Cockpit
60
− Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHECK button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Call-up button for service indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gaugeThe coolant temperature gauge ⇒ fig. 38 only works when the ignition is
switched on. In order to avoid engine damage, please read the following
notes for the different temperature ranges.
Cold temperature
If the needle is still on the left of the dial, this indicates that the engine has
not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high revs and heavy accelera-
tion and do not make the engine work hard. Normal temperature
In normal operations, the needle will settle somewhere in the centre of the
dial once the engine has reached running temperature. The temperature may
also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high outside temper-
atures. This is no cause for concern, provided the warning lamp
v does not
light up in the instrument panel.
Warning temperature
If the symbol
flashes in the display, this means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low ⇒page 78.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level, observe the
warning information ⇒page 224.•Never open the bonnet when steam or coolant is being released from it.
This could lead to burns. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At
high outside temperatures and high e ngine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
71
A8
64
A9
74
A10
63
Fig. 38 Engine coolant
temperature gauge
AA
ABAC
exeo_EN.book Seite 60 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16
Cockpit77
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Red symbols
A red symbol warns of a danger.–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the fault. Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
The red symbols are used to indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction).
A red symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The symbols will keep
flashing until the faults are corrected. If several Priority 1 faults are detected
at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2
seconds.Fault in the brake system
H
A fault in the brake system should be repaired as soon as
possible.If the symbol
H flashes in the display, there is a fault in the brake
system. One of the following messages will appear in the display
together with the symbol:
Stop vehicle, check brake fluid and hydraulic fluid levels
Warning! Fault in brake system (ABS) Take vehicle to workshop
–Stop the vehicle.
– Check the brake fluid level ⇒page 233.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp
J will light up together with the brake
system fault symbol
H ⇒ .
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observe
the warning information in ⇒ page 224, “Work in the engine compart-
ment”.•If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could result in an
accident. Do not drive on! Obtain technical assistance.
H
BRAKES
Fault in brake system
⇒ page 77
COOLANT
Coolant level too low / coolant tem-
perature too high
⇒ page 78
E
OIL
PRESSURE
Engine oil pressure too low
⇒ page 78Fig. 54 Display: Coolant
level warning
exeo_EN.book Seite 77 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16
Cockpit
78•If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that there is a fault in the ABS control function. 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 specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.
Fault in the cooling system
Faults in the cooling system must be repaired immediately.If the
symbol flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. The
following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 229.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 229.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well
⇒page 69, it is possible that
the drive belt has broken.
Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol
v has come on to indicate a fault in the cooling
system, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage.
Engine oil pressure too low
E
If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be repaired
immediately.If the
E
symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is too low.
The following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine, check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 226.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 227.
Engine oil level correct
If the
E symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain profes-
sional assistance. Do not drive on! Do not continue to run the engine, even at
idle speed .
WARNING (continued)
exeo_EN.book Seite 78 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16
Air conditioning
156Air conditioning2C-ClimatronicDescription
The air conditioner is designed to automatically keep the
passenger compartment at the temperature you find most
comfortable at all times of the year.Recommended settings:
– Set the temperature to 22°C (71°F).
–Press the button ⇒page 158, fig. 130 .The following setting quickly provides a comfortable temperature inside the
vehicle. We therefore recommend you do not modify the setting unless you
find this temperature uncomfortable or where circumstances require as such.
The air conditioner provides heating and ventilation and also cools and dehu-
midifies the air inside the vehicle.
The air conditioner is fully automatic and will constantly maintain the temper-
ature which has been set. To achieve this, the temperature of the air supplied
to the interior, the blower speed (volume of air delivery) and the air distribu-
tion are regulated automatically. The system also takes solar radiation into
account and, therefore, no subsequent manual readjustments are required.
Therefore, automatic mode ⇒ page 159 should be used for the comfort of all
the passengers in virtually all conditions throughout the year.
Please note the following points:
The humidity of the air is automatically reduced when the system cools the
interior of the vehicle. This helps to prevent condensation on the windows. If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,
condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the air cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
If the outside temperature is low, the blower normally only switches to a
higher speed once the coolant has warmed up sufficiently (this does not
apply to the defrost setting).
In order to achieve maximum engine power, the air conditioner compressor is
temporarily switched off when pulling away from standstill with full throttle.
The compressor also switches off if the coolant temperature is excessively
high to ensure adequate engine cooling under extreme loads.
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and activated charcoal filter)
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and
pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter
element must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Plan.
If the vehicle is driven in areas with a high level of air pollution and the filter
is no longer fully effective, it may be necessary to change the filter element
more frequently.
Caution
•If you suspect that the air conditioner system is damaged, switch over to
ECON mode to prevent further damage and have the system checked by a
qualified workshop.•Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. For this reason, please contact a qualified workshop if the system is not
working properly.
