Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectric windows
44
Door opening lever
37
Central locking system
36
Air outlet
99
Parking ticket holder
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
53
›
Speed regulating system
157
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
180
›with pushbuttons for radio, navigation system phone and infor-
mation system
111, 126
Instrument cluster: Instruments, warning lights and display
10
Operating lever:
› Information system
23
›Windscreen wiper and wash system
61
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
99
Regulator for left seat heating
70
Button for hazard warning light system
56
Regulator for right seat heating
70
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
80
Front passenger airbag
180
Air outlet
99
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front
passenger storage compartment)
184
Door opening lever
3712345678910111213141516171819Electric exterior mirror adjustment65Light switch51
Bonnet release lever
208
Regulator for the instrument lighting and regulator for the head- light beam range adjustment
52, 52
Storage compartment on the driver's side
75
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
130
Driver’s knee airbag
181
Ignition lock
132
Pedals
139
Handbrake
138
Bars with buttons depending on the equipment fitted:
›
START STOP
159
›
Tyre control display
21
›
Traction control TCS
151
›
Electronic Stability Control ESC
150
›
Park Assist
153
›
Parking aid
152
›
Tailgate operation (Superb Combi)
42
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
138
›
Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
139
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Ashtrays
77
›
Storage compartment
76
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
184
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the air conditioning system
100
›Operating controls for Climatronic
103
Note
The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on
right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in » Fig. 1. The symbols on
the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models.2021222324252627282930313233349Cockpit
The menu item Vehicle status is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message exists. After selecting this menu, the
first of the error messages is displayed. Several error messages are shown on the
display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the first of a total of three
error messages is being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 16Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot» page 14Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty» page 18Thickness of brake pads» page 21Problem with engine oil pressure» page 14
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 maximum
permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot
A
symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the auto-
matic gearbox clutches is too high.
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 dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 56.Note■
If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 23 .■
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
15
Brake system
15
Seat belt warning light
15
Generator
16
Open door
16
Engine oil pressure
16
Coolant
16
Bonnet
17
Boot lid
17
Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
17
Engine oil level
18
Traction Control System (ASR)
18
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
18
Antilock brake system (ABS)
19
The rear fog light
19
Bulb failure
19
Adaptive headlights
19
Exhaust inspection system
19
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
19
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
20
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
20
Fuel reserve
20
Airbag system
21
Tyre pressure
21
14Using the system
Windscreen washer fluid level21 Pads21
Turn signal system
21
Low beam
22
Fog lights
22
Cruise control system
22
Selector lever lock/starting (KESSY system)
22
Main beam
22
The indicator lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
WARNING■ If illuminated indicator 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 206, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator 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 14.
The indicator 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 214 »
.
WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 56.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 206, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light is displayed simultaneously with warning light
» page 19 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident!
Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
The indicator light
comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The indicator light only
goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a perma-
nent warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simulta- neously the indicator light
flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
90 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the indicator light
lights up
permanently.
15Instruments and Indicator Lights
WARNING■If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 56.■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
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.
Bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
The indicator light
comes on if the bonnet is unlocked.
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 activate the hazard warning
light system » page 56.
Boot lid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light
comes on if the boot lid is opened.
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 activate the hazard warning
light system » page 56.
Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
Power steering
If the indicator light lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek help from a specialist garage.
If the indicator light lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Steering lock (KESSY system)
› While the indicator light
is flashing, the steering lock cannot be released. Fur-
ther information » page 37, KESSY .
› If the warning light
flashes, a signal tone sounds, and the following message
appears in the MAXI DOT-display Steering column lock: Workshop!) , the electri-
cal steering lock is faulty. Seek help from a specialist garage.
› If the warning light
flashes, a beep sounds and in the MAXI DOT display the
message Steering lock defective appears, then the electric steering lock is bro-
ken. Park the car,
do not continue the journey . After switching off the igni-
tion, it is then no longer possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical
components (e.g. radio, navigation system), to switch on the ignition again and to start the engine. Seek help from a specialist garage.
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 activate the hazard warning
light system » page 56.
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow indica-
tor light comes on after switching on the ignition. The indicator light must go
out after driving a short distance. Visit a specialist garage if the yellow warning
light stays on after having started the engine again and driving a short dis-
tance.
17Instruments and Indicator Lights
Engine oil levelFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light lights up (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 211 .
The indicator light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the indicator light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The indicator 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 indicator light flashes
several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
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 activate the hazard warning
light system » page 56.
