AbbreviationsAbbreviationDefinitionrpmEngine revolutions per minuteABSAnti-lock brake systemAGAutomatic gearboxTCSTraction controlCO2 in g/kmdischarged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven kilo-
meterDPFDiesel particle filterDSGAutomatic double clutch gearboxEDLElectronic differential lockECEEconomic Commission for EuropeESCElectronic Stability ControlEUEuropean UnionkWKilowatt, measuring unit for the engine outputMGManual gearboxMFDMultifunction displayN1Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta-
tion of goodsNmNewton meter, measuring unit for the engine torqueTDI CRDiesel engine with turbocharging and common rail injection systemTSIPetrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection
7Abbreviations
Note■Warning messages shown in the MAXI DOT display must be confirmed with but-
ton B » Fig. 7 on page 18 to call up the main menu.■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated 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
20
Brake system
20
Seat belt warning light
21
Alternator
21
Door open
21
Engine oil
21
Coolant
22
Power steering
23
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
23
Traction Control System (ASR)
23
Antilock brake system (ABS)
24
The rear fog light
24
Bulb failure
24
Exhaust inspection system
24
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
24
ECU fault light (petrol engine)
25
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
25
Fuel reserve
25
Airbag system
26
Tyre pressure
26
Windscreen washer fluid level
26
Traction control (TCS) switched off
26
Turn signal system
26
Low beam
27 Fog lights27 Cruise control system27
Selector lever lock
27
Main beam
27
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
WARNING■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, 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 essential to ob-
serve safety notes » page 160, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light
comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Release parking brake!
Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The
indicator light comes on 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: Read manual.
20Using the system
Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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 electrohydraulic power steering. The power steer-
ing operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at all.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Further information » page 95.
Note
■
If the yellow warning light goes out after the engine is restarted and a short
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.■
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warn-
ing light comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go
out after driving a short distance.
■
There is no power-assisted steering support when the vehicle is being towed
without the engine running or when the power-assisted steering is defect. The vehicle is fully steerable however. There is however increased force required toturn the steering wheel.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light flashes
to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light
comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. The ESC is fully functional again if the
warning light does not light up
after you switch the engine back on.
There is a fault in the ESC system if the
warning light lights up.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Fault: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The ESC system cannot be turned off, the » page 112 button only switches the
TCS off, the warning light in the instrument cluster lights up.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESP indicator light will also come on if the ABS system fails.
Further information » page 111, Stabilisation control (ESC) .
Note
The warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on if the vehicle's
battery has been disconnected and reconnected. The warning light should go out
after the vehicle has driven a short distance.
Traction Control System (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light flashes
to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again.
The TCS is fully functional again if the
warning light does not light up after you
switch the engine back on.
If the warning light
lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Traction control (TCS)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
Further information » page 112, Traction Control System (ASR) .
Note
The
warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on if the vehicle's
battery has been disconnected and reconnected. The warning light should go out
after the vehicle has driven a short distance.
23Instruments and Indicator Lights
Airbag systemFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
If the warning light lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Airbag
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, even if one of the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
› The
warning light comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for approximately another 12 seconds at 2 second inter-
vals.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated.
If the front passenger's front airbag was switched off using the key-operated
switch on the side of the dash panel on the passenger side:
› The
warning light comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the light-
ing up of the yellow indicator light in display
» page 138 .
WARNINGIf there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist
garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.
Tyre pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light
lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres.
The warning light coming on indicates a fault in the system.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Further information » page 176, Tyre pressure monitor .
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance.
Windscreen washer fluid level
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light
comes on.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 163.
Traction control (TCS) switched off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » page 112 and the warning light
illuminates.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
Turn signal system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
Either the left
or right
warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
26Using the system
Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stabilisation control (ESC)
111
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
112
Traction Control System (ASR)
112
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
112WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function – there is the
risk of an accident.■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – there is the risk of
an accident.
■
Visit a specialist garage immediately in the event of an ABS fault. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know
how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the braking effi-
ciency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 147, Services, modifications and
technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also fail to work.
An ABS fault is indicated with by the warning light » page 24.
Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 111.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is
being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is reduced,
thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid,
the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC) :
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Hydraulic brake assist (HBA);
› Hill hold control (HHC).
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The
» Fig. 96 on page 112 button can
only be used to deactivate the TCS. The
warning light comes on in the instru-
ment cluster when the TCS is deactivated.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster
» page 23 .
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by very rapid depression of the brake pedal. To achieve the
shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly until
the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released. ABS is activated sooner and more effectively with the intervention of HBA.
111Assist systems
Hill hold control (HHC)
HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
without having to use the handbrake when pulling away on a gradient.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake
pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. Ifthe vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always only
active on slopes pulling away forwards or in reverse. When driving downhill, it is inactive.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 96
TCS buttonFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 111.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the condi-
tions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate
and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional circum-
stances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the
button » Fig. 96 .
The
warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the TCS is deactiva-
ted.
The TCS warning light
» page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when there
is a fault on the TCS.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the
same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again
automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
112Driving
Heating55
Removing the seats57
Seats and storage54
see Automatic gearbox Manual gear shifting on the multifunction steer- ing wheel
102
Selector lever see Using the selector lever
101
Service148
Service display16
Service intervals145
Setting Heating
79
Manual air conditioning system82
Manually dimmed rear-view mirror53
Setting the clock Clock
12
Shifting gears Driving and saving energy
105
Side airbag136
Sliding/tilting roof40
Comfort operation41
Emergency operation42
Opening and raising41
Operation41
Sliding/tilting sunroof Closing
41
Snow chains179
Spare wheel177
Speedometer11
Speed symbol see Wheels
176
Spoiler149
Stalk Main beam
45
Turn signals45
START-STOP116
Manually activating/deactivating the system117
Operating conditions for the system116
Starting/shutting down the engine116
Starting and stopping the engine96
Starting engine Jump-starting
187
Starting the engine97
Jump-starting188
START STOP Information messages
117
Jump-starting189
Steering force assistance95
Steering wheel95
Storage72
Storage Compartment Lighting
49
Storage compartments72
Sun visors50
Switching lights on and off43
Switching off the engine98
Synthetic leather156
T
Tailgate
37
Taking care of the vehicle Natural leather
155
Seat belts157
Taking care of your vehicle Automatic car wash system
151
Chrome parts153
Cleaning the wheels154
Door lock cylinders154
Headlight lenses154
High-pressure cleaner151
Plastic parts152
Washing by hand150
Wash system151
Technical data201
Telephone86
Temporary spare wheel177
Tiptronic102
Tools181
TOP TETHER144
Tourist lights46
Towing189
Towing a trailer118
Towing device Description
118
Drawbar load118
Use and care121
Towing eye Front
190
Rear190
Towing protection36
Traction Control System (ASR)112
Trailer118, 121
Loading121
Towing a trailer122
Transport Boot
58
Roof rack system67
Transporting children safely140
Turn signals45
Two-way radio systems86
Type plate201
Tyre load-bearing capacity see Wheels
175
Tyre pressure monitor Setting
176
Tyre repair Check pressure
187
Preparations186
Sealing and inflating the tyre186
Tyres173
New175
Pressure174
See Wheels175
Sizes174
Wear indicator174
215Index