
Airbag system33
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
may develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and it is not an indica-
tion of fire in the vehicle.
Airbag covers when the frontal airbags are triggeredThe airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel or instrument panel when the
driver's and front passenger's airbags are triggered
⇒fig. 20 . The airbag
covers remain connected to the steering wheel or the dash panel.
Fig. 20 Airbag covers reacting when the front airbags
are triggered
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Airbag system
34Safety notes on the frontal airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce the
risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to keep a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. If the minimum
distance is not observed then the airbags do not correctly protect the
vehicle occupants; risk of fatal injuries! In addition, the front seats and
head restraints must always be positioned correctly for the height of the
occupant.•I f yo u are n o t w ea r i ng a s ea t b e l t , i f yo u l e an fo r w a rd o r t o t h e s id e w h il e
travelling or assume an incorrect sitting position, there is a substantially
increased risk of injury. This increased risk of injury will be further
increased if you are struck by an inflating airbag.•Never let a child travel on the front seat without an appropriate restraint
system. If the airbag is triggered in an accident, children can sustain
serious or fatal injuries from the airbag as it inflates ⇒page 46, “Child
safety”.•The deployment space between the front passengers and the airbags
must not in any case be occupied by other passenger, pets and objects.•The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once
they have deployed.•It is also important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or
telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.•Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.
Knee airbag*Description of the knee airbag
The airbag system provides additional protection to front seat
passengers if they are properly secured.The knee airbag for the driver is located in the instrument panel underneath
the steering wheel ⇒fig. 21.
The knee airbag offers additional protection to the driver's knees and upper
and lower thigh areas as a supplement to the safety belts.
If the front airbags deploy, the knee airbag also deploys in severe frontal colli-
sions ⇒page 32.
Besides their normal safety function, safety belts help keep the driver in posi-
tion in case of a frontal collision so that the airbags can provide protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts. It is, on the other hand,
part of the overall occupant safety system of your vehicle. Always remember
Fig. 21 Driver's knee
airbag
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Airbag system
36If the front airbag deploys, the knee airbag also deploys in severe frontal colli-
sions.
When the system is deployed, the airbag starts to fill with a propellant gas,
and inflates between the lower part of the instrument panel and the driver
⇒ page 35, fig. 22.
Although they are not a soft pillow, they can “cushion” the impact and in this
way they can help to reduce the risk of injury to the lower extremities.
All this takes place instantaneously, so fast that many people do not even
realize that the airbags have deployed. The airbags also inflate with a great
deal of force and it is important for occupant safety that nothing should be in
their way when they deploy.
Fully inflated airbags in combination with properly worn safety belts slow
down and limit the occupant's forward movement and help to reduce risk.Important safety notes on the knee airbag system
Airbags are only supplemental restraints.A l wa ys w ea r sa f e t y b e l t s co r r e c t l y a n d d r i v e i n a p r o p e r s e a t e d p o s i t i o n . T h e r e
is a lot that you and your passengers must know and do to help the safety
belts and airbags to provide supplementary protection.
WARNING
An inflating knee airbag can cause serious injury. Wearing safety belts
incorrectly and improper seating positions increase the risk of serious
personal injury and death whenever a vehicle is being used.•The airbag system cannot protect you properly if you are seated too
close to any of the airbag locations. When adjusting their seating posi-
tions, it is important for drivers to keep their upper bodies and knees to the
following minimum safe distances: −
25 cm between the chest and the steering wheel/instrument panel.
− 10 cm between the knees and the lower part of the instrument panel.
•The risk of personal injury increases if you lean forward or to the side,
or if the seat is improperly positioned and you are not wearing your safety
belt. The risk increases even more should the airbag deploy.•Always make sure that the knee airbag can inflate without interference.
Objects between yourself and the airbag can increase the risk of injury in
an accident by interfering with the way the airbag deploys or by being
thrust into you as the airbag deploys.
−No objects of any kind should be carried in the footwell area in front
of the driver's seat. Bulky objects (shopping bags, for example) can
hinder or prevent proper deployment of the airbag. Small objects can
be thrown through the vehicle if the airbag deploys and injure you or
your passengers.•Make sure there are no cracks, deep scratches or other damage in the
area of the instrument panel where the knee airbag is located.•If children are incorrectly seated, their risk of injury increases in the
case of an accident ⇒page 46.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system37
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Side airbags*Description of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The front side airbags are located in the driver's seat and front passenger's
seat backrests ⇒fig. 23. The rear side airbags are located in the rear wheel
housing lining. The locations are identified by the text “AIRBAG” in the upper
region of the backrests and in the rear wheel housing lining.
Together with the seat belts, the side airbag system gives the front seat occu-
pants additional protection for the upper body in the event of a severe side
collision ⇒page 40, “Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag
system”.
In a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to passengers on
the front seats to the areas of the body facing the impact. In addition to their
normal function of protecting the occupants in a collision, the seat belts also hold the passengers in the front seats and the outer rear seats in a position
where the side airbags can provide maximum protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times,
not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your
safety
⇒page 18, “Brief introduction”.
The side airbag system will not be triggered if:
•the ignition is switched off,•there is a minor side collision,•there is a frontal collision,•there is a rear-end collision,•the vehicle turns over.
The main parts of the airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),•The front side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the rear side
airbags in the lining of the rear wheel housing.•a warning lamp
in the dash panel insert ⇒page 29.
