Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
This Owner's Manual has been systematically designed to make it easy for you
to search for and obtain the information you require.
Chapters, table of contents and subject index
The text of the Owner's manual is divided into relatively short sections which
are combined into easy-to-read chapters. The chapter you are reading at any
particular moment is always specified on the bottom right of the page.
The Table of contents is arranged according to the chapters and the detailed
Subject index at the end of the Owner's Manual helps you to rapidly find the
information you are looking for.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the direction of travel of the vehicle.
Units
All values are expressed in metric units.
Explanation of symbolsDenotes a reference to a section with important information and safety
advice in a chapter.Denotes the continuation of a section on the next page.Indicates situations where the vehicle must be stopped as soon as
possible.®Denotes a registered trademark.Indicates the texts displayed in the MAXI DOT screen.Indicates the texts shown in the segment display.
Display
In this owner's manual, the screen on the MAXI DOT display is used as the dis-
play illustration, provided it is not otherwise stated.
NotesWARNINGThe most important notes are marked with the heading WARNING. These
WARNING notes draw your attention to a serious risk of accident or injury .
CAUTION
A Caution note draws your attention to the possibility of damage to your vehicle
(e.g. damage to gearbox), or points out general risks of an accident.
For the sake of the environment
An Environmental note draws your attention to environmental protection as-
pects. This is where you will, for example, find tips aimed at reducing your fuel
consumption.
Note
A normal Note draws your attention to important information about the opera-
tion of your vehicle. 5JJ012720AB
Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Safety
Passive Safety
6
General information
6
Correct and safe seated position
7
Seat belts
10
Using seat belts
10
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
13
Airbag system
14
Description of the airbag system
14
Airbag overview
15
Deactivating airbags
18
Transporting children safely
20
Child seat
20
Fastening systems
22
Using the system
Cockpit
25
Overview
24
Instruments and Indicator Lights
26
Instrument cluster
26
Indicator lights
30
Information system
37
Driver information system
37
Multifunction display (MFD)
39
MAXI DOT display
42
Service interval display
43
Unlocking and opening
45
Unlocking and locking
45
Anti-theft alarm system
49Luggage compartment lid50Electric power windows51
Lights and visibility
53
Lights
53
Interior lighting
58
Visibility
59
Windscreen wipers and washers
60
Rear mirror
62
Seats and head restraints
64
Seats and head restraints
64
Seat features
66
Transporting and practical equipment
68
Useful equipment
68
Luggage compartment
75
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
80
Roof rack system
83
Heating and air conditioning
84
Heating, ventilation, cooling
84
Communication and multimedia
89
Universal telephone installation GSM II
89
Voice control
93
Multimedia
94
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
97
Starting and turning off the engine
97
Brakes and parking
99
Manual gear changing and pedals
100
Automatic gearbox
101
Driving in an economical driving style
104
Driving through water and driving off made-
up roads
105Assist systems106Braking and stabilisation systems106
Parking aid
107
Cruise Control System
108
START-STOP
109
Hitch and trailer
112
Hitch
112
Trailer
116
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
119
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
119
Washing vehicle
122
Cleaning vehicle exterior
123
Interior care
126
Inspecting and replenishing
129
Fuel
129
Engine compartment
131
Engine oil
134
Coolant
136
Brake fluid
137
Vehicle battery
138
Wheels
142
Tyres and wheel rims
142
Tyre control display
145
Reserve and temporary spare wheel
146
Winter operation
147
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
149
Emergency equipment
149
Changing a wheel
151
Tyre repair
155
Jump-starting
157
Towing the vehicle
1583Table of Contents
AbbreviationsAbbreviationDefinitionrpmEngine revolutions per minuteA2DPa Bluetooth software profile for a one-way transfer of audio
dataABSAnti-lock brake systemAGAutomatic gearboxAGMVehicle battery typeTCSTraction controlCO 2 in g/kmdischarged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven
kilometreDPFDiesel particle filterDSGAutomatic double clutch gearboxEDLElectronic differential lockECEEconomic Commission for EuropeEPCEPC fault lightESCElectronic Stability ControlEUEuropean UnionGSMGlobal System for Mobile communicationsHBAHydraulic brake assistHHCUphill start assistkWKilowatt, measuring unit for the engine outputMDIInputs for connecting external devicesMFDMultifunction displayMGManual gearboxMPIGasoline engine with a multi-point fuel injectionN1Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta-
