Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
6
Driving safety
6
Safety equipment
6
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 20 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 7, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Side airbags.
6Safety
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
26
Revolution counter
27
Display
27
Speedometer
27
Coolant temperature gauge
27
Fuel gauge
28
Counter for distance driven
28
29
Display of the second speed
29
Auto Check Control
29
The instrument cluster gives the driver basic information such as the current
speed, engine speed, the state of some vehicle systems and the like.
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster, the Error message will appear in
the display.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGConcentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for road safety.
Note
When the ignition is on, the instrument cluster is illuminated 1)
. The brightness
level is automatically adjusted depending on the ambient lighting.OverviewFig. 19
Instrument cluster
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 27
› with warning lights
» page 30
Display » page 27
Speedometer » page 27
› with warning lights
» page 30
Coolant temperature gauge 1)
» page 27
Button for display mode:
› Time settings
» page 29
› Enable/disable the display of the second speed 2)
» page 29
› Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remain-
ing until the next service 2)
» page 43
Button for: › Reset counter for distance travelled (trip)
» page 28
› Setting the time
› enable / disable the mode selected by means of the
5
key
Fuel gauge 1)
» page 28
12345671)
Applies to vehicles using the MAXI DOT display.
2)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
26Using the system
Reset counter for distance travelled (trip)›Press and hold button 6 » Fig. 19 on page 26 .
Odometer
The odometer indicates the total distance which the vehicle has been driven.
Note
If the second speed display is enabled on vehicles with a segment display, this
speed will be shown instead of the odometer.
Read and observe on page 26 first.
Use buttons
5
and
6
to set the time » Fig. 19 on page 26 .
The choice to change the display (hours or minutes).
The change of the displayed value.
In vehicles equipped with the MAXI DOT display, it is also possible to set the
Time in the Time menu » page 42.
Display of the second speed
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
The display can show the current speed in mph 1)
.
This feature is provided for driving in countries with different speed units.
MAXI DOT display.
The display of the second speed can be set in the Alt. speed dis. menu
item » page 42 , Settings .
Segment display
›
Press key
5
» Fig. 19 on page 26 repeatedly until the odometer display
flashes » page 28 .
›
Press the
6
key while the display flashes.
The second speed is displayed instead of the odometer.
The display of the second speed can be disabled in the same way.
56Auto Check Control
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and vehicle systems are checked continuously when the igni-
tion is switched on.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT
display. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI
DOT display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 30,
Indicator lights .
The menu item Vehicle status is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT
display whenever at least one fault message exists. After selecting this menu,
the first of the error messages is displayed.
If there are several error messages, the display will show 1/3, for example, be-
low the message. This indicates that the first of a total of three error messag-
es is being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT display
Engine oil pressure too low» page 31Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 31Problem with the engine oil pressure» page 29Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are
too hot» page 29
Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the symbol is shown in the MAXI DOT display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a specialist garage. The information about the maxi-
mum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
The symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the
automatic gearbox DSG clutches is too high.
1)
For models with the speedometer in mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
29Instruments and Indicator Lights
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!
do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait
until the
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your
journey as soon as the symbol disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 57. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 37, Using the informa-
tion system .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always in-
dicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Indicator lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
30
Brake system
31
Seat belt warning light
31
Generator
31
Door open
31
Engine oil
31
Coolant
32
Power steering
32
Stability Control (ESC)
32
Traction control (ASR)
33
Antiblock brake system (ABS)
33
Rear fog light
33
Lamp failure
33 Exhaust inspection system34 Glow plug system (diesel engine)34
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
34
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
34
Fuel reserve
35
Airbag system
35
Tyre inflation pressure
35
Windscreeen washer fluid
36
Turn signal system
36
Fog lights
36
Cruise control system
36
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
36
Main beam
36
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated indicator lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 57. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
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 131, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
30Using the system
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least
3 seconds while the handbrake is applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
Brake system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates 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: Log book!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 138 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light is displayed simultaneously with warning light
» page 33 , Antiblock brake system (ABS) , do not continue your
journey! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet
and checking the brake fluid level » page 131, Engine compartment .
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates as a reminder for the driver and front passen-
ger to fasten seat belts.
The warning light
goes out , after the respective seat belt has been fas-
tened.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light flashes
and you will hear an
acoustic signal.
The warning signal is switched off and the indicator light remains perma-
nently illuminated if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their
seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Generator
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , when the engine is running, the vehicle
battery is not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. The electrical system re-
quires checking.
If the warning light (cooling system fault) lights up in addition to the
warning light while driving,
do not continue driving!
Stop the engine - there is a risk of engine damage! Seek help from a specialist garage.
Door open
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates , if one or several doors or luggage compart-
ment lid are opened.
Engine oil
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light flashes (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil pressure: Engine off! Log book!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 135 .
If the warning light
flashes do not drive any further , even if the oil level is
correct! Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light lights up (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Check oil level!
31Instruments and Indicator Lights
›Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 135 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds
. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on
again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light
flashes (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.
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
remains illuminated , until the engine reaches operating
temperature 1)
. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light
illuminates 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. Check engine coolant! Log book!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant lev-
el » page 137 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir » page 137.
If the warning light
does not illuminate , after adding coolant and switching
on the ignition, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the indicator light is still
illuminated , then there may be a malfunction of the cooling fan.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary » page 165, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the indicator light is never-
theless still illuminated,
do not continue your journey!
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNING■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurized – risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off.
CAUTION
■ Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Power steering
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the power steering sys-
tem.
The power steering operates with reduced steering assist or does not function
at all.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
flashes , to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ESC.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
or Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
1)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
32Using the system
If the warning light illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ESC might be switched off due to technical reasons.›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light
does not illuminate again after the engine is switched
on again, the ESC is fully functional again.
Further information » page 106, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indica-
tor light comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does
not go out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Traction control (ASR)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light
flashes , the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
If the warning light
illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ASR might be switched off due to technical reasons.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does
not illuminate any more after the engine is
switched on again, then the ASR is fully functional again.
Further information » page 106, Traction Control System (TCS) .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indica-
tor light comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does
not go out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. Antiblock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
In the event of an ABS fault, the other braking and stabilization systems are
turned off » page 106 , Braking and stabilisation systems .
WARNING■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!■
If the warning light
is displayed simultaneously with warning light
» page 31 ,
Brake system ,
do not continue your journey! Seek help
from a specialist garage.
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the rear fog light is switched on.
Lamp failure
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates if a lamp is faulty or if an external vehicle lamp
is faulty .
The warning light
illuminates within a few seconds after switching on the
ignition or when a light with a faulty lamp is switched on.
The following message, for example, may be shown in the MAXI DOT display. INFORMATION Check front right low beam!
33Instruments and Indicator Lights
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The
warning light only lights up if all bulbs in the parking light (in one rear light)
or the licence plate lighting are faulty 1)
. For this reason, regular check that
these light bulbs are working correctly.
Exhaust inspection system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the exhaust inspection
system. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates after the ignition has been turned on. Once
the light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
If the warning light
does not illuminate or does not illuminate continuous-
ly , there is a fault in the glow plug system.
If the warning light begins
to flash while driving, while driving, a fault exists
in the engine control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency
mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the engine control. The
system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a
regular basis.
If the warning light
illuminates , rust has accumulated in the filter.
To clean the filter, and where traffic conditions permit »
, drive as follows for
at least 15 minutes or until the indicator light
goes out.
4th or 5th gear engaged (automatic transmission: position S).
Vehicle speed at least 70 km/h.
Engine speed between 1,800-2,500 rpm.
If the filter is properly cleaned, the warning icon
goes out .
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light does
not go out and
the warning light begins to
flash.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Diesel particulate filter: Log book!
The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After switching the
ignition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light also
illumi-
nates .
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
WARNING■ The diesel particulate filter reaches very high temperatures - there is a
fire hazard and serious injury could be caused. Therefore, never stop the
vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come into contact
with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth, leaves, spilled
fuel or such like.■
Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic.
1)
Applies to vehicles with START-STOP system.
34Using the system