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Driving and operating141
1000 kg a speed of 50 mph must not
be exceeded; the use of a stabiliser is recommended.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more
slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 217.
Trailer towing Trailer loads The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %The permitted trailer loads apply up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases as altitude increases due to the airbecoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 197.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (vehicles with 1.2
engine: 45 kg, other engines: 55 kg)
is specified on the towing equipment
identification plate and in the vehicledocuments. Always aim for the
maximum load, especially in the case
of heavy trailers. The vertical coupling load should never fall below 25 kg.
Rear axle load When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) for passenger vehicles
may be exceeded by 45 kg and the
gross vehicle weight rating by 50 kg
(on vehicles with 1.2 engine and
specific rear axle application: 30 kg).
For vans the permitted rear axle load
may be exceeded by 25 kg. The
permitted total load may be exceeded
by the following amounts with the
engines specified below:A10XEP=30 kgA12XEL, A12XER=25 kgA13DTR=40 kgA13DTE, A13DTC=35 kg
Trailer operation is not permitted for
vans with tyre size 215/45 R 17.
Page 147 of 231

Vehicle care145Vehicle careGeneral Information...................145
Vehicle checks ........................... 146
Bulb replacement .......................153
Electrical system ........................166
Vehicle tools .............................. 170
Wheels and tyres .......................172
Jump starting ............................. 187
Towing ....................................... 189
Appearance care .......................191General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend using genuine parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
The following must be carried out if
the vehicle is to be stored for several
months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change engine oil.
■ Drain washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park vehicle in dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or reverse gear
or set selector lever to P. Prevent
the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply parking brake.
Page 152 of 231

150Vehicle careBrakesA squealing noise indicates that the
brake lining is at its minimum
thickness. Continued driving is
possible but have the brake lining
replaced as soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks.
If fluid level is below MIN seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 195.
Vehicle battery Vehicles without stop-start system
will be equipped with a lead acid
battery. Vehicles with stop-start
system will be equipped with an
AGM battery which is not a lead acid
battery.
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
4 weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.
Page 163 of 231
Vehicle care161
5. Gently press the three lockinglugs on the outside of the bulb
holder outwards and remove bulb
holder.
6. Push bulb into socket slightly, rotate anti-clockwise, remove and
renew bulb.
Rear fog light, may be only on one side ( 1)
Reverse light ( 2)
Turn signal light ( 3)
Tail light/side light ( 4)
Tail light/brake light ( 5)
7. Engage bulb holder in bulb
housing, ensuring that it properly
engages.
8. Ensure that the bulb holder seal is
positioned as illustrated.
9. Insert bulb housing in vehicle body, tighten securing nuts by
hand. Engage plug connector.
Close cover.
After bulb replacement, check the tail lights for proper functionality: switch
on the ignition, operate the brake,
switch on the sidelights.
Page 165 of 231

Vehicle care163
5. Gently press the three lockinglugs on the outside of the bulb
holder outwards and remove bulb
holder.
6. Push bulb into socket slightly, rotate anti-clockwise, remove and
renew bulb.
Reverse light (right side), rear fog
light (left side) ( 1)
Tail light ( 2)
Turn signal light ( 3)
Tail light/brake light ( 4)
Tail light ( 5)
7. Engage bulb holder in bulb
housing, ensuring that it properly
engages.
8. Ensure that the bulb holder seal is
positioned as illustrated. Fit the
round seal on the fastening bolt.
9. Insert bulb housing in vehicle body, and tighten securing nuts byhand. Engage plug connector.
Close and lock cover.
After bulb replacement, check the tail
lights for proper functionality: switch
on the ignition, operate the brake,
switch on the sidelights.
Side turn signal lights
To replace bulb, remove lamp
housing:
1. On left vehicle side, slide lamp to the front and remove it out of the
front wing with the rear end.
On right vehicle side, slide lamp to
the rear and remove it out of the front wing with the front end.
Page 171 of 231
Vehicle care169
In right-hand drive vehicles, the fuse
box is located behind a cover in the
glovebox. Open the glovebox and
remove the cover. To close, first put
on the cover, then lock it into position.
No.Circuit1–2Instruments, info-display3Radio4Ignition switch5Windscreen washer system6Central locking system, tailgate7Central locking system8–9Courtesy lightNo.Circuit10Electrical power steering11Light switch, brake light12ABS, brake light13Heated steering wheel14Park assist, rain sensor, interior mirror
Load compartment fuse
box
Page 179 of 231

Vehicle care177Wheel coversWheel covers and tyres that are
factory approved for the respective
vehicle and comply with all of the
relevant wheel and tyre combination
requirements must be used.
If the wheel covers and tyres used are
not factory approved, the tyres must
not have a rim protection ridge.
Wheel covers must not impair brake
cooling.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel
covers could lead to sudden
pressure loss and thereby
accidents.
Tyre chains
Tyre chains are only permitted on the
front wheels.
Always use fine mesh chains that add no more than 10 mm to the tyre tread
and the inboard sides (including chain lock).
9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.
Tyre chains are only permitted on tyre
sizes 175/70 R 14, 185/60 R 15,
185/65 R 15 2)
, 185/70 R 14,
195/55 R 16 2)
and 205/50 R16.
Tyre chains are only approved on
tyres of size 185/60 R 15 on vehicles
with a sports chassis. We recommend that you contact a workshop in order
to find out whether your vehicle is
equipped with a sports chassis.
Tyre chains are not permitted on tyre
sizes 195/60 R 15, 215/45 R 17 and
225/35 R18.
The use of tyre chains is not permitted on the temporary spare wheel.
Tyre repair kit Minor damage to the tyre tread can be
repaired with the tyre repair kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies from
the tyres.
Tyre damage exceeding 4 mm or that
is at the tyre's side wall near the rim
cannot be repaired with the tyre repair kit.2) Not permitted when used as winter tyres.
Page 180 of 231
178Vehicle care9Warning
Do not drive faster than 50 mph.
Do not use for a lengthy period.
Steering and handling may be
affected.
If you have a flat tyre:
Apply the parking brake and engage
first gear, reverse gear or P.
The tyre repair kit is stowed in the load
compartment.
Depending on the equipment, the tyre repair kit is in a compartment in the
right sidewall or in a compartment
under the floor cover.
Vehicles with tyre repair kit in
the sidewall
To open the compartment, disengage the cover and open it.
1. Take the sealant bottle and bracket with air hose from the
insert.