Traction Control System (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light flashes
to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the indicator light
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the indicator light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
If the indicator light lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Further information » page 151, Traction Control System (TCS) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition. The indicator light should go out
after driving a short distance.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light flashes
to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the indicator 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. If the indicator light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light lights up
there is a fault in the ESC system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Further information » page 150, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition. The indicator light must go out
after driving a short distance.18Using the system
Information system
Driver information system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Using the information system
23
Ice warning
24
Gear recommendation
24
Door, boot lid or bonnet warning
25
Compass display
25
The information system provides the driver with alerts and messages about in-
dividual vehicle systems. This information and advice is shown in the instrument
cluster display or indicated by the lighting up of the corresponding warning light
in the instrument cluster.
The information system provides the following information.
› Ice warning
» page 24.
› Recommended gear
» page 24.
› Door, boot lid or bonnet warning
» page 25.
› Compass display
» page 25.
› Multi-function display (MFA)
» page 25.
› Warning against excessive speed
» page 27.
› MAXI DOT display
» page 28.
› Service interval display
» page 30.
› Auto Check Control
» page 13.
› Selector lever positions for an automatic gearbox
» page 140.WARNINGConcentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
Using the information system
Fig. 8
Buttons/dial: on the operating lever / on the multifunction steering
wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 23.
On vehicles with a segment display of the multi-function display
(MFA) » page 25 the information system can be controlled with the lever.
On vehicles with a MAXI DOT display » page 28 the information system can be
operated with the control lever and the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
23Information system
Recommended gear
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into an-
other gear is indicated in the display.
If the system recognises that it is beneficial to change gear, an arrow B
1) is dis-
played. The arrow points up or down, depending on whether you should shift into a higher or lower gear.
The gear recommendation is intended only for vehicles with a manual transmis-
sion or for vehicles with an automatic transmission in manual shift mode (Tiptron-
ic).
For vehicles with manual gearshifting,
C
indicates the recommended gear.
CAUTION
The driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different driving
situations, such as overtaking.
Door, boot lid or bonnet warning
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 23.
Vehicles with a MAXI DOT display
If at least one door, the boot or bonnet is open, the display indicates the relevant
open door, boot or bonnet vehicle icon.
An acoustic signal will also sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h.
Vehicles with a segment display
If at least one door or the boot or bonnet is open, the indicator lights
or
and
come on in the instrument cluster » page 14, Warning Lights .
Compass display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 23.
For vehicles with a factory fitted navigation system, an abbreviation for each
point of the compass (depending on the current direction of travel) is shown on
the top left-hand corner of the 2)
display.
The abbreviation for each point of the compass is displayed only when the igni-
tion is on.
Multifunction display (MFA)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Memory
26
Information overview
26
Warning against excessive speeds
28
The driving data is displayed on the multifunction display. The multifunction display can only be operated when the ignition is switched on.
After the ignition is switched on, the function that was last selected before
switching off the ignition is displayed.
For vehicles with a MAXI DOT display, the menu item MFA must be selected and
confirmed in the main menu » page 28, MAXI DOT display .
On vehicles with a MAXI DOT display, there is an option to fade out some of the
information » page 29, Settings .
1)
On vehicles with a segment display, the
B
arrow is displayed behind the
C
specification.
2)
Applies to vehicles using the MAXI DOT display.
25Information system
Fault in KESSY system
If there is a fault in the KESSY system, the following message will appear in the
display of the instrument cluster.
Keyless access system faulty.CHECK KEYLESS
Low voltage of the key battery
If the voltage of the battery in the remote control key is too low, the following
message appears in the display of the instrument cluster.
Change the key battery!
KEY BATTERY
Change the key battery » page 239!
Parking vehicle
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 37.
If the vehicle is not unlocked within 60 hours/ 90 hours, the sensors in the handleof the driver /front passenger's door are deactivated automatically » Fig. 14 on
page 34.
Activation after 60 hours
›
Unlock the driver's door using the sensor
2
» Fig. 14 on page 34.
›
Press the handle of the boot lid.
›
Unlock the vehicle using the symbol button
on the remote control key.
›
Unlocking the driver's door in an emergency » page 240.
Activation after 90 hours
›
Unlock the vehicle using the symbol button
on the remote control key.
›
Unlocking the driver's door in an emergency » page 240.
Anti-theft alarm system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating/deactivating
39
Interior monitor and towing protection
39
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people
seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning
signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle (hereafter referred to only
as alarm).
An alarm is triggered when the following monitored areas of the vehicle have a
fault.
› Bonnet.
› Boot lid.
› Doors.
› Ignition lock.
› Vehicle inclination
» page 39.
› Interior of car
» page 39.
› A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply.
› Socket of the factory-fitted towing device
» page 162, Towing a trailer .
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
The alarm is switched off by unlocking the vehicle or switching on the ignition.
CAUTION
Before leaving the vehicle, it must be checked that all of the doors and windows
including the sliding/tilting roof are locked in order to ensure the full functionality
of the anti-theft alarm system.
Note
The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.
38Using the system