Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
äå!
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP
®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running. ABS and ESP
®
are not available due to a malfunction. Therefore,
BAS, BAS PLUS, EBD, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function
and hill start assist, for example, are not available either.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ä
The yellow ESP
®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. ESP
®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X When pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 69).å
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 69).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
279
On-board computer and displays Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 331).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
under
248 ‡ (120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. ?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow
to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do
not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).284
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 331).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.
A warning tone
also sounds. You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 185).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 72). Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
285
On-board computer and displays Z
Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible.
Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 25).Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening
materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk/
cargo compartment as possible.
R the
load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. pad sharp edges
for protection. Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident288
Stowage areas
Stowage and features
Glove box
X
To open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.
X To close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
i The glove box can be ventilated
(Y page 149). The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
X
To lock:
insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it 90° clockwise to position
2.
X To unlock: insert the mechanical key into
the lock and turn it 90° counter-clockwise
to position 1. Eyeglasses compartment
There is a compartment to stow eyeglasses
in the headliner on the driver's side.
X
To open: pull down eyeglasses
compartment : by the handle.
Stowage compartment in the center
console X
To open: slide cover : forwards until it
engages.
X Remove the cup holder at the front of the
center console
(Y page 305).
i A
stowage compartment is located under
the cup holder at the front of the center
console. Stowage areas
289
Stowage and features Z
X
Open the trunk lid.
X Press release catch :.
Flap ; folds down.
X Press catch = in and pull out frame ?
containing the skibag. Through-loading facility in the rear
compartment
G
WARNING
Do not transport any unsecured items in the
through-loading area. The through-loading facility is opened from
the trunk.
X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Press release catch :.
The flap opens downwards. Through-loading facility in the rear
bench seat (Sedan)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fold the seat backrests fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests
must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded down separately to
increase the trunk capacity.
Folding the seat backrest forward i
Vehicles
with memory function: when you
fold one or both parts of the rear seat
backrest forwards, the respective front
seat moves forward slightly, when
necessary, in order to avoid contact.
X Vehicles without memory function: if
necessary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.
X Open the trunk.
X Pull right-hand or left-hand rear seat
backrest release handle :.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is
released.
The rear seat head restraints are lowered. Stowage areas
293
Stowage and features Z
X
Fold rear seat backrest ; forwards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding the seat backrest back G
WARNING
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied,
or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged. X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Fold rear seat backrest : back until it
engages.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 105).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. i
You should always engage the rear seat
backrests if you do not need the through-
loading feature. This will prevent
unauthorized access to the trunk from the
vehicle interior. EASY-PACK through-loading facility in
the rear bench seat (Wagon)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Folding the rear seat backrest forward !
When folding the rear seat backrest
forwards, ensure that there are no items
lying on the seat cushions. These items
could otherwise be damaged or could
themselves damage the rear seats. 294
Stowage areas
Stowage and features
X
Make sure that red lock status
indicator ? is no longer visible. The
combined cargo cover and net will
otherwise not be locked in place.
Attaching the combined cargo cover
and net to the rear seat backrest !
If you have attached the combined cargo
cover and net to a rear seat backrest that
is
folded forwards, do not fold the backrest
back. X
Fold the left and right seat backrest
forwards ( Y page 294).
X Insert combined cargo cover and net ;
into two guides : and push it up to the
stop in the direction of the arrow. Cargo net (Wagon)
Important safety notes It is particularly important to use a cargo net
if the vehicle is loaded with small objects
above the level of the backrests. For safety reasons, always use a cargo net when
transporting loads.
Cargo net without cargo compartment
enlargement
X
Pull the cargo net up by tab :
and hook it
into eyelets ;.
Cargo net with cargo compartment
enlargement X
Make sure that the cargo net is attached to
the rear seat backrest (Y page 297).
X Guide the cargo net up by tab :
and hook
it into eyelets ;. Coat hooks on the tailgate
G
WARNING
The tailgate may close if too great a load is
placed on the coat hooks.
You and/or others could be trapped and
injured. 298
Stowage areas
Stowage and features