
The air conditioning system99
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Recirculated air mode
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle
and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from
getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or
when standing in a traffic jam.
Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press the button ⇒page 97, fig. 110 the warning light lights
up in the button.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button - the warning light in the button goes out.
The recirculated air mode is switched off au tomatically if the air distribution control
is in position ⇒ page 97, fig. 110 . You can also switch recirculated air mode
on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing button .
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Air outlet vents
Fig. 111 Air vents at the front
Fig. 112 Air vents at the rear
Open air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob to position
.
Close air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob to position 0.
A4
AC
NKO B6 20.book Page 99 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

The air conditioning system
100
Redirecting air flow
– The horizontal as well as the vertical direction of the air flow is set with
the handle in the middle of the air outlet vents.
You can set the air supply to the individual air outlet vents using the control dial
⇒ page 97, fig. 110 . The air outlet vents 2 , 3 ⇒ page 99, fig. 111 and 5 ⇒ page 99,
fig. 112 can also be closed and opened individually.
Unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the air outlet vents according to the setting
of control dial ⇒page 97, fig. 110 and the atmosphe ric conditions.
Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when
in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or th e doors of a vehicle for which the inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the ef fect 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 241.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒page 11.
If you are not able to rectify the operat ional problem yourself, or if the cooling
capacity decreases, switch the cooling sy stem 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 fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is
achieved by automatically varying the temper ature of the outflowing air, the blower
stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into account sunlight which
eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic mode
⇒ page 102 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,
• switched on.
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 th e 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 ⇒page 103.
AC
AA
AC
NKO B6 20.book Page 100 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

The air conditioning system101
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must
be free of ice, snow or leaves in order
to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a hi gh coolant temperature in order to provide
cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for al l periods of the year:
•Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
•Press the button ⇒page 102, fig. 113 .
•Move the air outlet vents 2 and 3 so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off*
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh air blower
is automatically switched over to “solar mode” if the sun ray's are sufficient after
switching off the ignition. The solar cells on the sliding/tilting roof deliver power for
the fresh air blower. This supplies the interior of the car with fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents 2 and 3 must be opened
⇒ page 105, fig. 114 .
The ventilation functions only when the sliding/tilting roof is closed.
WARNING
•For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the
windows are free of ice, snow and mistin g. Please familiarize yourself about
how to correctly operate th e heating and ventilation systems, how to demist
and defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
•You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of
time, as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert
your attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an
accident increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
•If the cooling system has not been switched on for a lengthy period, odours may
be produced at the evaporator because of deposits. Switch the cooling system on
at least once a month for approximately 5 mi nutes at the highest blower stage - also
during the cold season of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a
window for a short time.
•We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the inte-
rior of the vehicle forms deposits in the ev aporator of the air conditioning system.
This produces a permanent odour when th e air conditioning system is operating
which can only be eliminated through co nsiderable effort and expense (replace-
ment of compressor).
•The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the luggage
compartment.
•On vehicles equi pped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation*, the informa-
tion of the Climatronic is also shown on the display. You can switch off this function
for the Radio* - see operating instructio ns for radio. This function cannot be
switched off during Navigation*.
•Using the cooling economically ⇒page 100.
•Operational problems ⇒page 100.
AUTO
NKO B6 20.book Page 101 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

The air conditioning system
102
Overview of the control elements
The controls enable a separate setti ng of the temperature for the left
and right side.
Fig. 113 Climatronic: Control elements
The buttons
Defrost windscreen intensively
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to head
Air flow in the footwell
Recirculated air mode with air quality sensor*
Rear window heater
Buttons / control dial
Setting of the temperature for the left side.
Automatic mode
Switching off Climatronic
Setting the blower speed
Button for direct switching on/off of auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)*
⇒ page 106 Switching on/off of the temperature setting in dual mode
Switching cooling on and off
Setting of the temperature for the right side.
Note
Below the top row of buttons is located the interior temperature sensor. Do not
glue or cover over the sensor, otherwise it
could have an unfavourable effect on the
Climatronic.
Automatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temper-
ature and to demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Switching automatic mode on
– Set a temperature between +18 °C and +26 °C.
– Move the air outlet vents 1 and 2 ⇒ page 105, fig. 114 so that the air
flow is directed slightly upwards.
– Press the button . In the right or left top corner a warning light lights up, depending on which unit was last selected.
If the warning light in the top right corner of the button lights up, the
Climatronic operates in “HIGH” mode. The “HIGH” mode is the standard setting of
the Climatronic.
When pressing again the button , th e Climatronic changes into the “LOW”
mode and the warning light in the top left corner lights up. The Climatronic uses
only in this mode the lower blower speed. However taking into account the noise
level, this is more comfortable, yet be aware that the effectiveness of the air condi-
tioning system is reduced particularly if the vehicle is fully occupied.
By pressing again the button , yo u change into the “HIGH” mode.
The automatic mode is switched off by pres sing the button for the air distribution
or increasing or decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is nevertheless
regulated.
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8AUTO
A9OFF
A10
A11
A12DUAL
A13AC
A14
AUTO
AUTO
AUTO
AUTO
NKO B6 20.book Page 102 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