tion of goodsNmNewton meter, measuring unit for the engine torquePINpersonal identification numberSIM carda card for the identification of the mobile network operatorAbbreviationDefinitionTDI CRDiesel engine with turbo charging and common rail injection
systemTSIPetrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection5Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectric window levers
52
Door opening lever
49
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
63
Air outlet vents
85
Parking ticket holder
69
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher
55
› Speed regulating system
108
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
15
›with push-buttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone
89
› with buttons for the operation of the information system
37
Instrument cluster
26
Operating lever:
› Windscreen wiper and wash system
61
›Information System
37
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
85
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Button for hazard warning light system
57
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
18
Interior rear-view mirror
62
Key switch for switching off the passenger airbag (in front pas-
senger storage compartment)
18
Front passenger airbag
15
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
73
Air outlet vents
85
Power window in the front passenger door
5112345678910111213141516171819Door opening lever49
Light switch and headlight beam control (on the dash panel)
53, 54
Bonnet release lever
132
Fuse box in the dashboard
164
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
8
Ignition lock
98
Pedals
101
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
›
Seat heater on the front left seat
66
›
TCS
106
›
Central locking system
48
›
Rear window heater
59
›
START - STOP
109
›
Seat heater on the front right seat
66
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
101
›Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
102
Handbrake lever
100
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Cup holder
70
›Multimedia holder
72
›Ashtray
71
Storage compartment
69
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
86
›Operating controls for the air conditioning system
86
›Operating controls for Climatronic
87
Note
The arrangement of the controls right-hand drive models may differ from the
layout shown in » Fig. 18 . The symbols on the controls and switches are the
same as for left-hand drive models.2021222324252627282930313225Cockpit
Revolution counterRead and observe
on page 26 first.
The tachometer
1
» Fig. 19 on page 26 shows the actual engine speed per mi-
nute.
The beginning of the red scale range of the tachometer indicates the maxi-
mum permitted engine speed of a driven-in and operating warm engine.
You should shift into the next highest gear before the red scale of the revolu- tion counter is reached, or select mode D on the automatic gearbox.
The gear recommendation is important to note in order to maintain the opti-
mum engine speed » page 38.
CAUTION
The pointer of the tachometer must reach the red area for only a short time -
there is a risk of engine damage!
Display
Fig. 20
Display types
Read and observe on page 26 first.
Display types » Fig. 20
Segment display
MAXI DOT display.
The following information will be displayed.
› Distance travelled
» page 28
› Time
» page 29
›Details of the information system
» page 37
› Details of the service interval display
» page 43
CAUTION
Pull out the ignition key if coming in contact with the display (e.g. when clean-
ing) to prevent any possible damage.
Speedometer
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
The speedometer
3
» Fig. 19 on page 26 displays the current speed in km/h or
mph.
Warning at excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/
h 1)
. The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls be-
low 120 km/h.
Coolant temperature gauge
Fig. 21
Coolant temperature gauge
Read and observe on page 26 first.
The display » Fig. 21 provides information on the engine coolant temperature.
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
In vehicles with a segment display, the coolant temperature is indicated only by the lighting up or going out of one of the warning lights » page 32,
Coolant .
1)
This function only applies to certain countries.
27Instruments and Indicator Lights
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
Windscreeen washer fluidRead and observe
on page 30 first.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light
illumi-
nates .
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 134, Windscreen washer system .
Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Either the left or the right
warning light
flashes depending on the position
of the turn signal lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of
the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the fog lights are operating.
Cruise control system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the cruise control is active » page 108.
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , operate the brake pedal.
Main beam
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the main beam or the headlight flasher
is operated.
36Using the system