WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Engine Oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 14.
The warning light
lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Log book!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine oil » page 167 .
Even if the oil level is correct,
do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light
lights up yellow (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 level of the engine
oil » page 167 .
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)
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.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 14.
The indicator light
lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 1)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light
lights up 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.
ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK Log book!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant level
» page 169.
› If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir
» page 170.
› If the indicator light
disappears after adding coolant and switching on the ig-
nition, you may continue your journey.
› If the coolant level is within the specified range, but the indicator light
is still
illuminated, check the fuse for the radiator fan and replace it if necessa-
ry » page 199 , Fuses in the engine compartment .
› If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the indicator light
is still illu-
minated,
do not continue your journey!
› Seek assistance from a specialist garage.
1)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
16Using the system
WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in the
engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warn- ing instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety rules.
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed before starting work in the en-
gine compartment.■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant is escaping.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed when working in the engine com-
partment.■
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
WARNING (Continued)■ Always store the coolant additive securely in its original container, and in
particular out of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, genera-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid con-
tainers.■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep securely out of the reach of
children!
163Inspecting and replenishing
›Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
» Fig. 133 in the direction of the
arrow and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support into the opening 4
.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the designated holder
3
» Fig. 133 .
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do
not push it in .
WARNINGCheck that the bonnet is closed properly.
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the release lever » Fig. 132.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 134
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 162.
Coolant expansion reservoir
169
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
165
Engine oil filler opening
168123Engine oil dipstick167Brake fluid reservoir170
Vehicle battery
171
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 162.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to oper-
ate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 135
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 162.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
lights.
456165Inspecting and replenishing
WARNING■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 162.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to fill with
coolant under the current circumstances . Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under 40%.■Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and cooling effect.■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 137 on page 169.
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist ga-
rage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.
Capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 168.
Coolant capacity (in litres)
Petrol enginesFilling level1.2 l/55 kW4.21.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI7.01.4 l/90 kW TSI7.01.6 l/77 kW4.5Diesel engineFilling level1.6 l/66, 77 kW TDI CR6.5
Checking the coolant levelFig. 137
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 168.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 137.
Coolant level above mark
A
No coolant may be added.
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is hot.
Coolant level between markings
A
and
B
Coolant may be added.
The coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
Coolant level below mark
B
Coolant must be added.
Top up the coolant level to between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the indicator light
» page 16 ,
Coolant lighting up in the instrument cluster.
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
169Inspecting and replenishing
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 168.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Brake fluid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
170
Changing
171WARNING■ 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 162.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 138 on page 170,
do not continue your journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a specialist
garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 138
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 138.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
170General Maintenance