
Contents3
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
ContentsLayout of this Owner's Manual 
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Using the system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General view  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The brief instruction
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Basic functions and important information  . . . . . 
Instruments and warning lights
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Speedometer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant temperature gauge*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel gauge* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Counter for distance driven  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Service Interval Display  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Multi-functional indicator (onboard computer)*  
MAXI DOT display (information display)*  . . . . . . . 
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Locking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior monitor* and Towing protection monitoring*
Electrical power windows*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Panorama roof*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and Visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lighting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear mirror  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating the front seats*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable loading floor in the luggage compartment*
Bicycle holder in the luggage compartment*  . . . .
The roof luggage rack system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front cup holder  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear cup holder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking ticket holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter* and power sockets*  . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system
. . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recirculated air mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic (semi-automatic air conditioning system)*
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . . .
Starting-off and Driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting steering wheel position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching off the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control system (CCS)*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Communication
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Multifunction steering wheel*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II* . . . . . 
Voice control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Music playback via Bluetooth® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Inputs AUX-IN* and MDI*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Passive Safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Correct seated position  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . . 
Important safety information regarding the use of seat 
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . . 
Belt tensioner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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
679910101515151616161717181822232534343535364041424345
4646515253555757585959626266687071717272727378787879818487878788899090
91929494100100101106107107109109109110113113113114115116118118119121123124126126128131132
s16g.4.book  Page 3  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

Contents
4
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 ve hicle 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Praktik
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Praktik
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable safety partition behind the front seats
Fixing of the loading floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment of the safety partition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency unlocking of the loading area door  . .
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./51 kW - EU5 / EU2 DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
1.6 ltr./66 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
133133133135136136137137137138139141141142142145146146147148148151151151151155158158158159161161163
165167168172173173179179179179181181181181181182182183186188191191196203203203203203204204
205205205205205205205206207208210212214216218221
s16g.4.book  Page 4  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

Cockpit9
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
CockpitGeneral viewThis overview will help you to quickly familiarise yourself with the 
displays and the control elements.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher  . .
 Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel:
 with horn
 with driver airbag  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 with pushbuttons for radio, navi gation system and mobile phone*
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
 Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for rear window heater  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
 Operating controls for the heating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments on the front passenger side* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switch depending on equipment fitted:
Unlocking the boot lid*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Interior monitor*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box in the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch and headlamp beam adjustment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
 Radio*
 Navigation*
Rocker switch for the heating on the driver's seat*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Button for the central locking system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
 Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocker switch for the heating on the front passenger seat*  . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
 Ashtray*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MDI* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
Cars with factory-fitted radio or naviga tion system are supplied with separate 
instructions for operating such equipment.
The arrangement of the control elements on right-hand drive models may differ to 
some extent from that shown in  page 8, fig. 1. However the symbols correspond to 
the individual control elements.
A1
43
A2
55
A3
78
A4
5092
A5
119100
A6
15
A7
1853
A8
52
A9
133
A10
78
A11
49
A12
125
A13
788184
A14
74
A15
119
A16
125
A17
3942
A18
191
A19
46, 49
A20
161
A21
87
A22
87
A23A24
59
A25
38
A26
9095
A27
59
A28
7275
A29
107
s16g.4.book  Page 9  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

The brief instruction
10
The brief instructionBasic functions and im portant informationIntroduction
The chapter of the brief instruction is  only used as a quick reference of 
the most important operating elements of the vehicle. It is necessary to 
observe all the information which is contained in the following chapters 
of the Owner's Manual.Unlocking and locking the vehicle Unlocking the vehicle
 Unlocking the boot lid
 Locking the vehicle
 Folding out/folding up of the key
Further information  page 40, “Unlocking and locking car”.
Setting steering wheel positionFig. 3  Adjustable steering wheel: Lever on the  steering column / the correct distance of the 
driver from the steering wheelYou can set the height and the forward/back  position of the steering wheel to the 
desired position.
– Pull the lever below the steering column  fig. 3  down.
– Set the steering wheel to the desired posi tion (concerning height and forward/back 
position).
– Push the lever upwards as far as the stop.
You can set the height and the forward/back  position of the steering wheel to the 
desired position.
Further information  page 87, “Setting steering wheel position”.
WARNING
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel 
and your chest is at least 25 cm  fig. 3  on the right. Not maintaining this 
minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly 
protect you - hazard!
You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving!
Fig. 2  Remote control key
A1A2A3A4s16g.4.book  Page 10  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

