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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the maximum gross
train weight stated on the vehicle
identification plate. See
Vehicle
identification (page 170).Do not exceed 100 km/h (62 mph).
The rear tyre pressures must be
increased by 0.2 bar (3 psi) above
specification. See
Technical
specifications (page 168). CAUTIONS
Do not exceed the maximum
permissible nose weight, i.e. vertical
weight on the tow ball, of 100
kilogrammes (220 pounds) for vehicles
with a diesel engine, or 105 kilogrammes
(231 pounds) for vehicles with a petrol
engine. We recommend you purchase a
towing kit from your dealer. Failure to
do so may result in damage to the
engine. Note:Not all vehicles are suitable or
approved to have tow bars fitted. Check with your dealer first.
Place loads as low and central to the
axle(s) of the trailer as possible. If you are
towing with an unladen vehicle, the load
in the trailer should be placed toward the
nose, within the maximum nose load, as
this gives the best stability.
The stability of the vehicle to trailer
combination is very much dependant on
the quality of the trailer. In high altitude regions above 1 000
metres (3 281 feet), the stipulated
maximum permitted gross train weight
must be reduced by 10% for every
additional 1 000 metres (3 281 feet).
Steep gradients WARNING
The overrun brake on a trailer is not
controlled by ABS.
Change down a gear before you reach a
steep downhill gradient.
DETACHABLE TOW BALL
WARNINGS
When not in use, always transport
the tow ball arm securely fastened
in the luggage compartment.
Take special care when fitting the
tow ball arm as the safety of the
vehicle and the trailer depends on
this. Do not use any tools for mounting
or dismounting the tow ball arm. Do
not modify the trailer coupling. Do
not disassemble or repair the tow ball arm. 127
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Unlocking the tow ball arm
mechanism
1. Detach the keyhole protective cap.
2. Insert the key and turn it
anti-clockwise to unlock (1).
3. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the handwheel out and turn it clockwise
until it clicks (2).
4. The red mark on the handwheel must
align with the whitemark on the tow
ball.
5. Release the handwheel. The tow ball arm is unlocked.
Inserting the tow ball arm WARNING
The tow ball arm may only be
inserted when completely unlocked. 1.
Pull out the plug (1).
2. Insert the tow ball arm vertically and press it upwards until it engages (2).
Do not hold your hand near the
handwheel.
3. The green mark on the handwheel
must align with the whitedot on the
tow ball.
4. To lock, turn the key clockwise and remove the key (3).
5. Attach the keyhole protective cap.
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Driving with a trailer
WARNING
If any of the below conditions
cannot be met, do not use the tow
bar and have it checked by a
properly trained technician. Before starting your journey, make sure
that the tow ball arm is properly locked.
Check:
•
The
green mark on the handwheel
is aligned with the whitedot on the
tow ball arm.
• the handwheel (A) is correctly fitted
to the tow ball arm.
• you have removed the key (B).
• the tow ball arm is securely positioned.
It must not move when jerked.
Removing the tow ball arm WARNING
Never unlock the tow ball arm with
the trailer attached. 1. Unhitch the trailer.
2. Detach the keyhole protective cap.
3. Insert the key and turn it
anti-clockwise to unlock (1).
4. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the handwheel out, turn it clockwise
against the stop (2) and remove the
tow ball arm (3).
5. Release the handwheel.
When unlocked in this way, the tow ball
arm can be reinserted at any time.
Insert the plug into its seat (4).
Maintenance WARNING
Remove the tow ball arm and
protect the seat with the plug before
steam cleaning your vehicle.
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Keep the system clean. Periodically
lubricate bearings, sliding surfaces, and
locking balls with resin-free grease or oil
and the lock with graphite.
Keep a note of the key number. In case
of loss, replacement keys are available
from the manufacturer by stating the
three digit key number.
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Towing
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RUNNING-IN
Tyres
WARNING
New tyres need to be run-in for
approximately 500 kilometres (300
miles). During this time, you may
experience different driving
characteristics. Brakes and clutch
WARNING
Avoid heavy use of the brakes and
clutch if possible for the first 150
kilometres (100 miles) in town and
for the first 1 500 kilometres (1 000 miles)
on motorways. Engine
CAUTION
Avoid driving too fast during the first
1 500 kilometres (1 000 miles). Vary
your speed frequently and change
up through the gears early. Do not labour
the engine. COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be
affected at temperatures below -30°C
(-22°F). DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water CAUTIONS
Drive through water in an emergency
only, and not as part of normal
driving.
Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
In an emergency, the vehicle can be
driven through water to a maximum depth
of 200 mm and at a maximum speed of
10 km/h (6 mph). Extra caution should be
exercised when driving through flowing
water.
When driving in water, maintain a low
speed and do not stop the vehicle. After
driving through water, and as soon as it
is safe to do so:
•
Depress the brake pedal lightly and
check that full brake function is
achieved.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the vehicle's lights are fully
operational.
• Check the power assistance
of the steering system.
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Driving hints
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FIRST AID KIT
Space is provided in the under floor
storage compartment. See
Rear under
floor storage (page 123).
WARNING TRIANGLE
Space is provided in the under floor
storage compartment. See Rear under
floor storage (page 123).
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FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH
Vehicles with a Duratec engine
The fuel supply may be cut off as a result
of an accident or sudden vibrations (e.g.
collision when parking).
The switch is located in the side panel in
front of the driver's door.
Resetting the switch
WARNING
Do not reset the fuel cut-off switch
if you see or smell leaking fuel.
•
Turn the ignition switch to position
0.
• Check fuel system for leaks.
• If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in the button (see
illustration). •
Turn the ignition switch to position
II.
After a few seconds return the key to
position I.
• Make a further check for leaks in the
fuel system.
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FUSE BOX LOCATIONS
Engine compartment fuse box
Passenger compartment fuse
box
1. Remove the screws in the instrument
panel trim underneath the glove
compartment and lower the trim
panel.
2. Loosen the screws.
3. Lower the fuse box and pull it towards you. Install in the reverse order.
CHANGING A FUSE WARNINGS
Do not modify the electrical system
of your vehicle in any way. Have
repairs to the electrical system and
the replacement of relays and high current
fuses carried out by properly trained
technicians. Switch the ignition and all electrical
equipment off before touching or
attempting to change a fuse.
CAUTION
Fit a replacement fuse with the same
rating as the one you have removed.
Note:You can identify a blown fuse by
a break in the filament.
Note:All fuses, except high current fuses
are a push fit.
Note:A fuse puller is located in the lid of
the engine compartment fuse box.
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