Starting-off and Driving
110
poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide 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 immediately operated after switching 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!
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. Through
this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emis-
sions 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 233.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional 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 th e 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 233.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the 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 tu rning the ignition key into position
page 108, fig. 106.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of accident!
WARNING (continued)
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Starting-off and Driving111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 204, “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 early wear of the gearshift forks.
Depress the clutch pedal full y when changing gears, in order to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 107 The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
Fig. 108 Centre console: Handbrake
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Starting-off and Driving
112
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button fig. 108.
– 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).
Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the di stance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones of
the parking aid can be adapted in the menu of the information display* page 26.
The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
fig. 109 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clear-
ance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts -
continuous tone - 5 cm further behind th e vehicle. The vehicle can be extended
through an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is informed
about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the radio* or the navigation*
display. The radio* or navigation system*, wh ich is factory-fitted, can be set so that the
play function volume decreases when acti vating the parking aid, see Owner's Manual
radio* or navigation system*. This improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Fig. 109 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensors
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Starting-off and Driving
114
set so that the play function volume decr eases when activating the parking aid, see
Owner's Manual radio* or na vigation system*. This improves the audibility of the
parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is
turned on or by pressing the button page 113, fig. 110 - the symbol lights up in
the button. The activation is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button° page 113, fig. 110 or at
a speed of more than 10 km/h - the symbol
in the button is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.
You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note
Only the front parking aid operates if yo u are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seco nds after activating the system and there
is no obstacle close to your vehicle, this indicates a system fault. The fault is confirmed
additionally when the symbol flashes in the button page 113, fig. 110 . Have the
fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.
If the parking aid is activated and the sele ctor lever of the automatic gearbox is in
the position , warning signal indicates inte rruption (vehicle can no longer move).
Park Assist*Description and important informationThe park assist assists you when parking in a suitable parallel parking space between
two vehicles or behind a vehicle.
The park assist automatically searches for suitable parking spaces after switching on
the ignition and when driving up to 30 km/h.
During the parking procedure the park assist only takes over the steering movements,
the pedals continue to be operated by the driver.
Function of the system is based on:
Length and depth measurement of the parking spaces when driving
Evaluation of the size of the parking space
Definition of the correct position of the vehicle for parking
Calculating the line on which the vehicle drives backwards into the parking space
Actuation of the steering force assistance, automatic spinning of the wheels of the
front axle when parking.
WARNING
The park assist does not take away th e responsability from the driver when
parking.
Pay particular attention to small children and animals as they would not be
recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the park assist or the parking aid. Thus,
these objects or people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the
sensors of the parking aid.
AP
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Starting-off and Driving115
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The external sound source of the park assist and the parking aid can be
disruptively influenced and under unfavourable conditions, objects or people
cannot be recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.Caution
If other vehicles are parked behind or on the kurb, the park assist guides your
ve hicle be yond the kurb or onto it. Make s ure that the whee ls or the whe el rims of yo ur
vehicle are not damaged and if necessary intervene in time.
You should satisfy yourself before parking that there is no small obstacle, such as a
rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle
might not be within the range detected by the sensors.
Under certain circumstances, surfaces or st ructures of certain objects such as wire
mesh fences, powder snow etc..., ca nnot be recognised by the system.
The evaluation of the parking space and the parking procedure depends on the
circumference of the wheels. The system does not function correctly if your vehicle is
mounted with wheels of non-permissible size, snow chains or a temporary spare
wheel (in order to reach the nearest workshop). If the tyres other than those excepted
by the manufacturer are mounted, the resulting position of the vehicle in the parking
space can differ slightly. The parking assistant system automatically performs the
correction of the wheel circumference when driving.
The accuracy of the evaluation for the parking space can be influenced by the
incorrectly determined outside temperature if the later is influenced by the thermal
radiation of the engine i.e for stop and go in a traffic jam.
In order to avoid damaging th e sensors while cleaning with high-pressure cleaners
or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods while a
minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.Note
A component of the park assist is the front and rear parking aid*.
The electronic stability programme (ESP*) must always be switched on for the
parking procedure.
Only the front parking aid operates if you are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*). This is why it is not possible to
park backwards with the help of the park assist when towing a trailer.
The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.
Switch on display of the park a ssist in the information display*Fig. 111 Switching on the park assist / inform ation display: Finding a suitable parking spaceSwitch on display of the park assist in the information display*– Press the button fig. 111 .
– Drive past the parking row up to maximum 30 km/h and with a distance of 0.5 m to 1.5 m fig. 111 .
Operate the turn signal for the driver's side if you wish to park on this side of the road.
In the information display* the search area for the parking space is indicated on the
driver's side.
If you press the button at a speed greate r than 30 km/h and less than 50 km/h, the
message indicating that the speed for detecting the space is exceeded will be
displayed in the information display of the in strument cluster. If the speed drops below
30 km/h, the condition of the parking assistant is automatically displayed in the infor-
mation display of the instrument cluster. When exceeding the speed of 50 km/h, it is
required to activate the displa y again by pressing the button fig. 111 .
