Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
6
Driving safety
6
Safety equipment
6
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 6 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 wiper 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 21 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 7, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 6 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 6 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiter for front and outer rear seats.
› Belt tensioner for front and outer rear seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Driver’s knee airbag.
6Safety
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
28
Revolutions counter
29
Speedometer
29
Coolant temperature gauge
29
Display
29
Fuel gauge
30
Counter for distance driven
30
30
Display of the second speed
31
Display in rear centre console
31
Auto Check Control
31
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster, the Error message will appear in
the display. Have the fault rectified as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully
responsible for road safety.■
Never operate the controls in the instrument cluster while driving - risk of
accident. Operate the controls only when the vehicle is at a standstill.
OverviewFig. 20
Instrument cluster
Read and observe
on page 28 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 29
› with warning lights
» page 32
Speedometer » page 29
› with warning lights
» page 32
Button for display mode:
› Time settings
» page 30
› Enable/disable the display of the second speed 1)
» page 31
› Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remain-
ing until the next service 1)
» page 46
Coolant temperature gauge » page 29
Display » page 29
Fuel gauge » page 30
Button for: › Reset trip meter
» page 30
› Setting the time
» page 30
› enable / disable the mode selected by means of the
3
key
12345671)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
28Operation
Display of the second speedRead and observe
on page 28 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 45 , Settings .
Segment display
›
Press key
3
» Fig. 20 on page 28 repeatedly, until the odometer display
flashes » page 30 .
›
Press the
7
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.
Display in rear centre console
Fig. 25
Centre console at rear: Display
Read and observe on page 28 first.
The time and the outside temperature is displayed on the display in the rear
centre console when the ignition is switched on » Fig. 25.
The values are taken over by the instrument cluster.
Auto Check Control
Read and observe
on page 28 first.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition 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 32,
Warning 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. Several error messages are shown
on the display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the first of a to-
tal of three error messages is being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT display
Engine oil pressure too low» page 34Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are
too hot» page 31Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 35Thickness of brake pads» page 38Problem with engine oil pressure» page 31
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
If the symbol appears in the MAXI DOT display, this indicates that the tem-
perature of the automatic DSG gearbox clutched is too high.
1)
For models with the speedometer in mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
31Instruments 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 activate the hazard
warning lights system » page 70. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed 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 40 .■
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
33
Brake system
33
Seat belt warning light
33
Generator
33
Door open
34
Engine oil pressure
34
Coolant
34
Bonnet
34
Boot lid
34
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
34
Engine oil level
35
Traction Control System (ASR)
35
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
35 Antilock brake system (ABS)36 Rear fog light36
Lamp failure
36
Adaptive headlights (AFS)
36
Exhaust inspection system
36
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
36
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
37
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
37
Fuel reserve
37
Airbag system
38
Tyre inflation pressure
38
Windscreen washer fluid level
38
Pads
38
Turn signal system
38
Low beam
39
Fog lights
39
Cruise control system
39
Selector lever lock / starter (system KESSY)
39
Main beam
39
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 illuminate briefly as a
function 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.
32Operation
WARNING■Ignoring illuminated warning lights and related messages or instructions
in the display of the instrument cluster 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 activate the hazard
warning lights system » page 70. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed 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 182, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 33 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 33 first.
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 189 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light is displayed simultaneously with warning light
» page 36 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , do not continue your
journey! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet
and checking the brake fluid level » page 182, Engine compartment .
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The warning light
illuminates as a reminder for the driver and front passen-
ger to fasten seat belts.
The indicator light
goes off after the respective seat belt is fastened.
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 of and the indicator light is
permanently lit if
the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the
next 90 seconds.
Generator
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
If the warning light
illuminates when the engine is running, the vehicle bat-
tery is not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. The electrical system re-
quires checking.
CAUTION
If the warning light (cooling system fault) lights up in addition to the
warning light while driving, do not continue to drive! Stop the engine -
there is a risk of engine damage! Seek help from a specialist garage.33Instruments and Indicator Lights
Door openRead and observe
on page 33 first.
The indicator light
illuminates if one or several doors are opened.
Engine oil pressure
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
When the warning light is flashing
, the engine oil pressure is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Log book!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 186 .
If the warning light flashes,
do not drive any further , even if the oil level is
correct! Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
If the warning light
lights up 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 188 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir » page 188.
If the indicator light
does not illuminate after adding coolant and switching
on the ignition, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the indicator light is still
illuminated, then there may be a malfunction of the cooling fan.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary » page 217, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the indicator light is still
illuminated , do not continue your journey!
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNING■ 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.
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.
Bonnet
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The indicator light
illuminates if the bonnet is unlocked.
Boot lid
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The indicator light
illuminates if the boot lid is opened.
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Power steering
If the indicator light
illuminates , this indicates a partial failure of the power
steering and the steering forces can be greater.
If the indicator light
illuminates , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
›
Stop the car, turn the ignition off and on again.
The powered steering is fully functional again if the
or
warning light does
not illuminate after you switch the engine back on.
34Operation
If the warning light or illuminates again, then immediately obtain help
from an authorised dealer.
Steering lock (KESSY system)
As long as the warning light
is flashing , the steering lock cannot be re-
leased.
If the warning light
flashes , a signal tone sounds, and the following mes-
sage appears in the MAXI DOT- display steering column lock. If Workshop! ap-
pears the electrical steering lock is faulty. Seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage immediately.
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
broken. Park the car,
do not continue the journey . After switching off the
ignition, it is then no longer possible to lock the steering, to activate the elec-
trical components (e.g. radio, navigation system), to switch on the ignition
again and to start the engine. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
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 engine oil lev-
el » page 186 .
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 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 warning light flashes several
times and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The warning light
flashes to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
If the warning light
illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ASR might be switched off due to technical reasons.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
The ASR is fully functional again if the warning light
no longer illuminates
after you switch the engine back on.
Further information » page 152.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The warning light
flashes to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ESC.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
35Instruments and Indicator Lights
If the warning light illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ESC might be switched off due to technical reasons.›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
The ESC is fully functional again if the warning light
no longer illuminates
after you switch the engine back on.
Further information » page 151.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ABS.
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.
WARNING■ If the warning light is displayed at the same time as the warning light
» page 33 , Brake system , do not continue your journey! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the rear fog light is switched on.
Lamp failure
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The indicator light
illuminates if a lamp is faulty .
The indicator 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!
Adaptive headlights (AFS)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
If the indicator light
flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching on
the ignition, there is a problem with the adaptive headlights.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Cornering light (AFS) has no function. Log book!
When the AFS mode “tourist light” (travel mode) is active » page 69, the
warning light flashes
for 10 seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
Exhaust inspection system
Read and observe
on page 33 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 33 first.
The warning light
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on . Once
the light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the indicator light
does not come
on at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light begins to
flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
36Operation