Contents 4
Transporting children safely
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system*
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill Start Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of category N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the ECE standards and
EU guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./44 kW - EU 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./51 kW - EU 5/EU 2 DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI - EU 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./63 kW - EU 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,6 l/77 kW - EU 4, EU 2 DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./132 kW TSI - EU 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./55 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./55 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./66 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
130130132135136137137137139140140141141141142143145145146146149150150151152152155155155155159
162162162163165165167169171172176178178184184184184185185185185185186186187190192195195200
207207207207207207207208209210212214216218220222224226228230232235
s3j8.a.book Page 4 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Instruments and warning lights
24Shown in the menu
Vehicle status
, if there is at least one error message. After selecting
this menu the first of the error messages is displayed. Several error messages are shown on the display under the message e.g.
1/3
. This indicates that the first of a total
of three error messages is displayed. The respective messages are displayed one after the other in an interval of 5 seconds. Chec
k as soon as possible the displayed error
messages. As long as the operational faults are not
rectified, the symbols are always indicated
again. After the first display, the symbol
s are indicated without information for the
driver. If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also
sound in addition to the symbol and text in
the display:
Priority 1 - three warning signals
Priority 2 - one warning signal
Red symbols A red symbol signals danger.– Bring the vehicle to a stop. – Switch the engine off.– Investigate the function indicated.– Obtain professional assistance. Meaning of the red symbols: Three
successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
Yellow symbols A yellow symbol signals a warning.Check the relevant function as soon as possible. The meaning of the yellow symbols: One
warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2
exist, the symbols appear one after the other
and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.SetupYou can change certain settings by means
of the information display. The current
setting is shown on the information display
in the respective menu at the top below the
line. You can select the following information (d
epending on the equipment installed on
the vehicle):
Language
MFD Data (MFA DATA)
Time
Winter tyres
Units
Alt. speed dis.
Service Interval (Service)
Factory Setting
Back
After selecting the menu point
Back
you will reach one level higher in the menu.
Engine oil pressure too low
page 29
Overheated clutches of the automatic gear- box DSG*
page 98
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor faulty
page 29
s3j8.a.book Page 24 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Instruments and warning lights
27
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body inju- ries or major vehicle damage.
The engine compartment of your car is
a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire wh
en working in the engine compartment,
e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. It is also essential to
observe all warnings
page 166, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Note
Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model version.
Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority 1 -
danger) or yellow symbol
s (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system
Either the left
or right
indicator light flashes depending on the position of the turn
signal lever. The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash. Further information about the turn signal system
page 52.
Main beam
The indicator light
comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated. Further information about the main beam
page 52.
Low beam
The warning light
comes on when low beam is selected
page 48.
Engine oil
page 29
Open door
page 30
Fluid level in windshield washer system*
page 30
Control system for exhaust
page 30
Traction control system (TCS)*
page 31
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
page 31
Selector lever lock*
page 31
Traction control system (TCS)*
page 31
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
page 31
Antilock brake system (ABS)
page 32
Brake system
page 32
Cruise control system*
page 33
Airbag system
page 33
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)
page 33
Seat belt warning light
page 34
s3j8.a.book Page 27 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Instruments and warning lights
31
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Traction control system (TCS)*
The warning light
lights up if the TCS
system is switched off.
Further information about the TCS
page 138.
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
The warning light
lights up, if there is a substantia
l drop in inflation pressure in one
of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or
correct as soon as possible the inflation
pressure in the tyres
page 178.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.If the warning light flashes
, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage
and have the fault rectified. Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system
page 142.
WARNING
When the warning light
lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvr
es. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in
spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light
can be delayed or does not light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light
comes on after switching on
the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.Selector lever lock*
(automatic gearbox)
If the
green
warning light
lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position
P or N.
Further information about the selector lever lock
page 100.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.The warning light
lights up permanently if there is a fault in the TCS system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly. If the warning light
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system
can be switched off for techni
cal reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched
on again by switching the igni
tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS
system is fully functional again. Further information about the TCS
page 138, “Traction control system (TCS)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected
and reconnected, the warning light
comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle (f
or example when applying and releasing a
braking force to an individual wheel), then the indicator light
flashes.
The warning light
lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly. If the warning light
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In
this case, the ESP system can be switched
on again by switching the igni
tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again. Further information on the ESP
page 137, “Electronic stab
ility programme (ESP)*”.
s3j8.a.book Page 31 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Seats and Storage
64
Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment.Caution
Please ensure that the heating elements of the rear window heater are not damaged as a result of objects sliding in this area.
Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load
page 178, fig. 147
.
Vehicles of category N1On vehicles of the category
N1, which are not fitted with a protective grille, a lashing
set which complies with the standard EN 12195
(1 - 4) must be used for fastening the
load.Fastening elementsFig. 56 Luggage compartment: Lashing eyes and fastening elements (Fabia) / (Combi)Eyes and fastening elements are located on
the sides of the luggage compartment for
securing the items of luggage
fig. 56
.
You can also attach fixing ne
ts* to these eyes and fastening elements for holding small
objects.
WARNING
The load to be transported must be fixed in place in such a way that it cannot
move during the journey and when braking.
If the items of luggage or objects are
attached to the lashing eyes with
unsuitable or damaged lashing straps, inju
ries can occur in the event of braking
manoeuvres or accidents. In order to prevent the items of luggage being thrown forward, always use suitable lashing st
raps which are firmly attached to the
lashing eyes.Fixing nets - Net programme* (Combi)Fig. 57 Fixing net: double horizontal pocket
, floor fixing net / double vertical pockets
Fixing examples of the fixing net as do
uble horizontal pocket, floor fixing net
fig. 57
- left, and double vertical pockets
fig. 57
- right.
