36Airbag system
that the airbag system can only help to protect you if you are wearing your
seat belt and wearing it properly.
Remember too that airbags will deploy only once and only in certain kinds
of accidents - your seat belts are always there to offer protection in those
accidents in which airbags are not supposed to deploy or when they have
already deployed, for example when your vehicle strikes or is struck by an-
other after the first collision.
This is just one of the reasons why an airbag is not a substitute for the seat
belt. The airbag system works most effectively when used with the seat
belts. Therefore, always wear your seat belts correctly.
It is important to remember that while the airbag system is designed to re-
duce the possibility of serious injuries, other injuries, for example, swelling,
bruising, and minor abrasions can also be associated with airbags.
The knee airbag system basically consists of:
● The electronic control module
● One inflatable airbag (airbag and gas generator) for the driver
● An airbag indicator light on the instrument panel
The knee airbag system will not be triggered:
● if the ignition is switched off
● in frontal collisions when the deceleration measured by the control unit
is too low
● in side collisions
● in rear-end collisions
● in rollovers
● in the event of a system malfunction (hazard warning lights/turn signals
illuminated) ⇒ page 65.
WARNING
● Seat belts and the airbag system can only provide protection when
occupants are in the proper seating position.
● If the airbag indicator light comes on when the vehicle is being used,
have the system inspected immediately by your Technical Service. The
airbag may not work properly when the vehicle acceleration in a side col-
lision is high enough to deploy the airbag. See also ⇒ page 65.
How knee airbags work
The risk of injury to the leg area is reduced by fully deployed
knee airbags.
Fig. 23 Inflated airbags
protect in a frontal colli-
sion.
The knee airbag system has been designed so that the airbag for the driver
is deployed in certain but not all frontal collisions.
If the front airbag deploys, the knee airbag also deploys in severe frontal
collisions.
52Child safety
Child seat mounting using the “ISOFIX” and/or Top Tether system
The child retention systems can be installed quickly and safely on the rear seat using the ISOFIX and/or Top Tether systems
(fitted on the rear tray).
Fig. 33 Position of the
ISOFIX anchors on the
side rear seat
Fig. 34 The ISOFIX child
seat anchors slide along
the fitted plastic guides
until secured in the vehi-
cle's ISOFIX anchorages Following the instructions given by the child seat manufacturer
when installing and removing the seat.
–
Fit the plastic guides on the vehicle's ISOFIX anchorages be-
tween the backrest and the seat ⇒ Fig. 33.
– Slide the child seat anchorages along the plastic guides until
secured in the vehicle's ISOFIX rings (when correctly closed, you
will hear a “click”). The seat should also have a visual indicator
to confirm it is correctly secured ⇒ Fig. 34.
– Check that the ISOFIX system is correctly secured by pulling on
the child seat.
Detailed fitting instructions are supplied with the child safety seat.
Child seats with “ISOFIX” mountings are available from Technical Services
and specialist retailers.
59
Cockpit
Instruments Instrument panel overview
The instrument panel is the driver's information centre.
Fig. 38 Overview of instrument panel Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Rev counter incorporating digital clock and date . . . . . . . . . . . .61, 61
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Speedometer (incorporating odometer display) . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
1
2345
Adjuster buttons for
–
Digital clock and date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
– Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Digital display with
– Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
– Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
6
7
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
60Cockpit
CHECK button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Call-up button for service indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coolant temperature gauge
Fig. 39 Engine coolant
temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒ Fig. 39 only works when the ignition is
switched on. In order to avoid engine damage, please read the following
notes for the different temperature ranges.
Cold area A
If the needle is still on the left of the dial, this indicates that the engine has
not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high revs and heavy accelera-
tion and do not make the engine work hard.
Normal area B
In normal operations, the needle will settle somewhere in the centre of the
dial once the engine has reached running temperature. The temperature
may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high outside8
910
temperatures. This is no cause for concern, provided the warning lamp
does not light up in the instrument panel.
Warning area C
If the symbol
flashes in the display, this means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low ⇒ page 79.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level, observe
the warning information ⇒ page 227.
● Never open the bonnet when steam or coolant is being released from
it. This could lead to burns. Wait until you can no longer see or hear es-
caping steam or coolant.
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.
70Cockpit
Alternator
The warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator or in the
vehicle's electrical system.
The control lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
switch off after the engine has started.
The alternator is disconnected at very low temperatures and when the en-
gine is cold in order to facilitate starting.
Depending on the external temperature, the warning lamp might remain
on for up to 5 seconds after the engine has been started. This does not
therefore indicate a fault.
If the warning lamp lights up when you are driving, you can normally
continue as far as the nearest specialised workshop. However, given that
the battery will be running down, any electrical consumption not absolutely
vital should be switched off.
