Driving167
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Manual switch from LPG to petrol
Press the button on the centre console
⇒page 166, fig. 118 to change
mode. The green lamp on the instrument panel goes out and the notification
changed to petrol mode is displayed.
Running on petrol
Run the engine with petrol for short journeys at regular intervals to avoid
problems in the petrol system.
WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause severe
burns and other injury.•Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of fire or explosion.•When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage),
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical,
to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.Note
•If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside temper-
ature is low, the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more often than on LPG.
Therefore, the petrol tank may empty before the LPG tank.•The notification LPG mode not possible may be displayed.Start-Stop function*Description and operationThe Start-Stop function stops the engine when the vehicle is
stopped and starts it automatically when required. – When the vehicle is stopped, put it in neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will stop.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed, the engine starts again.
– The instrument panel screen displays information about the status of the Start-Stop function ⇒page 169, fig. 120 .
Start-Stop function conditions•The driver seat belt must be buckled.•The engine hood must be closed.•The engine must be at operating temperature•The steering wheel must be straight.•The vehicle must be on flat ground.•The vehicle must not be in reverse.•A trailer must not be connected.•The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the
comfort limits (button ⇒page 157, fig. 113 should be selected).•The windscreen de-mist function must be off.•If not , it requires an increase in airflow ⇒page 157, fig. 113 for more
than three presses.•The temperature must not be set to HI or LO .•The driver door must be closed.•The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel
engines.•The battery charge must not be low for the next start.•The battery temperature must be between -1 °C and 55 °C.•The parking assistant, Park Assist* must not be activated.
GAS
ACA11
A10
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Driving
168Start-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and the
engine will automatically start:•The vehicle starts moving.•The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.•The battery has been discharged excessively.•The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.•The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.•The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the comfort
limits (button ⇒page 157, fig. 113 should be selected).•If in an increase in airflow ⇒page 157, fig. 113 is required for more
than three presses.•Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.•The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.•The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.•If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfilled.WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious
injury.•The brake ser vo does not work with the engine off. You need more force
to stop the vehicle.•Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.•Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (fording
streams, etc.).
Note
•For vehicles with the Star t-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when the
engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.•When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the
instrument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.•The vehicle can be restarted by rotating the steering wheel three times,
that is, more than 270°.Switching the Start-Stop function on and offEvery time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is
automatically switched on.
ACA11
A10
Fig. 119 The Start-Stop
function button.
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Driving and the environment
194change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of trans-
mission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.•Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.•If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use,
vapour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories please
observe the relevant instructions ⇒page 212, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. – For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil
⇒page 226, “Topping up engine oil E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary ⇒page 267.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp will
light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒page 77. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the envi-
ronment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of
fire.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.•Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
WARNING (continued)
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Trailer towing
200•Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be found in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing
injury.
Note
•By law, the ball coupling must be re moved if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.Driving tipsDriving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution. Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of
snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in due course before
going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 55.
Electronic Stability Programme*
The ESP* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning203
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Vehicle maintenance and cleaningGeneral notesRegular washing and care help maintain the value of your
vehicle.Vehicle maintenance
Regular care and washing help to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the
event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect your vehicle against the harmful effects of the envi-
ronment is through correct maintenance and frequent washing. The longer
substances such as insect remains, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road
dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive materials
remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High
temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further intensify the corrosive
effect.
After winter, a period when salt is put on the roads, it is impor tant to have the
underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Products for vehicle maintenance
Car care products are available in your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the
product instructions until you have used them up.
WARNING
•Car care products can be toxic. Because of this, they must always be
kept closed in their original container. Keep them out of the reach of chil-
dren. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.•Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package
before using vehicle care products. Im proper use could cause health prob- lems or damage the vehicle. The use of certain products may produce
noxious vapours; they should be used in well ventilated areas.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of fire and explo-
sion.•Before washing your vehicle, or carrying out any maintenance, switch
the engine off, apply the handbrake firmly and remove the key from the
ignition.Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry.
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could damage the
paintwork or the windows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty
of water.
For the sake of the environment
•When purchasing products for your vehicle maintenance, select the ones
which are not harmful to the environment.•The waste from car care products should not be disposed of with ordinar y
household waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.WARNING (continued)
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
204Care of the vehicle exteriorAutomatic car wash tunnel
The vehicle can normally be washed without problem in an
automatic car wash.The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, the paintwork
wear depends to a large extent on the kind of the car wash tunnel, the
brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative
products.
Before going through a vehicle wash, be sure to take the usual precautions
such as closing the windows and sunroof.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof rack or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
After washing, the brakes could take some time to respond as the brake discs
and pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. Dry the brakes by braking
several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
If an automatic car wash tunnel is used, before entering the tunnel, put the
aerial down parallel to the roof and do not tighten to avoid damage.
Washing by handVehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with water.
– Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last, using a different sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–In cold temperature , dry the rubber seals and their surfaces to
prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber
seals.
After washing the vehicle
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the brakes by braking several times ⇒page 193, “Braking capacity and
braking distance”.
WARNING
•Wash your vehicle with the ignition switched off.•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of
injury.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning205
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.Caution
•Never remove dirt, mud or dust if the vehicle surface is dry. Never use a
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch the paintwork
or glass on your vehicle.•Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: when washing the vehicle with
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Risk of freezing.For the sake of the environment
To protect environment, the vehicle should be washed only in specially
provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water entering the
sewerage system. In some places, washing vehicles outside wash bays is
prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.Washing the vehicle with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner, particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance. – Increase the spraying distance
for soft materials and painted
bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows ⇒page 206.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotating jets”) ⇒.
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the brakes by braking several times ⇒page 193.
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet (“rotating nozzle”). Even at
large spraying distances and short cleaning times, visible and invisible
damage can occur to the tyres. This may cause an accident.•Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.Caution
•Do not use water hotter than 60 °C. This could damage the vehicle.•To avoid damage to the vehicle, keep a sufficient distance from sensitive
materials such as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing material, etc. This is
also important for bumpers painted in the colour of the bodywork. The closer
the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.Vehicle paint maintenance
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your vehicle if water does not form small drops and
run off the paintwork when it is clean.
WARNING (continued)
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning209
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the vehicle
is frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after winter.
Yo u r A u t h o r i s e d S e r v i ce Ce n t re has got the necessary equipment to provide
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend
having this work performed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
On commissioning this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 221.•Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the handbrake
firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.•Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches or wheel trims
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-
edged metal parts. Failure to comply could result in injury.•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should only be carried out at a specialised workshop or an
adequate petrol station.Vehicle interior maintenancePlastic parts and dash panel cleaning– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module surface with cleaners
containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to become porous. If the
airbag triggered, plastic parts could become detached and cause injuries.
Caution
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
WARNING (continued)
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