
Fuel reserve⇒page 24
Engine oil⇒page 25
Brake pad wear*⇒page 25
Open door*⇒page 25
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 26
Control system for exhaust⇒page 26
Tra c t i o n c o n t r o l s y s t e m ( TC S ) *⇒page 26
Tyre pressure*⇒page 26
Selector lever lock* (automatic gearbox)⇒page 27
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 27
Antilock brake system (ABS)*⇒page 27
Brake system⇒page 28
Airbag system⇒page 28
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)⇒page 29
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 29
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Engine oil
The warning light lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up with oil as necessary ⇒page 176.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP OIL PRESS. ENGINE OFF! OWNER'S MANUAL!
The warning light lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quan tity of oil in the engine is probably too low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 176 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK OIL LEVEL
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is in dicated additionally by an audible signal and the warning light coming on several ti mes after the ignition has been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
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 48.
•The red oil pressure light is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu- eling stop.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 173, “Working in the engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening the bonnet.
Thickness of the brake pads*
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 ad ditional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK BRAKE PAD
Open door*
The warning light comes on if one or several doors, the bonnet or boot lid is opened.2)The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Starting-off and Driving88
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage to the starter.
The engine running noises ma y louder at first be louder for a short time after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite no rmal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 200.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow- starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 203.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon- sciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the engine is not running. If the starter is i mmediately operated after switching off the engine, the starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttl e and high engine loads as long as the engine has not yet reached its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted wi th an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. When driving the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator befo re and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 205.
•If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper- ature.
The preglow indicator light comes on after the igniti on has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is at a normal operating temperature or if th e outside temperature is above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the dies el preglow system is defect if the engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 205.
A3
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Intelligent Technology146
Brakes
What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?
Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be neces- sary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage between the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi- tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You should dry the brakes as soon as possib le (by applying and releasing the brakes several times, if the road conditions and the traffic situation allows it).
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when driving on roads which have been treated wi th road salt if you have not used the brakes for some considerable time beforeha nd. The layer of salt on the brake discs and brake pads must first be rubb ed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on th e bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro- sion is present ⇒.
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual- circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal pressure required.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically ⇒page 28, “Brake system ”.
WARNING
•Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced otherwise the braking sy stem could run too hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking efficiency until approximately 200 kilo metres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres- sure on the brake pedal. This guidelin e also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to ru b by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed and shift down into the next lower gear (manual ge arbox) or select a lower driving stage (automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes . Any additional braking should be done intermittently, not continuously.
Brake booster
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal. The necessary pressure is only gene rated when the engine is running.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle162
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be washed normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem. The actual stress to which the paintwork is subjected, howeve r, depends primarily on the design of the vehicle wash system, the filtering of th e water and the type of washing and care products used. If the paintwork of your vehicle appears mat after being washed or even has scratches, point this out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a different vehicle wash plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note be fore washing your vehicle in such a plant other than the usual precautionary meas ures (closing windows, moving any factory-fitted aerials down flat against the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular atta ch e d p a r t s f i t te d t o y o u r c a r - s u ch a s s p o i l e r, ro o f ra ck system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of the car wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof aeri al tight before washing the vehicle in an automatic vehicle wash sy stem - risk of damage!
Washing vehicle by hand
It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thor- oughly as possible before wa shing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge, washing glove or a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom - beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING
•The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle - risk of accident!
•Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you are cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims - risk of cuts.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locks or at the door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose - risk of freezing.
•Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod- ucts - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This ensures that no water which may be cont aminated by oil flows into the sewage system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle in certain areas except at such specific washing bays.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
When you wash your vehicle with a high-pre ssure cleaner, it is essential to comply with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This applies in particular to the pressure used and to the spraying distance. Maintain a sufficiently large distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters!
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Inspecting and Replenishing179
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan- sion bottle which is completely free of leak s if the coolant boils as a result of over- heating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 173, “Working in the engine compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over-heating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
⇒ page 178, fig. 149 and unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the
left ⇒.
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishi ng the system, must comply with one specific specification ⇒page 177, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative additive if the coolant additive G12 PLUS is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Ex cess coolant which is heated up is forced out of the cooling system through the pressu re relief valve in the cap of the coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. Th is is necessary to avoid engine damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health. Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
•If any splashes of coolant get into yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi- ately with clear water and contac t a doctor as soon as possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently swallowed coolant.
Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch the engine off and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should be collected and disposed of in comp liance with environmental protection regulations.
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Wheels and Tyres186
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 (d epending 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 bodi es from the tyre profile.
•Damage to tyres and wheels is frequently not visible. Unusual vibrations 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 appropriately slow speed and carefully to the nearest specialist garage in order to have your vehicle inspected.
•Also protect your tyres from cont act 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 no ise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Further information concerning the use of unidirectional tyres ⇒page 190.
WARNING
•New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and should therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!
•Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
Tyre life
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened co nsiderably if the tyres are insufficiently or over-inflated and this will have an advers e effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of partic ular importance when travelling at high speeds. It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month and also before
Fig. 154 An opened fuel filler flap with the tyre inflation pressure table
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