AUTO
exeo_EN.book Seite 156 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16
Checking and refilling levels
224
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being released
from th e eng ine compar t ment . Fail ure to comp ly could resul t in bur ns. Wait
until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.Work in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below and
follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the vehicle
is a potentially hazardous area ⇒
WARNING
•Switch the engine off.•Remove the ignition key.•Apply the handbrake firmly.•If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral. If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place the selector lever
in position P.•Wait for the engine to cool down.•Children should not be allowed to approach the engine compartment.•Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. coolant).•Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especially
when working on the battery.
•Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is hot, as the fan could
start up suddenly.•Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure.•Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant fluid
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the
expansion tank.•If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, radi-
ator fan, etc.) and from the high-voltage ignition system.•Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system or
the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near open flames.
− Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.Caution
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
WARNING (continued)
exeo_EN.book Seite 224 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16
Checking and refilling levels
228
Caution•The oil level must never be above area . This could damage the cata-
lytic converter or the engine. Contact a qualified workshop to drain the engine
oil if necessary.•No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of such additives would not be covered by the factory warranty.For the sake of the environment
•Oil must not be disposed of in the drain or on the ground.•Always observe legal requirements when disposing of empty oil
canisters.Cooling systemCoolant fluid
The purpose of the coolant fluid is to carry heat away from the
engine. The correct amount of antifreeze is decisive in
preventing the cooling system from freezing in winter.The vehicle’s engine cooling system is filled for life at the factory, so no
coolant needs to be changed. The coolant fluid consists of a mixture of water
and antifreeze G12++. This is a glycol-based antifreeze with anti-corrosion
additives.
Coolant fluid additive
The amount of antifreeze required depends on the temperatures to be
expected in the winter season. If the antifreeze concentration is too low the
coolant can freeze, resulting in failure of the cooling system and heater. The cooling system is filled at the factory with the correct amount of anti-
freeze for the country concerned.
In most cases, the mixture consists of 60% water and
40% antifreeze. This
mixture gives the required antifreeze protection at temperatures down to -
25°C and particularly protects the metal parts of the cooling system against
corrosion. It also prevents scaling and significantly raises the boiling point of
the coolant fluid.
Countries with warm climate
The coolant fluid concentration must not be reduced by adding plain water,
even in the summer or in warm climates. The concentration of the antifreeze
must always be at least 40%.
Countries with cold climate
If greater freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
G12++ antifreeze can be increased. A concentration of 60% offers antifreeze
protection of temperatures down to approx. - 40°C. However, the concentra-
tion of antifreeze must not exceed 60% , as the antifreeze protection would
then drop and the performance of the coolant system would suffer.
Vehicles for countries with cold climates (e.g. Sweden, Norway and Finland)
have factory-filled antifreeze protection for temperatures down to -35°C. In
these countries, the concentration of antifreeze should always be at least
50%.
Caution
•It is advisable to have the cooling system checked before the winter
season to make sure that the antifreeze concentration is adequate for the
conditions to be expected. This applies particularly if you intend to take the
vehicle into a colder climate zone. If necessary, have the antifreeze concen-
tration increased to 50 - 60% as required.•Use only G12++ antifreeze, an additive meeting the “TL-VW 774G” spec-
ification. Other antifreezes may give considerably inferior corrosion protec-
Aa
exeo_EN.book Seite 228 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16
Checking and refilling levels229
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
tion. The damage caused by the use of these antifreezes may lead to a loss of
coolant fluid, causing serious damage to the engine.
•G12++ antifreeze can be mixed only with antifreeze additives G11, G12
and G12+.Checking the coolant level
The coolant level can be checked visually.– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the coolant level on coolant fluid expansion tank ⇒fig. 168 . When the engine is cold, it should be between the
“min” and “max” marks. When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above the “max” mark.Its location is shown in the corresponding general overview of the engine
compartment. The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp on the instrument panel
display
⇒page 78. However, we recommend that it should be checked occa-
sionally.
Coolant fluid loss
Any loss of coolant fluid normally indicates a leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified workshop
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the coolant fluid.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant fluid can only occur if the
coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant fluid. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.To p p i n g u p t h e c o o l a n t f l u i d
Be careful when topping up with coolant fluid.– Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒fig. 168 with a cloth, and
carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Add coolant fluid.
– Screw on the cap tightly.
Fig. 168 Engine compart-
ment: Coolant fluid
deposit
exeo_EN.book Seite 229 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16
Checking and refilling levels
230Make sure that the coolant fluid meets the required specifications
⇒ page 228, “Coolant fluid”. Do not use a different type of antifreeze if
G12++ antifreeze is not available. In this case, use only water and bring the
antifreeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new coolant fluid.
Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess coolant fluid is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of coolant fluid has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine
damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.•The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a health hazard. Therefore, the
antifreeze should be stored in the orig inal container in a safe place out of
reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant into
a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe environ-
mental regulations).
Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after stopping
the engine, even after the ignition is switched off. It may also start running
suddenly ⇒ after some while if•Stored heat raises the coolant temperature, or•The hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the sun.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment be aware that the radiator fan
may start running suddenly, leading to the risk of injury.
exeo_EN.book Seite 230 Montag, 30. August 2010 4:45 16