
Cockpit59
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
panel display 
4). 
Stop the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the 
coolant level ⇒ page 239 ⇒.
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety warn-
ings  ⇒page 232.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At 
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the 
engine overheating.Rev counter
The rev counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per 
minute.The start of the red zone  ⇒page 57, fig. 34    indicates the maximum 
engine speed operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to 
change up a into a higher gear, move the selector lever to D or lift your foot 
off the accelerator before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of 
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
C h a n g i ng  u p  i n t o  h i g h e r  ge a r s  e a r l y  wi ll  h e l p  yo u  t o  r e d u ce  f u e l  co ns u m p t i o n ,  
emissions and minimise engine noise.SpeedometerThe speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip recorder, in 
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions shown on  ⇒page 205 should 
be followed.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in  the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob ⇒page 57, fig. 34    clockwise until the 
first “click” to set the hour. The hour will flash. To change the 
hour, press the button.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the second “click” to set the  minutes. The minutes will flash. To change the minutes, press the 
button.
4)Depending on the version of the model.
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Air conditioning
162
NotePlease observe the general notes  ⇒page 169.Heating and cooling the interiorInterior heating
– Turn the temperature selector  ⇒fig. 127    clockwise to select 
the required temperature.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control to the air flow configuration  desired:   (towards the windscreen),   (towards the chest),   (towards the footwell) and   (towards the windscreen and 
footwell areas). Interior cooling
– Switch on the air conditioner using the button 
⇒page 161, 
fig. 126  .
– Turn the temperature selector anti-clockwise until the desired  cooling output is reached.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.
Fig. 127  On the dash panel: Climatic controls
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Air conditioning
164Air recirculation mode  ⇒page 163, fig. 128    prevents strong odours in 
the outside air from entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing 
through a tunnel or in queuing traffic.
With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by warming the air inside the vehicle rather than 
the cold air from outside.
With high outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the vehicle rather 
than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and the air recirculation mode is pressed, 
this remains active. When the recirculation mode is on, if the air distribution 
towards the windscreen mode is selected, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation mode should not be 
connected.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle 
interior. If the air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can 
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode 
switched on for a long time (risk of accident).
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Air conditioning
168Manual mode
In manual mode you can adjust the air temperature, air flow and distribution as required.Switching on manual mode
– To enter manual mode, press one of the buttons ⇒ fig. 132  to 
 or press the air flow control  . The selected function is 
shown on the radio or navigator display.Te m p e r a t u r e
There are separate temperature selectors for the left and right sides of the 
vehicle interior. The selected temperature is displayed above the selector. 
The inside temperature can be set between +18°C (64°F) and +26°C (80°F). 
These are approximate temperatures and the actual temperature may be 
slightly higher or lower depending on the ambient conditions.
If a temperature below 18 °C (64 °F) is selected, the display switches to LO  In 
this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the temperature 
is not regulated. If a temperature above 26 °C (80 °F) is selected, the display switches to HI
 In 
this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temperature 
is not regulated.
Blower
The air flow may be adjusted freely using the control  . Always have the 
blower running at a low setting to ensure a constant flow of fresh air into the 
vehicle. Pushing the button 
 – to the minimum -1, turns the Climatronic off.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons  ,   and  . It is also 
possible to open and close some of the air vents separately.
Switching the air conditioning on and off
When the   button is on (LED lit), the air conditioning system is on.
When the   button is off (LED off), the air conditioning system is off.Fig. 132  On the dash panel: 2C Climatronic controls.
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Air conditioning169
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
W he n the    but ton is o ff, th e a ir  cond i tio ni ng  s ys te m  is  s witch e d o ff  to sa ve  
fuel. The temperature continues to self-regulate. The set temperature can 
then only be reached if it is higher than the outside temperature.
Driver and passenger temperature control
The   button controls the synchronisation of the 2 Climatronic climate 
zones.
When the   button is on (LED lit), the climate zone of the Climatronic is 
personalised, for example: Driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger side 
temperature 23 °C.
When the   button is off (LED off), the climate zone of the Climatronic is 
synchronised, for example: Driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger side 
temperature 22 °C.
If the   button is off and the passenger side temperature is changed, the 
function is automatically activated.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells 
from coming from the outside.– Press the button   
⇒page 168, fig. 132    to switch air recir-
culation mode on or off. It is switched on if the following symbol 
appears in the display 
.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from 
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in 
a traffic jam.
With low outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the vehicle rather than 
the air from outside. With high outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the vehicle rather 
than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and the air recirculation mode is pressed, 
this remains active. When the recirculation mode is on, if the air distribution 
towards the windscreen mode is selected, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation mode should not be 
connected.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle 
interior. If the air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can 
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode 
switched on for a long time (risk of accident).General notesPollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and active carbon filter) 
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and 
pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter 
must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas reaching very high 
pollution levels, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than 
stated in the Service Schedule.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature, 
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves 
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Air conditioning
170comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows when 
the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by 
the following reasons:•The engine is not running.•The   button is disconnected.•The outside temperature is below +3 °C.•The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched 
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.•The air conditioner fuse is faulty.•Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a special-
ised workshop.Caution
•If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off with button   to prevent further damage and have it checked by a specialised work-
shop.•Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special 
tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop.Note
•If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-
tion  can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and so forming a puddle 
underneath the vehicle. This is completely normal and there is no need to 
suspect a leak.•Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and 
leaves to ensure heating and cooling are not impaired, and to prevent the 
windows from misting over.
•The air from the vents flows through the vehicle interior and is extracted 
by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these slots with 
items of clothing or other objects.•The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the 
sliding/tilting sunroof* closed. However,  if the temperature inside the vehicle 
is excessive because of the sun, the air inside can be cooled faster by opening 
the windows for a short time.•Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the 
air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a 
permanent unpleasant odour.•It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to 
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling 
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to 
check the system.
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Trailer towing
214If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be 
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket   are on the lower part of the 
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should 
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and 
including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
357 mm
569 mm
875 mm
1040 mm
Fitting a towing bracket•Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore, 
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre 
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.•The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting 
of a separate warning lamp).•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and 
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a 
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle’s elec-
trical system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.•Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment 
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
•If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of 
accident.•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the 
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to the 
vehicle’s electrical system.Note
For the sports model (FR), fitting of a trailer bracket is not recommended due 
to the design of the bumpers.
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WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels233
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!•Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.•A l w ays  ma ke  s u re  yo u  ha v e  n o t  l e f t  a n y  obj e c ts ,  s u ch  as  c l ea n in g  cl o t h s  
and tools, in the engine compartment.•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the 
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the 
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery,  loose clothing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Never accelerate with a gear engaged without taking the necessary 
precautions. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is applied. 
Danger of death.•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered. −
Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When topping up service fluids, make sure not to mistake them. Using the 
wrong fluids could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to th e environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you 
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a specialised 
workshop.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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