
Checking and refilling levels
222•
When the engine is warm or hot, th e cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion t ank when the engine is hot. This is
a burn injury risk.Caution
•
When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown.
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do
so will result in engine damage!
•
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large coolant
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised
workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Otherwise,
there is a risk of engine damage.
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.The windscreen washer and the headlight washing system are supplied with
fluid from the windscreen washer flui d container in the engine compartment.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid.
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 162 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 222 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

Checking and refilling levels223
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 213.Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
•
Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per
instructions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes
in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Changing windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you
will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper
blades should be replaced immediately.
Fig. 163 Windscreen
wipers in the service posi-
tionFig. 164 Changing the
front wiper blades
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Checking and refilling levels
224
To change the blades it is necessary to change the rest position of
the wipers to the service position.
Service position (For changing wiper blades)
– Ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen.
– Turn ignition on and off and then (before approx. 8 seconds have elapsed), move the windscreen wiper lever to the intermittent
wipe position. The windscreen wi pers will move to the service
position.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
– Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen.
– Push the side buttons, free the blade and pull in the direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 164.
Fitting the wiper blade
– Insert a blade of identical length and design into the wiper arm.
– Slide the blade until it clicks into position.
– Push the wiper arms back against the windscreen.The windscreen wiper arms return to their original position when the ignition
is turned on and the windscreen wiper lever is operated, or when driving
faster than 6 km/h.
If the windscreen wipers smear , they should be replaced if they are damaged,
or cleaned if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a qualified
workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually. This
could cause damage.
•
Do not pull the windscreen wipers forward unless they are in the service
position. Otherwise the bonnet could be damaged.Note
•
The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 224 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

Checking and refilling levels225
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing the rear wiper blade
A good rear wiper blade is essential for clear rear vision.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass ⇒page 225, fig. 165 .
– Slide the blade adapter in the di rection of the arrow and remove
the blade ⇒page 225, fig. 165 .
Fitting the wiper blade
– With one hand, hold the top end of the wiper arm.
– Place the blade as shown in the ⇒page 225, fig. 166 and slide
the adapter along until it fits into place.Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes , it should be replaced if damaged, or cleaned
if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.
Fig. 165 Remove rear
window wiper bladeFig. 166 Mount rear
window wiper blade
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 225 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

If and when251
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Fuses on left side of dash panelFusesNumber
Consumer
Amps
1
Va can t
2
Va can t
3
Va can t
4
Va can t
5
Va can t
6
Va can t
7
Va can t
8
Va can t
9
Airbag
5
10
RSE input (roof screen)
10
11
Va can t
11
Vacant
12
Left xenon headlight
10
13
Instrument panel (oil le vel)/Switchboard wiring
(BCM)/Heater / ABS, ESP/ Park Pilot/ Gate-
way/Flow meter
5
14
Gearbox/Servosteering/Brake light sensor/
Trailer/ ABS, ESP/ Haldex/ Light switch
10
15
Heated windscreen / Instrument lighting / Diag-
nosis switchboard/Engine management/Addi-
tional heating/AFS headlamps/Park Pilot
10
16
Right xenon headlight
10
17
Engine management
10
18
Vacant
19
Vacant
20
Park Pilot (Parking assistant) / Gear lever/ ESP
switchboard
10
21
Vacant
22
Volumetric alarm sensor/ Alarm horn
5
23
Diagnosis / Rain sensor / Light switch
10
24
Vacant
25
Switchboard coupling automatic gearbox
20
26
Vacu um pum p
20
27
RSE input (roof screen)
10
28
Rear wiper motor / Switchboard wiring
20
29
Vacant
30
Cigarette lighter / socket
20
31
Vacant
32
Vacant
33
Heater
40
34
Vacant
35
Vacant
36
Engine management
10
37
Engine management
10
38
Engine management
10
39
Trailer control unit (coupling)
15
Number
Consumer
Amps
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 251 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

If and when
252Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras. Please note that the above list, while correct at the time of printing, is subject
to alterations. If discrepancies should
occur, please refer to the sticker on the
inside of the fuse cover for the correct information for your model.
Fuses layout, engine compartment, left partFuses
40
Trailer control unit (indicators, brakes and left
side)
20
41
Trailer control unit (fog light, reversing light and
right side)
20
42
BCM wiring switchboard
20
43
Trailer pre-installation
40
44
Rear window heater
25
45
Electric windows (front)
30
46
Rear electric windows
30
47
Engine (Fuel control unit, petrol relay)
15
48
Convenience controls
20
49
Heating controls
40
50
Heated seats
30
51
Sunroof
20
52
Headlight washer system
20
53
Vacant
20
54
Taxi (taximeter power supply)
5
55
Vacant
20
56
Taxi (taximeter power supply)
15
57
Vacant
58
Central locking control unit
30
Number
Consumer
Amps
Number
Consumer
Amps
1
Windscreen wipers
20
2
DQ200 gearbox
30
3
Cable control unit
5
4
ABS
20
5
AQ gearbox
15
6
Instrument panel/Steering column
5
7
Ignition key
40
8
Radio
15
9
Telephone/TomTom Navigator
5
10
Engine management
5
Engine management
10
11
Va ca n t
12
Electronic control unit
5
13
Petrol injection module supply
15
Diesel injection module supply
30
14
Coil
20
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 252 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

If and when
266Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved ro ad, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if the engine is not running, you must apply
considerably more pressure to the br ake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not wo rk if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Put the selector lever into position “N”.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
•
If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,
you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
•
If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be
raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.
•
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The
vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
•
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle..
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 266 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

Index287
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Adjusting the seat belt height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
AFS (curve lights) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Air conditioner* 2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air conditioning system General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air recirculation mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Manual air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Ambient temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 69 Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Anti-puncture tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 125
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . 125
Automatic car wash tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Automatic gearbox / DS G automatic gearbox . 170
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Automatic mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Automatic wiper/wash function for the rear window 124
Auxiliary audio connection: AUX-IN . . . . . . . . . 146
BBall coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Battery
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Belt tension device Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183, 190
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Bulb changes general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Bulb defect warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 165
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