
Heating and air conditioning system
78
Heating and air conditioning systemAir outlet ventsThe information provided is valid for all vehicles.Fig. 87 Air outlet ventsOpen the air outlet vents 3 and 4– Turn the vertical thumbwheel (air outlet vents 3) or the horizontal wheel (air outlet
vents 4) to the position
.
Close air outlet vents 3 and 4– Turn the vertical thumbwheel (air outlet vents 3) or the horizontal wheel (air outlet
vents 4) to the position 0.Change air flow of air outlet vents 3 and 4– In order to change the strength of the ai r flow, swivel the horizontal lamellas with
the aid of the moveable adjuster.
– In order to change the lateral direction of the air flow, turn the vertical lamellas with the aid of the moveable adjuster.
You can set the air supply to the individual vents with the air distribution control
page 79, fig. 88 . Air outlet vents 3 and 4 can also be opened or closed individually. Warmed, unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the air outlet vents according to the
setting of the regulator of the heating or the air conditioning system* and the atmos-
pheric conditions.
Recirculated air modeIn recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle
and then fed back into the interior.Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into the
vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standi
ng in a traffic jam.Switching recirculated air mode on– Press the button page 81, fig. 89 , the warning light lights up in the
button.Switching recirculated air mode off– Press again the button - the warning light in the button goes out.
The recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control
is in position
page 81, fig. 89. You can also switch recirc ulated air mode on again
from this setting by repe atedly pressing button .
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as
“stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your atten-
tion and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases. Switch recirculated air mo de off as soon as the windows begin
misting up.
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Heating and air conditioning system
82
Setting temperature
– Turn the control dial fig. 89 to the right in order to increase the temperature.
– Turn the control dial to the left in order to increase the temperature.Controlling blower– Turn the blower switch into one of the po sitions, 1 to 4, in order to switch the
blower on.
– Turn the blower switch into position 0 in order to switch the blower off.
– If you wish to shut off the fresh air supp ly, use the button - recirculated air
mode page 78.Control for air distribution– You can adjust the direction of the air flow using the air distribution control
page 78.switching cooling on and off– Press the button fig. 89 . The warning light lights up in the button.
– When you again press the switch , the cooling system is switched off. The warning light in the button goes out.
The set temperature will be automatically maintained other than when the
control dial is on the extreme right or extreme left position:
Extreme right position - full heating.
Extreme left position - full cooling.
The controls and can be set to any desired intermediate position.
The blower should aways be on to prevent the windows from misting up.
Note
The whole heat output will be needed to unfrost the windscreen and side windows.
No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to restriction of the heating
comfort.
The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the luggage compart-
ment.
If the cooling system has not been switched on for a lengthy period, odours may
be produced at the evaporator because of de posits. Switch the air conditioning system
on at least once a month for approximately 5 minutes at the highest blower stage - also
during the cold season of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a
window for a short time.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode page 78.
Have the air conditioning system cleaned by a specialist workshop.
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Heating and air conditioning system85
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22°C (72°F).
Press the button
fig. 90 .
Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4, so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards
page 78, fig. 87 .
Switching over between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons and fig. 90 at the same time. The information
in the desired temperature measuring unit appears in the display.
WARNING
For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the
windows are free of ice, snow and mistin g. Please familiarize yourself about
how to correctly operate th e heating and ventilation systems, how to demist
and defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows begin
misting up.Note
If the cooling system has not been switched on for a lengthy period, odours may
be produced at the evaporator because of deposits. Switch the cooling system on at
least once a month for approximately 5 minut es at the highest blower stage - also
during the cold season of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a
window for a short time.
We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the interior
of the vehicle forms deposits in the evapor ator of the air conditioning system. This
produces a permanent odour when the air co nditioning system is operating which can
only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (replacement of
compressor).
The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the luggage compart-
ment.
Using the cooling economically page 84.
Operational problems page 84.
Overview of the control elementsFig. 90 Climatronic: Control elementsButtons / control dial
Setting the interior temperature
The displays Selected interior temperature, e.g. +22°C (72°F)
Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit
Automatic air conditioning mode
De-mist or de-ice the windscreen
Air flow to the windscreen, head, upper body and feet
Recirculated air mode
Air conditioning sy stem switched on
Set blower speed
Buttons / control dial Setting the blower speed
Interior temperature sensor
Automatic mode
AUTO
AUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system
86De-mist or de-ice the windscreen
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to head
Air flow in the footwell
Recirculated air mode
Air conditioning system switched onNote
The interior temperature sensor is locate d in the bottom part of the device. Do not
glue or cover over the sensor, otherwise it could have an unfavourable effect on the
Climatronic.Automatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant tempera-
ture and to demist the windows in the interior of the car.Switching automatic mode on– Set a temperature between +18°C (64 °F) and +29°C (86 °F).
– Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 page 78, fig. 87 , so that the air flow is directed
slightly upwards.
– Press the button , AUTO appears in the display.
The automatic mode is switched off by pressing the button for the air distribution or
increasing or decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is nevertheless
regulated.Defrosting windscreenDefrosting windscreen - switching on– Press the button page 85, fig. 90 .Defrosting windscreen - switching off– Once again press the button or the button . The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of the air outlet
vents
1 and 2.
Setting temperature– You can set the desired interior temperature after switching on the ignition with the
control dial .
You can set the interior temperature betw een +18°C (64°F) and +29°C (86 °F). The
interior temperature is regulated automatica lly within this range. If you select the
temperature below +18°C (64°F), “LO” appears in the display. If you select the temper-
ature higher than +29°C (86°F), “HI” appears in the display. In both limit positions the
Climatronic operates at ma ximum cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The
temperature is not controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at the leg
area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out of the vehicle,
can result in chills in sensitive persons.Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.The Climatronic system controls the blower st ages automatically in line with the inte-
rior temperature. You can also, however, adap t the blower stages manually to suit your
particular needs.
– Turn the control dial page 85, fig. 90 to the left (reduce blower speed) or right
(increase blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, th e Climatronic is switched off.
WARNING
“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce atten-
tion levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.
Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than necessary.
Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
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Starting-off and Driving
88
You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until the
steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as a general
rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible theft of your
vehicle .
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or cannot
easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At th e same time switched on low beam or main
beam or other electrical components wi th major power consumption are briefly
switched off. The ignition key moves back into position when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in th e ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is r unning and thus getting damaged.
WARNING
When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (ignition
switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by the
warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unexpected
locking of the steering wh eel - risk of accident!
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come to
a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of accident!
Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle, even
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the en gine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine - the starter
then only has to crank the engine.
Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage to
the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after starting
the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clearance
compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid page 186.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fi tted with a manual gearbox. The tow-starting
distance must not be more than 50 metres page 189.
WARNING
Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases
of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon monoxide a
poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon mono xide can cause unconsciousness and
death.
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.Caution
The starter may only be operated (ignitio n key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is imme diately operated after switchin g off the engine, the starter
or the engine can be damaged.
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
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Starting-off and Driving89
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be tow-
started over a distance of more than 50 metres.For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. When
driving the engine reaches its operating te mperature more rapidly and the pollutant
emissions are lower.Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air mixture
for every external air temperature.
Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the electric al fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 191.
If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain profes-
sional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator after
the engine has started.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light
has
gone out.
The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is at a
normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This means
that you can start the engine right away.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 191.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of all
be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine– The engine can be switched off by turnin g the ignition key from position into
page 87, fig. 92 .
WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of accident!
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed it
to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note
The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
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Starting-off and Driving
90
switch on again after some time if the co olant temperature rises because of an accu-
mulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine compartment is
additionally heated by strong sunlight.
This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment page 162, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)Shift into reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold
it fully depressed. Wait a moment before en gaging reverse gear in order to avoid any
shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition is
on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The pres-
sure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This can, over
a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
Depress the clutch pedal fully when changi ng gears, in order to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button fig. 94 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have inad-
vertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
Fig. 93 Shift pattern on models fitted
with 5-speed manual gearbox
Fig. 94 Centre console: Handbrake
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Automatic gearbox
94
Automatic gearboxAutomatic gearbox*Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic gearbox*
Your car is equipped with a conv entional 6-speed automatic gearbox.The maximum speed is reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an economic
driving programme, which is intended to redu ce the fuel consumption. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automa tically. You can also, however, switch the
gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to also shift
gears manually page 98.Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D page 95, and then release the
Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shif ted (a slight engagement nudge can be
felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator .Stop– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just for
a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary
using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.Parking– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P and
then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N page 88. It is sufficient to engage selector lever position
P when parking on a flat surface. When
parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then move the
selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive pressure acting
on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first necessary
to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of the engine to
be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever.
WARNING
Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
When the engine is running and the vehi cle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (except
P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted, also not
when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG*
The abbreviation DSG mean s Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift gearbox).Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission between the engine
and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter of the conventional automatic
gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such a way that there are no jerks when shifting
the gear and the power transmission of the engine to the front wheels is not inter-
rupted. Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. You can
also, however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it
possible for you to also shift gears manually page 98.Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
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