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning
lamp will light up for approx. 4 seconds every time the ignition is switched on
(self-diagnosis).
WARNING
•In a side-on collision, the side airbags will not work, if the sensors do
not correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors,
due to air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door
panel.•Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
Fig. 23 Side airbag in
driver seat
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Cockpit57
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Controls and equipmentCockpitOverviewInstrument panel overview
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlets with thumbwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for indicators and main beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Levers and switches for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Warning lamp indicating that front passenger's airbag has
been disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stowage compartments
Depending on equipment fitted: Sound system or navigation
system
Lockable glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thumbwheel for seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gear lever
Cigarette lighter / Socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary socket
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartment
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat memory* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−
coming home and leaving home: delayed lights off and
anticipated lights on function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel with:
− Horn
− Driver's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Controls for radio and telephone*
A1
109
A2A3
100
A4
132
A5
167
A6
116
A7
123
A8
59
A9
128
85
87
A10
171
A11
68
44
175
A12
122
A13
153
A14A15A16
157
A17
31
A18
162
A19
127
A20
169
A21
154
A22A23
154
A24A25
66
A26A27
174
A28
138
A29
226
A30
120
119
A31
178
A32
31
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Cockpit
68Entire brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
lights up together with the brake warning lamp
⇒ page 70 (with the handbrake released), this indicates not only a fault
in the ABS function, but probably also a malfunction in the main brake system
as well ⇒.
The symbol
will light up in the instrument panel if a fault occurs in the
brake system . Please refer to ⇒page 77.
Electronic differential lock (EDL) fault
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. The ABS indicator lamp will light
up
to indicate an EDL fault. Please take the vehicle to a specialist garage
as soon as possible. For further information on the EDL ⇒page 191.WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observe
the warning information in ⇒page 227, “Work in the engine compart-
ment”.•If the brake warning lamp
should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has dropped below the "MIN" mark
you must not drive on otherwise there may be an increased accident risk.
Obtain technical assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a fault in the ABS control function. As a result, the rear
wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under certain circum-
stances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side to side, with
the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest specialist
garage and have the fault rectified.
Seat belt warning lamp*
The warning lamp acts as a reminder to the driver to fasten
the seat belt.After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp
will remain lit until the
driver and front passenger (if applicable) have fastened their seat belts.
When the vehicle has reached a certain speed, you will also hear a warning
signal and the warning light will flash.
For further information on the seat belts, see ⇒page 22.
Indicators and hazard warning lights
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
or right
indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when the hazard warning
lights are switched on.
If one turn signal fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast as
normal.
This does not apply when towing a trailer. Where a turn signal lamp does not
work, either on the trailer or on the towing vehicle, the indicator lamp will not
flash. For further information on the indicators, see ⇒page 123.
Electronic stabilisation programme
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program (ESP).The warning lamp
has the following functions:
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Cockpit69
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•It will start flashing to indicate that ESP is counteracting an unstable
driving condition.•It lights up when the ignition is switched on for approx. 2 seconds while
the function is checked.•The warning lamp will light up if there is a malfunction in the ESP.•It will light up after the battery has been disconnected.•The warning lamp will light up if the ESP is switched off.•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is started, this
may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP. In this
case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then on
again. After this the warning lamp should go out to show that the system is
fully functional.
The warning lamp will light up when the ignition is switched on if the battery
has been disconnected and then reconnected. It should go out again after
driving a short distance if the steering wheel is turned slightly.
For further information on the ESP, see ⇒page 191.Alternator
The warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator or in the
vehicle's electrical system.The warning lamp
lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
switch off after the engine has started.
If the warning lamp lights up when you are driving, you can normally
continue as far as the nearest specialist garage. However, given that the
battery will be running down, any electrical consumption not absolutely vital
should be switched off.
Caution
If the coolant warning lamp
i n t h e i n s t r u m e n t p a n e l l i g h t s u p as we ll a s t h e
alternator waning lamp while driving ⇒page 78, stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no longer
being driven, and there is a risk of engine damage.
Main beam headlights
The indicator lamp
lights up when the main beams are on or when the
headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights, see ⇒page 123.
Engine management
This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.The warning lamp
(Electronic Power Control) lights up while the function
is being checked.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicates a fault
in the engine management system. The vehicle must be taken immediately to
a specialist garage to have the engine serviced.
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Cockpit
70Glow plug system
The indicator lamp lights up while the glow plugs are
preheating.The indicator lamp
lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the indicator lamp goes out the engine should be started straight away. When
the engine is warm, or at outside temperatures above +8°C, the indicator
lamp will only light up very briefly.
Note
•If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the vehicle is
moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management system. The engine
should be serviced without delay.•If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is switched on, this
can mean that the glow plug system is defective. The engine should be
serviced.Brake system
The warning lamp flashes when the handbrake is applied, or
if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in the ABS
system.If the warning lamp
flashes (and the handbrake is not applied), stop the
vehicle and check the brake fluid level ⇒ ⇒ page 237.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp
will light up
together with the brake warning lamp
⇒ . Handbrake applied
The warning lamp
also lights up when the handbrake is applied. In addi-
tion to this, the handbrake warning ⇒ page 76 switches on after driving for 3
seconds at a speed above 5 km/h.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observe
the warning information in ⇒page 227, “Work in the engine compart-
ment”.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low and this may cause
an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.•If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS is out of action. As
a result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under
certain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from
side to side, with the subsequent dang er of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
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