CAUTION
If the coolant warning lamp in the instrument panel lights up as well as
the alternator waning lamp while driving ⇒ page 79, stop the vehicle im-
mediately and switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no
longer working, and there is a risk of engine damage.
Main beam headlights
The indicator lamp lights up when the main beams are on or when the
headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights, see ⇒ page 122.Handbrake
This lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied.
If you drive faster than 5 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake on, the following
message will appear on the instrument panel display 1)
: HANDBRAKE ON. You
will also hear an acoustic warning signal ⇒ page 77.
Engine management
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The control lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up while the function
is being checked.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicates a
fault in the engine management system. The vehicle must be taken immedi-
ately to a specialised workshop to have the engine serviced.
Glow plug system
The control lamp lights up while the glow plugs are preheat-
ing the diesel engine. The control lamp lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the indicator lamp goes out the engine should be started straight away.
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
71
Cockpit
When the engine is warm, or at outside temperatures above +8 °C, the
warning lamp will only light up very briefly.
Note
● If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the vehicle is
moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management system. The en-
gine should be serviced without delay.
● If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is switched on,
this can mean that the glow plug system is defective. The engine should be
serviced.
Brake system
The warning lamp flashes when the handbrake is applied, or
if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in the
ABS system. If the control lamp flashes (and the handbrake is not applied), stop the
vehicle and check the brake fluid level ⇒
⇒ page 237.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS control lamp will light up
together with the brake control lamp ⇒
.
Handbrake on
The control lamp also lights up when the handbrake is applied. In addi-
tion to this, the handbrake warning ⇒ page 77 switches on after driving
for 3 seconds at a speed above 5 km/h.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, ob-
serve the warning information in ⇒ page 227, Work in the engine com-
partment.
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driv-
ing, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low and this may cause an
increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that there is a fault in the ABS control function. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under cer-
tain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side
to side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
72Cockpit
Driver information system
General notes
The driver information system in the instrument panel
shows the status of various on-board systems at a glance.
Fig. 48 Cockpit: Digital
instrument panel display
The display for the driver information system is in the centre of the instru-
ment panel.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. The DIS system gives
an audible warning if a fault should occur or if servicing is required, and a
red or yellow warning symbol (in some cases with a corresponding driver
message) appears in the instrument panel display.
The driver is informed on the audio system.
The driver information system includes the following functions:
CD player, radio and telephone display*⇒ page 73Outside temperature indicator⇒ page 73Gear indicator*⇒ page 74Selector lever positions for the 7-speed automatic
gearbox*⇒ page 185
Selector lever positions with multitronic ®
*⇒ page 182Operating range⇒ page 74Door and rear lid warning⇒ page 75Service indicator⇒ page 75auto-check control⇒ page 76Driving tips⇒ page 77Handbrake warning⇒ page 77Bulb monitor*⇒ page 83Onboard computer*⇒ page 86Tyre pressure monitoring*⇒ page 90Navigation information*Separate Instruc-
tion Manual
Note
● If a fault should occur, the display will show a red or yellow warning
symbol. A red warning symbol indicates a serious malfunction ⇒ page 78.
A yellow warning symbol indicates a less serious malfunction ⇒ page 80.
75
Cockpit
Door and rear lid warning
Fig. 52 Display: Door
and rear lid warning
The door and rear lid warning symbol lights up if one or more of the doors,
or the bonnet or rear lid are not properly closed when the ignition is on. The
symbol also indicates which of these is not properly closed. The display in
the illustration ⇒ Fig. 52 shows that the driver door is open.
The corresponding part of the pictogram will flash if either the bonnet or
rear lid are open. The warning symbol goes out when the bonnet, rear lid
and all the doors are closed.
In vehicles with a driver information system and an onboard computer* the
door catches/rear lid warning symbol can be switched off by briefly press-
ing one of the control switches for the onboard computer ⇒ page 87. How-
ever, the warning symbol will appear again if any of the doors or the bonnet
or rear lid is opened or closed. Service indicator
This display reminds the driver when the next routine serv-
ice is due.
Fig. 53 Detailed view of
the instrument panel:
Service indicator
Displaying distance to next service
When you press the service button 1
briefly with the ignition switched on,
the display will show how far the vehicle can be driven before the next serv-
ice is due. This check can be carried out with the engine stopped or running
up to 5 km/h. Before the first 500 km and after the ignition cycle, the kilo-
metres and days before the service inspection are not displayed.
If the service button 1
is pressed before the first 500 km the following indi-
cation appears on screen:
Service in ----- km --- days
This is only valid for vehicles with “LongLife Service Intervals”*.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications