Instruments and warning lights
34
On vehicles with the KESSY system*, the warning light
lights up if you do not
depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
Further information page 127.
Tyre inflation pressure*
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 228.
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 199.
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.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
The warning light
shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched on
or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the igni tion, does not light up at all or lights up
while driving. The vehicle will only be br aked by the normal brake system. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will
not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS page 191, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
comes on together with the brake system warning light
(handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in another
part of the brake system .
WARNING
If the brake system warning light
comes on together with the ABS
warning light
stop the vehicle immediately an d check the brake fluid level in
the reservoir page 221, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain professional
assistance.
Pay attention to the following instruct ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 216, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
If the brake fluid is at the correct leve l, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapi dly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest sp ecialist garage and have the fault
rectified.
Bonnet
The warning light
comes on if the bonnet is unlocke d. If the engine bonnet unlocks
while 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.
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Instruments and warning lights35
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
On vehicles with information display* this
warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol.
Seat belt warning light
The warning light
comes on after the ignition is sw itched on as a reminder for the
driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the
driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a permanent
warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds gr eater than 20 km/h and simultaneously the
warning light
flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the dr iver or front passenger during the next 90
seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
lights up perma-
nently.
Further information on the seat belts page 165, “Seat belts”.
Thickness of the brake pads*
The warning light comes on for a few seconds
5) when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light
comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have the
brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check brake pads!
Boot lid
The warning light
comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If the boot lid op ens while driving, the warning light lights
up
and as a warning an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition 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 24.
Open door
The warning light
comes on, if one or several doors are opened. If one of the doors
opens while driving, th e warning light lights
up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition 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 24.
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 226.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: To p u p w a s h f l u i d !
Brake system
The warning light
flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there is a
fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light flashes and an audible signal so unds three times (handbrake is
not applied), stop and check the brake fluid level .
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Brake fluid: Owner's manual
If there is a fault in the ABS which also infl uences the function of the brake system (e.g.
distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
comes on and at the same
time the brake system warn ing light starts flashing
. Be aware that not only the ABS
but also another part of th brake system is defective .
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
5)The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching
the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.
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Instruments and warning lights
36
One should get used to high pedal forces, lo ng braking distances and long free play of
the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system page 189, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Release parking brake!
WARNING
Pay attention to the following instruct ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 216, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
If the brake system warning light
does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir page 221, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level
has dropped below the MIN marking, do no t drive any further - risk of accident!
Obtain professional assistance.
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!
Fuel reserve
The warning light
comes on, if the fuel level is still below 9 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! Range...km
Note
The Text in the information display* goes ou t only after refuelling and driving a short
distance.Temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG*
In the event that the temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG is too
high, the symbol
and the warning are shown in the information display*:
Gearbox overheated: Stop! Owner's man.!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
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.
Caution
In the event that the clutches of the auto matic gearbox have overheated, bring the
vehicle to a stop and switch off the en gine. You must wait until the symbol
and the
warning go out - risk of gearbox damage! Yo u can continue the trip as soon as the
symbol and the warning go out.
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Seats and Stowage
104
Storage compartment below front passenger seat*The storage compartment is foreseen for storing small objects of up to 1.5 kg. in
weight.
– Tilt the lock to open the flap and pull out the flap fig. 110 .
– Tilt the lock to close the flap and press flap close.Front seat armrest with storage compartmentThe armrest is adjustable for height and length.Opening storage compartment– Open the lid of the armrest in the direction of arrow fig. 111 .
Closing storage compartment– Open the lid up to the stop, then you can fold it downwards.Setting height– First of all fold the lid to the bottom and li ft it in the direction of arrow into one of
the 4 fixed positions.Adjusting in forward/back direction– Push the lid into the desired position.
Note
Push the lid of the armrest up to stop to the rear before operating the handbrake.Rear seat armrest with storage compartment*You can fold down the armrest to enhance occupant comfort.
The armrest includes a storage compartment. You open the compartment by pressing
the button on the front side and raising the cover fig. 112 .
Fig. 110 Front passenger seat: Storage
compartmentFig. 111 Armrest: Storage compartment
Fig. 112 Armrest of rear seats:
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Starting-off and Driving
122
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.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P.
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!
Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (by applying the handbrake or moving the selector lever
into the position P). The steering lock can engage imme diately - risk of acci-
dent!
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 engi ne or switch on electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position P or
N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly before starting
the engine.
Before starting, it is necessary to depres s the clutch pedal and to hold it pressed
until the engine starts. If you start the engi ne without depressing the clutch pedal, the
engine does not start and a message is shown in the display of the instrument cluster
to remind you of th e necessity to depress the clutch pedal.
Before starting the engine, on vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox with the
KESSY system*, it is necessary to depress th e brake pedal and to hold it pressed until
the engine starts. If you start the engine without depressing the brake pedal, the engine
does not start and a message is shown in the display of the instrument cluster to
remind you of the necessity to depress the brake pedal.
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 241.
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.
A3
A1A2A3
A2
A1
A2
WARNING (continued)
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Starting-off and Driving
124WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the ve hicle 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
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 216, “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 mo ment before engaging 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 earl y wear of the gearshift forks.
Depress the clutch pedal fully when changi ng gears, in order to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage to the clutch and gearbox parts.
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. 128 .
Fig. 127 The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
Fig. 128 Centre console: Handbrake
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Starting-off and Driving125
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– 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 acti vated 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.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever into
position P (automatic gearbox).KESSY system*IntroductionThe KESSY system makes it possible to switch the ignition on/off and to start/stop the
engine without actively using the key.
Unlocking and locking the steeringIt is necessary that a valid key is in th e vehicle in order to unlock the steering.Unlocking the steering– Open the driver door and enter the vehicle.
– When closing the driver door, the steering is unlocked.Locking the steering– Bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Switch off the engine and/or the ignition by pressing the starter button fig. 129 .
– When opening the driver door, the steering is locked.
The steering is also locked after locking the vehicle.
If the steering is locked and the KESSY syst em does not manage to unlock the steering
lock the first time (e.g. if the wheels rest against the curb), the attempt will be repeated
twice by the system.
If then the steering lock is still not unlocke d, you will be asked by the system, by means
of a message in the information display* Move steering wheel! or in the display of the
instrument cluster Move steering, to move the steering wheel and 3 more attempts to
unlock will be made after 2 seconds, the warning light
flashes.
If the steering lock can still not be unlocke d afterwards, the message in the information
display* Steering wheel still locked. is displayed.
Fig. 129 Starter button
s3fg.2.book Page 125 Friday, April 30, 2010 12:17 PM
Automatic gearbox DSG*
136
Automatic gearbox DSG*Automatic gearbox DSG*IntroductionYour car is equipped with an automatic gearbox DSG. The abbreviation DSG means
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
interrupted.Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG
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 139.Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal and hold 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 137, and then release the
Shiftlock button.
– 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 122. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the
selector lever position P.
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 driv e 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!
If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car
stationary with the gear engaged by mean s of the “accelerator”, this means by
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to ov erheating of the clutch. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overlo ad, the clutch is opened automatically
and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
If yo u m us t s to p a t a sl ope , d e pre s s a nd ho ld t he b ra ke pe d a l , s o t ha t y ou c a n
prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
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