WARNING (continued)
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Starting-off and Driving
116Note
If the park assist is switched on, a yellow warning light lights up in the button.
The search for suitable parking spaces is automatic after switching on the ignition
at speeds of more than 30 km/h. Searching for a parking space is performed at the
same time on the driver and front passenger side.
If the sensors find a suitable parking space, they store its parameters until another
suitable parking space has been found or until a distance of 10 m had been driven after
finding the parking space. This is why it is possible to switch on the park assist after
driving past the parking space, the information on whether this parking space is suit-
able for parking appears in the information display*.
Parking with the help of the park assist and concluding the parking procedureFig. 112 Information display: the determined pa rking space with the information to drive on
and for engaging the reverse gear Fig. 113 Information display: Information fo
r engaging the forward gear or the reverse
gear
The time limit for the parking procedure with the help of the park assist lasts 180
seconds.
– If the park assist has recognised a suitable parking space, it is shown in the infor-
mation display* fig. 112 .
– Drive on further until the display fig. 112 appears.
– Bring the vehicle to a stop for at least 1 second.
– Engage the reverse gear or move the selector lever* into the position R.
– As soon as the following message is shown in the information display*: Steering
interv. active. Monitor area around veh.! , let go of the steering wheel, the
steering will be taken over by the system.
– Observe the surroundings and drive back wards with a speed of maximum 7 km/h,
at the same time operate the pedal.
– In the event that the parking procedure cannot be carried out in one go, proceed to parking in further stages. If the forward arrow flashes in the information display*
fig. 113 , engage the forward gear.
– Observe the surroundings and drive forw ards with a speed of maximum 7 km/h.
– If the backward arrow fig. 113 flashes in the information display*, once again
engage the reverse gear or move the selector lever* into the position R and care-
fully drive backwards. You can repeat these steps several times.
– End the parking procedure from a distance on the basis of the information of the
system.
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Automatic gearbox DSG*121
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
The double clutch on the automatic gear box DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If you make use of the uphill function on a vehicle which is stationary or
driving slowly uphill, it will result in an increase of thermal stress of the clutches.
In the event that they overheat, the warning light
and a warning text page 37
appear in the information display*. In such a case bring the vehicle to a stop, switch off
the engine and wait until the warning light and the warning go out - risk of gearbox
damage! You can continue the trip as soon as the warning light and the warning go
out.
Selector lever positionsFig. 115 Selector lever / informatio n display: Selector lever positionsThe current selector lever position is indica ted in the information display of the instru-
ment cluster fig. 115 - right. In the positions D and S the gear you have already
engaged will be additionally displayed on the display.
- Parklock
The driven wheels are locked me chanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary .
If you wish to move the selector lever into or out of this position, you must press the
Shiftlock button in the handle of the selector lever and at the same time depress the
brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position P. - Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
idling .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on an d the selector lever is in position R, the reverse
lights will come on.
- Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the le ver is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the se lector lever out of the position N into the position D
or R, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour or on
a stationary vehicle.
- Position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and down
automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift
programme.
You must depress the brake pedal if you wish to move into position D from N when the
vehicle is travelling at less th an 5 km/hour or is stationary .
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when towing a
trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme page 123 for a
short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
- Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power potential
of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds as in the posi-
tion D.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selector
lever out of the position D into the position S.AP
ARANADAS
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Automatic gearbox DSG*
122WARNING
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
When the engine is running and the vehicle 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.
You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by hand
from the engine compartment) if a driv e position is engaged when the car is
stationary. The vehicle would otherwise immediately start off - also when the
handbrake is firmly applied - risk of an accident!
You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly apply the hand-
brake first before you or any other person opens the bonnet and starts working
on the engine when it is running - risk of accident! It is also essential to observe
all warnings page 204, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Selector lever lockAutomatic selector lever lock
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and N . You
must first of all depress the brake pedal in or der to move the selector lever out of this
position. The warning light
page 34 lights up in the instrument cluster as a
reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in the positions P and N.
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when rapidly
switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for example, allow one to
seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lo ck will click into place if the lever is in
the N position for more than 2 seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed of
less than 5 km/hour. The lock is swit ched off automatically into position N when the
car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the hand le of selector lever prevents certain selector lever posi-
tions being engaged inadvertently. The select or lever lock is cancelled when you press
the Shiftlock button. Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after
switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever is blocked in
position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration
power.Fully depressing the accelerato r pedal allows the kickdown function to be activated in
the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving
programme and serves for maximum accelerati on of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine wi thout taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic). The gearbox shifts down to one or several
gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox does not
shift up into the highest gear until the en gine has reached its maximum revolutions for
this gear range.
WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown function can result in the driven wheels
spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk of skidding!Dynamic shift programmeThe automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automati cally on the basis of pre-defined driving
programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible and
shifting down as late as po ssible will have a favourable effect on your fuel consump-
tion.
Adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator pedal
combined with sharp acceleration and frequent changes in speed, exploiting the top
speed of the car or depressing the accelerator pedal (kickdown function), will cause
s2ug.6.book Page 122 Friday, April 9, 2010 2:24 PM