The brief instruction11
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
For safety reasons the lever must always be firmly pushed up to avoid the 
steering wheel alteri ng its position unintentionally when driving - risk of 
accident!
Seat belt height adjuster– To adjust the belt height press the height adjuster and move it up or down  fig. 4 .
– Then pull firmly on the belt to ensure that  the seat belt height adjuster has correctly 
locked in place.
Further information  page 115.
WARNING
Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the belt is 
positioned approximately across the middle of your shoulder - on no account 
across your neck!
Adjusting the front seats Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
 Adjusting height of seat*
 Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
Further information  page 57, “Adjusting the front seats”.
WARNING
Only adjust the driver seat when the ve hicle is stationary - risk of injury!Electric exterior mirror adjustment*
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 4  Front seat: Seat belt height 
adjuster
Fig. 5  Controls at seat
A1A2A3
Fig. 6  Inner part of door: Rotary knob
s16g.4.book  Page 11  Wednesday, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

Instruments and warning lights25
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Warning lightsOverview
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Fig. 21  Instrument cluster with warning lights
Turn signal lights (to the left)
page 26
Turn signal lights (to the right)
page 26
Main beam light
page 26
Low beam light
page 26
Rear fog light
page 27
Failure of the light bulbs
page 27
Dynamo
page 27
Fog lights*
page 27
Electrohydraulic power steering
page 27
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
page 27
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
page 28
 
Coolant temperature/coolant level
page 28
Fuel reserve
page 28
s16g.4.book  Page 25  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

Instruments and warning lights27
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Rear fog light 
The warning light 
 comes on when the rear fog lights are operating  page 48.
Bulb failure 
The warning light 
 comes on if a bulb is faulty:
up to 2 seconds after the ignition is switched on; 
when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following text e.g will be displayed in the information display*: Check front right dipped beam!
The rear side lights and the licence plate li ghting require several light bulbs. The indi-
cator light 
 only lights up if all light bulbs of  the licence plate lighting or the parking 
light (in one rear light unit) are defective. Check regularly the function of the light 
bulbs.
Alternator 
The warning light 
 comes on after the ignition has  been switched on. It should go 
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after  the engine has started, or comes on when 
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged in 
this case so switch off all non- essential electrical components.
Caution
If the warning light 
 comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in di splay, you must then stop the car immedi-
ately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage! 
Fog lights* 
The warning light 
 comes on when the fog lights are operating  page 48.
Electrohydraulic power steering 
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up continu-
ously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering. The power steering operates 
with reduced steering assist or is completely without function.
Further information  page 137.
WARNING
Contact your specialist  garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
If the yellow warning light 
 goes out after starting the engine again and a short 
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
If the battery has been di sconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning light 
 
comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a 
short distance.
There is no power-assisted steering su pport when the vehicle is being towed 
without the engine running or when the powe r-assisted steering is defect. The vehicle 
is fully steerable however. There is however increased force required to turn the 
steering wheel.
EPC fault light 
 (petrol engine)
The 
 (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when the 
ignition is switched on.
If the warning light 
 flashes after starting the engine  or flashes while driving, a fault 
exists in the engine control system. The engine management system selects an emer-
gency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by 
adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault: Workshop!
s16g.4.book  Page 27  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

Instruments and warning lights
30
Traction control system (TCS)*
The warning light 
 lights up if the TCS  system is switched off.
Further information about the TCS  page 134.
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 173.
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 138.
WARNING
When the warning light 
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and 
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. 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 disc onnected, 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 96.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes quickly 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 technical 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 134, “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 quickly.
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 133, “Electronic stab ility programme (ESP)*”.
s16g.4.book  Page 30  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM