Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wiper and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is affected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiter for front and outer rear seats.
› Belt tensioner for front and outer rear seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Driver’s knee airbag.
8Safety
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
30
Revolution counter
31
Speedometer
31
Coolant temperature gauge
31
Display
31
Fuel gauge
32
Counter for distance driven
32
32
Display of the second speed
33
Display in rear centre console
33
Auto Check Control
33
Fault display
The Error message will appear in the display if there is a fault in the instru-
ment cluster. Ensure that the fault is rectified as soon as possible by a special-
ist workshop.
WARNING■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully
responsible for road safety.■
Never operate the controls in the instrument cluster while driving - risk of
accident. Operate the controls only when the vehicle is at a standstill.
OverviewFig. 21
Instrument cluster
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 31
› with warning lights
» page 34
Speedometer » page 31
› with warning lights
» page 34
Button for display mode:
› Time settings
» page 32
› Enable/disable the display of the second speed 1)
» page 33
› Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remain-
ing until the next service 1)
» page 48
Coolant temperature gauge » page 31
Display » page 31
Fuel gauge » page 32
Button for: › Reset trip meter
» page 32
› Setting the time
» page 32
› Enable/disable the mode selected by means of button
312345671)
Applies for vehicles with a segment display.
30Operation
Display of the second speedRead and observe
on page 30 first.
The display can show the current speed in mph 1)
.
This feature is provided for driving in countries with different units for speed.
MAXI DOT display
The display of the second speed can be set in the Alt. speed dis. menu
item » page 47 , Settings .
Segment display
›
Press the
3
» Fig. 21 on page 30 key repeatedly, until the odometer display
flashes » page 32 .
›
Press the
7
key while the display is flashing.
The second speed is displayed instead of the odometer.
Display of the second speed can be disabled in the same way.
Display in rear centre console
Fig. 26
Centre console at rear: Display
Read and observe on page 30 first.
The time and the outside temperature are displayed on the display in the rear
centre console when the ignition is switched on » Fig. 26.
The values are taken over by the instrument cluster.
Auto Check Control
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition is switched on.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT
display. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI
DOT display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 34,
Warning lights .
The Vehicle status menu item is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT
display whenever at least one fault message is present. The first of the fault
messages is displayed after this menu item is selected. 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 being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT display
Engine oil pressure too low» page 36Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are
too hot» page 33Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 37Thickness of brake pads» page 41Problem with engine oil pressure» page 33
Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the symbol is shown in the MAXI DOT display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a specialist garage. The information about the maxi-
mum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
If the symbol appears in the MAXI DOT display, this indicates that the tem-
perature of the automatic DSG gearbox clutches is too high.
1)
On models on which the speedometer indicates mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
33Instruments and Indicator Lights
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait
until the
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your
journey as soon as the icon disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 72. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing
so.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 42 .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always in-
dicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
35
Brake system
35
Seat belt warning light
35
Generator
35
Door open
36
Engine oil pressure
36
Coolant
36
Bonnet
36
Boot lid
36
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
36
Engine oil level
37
Traction Control System (ASR)
37
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
37 Anti lock brake system (ABS)38 Rear fog light38
Lamp failure
38
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
38
Exhaust inspection system
38
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
38
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
39
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
39
Fuel reserve
39
Airbag system
40
Tyre inflation pressure
40
Windscreen washer fluid level
40
Brake linings
41
Turn signal system
41
Low beam
41
Fog lights
41
Cruise control system
41
Selector lever lock / starter (system KESSY)
41
Main beam
41
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
34Operation
WARNING■Ignoring illuminated warning lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 72. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing
so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 186, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least
3 seconds while the handbrake is applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
Brake system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system is
too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 193 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light together with the warning light » page 38 ,
Anti lock brake system (ABS) illuminates, do not continue to drive! Seek
help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – there is a risk of accident.
■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet
and checking the brake fluid level » page 186, Engine compartment .
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
is illuminated as a reminder for the driver and front pas-
senger to fasten their seat belts.
The warning light
goes out , after the respective seat belt has been fas-
tened.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light
flashes and you will hear an
acoustic warning signal.
The warning signal is switched off and the warning light
remains perma-
nently illuminated if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their
seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Generator
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , when the engine is running, the vehicle
battery is not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. The electrical system re-
quires checking.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the warning light (coolant system fault) illumi-
nates in addition to the warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine
- there is a risk of engine damage. Seek help from a specialist garage.35Instruments and Indicator Lights
Door openRead and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if one or several doors are opened.
Engine oil pressure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
When the warning light is flashing
, the engine oil pressure is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Engine off. Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 190 .
If the warning light
flashes do not drive any further , even if the oil level is
correct! Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
illuminates or flashes , either the coolant temperature is
too high or the coolant level is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check coolant! Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant lev-
el » page 192 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, top up coolant » page 192.
If the warning light
does not illuminate , after adding coolant and switching
on the ignition, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the warning light is still
illuminated , then there may be a malfunction of the cooling fan.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary » page 222, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the warning light is never-
theless still illuminated, do not continue your journey!
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNING■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off - a danger of injury is present!
CAUTION
■ Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Bonnet
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the bonnet is unlocked.
Boot lid
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the boot lid is opened.
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Power steering
If the warning light
is illuminated , this indicates a partial failure of the Pow-
er Steering and the steering forces can be greater.
If the warning light
is illuminated , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
›
Stop the car, turn the ignition off and on again.
The powered steering is fully functional again if the
or
warning light does
not illuminate after you switch the engine back on.
36Operation
If the warning light or illuminates again, then immediately obtain help
from an authorised dealer.
Steering lock (KESSY system)
A long as the warning light
flashes , the steering lock cannot be released.
If the warning light
flashes , a signal tone sounds, and the following mes-
sage appears in the MAXI DOT- display Steering column lock. Workshop! ap-
pears the electrical steering lock is faulty. Seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage immediately.
If the warning light
flashes , a beep will sound and a message Steering lock:
defective appears in theMAXI DOT display, this indicates that the electric
steering lock is broken. Park the vehicle, do not continue your journey!
. Af-
ter switching off the ignition, it is then no longer possible to lock the steering,
to activate the electrical components (e.g. radio, navigation system), to switch
on the ignition again and to start the engine. Seek help from a specialist ga-
rage.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light illuminates (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Check oil level!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 190 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on
again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light flashes (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes several
times and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
flashes , the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
If the warning light
illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ASR might be switched off due to technical reasons.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does
not illuminate any more after the engine is switch-
ed on again, then the ASR is fully functional again.
Further information » page 155.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
flashes , to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ESC.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
37Instruments and Indicator Lights
If the warning light illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ESC might be switched off due to technical reasons.›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light
does not illuminate again after the engine is switched
on again, the ESC is fully functional again.
Further information » page 154.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Anti lock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
WARNING■ If the warning light together with the warning light » page 35 ,
Brake system illuminates, do not continue to drive! Seek help from a
specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – there is a risk of accident.
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the rear fog light is switched on.
Lamp failure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if a lamp is faulty .
The warning light
illuminates within a few seconds after switching on the
ignition or when a light with a faulty lamp is switched on.
The following message may be shown in the MAXI DOT display, for example. INFORMATION Check front right low beam!
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching on
the ignition, there is a problem with the adaptive headlights.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. No bend lighting (AHL) function. Owner's manual!
When the AHL mode “tourist light” (travel mode) is active » page 71, the
warning light flashes
for 10 seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
Exhaust inspection system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , there is a fault in the exhaust inspection
system. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates after the ignition has been turned on. Once
the light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light
does not come
on at all or illuminates continuously .
If the warning light begins to
flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
38Operation