Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
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 8 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 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 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 8 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.
› Head airbags.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the ISOFIX system.
8Safety
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
30
Revolution counter
31
Display
31
Speedometer
31
Coolant temperature gauge
32
Fuel gauge
32
Counter for distance driven
33
33
Display of the second speed
33
Auto Check Control
33
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. 20
Instrument cluster - Version 1
Fig. 21
Instrument cluster - Version 2
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 31
› with warning lights
» page 34
Display » page 31
121)
Applies to cars with the instrument cluster - Version 1.
30Using the system
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 34,
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 displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 36Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 36Problem with the engine oil pressure» page 34Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are
too hot» page 34
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.
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 symbol extinguishes – 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 62. 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 42, Using the information
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
35
Brake system
35
Seat belt warning light
35
Generator
35
Door open
36
Engine oil
36
Coolant
36
Power steering
37
Stability Control (ESC)
37
Traction control (ASR)
37
Antilock brake system (ABS)
37
Rear fog light
38
Bulb failure
38
Exhaust inspection system
38
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
38
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
38
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
38
Fuel reserve
39
Airbag system
39
34Using the system
Tyre inflation pressure40 Windscreen washer fluid40
Turn signal system
40
Fog lights
40
Cruise control system
41
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
41
Main beam
41
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 62. 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 141, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
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 35 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 148 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light illuminates simultaneously with warning light
» page 37 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , do not continue your
journey! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the braking system or the ABS system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 35 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 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the engine is running, the vehicle bat-
tery is not being charged.
35Instruments and Indicator Lights
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
If in addition to the warning light the warning light » page 36 illumi-
nates while driving, stop driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch
off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Door open
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates , if one or several doors or luggage compart-
ment lid are opened.
Engine oil
Read and observe
on page 35 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 145 .
› If the oil pressure is too low, top up the engine oil
» page 146.
If the oil level is within the specified range and the warning light flashes
again after the engine is started,
do not continue driving!
Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
The warning light illuminates (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 engine oil lev-
el » page 145 .
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.
CAUTION
Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with engine oil
under the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance
from a specialist garage.
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 35 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 coolant! Log book!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant lev-
el » page 147 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir » page 147.
If the warning light
does not illuminate , after adding coolant and switching
on the ignition, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant is within the specified range and the warning light is still
illu-
minated after switching on the ignition, then there may be a malfunction of
the cooling fan.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary » page 175, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are OK and the warning light
illuminates
again after switching on the ignition, do not continue driving!
1)
Applies to cars with the instrument cluster - Version 2.
36Using the system
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 113, 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
illuminates simultaneously with warning light
» page 35 ,
Brake system ,
do not continue your journey! Seek help
from a specialist garage.
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the rear fog light is switched on.
Bulb failure
Read and observe
on page 35 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!
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The
warning light only illuminates 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 35 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 35 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 35 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 35 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.
1)
Applies to vehicles with START-STOP system.
38Using the system
WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized company.
Tyre inflation pressure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light is illuminated
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it means one of the tyres has
undergone a pressure change.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
›
Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressure » page 153 .
›
Correct the tyre pressure, if necessary or replace the affected
wheel » page 160 or use the repair kit » page 164.
›
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 119.
The warning light flashes for about 1 min. and remains illuminated
If the warning light flashes for approximately 1 min. and remains on, there
may be a fault in the tyre pressure monitoring system.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light flashes after starting the engine again, there is a system
error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The illumination of the warning light can have the following reasons.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› A wheel has been changed.
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 119.
CAUTIONUnder certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light in the instrument cluster may be delayed or not
light up at all.
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indica-
tor light comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does
not go out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in
the system. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Windscreen washer fluid
Read and observe
on page 35 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 143, Windscreen washer system .
Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 35 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 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the fog lights are operating.
40Using the system
Cruise control systemRead and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the cruise control is active » page 115.
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , operate the brake pedal.
Main beam
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the main beam or the headlight flasher
is operated.
Information system
Driver information system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Using the information system
42
Display a low temperature
42
Gear recommendation
43
Door, boot or engine compartment warning
43
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 indi-
cated by the illumination of the corresponding indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
The information system provides the following information and instructions
(depending on vehicle equipment).
› Data relating to the multi-function display (MFD)
» page 43.
› Data relating to the Maxi DOT display
» page 46.
› Service interval display
» page 47.
› Auto Check Control
» page 33.
› Selector lever positions for an automatic gearbox
» page 109.
WARNINGConcentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.41Information system