The air conditioning system103
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Switching cooling on and off
Switching cooling on and off
– Press the button . The warning light lights up in the button.
– When you again press the switch , the cooling system is switched
off. The warning light in the button go es out. Only the function of the
ventilation remains active when no lower temperature than the
outside temperature can be reached.
Setting temperature
You can separate the interior temperature for the left and right side sepa-
rately.
– You can set the temperature for both sides after switching on the igni- tion with the control dial .
– If you wish to set the temperature for the right side, turn the control dial . The warning light in the button lights up, this indicates
that differing temperatures for the left and right side can be set.
If the warning light in the button lights up, the temperature for both sides
cannot be set with the control dial . You can reinitiate this function by pressing
the button . The warning light in the butt on which indicates the possibility to
set differing temperatures for the left and right side, goes out.
You can set the interior temperature between +18°C and +26°C. The interior
temperature is regulated automatically with in this range. If you chose a tempera-
ture lower than +18°C, a blue symbol lights up at the start of the numerical scale. If
you chose a temperature higher than +26°C, a red symbol lights up at the end of
the numerical scale. In both limit positio ns the Climatronic operates at maximum
cooling or heating capacity, respectively. Th e temperature is not controlled in this
case. Lengthy and uneven distribution
of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at the
leg area) and large differences in temperat ure, for example when getting out of the
vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
Recirculated air mode
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle
and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from
getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or
when standing in a traffic jam.
Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press the button - the warning light lights up in the button.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button or the button - the warning light in
the button goes out.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
If the windscreen mists up, press the button ⇒page 102, fig. 113 . After
the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .
AC
AC
A7
A14DUAL
DUALA7DUAL
AUTO
A1AUTO
NKO B6 20.book Page 103 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

The air conditioning system
104
Automatic air distribution control*
When the automatic air distribution control is switched on, an air
quality sensor measures the concentration of pollutants in the drawn
in air.
If a considerable increase in concentr ation of pollutants is recognized by
the air quality sensor, the air distribution control will temporarily be
switched off. If the concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal
level, the air distribution control is au tomatically switched off so that fresh
air can be guided into the vehicle interior.
Switch on automatic air distribution control
– Press the button repeatedly * until the warning light on the right side of the button lights up.
Switch off automatic air distribution control temporarily
– If the air quality sensor does not switch on automatically when there is a nauseating smell, you can switch it on yourself by pressing the
button *. The warning light lights up in the button on the left side.
Switch on automatic air distribution control again
– Hold the button pressed * for more than 2 seconds and on the right side of the button the warning light lights up.
Switch off automatic air distribution control
– Press again the button * until the warning lights in the button go out.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci- dent increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
•If the windscreen mists up, press the button
⇒page 102, fig. 113 .
After the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .
•The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2°C.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the bl ower stages automatically in line
with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt the blower
stages manually to suit your particular needs.
– Press again the button
on the left side (reduce blower speed) or on
the right side (increase blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, th e Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button
when the respective
number of warning lights come on.
WARNING
•“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce
attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an
accident increases.
•Do not switch the Climatronic syst em off for longer than necessary.
•Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
WARNING (continued)
A1AUTO
NKO B6 20.book Page 104 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

The air conditioning system105
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Defrosting windscreen
Defrosting windscreen - switching on
– Press the button ⇒page 102, fig. 113 .
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button or the button .
The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1.
Air outlet vents
Fig. 114 Air vents at the front Fig. 115 Air vents at the rear
Open air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob to position
.
Close air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob to position 0.
Redirecting air flow
– The horizontal as well as the vertical direction of the air flow is set with the handle in the middle of the air outlet vents.
You can control the air distribution to the air outlet vents via the buttons of the
operating part of the Climatronic ⇒page 102. Air outlet vents 2, 3 ⇒ fig. 114 and 5
⇒ fig. 115 can also be opened or closed individually.
Note
The air outlet vents 1 ensure in the ventilation and cooling mode for a comfortable
(no-draught) ventilation of the interior of the vehicle, also if the air outlet vents 3
are closed.
AUTO
NKO B6 20.book Page 105 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

The air conditioning system
106
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*
Description and important information
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary he ating and ventilation) heats or
supplies the interior of the vehicl e with fresh air independent of the
engine.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) func tions in connection with the Climatic or
Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engi ne is switched off for preheating of the
vehicle as well as while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) warms up the coolant during the combus-
tion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower
speed is not set to zero) flows into the occupant compartment.
10)
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively decreased
(e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING
•The auxiliary heating must never be op erated in closed rooms - risk of
poisoning!
•The auxiliary heating must not be running during refueling - risk of fire.
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of
the vehicle. Therefore do not place the vehicle, if you wish to operate the
auxiliary heating, in such a way that the exhaust gases of the auxiliary
heating can come easily into contact with inflammable materials (e.g. dry
grass) or easily inflammable substances (e.g. fuel run out).
Note
•If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
Therefore the auxiliary heating should not be operated, if there is very little fuel in
the tank.
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heatin g, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
•If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometers in order to recharge the
vehicle battery.
•The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
•At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating
problem.
•After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short
period.
•The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the
vehicle battery indicates a low loading state.
•The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) switches off, if in the information
display: Please refuel! is indicated or wa s indicated before switching off the igni-
tion.
•When driving, the auxiliary heating can only be switched on, if the exterior
temperature is lower than 5 °C.
•The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in
order to ensure that the auxili ary heating operates properly.
•So that warm air can flow into the vehi cle interior after switching on the auxil-
iary heating, you must maintain the te mperature normally selected by you (we
recommend 22°C). It is recommended to put the air flow in the position
.
•On vehicles with DPF (diesel particle filter) the warm coolant heats up the
engine.
10)However the coolant does not warm up the engine.
NKO B6 20.book Page 106 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM