Instruments and warning lights23
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Note
If warning messages are shown in the information display page 23, these
messages can be confirmed with the button on the windshield wiper lever in order
to call up the main menu.
If you do not activate the information display at that moment, the menu shifts to
one level higher every 10 seconds.
The operation of the factory-fitted radio* or the navigation system* is described in
separate operating instructions to be found in the on-board literature.
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warningThe door, luggage compartment and bonnet ajar warning lights up if at least one door,
the luggage compartment or bonnet are not closed. The symbol indicates which door
is still open or whether the luggage compartment door or bonnet is not closed.
The symbol goes out as soon as the doors, luggage compartment door and bonnet are
completely closed.
A warning signal sounds if the car is driven at a speed of more than 6km/hour and if
the engine or the luggage compartment door is open.Auto Check ControlCar stateThe Auto Check Control carries out a chec k of certain functions and vehicle compo-
nents. The check is performed constantly when the ignition is switched on, both when
the vehicle is stationary, as well as when driving.
Some operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information appear in
the display of the instrument cluster. The di splays are shown with a red or yellow light
symbol depending on the priority of the message.
The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indicate a
warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in addition to the
symbols page 25. Shown 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. Check 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 so und 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.
AB
Engine oil pressure too low
page 28
Overheated clutches of the automatic gear-
box DSG*
page 94
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Instruments and warning lights
26
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 162, “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 50.
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 50.
Low beam
The warning light
comes on when low beam is selected page 46.
Engine oil
page 28
Open door
page 29
Fluid level in windshield washer system*
page 29
Control system for exhaust
page 29
Traction control system (TCS)*
page 30
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
page 30
Selector lever lock*
page 30
Traction control system (TCS)*
page 30
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
page 30
Antilock brake system (ABS)
page 31
Brake system
page 31
Cruise control system*
page 32
Airbag system
page 32
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)
page 32
Seat belt warning light
page 33
s16g.4.book Page 26 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Instruments and warning lights
28
Glow plug system
(diesel engine)
The warning light
lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition (pre-
heat position) 2 page 87. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicato r light will come on for about 1 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.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light
does not come on or
lights up continuously ; contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to obtain
assistance.
If the warning light
begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine management system selects an emergency 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!
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity
The warning light lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature
3). Avoid
running at high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light
lights up or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary page 166, “Replenishing the coolant”.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the condi-
tions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage. If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be caused
by an operating problem at the coolant fan.
Check the fuse for the coolant fan, replace
it if necessary page 194, “Fuse assignment at th e battery (manual gearbox, auto-
matic gearbox DSG)”.
If the warning light
does not go out although the coolant is at the correct level and
also the fuse of the fan is in proper order, do not continue driving. Contact a specialist
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions page 165, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning light
system page 49, “Switch for hazard warning lights ”.Fuel reserve
The warning light
comes on, if the fuel leve l is less than 7 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! Range...km
Engine oil
The warning light
lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds
4) when the ignition is switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off after
the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up with oil
as necessary page 163.
3)Not valid for vehicles with information display.
4)The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switch-
ing the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
s16g.4.book Page 28 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Instruments and warning lights29
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey
if for some reason it is not possible under the condi-
tions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine
damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct
level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist
garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil Pressure Engine off! Owner's manual!
The warning light
lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up page 163 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is le ft open for more than 30 seconds. If no
engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after driving
about 100 km.
The warning light
flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal and
the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil sensor Workshop!
WARNING
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system page 49.
The red oil pressure light
is not an oil level indicator! One should there-
fore check the oil level at regular interval s, preferably after every refueling stop.
Pay attention to the following instructions page 162, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
Open door
The warning light
comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid is
opened. If one of the doors opens whil e driving, the warning light lights
up and an
audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
O n v e h i c l e s w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n d i s p l a y * t h i s w a rning light is replaced by a vehicle symbol
page 23.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light
comes on when the ignition is swit ched on if there is insufficient
fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid page 172.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Top up wash fluid!
Control system for exhaust
The warning light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up when driving,
a fault exists in an exhaust relevant co mponent. The engine management system
selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist
garage by adopting a ge ntle style of driving.
WARNING (continued)
s16g.4.book Page 29 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
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!
A3
A1A2A3
A2
A1
A2
A3
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Intelligent Technology
136
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level
of the brake fluid is monitored electronically page 31, “Brake system ”.
WARNING
Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs
if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeop-
ardy.
When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one
must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced other-
wise the braking system could run too hot.
Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking effi-
ciency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run
in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compen-
sate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the
brake pedal. This guideline also applie s to any new brake pads installed at a
future date.Caution
Never allow the brakes to rub by applying sl ight pressure if you do not wish to brake
the vehicle. This causes the br akes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear.
Before negotiating a steep downhill sectio n, please reduce your speed and shift
down into the next lower gear (manual gear box) or select a lower driving stage (auto-
matic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle
and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any ad ditional braking should be done intermit-
tently, not continuously.Note
The brake light flashes automatically in case of an emergency braking at speeds greater
than 60 km/h or with the intervention of th e ABS, which lasts longer than 1.5 seconds.
After the speed was reduced below 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped, the brake light
stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on. The hazard warning
light system is switched off automatically after accelerating or driving off again.
Brake boosterThe brake booster boosts the pressure whic h you generate with the brake pedal. The
necessary pressure is only genera ted when the engine is running.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine befo re the vehicle is stationary.
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.
Antilock brake system (ABS)ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.General
The ABS contributes significan tly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.
Compared to a vehicle not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain
optimal steering ability even during a full br ake application on a slippery road surface
because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel and
fresh snow, when you should anyway be driv ing slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 20 km/hour an automatic test
procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a pumping noise for
about 1 second.
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too
low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is noticeable
from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels
are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake pedal
depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking
range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
152
There are no particular points to note be fore washing your vehicle in an automatic
vehicle wash system other than the usua l precautionary measures (closing the
windows, unscrewing the aerial, etc.).
If you have any particular attached parts fitted to your car - such as spoiler, roof rack
system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of the car
wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic vehicle wash system.Washing vehicle by handIt is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thoroughly
as possible before washin g your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge, washing glove or a
washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom - beginning
with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only
use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING
The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle -
risk of accident!
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you are
cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims -
risk of cuts.Caution
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed di rectly at the locking cylinders or at the
door and panel joints if you spray your vehi cle in winter down with a hose - risk of
freezing.
Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitc hen sponges or similar cleaning products
- risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at wa shing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This
ensures that no water which may be contaminated by oil flows into the sewage system.
It is not even permitted to wash your vehicl e in certain areas except at such specific
washing bays.Washing with a high-pressure cleanerWhen you wash your vehicle with a high-press ure cleaner, it is essential to comply with
the instructions for use of the cleaning equi pment. This applies in particular to the
pressure used and to the spraying distance . Maintain a sufficiently large distance to
soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters.
WARNING
It is particularly important that you do not clean tyres with circular spray jets.
Damage may occur even at a relatively la rge spraying distance and if sprayed
only for a short time.
Caution
The water containing wax must be no hotter than 60°C, otherwise the vehicle can be
damaged.Wax treatmentGood wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from harmful envi-
ronmental influences and minor mechanical damage.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quali ty hard wax polish at the latest, when no
more drops form on the clean paintwork.
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Inspecting and replenishing
166
Inspecting the coolant levelThe coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet in “Working in the engine compartment” on page 162.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle fig. 138 . The coolant
level when the engine is cold must lie between the “MIN” and “MAX” mark-
ings. The level may also rise slightly above the “MAX” marking when the engine is
warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too lo w, this is indicated by the warning light in
the instrument cluster
page 28. We nevertheless recommend inspecting the
coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You should
not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have the cooling
system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expansion
bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of overheating
and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 162, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as s oon as possible if the source of overheating
itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave damage to the
engine.Replenishing the coolant– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir fig. 138 and
unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the left .
–Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one specific
specification page 165, “Coolant”. Do not use an al ternative additive if the coolant
additive G12 PLUS - PLUS is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system
with water and as soon as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of
water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up is forced out
of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant
compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss of
coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine damage.
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the health.
It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in its orig-
inal container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
Fig. 138 Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
AB
AA
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