Button for:› Reset trip meter
» page 32
› Set hours/minutes
› Enable/disable the mode selected by means of button 5
Fuel gauge 1)
» page 31
Engine revolutions counter
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The red scale range of the rev counter
1
» Fig. 20 on page 30 indicates the
range in which the engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The
engine control unit restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolu-
tion counter is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is
fitted with an automatic gearbox.
To maintain the optimum motor speed, observe the gearshift indica-
tor » page 32 .
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up in good time has the following benefits.■It helps to reduce fuel consumption.■
It reduces engine noise.
■
It protects the environment.
■
It benefits the life and reliability of the engine.
Speedometer
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Warning against speeding
An audible warning will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h 2)
. The
audible warning is switched off once the vehicle speed falls below 120 km/h.
67Coolant temperature gauge display
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The coolant temperature gauge
4
» Fig. 20 on page 30 works only when the
ignition is switched on.
In vehicles with a segment display, the coolant temperature is indicated only
by one of the warning lights » page 41,
Coolant coming on or going off.
Cold range
The pointer in the left of the scale indicates that the engine has not yet
reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the middle of the scale. At very high ambient temperatures or un-
der heavy engine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
The coolant temperature is too high if the pointer reaches the red area of the
scale. Further information » page 41.
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.
Fuel gauge
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The fuel gauge
7
» Fig. 20 on page 30 only works when the ignition is switch-
ed on.
The fuel remaining is displayed in the segment display on vehicles with the
segment display.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres. The warning light lights up
when the fuel level reaches the reserve range
» page 44 .
1)
Applies for vehicles using the MAXI DOT display.
2)
This function is only enabled in certain countries.
31Instruments and Indicator Lights
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop. Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the
icon goes out –
there is a risk of gearbox damage. You can continue your journey as soon as
the icon disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights system » page 63.
Note
■
Warning messages shown in the MAXI DOT display must be confirmed with
button B » Fig. 25 on page 37 to call up the main menu.■
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.
Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
39
Brake system
40
Seat belt warning light
40
Generator
40
Open door
40
Engine oil
40
Coolant
41
Power steering
42
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
42
Traction Control System (ASR)
42
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
42
The rear fog light
43
Bulb failure
43
Exhaust inspection system
43
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
43 EPC fault light (petrol engine)43 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)43
Fuel reserve
44
Airbag system
44
Tyre pressure
45
Windscreen washer fluid level
45
Traction control (TCS) switched off
45
Turning signal system
46
Low beam
46
Fog lights
46
Cruise control system
46
Selector lever lock
46
Main beam
46
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by
audible signals.
WARNING■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and
warning 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
observe safety notes » page 145, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
The warning 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!
39Instruments and Indicator Lights
The warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on 1)
.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev- el » page 149 .
Even if the oil level is correct,
do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light
lights up yellow (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 149 .
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
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 yellow (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 help from a specialist garage.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights system » page 63.
CAUTION
The red oil pressure light is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop. Coolant
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
The
indicator light remains lit until the engine reaches operating tempera-
ture 2)
. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light
lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is
too high or the coolant level is too low.
An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the cool-
ant » page 151 , and refill the coolant if necessary » page 151.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the ra-
diator fan, replace if necessary » page 177, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light
does not go off even though
the coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNING■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 63.■
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 - a danger of injury is present!
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.
1)
The warning light does not light up in vehicles fitted with the MAXI DOT display when the ignition is
switched on, but only if there is a fault or the engine oil level is too low.
2)
Not on vehicles with the MAXI DOT display.
41Instruments and Indicator Lights
Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
108
Handbrake
109WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an accident.
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 113.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and
shift into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will
be used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be
completed intermittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv- ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 40,
Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.108Driving
Starting-off and drivingRead and observe
and on page 110 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 110 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever into the position P and then release the locking but-
ton.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve maximum acceleration by your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – there is a risk of an accident.Malfunction
Read and observe
and on page 110 first.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in
the automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following:
› Only certain gears are selected.
› Reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may, for example, become too hot due to frequent repeated
starting or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning
light » page 38 ,
Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
.
Note
Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-
gramme.
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
Fig. 112
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
Read and observe and on page 110 first.
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driv-
en.
The selector lever emergency unlocking procedure is as follows.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
112Driving
The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicle
and the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing
equipment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific
values are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ The maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not exceed - this could cause an accident!■
A sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safe-
ty - there is a risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
The speed must be reduced immediately if the needle for the coolant tempera-
ture gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light in the instrument cluster
starts to flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 151,
Checking the coolant level .
Further information » page 41,
Coolant
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
Note
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-
tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 53 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
equipment.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system
is activated.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.131Hitch and trailer
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy
motorway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a
high mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is
too low » page 40 ,
Engine oil . Check the oil level using the dipstick as
soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must never be above the A range » Fig. 136 – there is a risk of
damaging the exhaust system!
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 148 first.
›
Check the oil level » page 149.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 134 on page 147 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 148 , Specifications and capacity .
›
Check the oil level » page 149.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
151
Checking the coolant level
151
Replenishing
151
The coolant consists of water with coolant additive. This mixture guarantees
antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system against corrosion
and prevents lime formation.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40%.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50%.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the con-
centration of coolant additive can be increased up to a maximum of 60% (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze identified on the coolant expan-
sion vessel » Fig. 137 on page 151 .WARNINGThe 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 145.
CAUTION
■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the coolant under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
ventilate - there is a risk of engine damage,
do not continue driving! Switch
off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 137 on page 151 .
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist
garage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.
■
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.
150General Maintenance
Preparations for using the breakdown kitRead and observe
on page 170 first.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the puncture
repair kit.
›
Have all the occupants get out. The passengers should not stand on the
road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for instance) while
the wheel is being changed.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Engage the 1st gear or place the selector lever of the automatic transmission
in the P-position .
›
Apply the handbrake firmly.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 169.
›
Uncouple a trailer.
›
Remove the
breakdown kit from the boot.
›
Stick the appropriate sticker
2
» Fig. 152 on page 170 onto the dashboard in
the driver's field of view.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
1
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean
surface (rag, paper, etc.).
Sealing and inflating the tyre
Read and observe
on page 170 first.
Sealing
›
Shake the tyre inflator bottle
10
» Fig. 152 on page 170 vigorously several
times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflator bottle
10
in a clock-
wise direction. The film on the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
1
.
Inflating
›
Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose
5
» Fig. 152 on page 170 firmly
onto the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve
7
is closed.
› Start the engine and run it in idle.›Plug the connector 9 into 12 Volt socket
» page 82, 12-volt power outlet .›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
8
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved.
Maximum run time of 8 minutes » .
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
5
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
5
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this
means the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the breakdown kit »
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is reached, the journey may be continued
at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
WARNING■ If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage
sustained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the
tyre.
Do not drive the vehicle any further! Seek help from a specialist ga-
rage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is be-
ing inflated – there is a risk of burning.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – there is a
risk of overheating. Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before
switching it on again.
Notes for driving with tyre repaired
Read and observe
on page 170 first.
The inflation pressure of the repaired tyre must be checked after driving for 10
minutes.
171Emergency equipment and self-help