The fixing nets* for small items of luggage
and the installation instruction are located
in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
The whole strength of the net makes it possible to load the pocket with
objects of up to 5 kg in weight. Heavy objects are not secured sufficiently - risk of injury and net damage!
The load to be transported must be fixed in place in such a way that it cannot
move during the journey and when braking.
WARNING (continued)
s3j8.a.book Page 64 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Passive Safety
113
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
SafetyPassive SafetyBasic informationDriving the safe way Passive safety measures reduce the risk
of injury in accident situations.
In this section you will find important info
rmation, tips and notes on the subject of
passive safety in your vehicle. We have
combined everything here which you should
be familiar with, for example, regarding seat
belts, airbags, child seats and safety of
children. It is therefore important, in partic
ular, to comply with the notes and warnings
in this section for your own interest and in the interest of those travelling with you.
WARNING
This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants. You will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those travelling with you, in the following chapters of this Owner's Manual.
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.Safety equipment The safety equipment is part of the occupant protection and it can reduce the risk of injuries in accident situations.“Do not put at risk” your safety and the safety of those travelling with you . In the event of an accident, the safety equipment can redu
ce the risk of injuries. The following list
contains part of the safety
equipment in your vehicle:
three-point seat belts for all the seats;
belt force limiters for front seats;
belt tensioners for front seats;
seat belt height adjusters for front seats;
front airbags for the driver and the front passenger*;
side airbags*;
head airbags*;
anchoring points for child seat using the “ISOFIX” system;
anchoring points for child seat using the “Top Tether” system;
head restraints adjustable for height;
adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works togeth
er, in order to optimally protect you and
those travelling with you in accident situat
ions. The safety equipment does not protect
you or the people travelling with you, if
you or your occupants adopt an incorrect
seated position or the equipment is
not correctly adjusted or used.
For this reason you will be provided with information on why this equipment is very important, how it protects you and the occupants, what should be observed when using the equipment and how you and the peop
le travelling with you can make full use
of the existing safety equipment. This
Owner's Manual contains important warning
notes, which you and those travelling with
you should pay attention to in order to
reduce a risk of injury. Safety concerns everybody!Before setting off The driver is always fully responsibl
e for his occupants and for the oper-
ating safety of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of the pe
ople travelling with you, please pay atten-
tion to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
s3j8.a.book Page 113 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Intelligent Technology
137
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralGeneral The ESP aids you in maintaining control of
your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as
entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding
is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds. The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL);
Traction control system (TCS);
Antilock brake system (ABS);
Brake Assist;
Uphill Start Assist.
Operating principle The ESP switches on automati
cally when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also proc- esses additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle about its ve
rtical axis, the lateral acceleration of the
vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle. The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is co
nstantly compared wi
th the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such
as the vehicle beginning to skid, the ESP will
automatically brake the appropriate wheel. The car is stabilised again by the forces wh
ich take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency fo
r the rear of the vehicle to break away)
while occurs this is on the inner rear wh
eel of a vehicle whic
h tends to understeer
(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by noises. If the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle (f
or example when applying and releasing a
braking force to an individual wheel), then the indicator light
flashes.
The ESP system cannot be switched off, only
the TCS system can be switched off by
pressing the button
page 138, fig. 130
. The warning light
page 31 lights up if
the TCS system is switched off. The warning light
lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly. If the warning light
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In
this case, the ESP system can be switched
on again by switching the igni
tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road surfac
e and the traffic situation. This partic-
ularly applies when driving on slippery
and wet roads. The increased safety
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an acci- dent!
Note
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circum
ferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.
s3j8.a.book Page 137 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Intelligent Technology
139
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
General The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes
at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable. Operating principle The EDL is activated automaticall
y, that is without any action on the part of the driver.
It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should only
one
drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable
difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greate
r driving force to the other driven wheel.
This control process is also accompanied by noises. Overheating of the brakes The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has
the same characteristics as a vehicle not
fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery
road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven wheels might still spin despite the EDL and affect the stability of
the vehicle - risk of an accident!
You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road
surface and to the traffic situation even
when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
If the ABS or TCS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the
EDL. Please have the vehicle inspected as
soon as possible by a specialist garage.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on th
e brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can in
fluence the function of the EDL
page 184, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
BrakesWhat has a negative effect on braking efficiency?Wear-and-tear Wear-and-tear to the brake pa
ds is greatly dependent on
the operating conditions of
the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty
style of driving, it may be necessary to
have the thickness of the brake pads insp
ected at a specialist garage between the
service inspections. Wet roads or road salt There may be a certain delay before the brakes
take full effect un
der certain conditions
such as when driving through water, during
heavy rain showers or
after the vehicle has
been washed in an automatic vehicle wash
, since the brake discs and brake pads may
be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You should dry the brakes as soon as possible by applying and
releasing the brakes several times.
There also may be a certain delay before the
full braking efficiency is available when
driving on roads which have been treated with
road salt if you have not used the brakes
for some considerable time beforehand. The
layer of salt on the brake discs and brake
pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes. Corrosion Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on th
e bake pads occur if
the vehicle has been
parked for a long period and if you do
not make much use of the braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firm
ly applying the brakes at a fairly high
speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corrosion is present
.
Faults in the brake surface If you notice that the braking distance has
suddenly become longer and that the brake
pedal can be depressed further, it is possib
le that a brake circuit of the dual-circuit
brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of
driving to the higher brake pedal pressure
required.
s3j8.a.book Page 139 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM