Engine oil pressure too low ⇒ page 25
Overheated clutches of the automatic
gearbox DSG
⇒ page 30
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
Yellow symbols A yellow symbol signals a warning.
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
The meaning of the yellow symbols: Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor disturbed
⇒
page 191 Problem with en-
gine oil pressure It is also important to have the vehicle inspected
without delay by a specialist garage. The informa-
tion about the maximum permissible engine speed
is displayed together with this symbol. In certain countries, if a yellow symbol appears
one warning signal will sound as
well.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist, the symbols appear one after the
other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.
Set-up You can change certain settings by means of the information display. The current
setting is shown on the information display in the respective menu at the top be-
low the line.
You can select the following information (depending on the equipment installed
on the vehicle):
■ Language
■ MFD Data
■ Convenience
■ Lights & Vision
■ Time
■ Winter tyres ■
Units
■ Assistants
■ Alternative speed displayed (Second speed)
■ Service Interval
■ Factory setting
■ Back
After selecting the menu point Back you will reach one level higher in the menu.
Language
Here you can set in which language the warning and information texts should be
displayed.
Displays of the MFA
Here you can switch off or on certain displays of the multi-functional indicator.
Comfort
Here you can activate, deactivate or adjust the following functions: Rain closing Switch on/off the function for automatically closing the
window and panoramic tilt/slide sunroof in a locked rain
when it starts raining a)
. If the function is set and it is not
raining, the windows including the panoramic tilt/slide
sunroof will close automatically after approx. 12
hours. Central locking Switch on/off the central locking and automatic locking
function. ATA confirm Switch on/off the acoustic signal indicating activation of
the anti-theft alarm system.
Window op. Here you can set the convenience mode only for the
driver window or for all the windows.
Mirror down Switch on/off the function for mirror lowering on the
front passenger side when engaging the reverse gear b)
. Mirror adjust. Switch on/off the function for left and right exterior
mirror setting simultaneously.
Factory setting
Restore the Convenience factory setting.
a)
This function is only available on vehicles with a rain sensor.
b) This function is only available on vehicles with an electrically adjustable driver seat. £20
Instruments and warning lights
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
⇒ page 26
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
⇒ page 26
Coolant temperature/coolant level
⇒ page 26
Traction control system (TCS)
⇒ page 27
Electronic stability programme (ESP)
⇒ page 27
Switch off traction control system (TCS)
⇒ page 27
Selector lever lock
⇒ page 27
Tyre pressure
⇒ page 28
Antilock brake system (ABS)
⇒ page 28
Boot lid
⇒ page 28
Open door
⇒ page 29
Seat belt warning light
⇒ page 28
Fluid level in windshield washer system
⇒ page 29
Brake system
⇒ page 29
Handbrake
⇒ page 29
Generator
⇒ page 29
Fuel reserve
⇒ page 30
Downhill Drive Support
⇒ page 30 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 injuries or
major vehicle damage.
● The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential
to observe all warnings ⇒
page 190, Working in the engine compartment. Note
● The arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.
● Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (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. This
does not apply when towing a trailer.
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 51.
Fog lights The warning light
comes on when the fog lights are operating
⇒
page 48.
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 51. 23
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated
The following situation applies if the airbag has been switched off using the
switch for the airbag in the front passenger storage compartment:
● the warning light comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
● switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the yellow indicator light in display
⇒ page 145. WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event
of an accident.
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 component. The engine management
system selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the near-
est specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
Electromechanical power steering
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up con-
tinuously, a fault exists in the electromechanical power steering.
● If the yellow warning light lights up , this indicates a partial failure of the
power steering and the steering forces can be greater.
● If the
red warning light lights up , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
Further information ⇒ page 158. WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective. Note
● If the yellow warning light goes out after starting the engine again and a
short drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
● If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out
after driving a short distance.
Engine oil The warning light
lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 1)
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 191
.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain pro-
fessional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine 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 spe-
cialist 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 191 with engine
oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal. £1)
The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching
the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low. 25
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left 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 switch-
ed 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 dis-
tance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 50.
● The red oil pressure light is not an oil level indicator! One should there-
fore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling
stop.
● Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒ page 190 before checking
the coolant fluid level and opening the bonnet.
EPC fault light
(petrol engine) The
(Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light does not go out or lights up after starting the engine, a
fault exists in the engine control. The engine management system selects an
emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist ga-
rage by adopting a gentle style of driving. Glow plug system (diesel engine) The warning light
lights up for a cold
engine when switching on the ignition
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒ page 99. Start the engine after the indicator light goes
out.
The glow plug indicator 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 ob-
tain 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.
Coolant temperature/Coolant quantity The warning light
comes on for a few seconds 1)
when the ignition is switched
on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning
light does not go out 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.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions 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 of the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒ page 221, Fuse assignment in engine compartment
.£ 1)
The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching the
ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. 26
Instruments and warning lights
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available
when driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if you have not
used the brakes for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the
brake discs and brake pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking sys-
tem.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly
high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro-
sion is present ⇒ .
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-
circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist ga-
rage without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced
speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the high-
er brake pedal pressure required.
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 29, 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
jeopardy.
● 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 oth-
erwise the braking system could run too hot.
● Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking ef-
ficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first
“run in
” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,
compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure
on the brake pedal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed
at a future date. CAUTION
● Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to
brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a lon-
ger braking distance and excessive wear.
● Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed, shift
down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower driving stage
(automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of
the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be
done intermittently, 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 the ABS, which lasts longer than
1.5 seconds. After the speed was reduced below 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches
on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerat-
ing or driving off again.
Brake booster The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal.
The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is running. WARNING
● Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
● The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because if
you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
● While stopping or braking with a vehicle with a petrol engine and manual
transmission in the low rev range, press down on the clutch pedal. If you fail
to do so, the result may be an impairment of the function of the power brake.
You will apply a greater force to the brake pedal which you are usde to - dan-
ger of accident! 156
Intelligent technology
Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garge enables you to satisfy
one of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your
journey. Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only has a positive effect on
the safety of your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on fuel.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than
normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according to the
Service schedule by a specialist garage.
Also check the oil level after refuelling. Oil consumption is dependent to a consid-
erable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consumption could be as
high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-
ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not possi-
ble to correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle until after you have
driven about 5 000 km. For the sake of the environment
● You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by using high-
lubricity oils.
● Check the ground below your car at regular intervals to detect any leakages in
good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a specialist garage if you find
any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor. Avoid driving short distances Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.
Fig. 144 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km at different temperatures
– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.
The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal operat-
ing temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant
emissions.
The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediate-
ly after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre.
The engine reaches its operating temperature (outside temperature and engine
dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then
stabilizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
⇒ fig. 144 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the
one hand at +20 °C and on the other hand at -10
°C. Your vehicle has a higher fuel
consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressures Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all times. The
rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will
not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour
will worsen.
Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold. £ 165
Driving and the environment Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
●
spare wheel and tyre repair kit,
● shovel.
Safe off-road driving Adopt a correct seated position and always fasten the seat belt correctly. Make
sure that your front passenger and your passengers seated on the rear seats al-
ways fasten their seat belts correctly.
When driving off-road, it is perhaps more useful to adopt a slightly different seat-
ed position. Depending on the terrain, an increased force may be required to turn
the steering wheel because the force is transferred from the front wheels to the
steering wheel. You must be seated in such a way that you have good front visibil-
ity, especially when driving uphill or downhill. You must never be seated in such a
way that the distance between your chest and the middle of the airbag cover is
less than 25 cm ⇒
page 139.
Under no circumstances must you drive off-road with high heels, slippery or open
shoes. You should wear shoes which fit your feet well and allow you to get a feel
for the pedals. WARNING
Observe the important guidelines ⇒
page 168.
Before driving off-road ●
Make sure the tyres are suitable for the planned off-road journey. Before you
drive through difficult terrain, equip your vehicle with off-road tyres.
● Fill up your tank. The fuel consumption of the vehicle is much higher when
driving off-road than when driving on the road.
● Install the towing eye at the front or at the rear before driving off-road. It is
not always possible to install the towing eye if the vehicle got stuck.
● Always check the inflation pressure of all the tyres and if necessary correct it.
● Check the vehicle tool kit and supplement it according to your needs.
● Fill with engine oil up to the line A , so that the engine is sufficiently supplied
with engine oil when the vehicle is in a tilted position ⇒
page 191, Check engine
oil level.
● Top up wash fluid.
● Stow your load as low as possible in the vehicle and attach all the items which
are loose. Off-road driving ●
Never be alone when driving off-road and be prepared to encounter unexpec-
ted situations. Travel together with at least two off-road vehicles. Equipment with
which you can call for help in an emergency is particularly useful.
● Drive slowly through unclear terrain.
● You must stop when encountering difficult passages and explore the continu-
ation of the route on foot. If you cannot go on or if you doubt the safety of the
route, turn back and choose another way.
● Drive slowly over hilltops. Make sure that the wheels of the vehicle do not lift
off the ground, as this could severely damage the vehicle and it may become disa-
bled.
● Drive slowly on difficult stretches of the route. When driving on a slippery
ground, shift up into the next higher gear and make sure that the vehicle always
stays in motion. Do not drive too fast so that you don't lose control over your vehi-
cle.
● If your vehicle got stuck in sand, snow or sludge, it may be more effective to
reverse the vehicle than trying to drive forwards.
● Place stones, footmats or pieces of wood under the spinning wheels in order
to achieve traction on a sandy or slippery ground.
● Do no drive through water before reading what you must take into account
⇒ page 167.
● Keep sufficient distance from other vehicles even at low speeds. When the
first vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle can still stop in time with-
out getting stuck itself.
● Do not plan day trips which are too far in distance.
● Do not use the cruise control system when driving off-road. It is only intended
for driving on the road. WARNING
● The intelligent engineering of your vehicle cannot overcome the physical
limits of your vehicle.
● Be very alert and look ahead when driving off-road. Excessive speed or in-
correct driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the vehicle and lead to seri-
ous injuries.
● Observe the important guidelines ⇒ page 168. £ 171
Driving and the environment Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points.
Fig. 153 Petrol engine 1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI
Engine coolant expansion reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and die-
sel engines is practically identical.
1 2
3
4
5
6 Engine oil
Check engine oil level The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Fig. 154 Dipstick
Checking the oil level
– Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in Working in the engine compartment on page 190.
– Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump. Take out
the dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range A –
You must not top up the oil.
Oil level within range B –
You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within
range A after doing this.
Oil level within range C –
You must top up the oil ⇒ page 192. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep
the oil level within range B .
£ 191
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data