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 23 , 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.
› Driver’s knee airbag.
8Safety
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
30
Revolutions counter
31
Speedometer
31
Coolant temperature gauge
31
Display
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.OverviewFig. 23
Instrument cluster
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 31
› with warning lights
» page 34
Speedometer » page 31
› with warning lights
» page 34
Button for display mode:
› Time settings
» page 33
› Enable/disable the display of the second speed 1)
» page 33
› Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remain-
ing until the next service 1)
» page 49
Coolant temperature gauge » page 31
Display » page 32
Fuel gauge » page 32
Button for: › Reset counter for distance travelled (trip)
» page 33
› Setting the time
› Enable / disable the mode selected by means of the
3
key
12345671)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
30Using the system
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 37Check engine oil level
Engine oil sensor defective» page 184Problem with engine oil pressure» page 34Water in fuel filter (diesel engine).» page 34Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG
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.
Water in the fuel filter (diesel engine)
The fuel filter with water separator, filters out dirt and water from the fuel.
If too much water is present in the separator, the following information ap-
pears on the instrument cluster display.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display .
Water in fuel filter. Owner's manual!
The following message appears only in the segment display. FUEL FILTER SEE MANUAL
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Automatic DSG gearbox couplings too hot
A symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the au-
tomatic gearbox DSG clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Gearbox overheating. Stop! Owner's manual!
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 light system » page 68. 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 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.
Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
35
Brake system
35
Seat belt warning light
35
Alternator
36
Door open
36
Coolant
36
Boot lid
36
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
36
Engine oil
37
Traction Control System (ASR)
37
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
38
Traction control (ASR) switched off
38
Antilock brake system (ABS)
38
Rear fog light
38
Lamp failure
38
Adaptive headlights (AFS)
39
Exhaust inspection system
39
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
39
34Using the system
Check engine electronics (petrol engine)39 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)39
Fuel reserve
40
Airbag system
40
Tyre pressure
40
Windscreen washer fluid level
41
Turn-signal system
41
Fog lights
41
Cruise control system
41
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
41
OFF ROADmode
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 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 switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 68. 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 180, 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
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: Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 186 .
If the warning light lights up together with the warning light
, there is a
problem with the ABS.
WARNING■ If the warning light lights up together with the warning light
» page 38 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , stop driving! 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!
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 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.
35Instruments and Indicator Lights
AlternatorRead and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
lights up when the engine is running but the vehicle bat-
tery is not charging.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
If in addition to the symbol the symbol » page 36 lights up while driving,
stop driving - risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek assis-
tance from a specialist garage.
Door open
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The indicator light
illuminates if one or several doors are opened.
On vehicles with MAXI DOT display, this indicator is replaced by a vehicle icon
on the display » page 44 .
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 35 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 engine coolant! Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the coolant lev-
el » page 185 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir » page 186.
If the indicator 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 icon is still
lit
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 216, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are OK and the warning icon
lights up again
after switching on the ignition,
stop driving!
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 - risk of injury!
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.
Boot lid
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The indicator light
illuminates if the boot lid is opened.
On vehicles with MAXI DOT display, this indicator is replaced by a vehicle icon
on the display » page 44 .
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Power steering
If the indicator light
illuminates , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
If the indicator light
illuminates , this indicates a partial failure of the power
steering and the steering forces can be greater.
›
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.
36Using the system
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: 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 column lock faulty. appears, then the electric steering lock
is broken. Park the vehicle, stop driving
. After switching off the ignition, it is
then no longer possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical compo-
nents (e.g. radio, navigation system), to switch on the ignition again and to
start the engine. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition. 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
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! Owner's manual!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 184 .
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.
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 184 .
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.
CAUTION
Stop driving if for some reason it is not possible to top up the engine oil un-
der the current conditions. Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Read and observe
on page 35 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 143, Traction Control System (TCS) .
37Instruments and Indicator Lights
NoteIf the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition. 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 35 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.
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 143, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition. 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.
Traction control (ASR) switched off
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
lights up when the ASR is turned off by pressing the Sym-
bol key
» page 143 , Traction Control System (TCS) or
» page 143 , Elec-
tronic Stability Control (ESC) .
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Traction control (ASR) is deactivated.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is lit , 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.
In the event of an ABS fault, the other braking and stabilization systems are
turned off » page 142 , 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
lights up together with the warning light
» page 35 ,
stop driving! 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.
Lamp failure
Read and observe
on page 35 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!
38Using the system
Adaptive headlights (AFS)Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning 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) not working. Owner's manual!
Note
When the AFS mode “tourist light” (travel mode) is active » page 67, the
warning light flashes for 10 seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
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
lights up 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, there is an engine control
malfunction. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Check engine electronics (petrol engine)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the indicator 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 particulate 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 indicator light
lights up , soot has accumulated in the filter.
To clean the filter, and where traffic conditions permit »
, drive as follows for
at least 15 minutes or until the indicator light
goes out.
4th or 5th gear engaged (automatic transmission: position S).
Vehicle speed at least 70 km/h.
Engine speed between 1800-2500 rpm.
If the filter is properly cleaned, the warning icon
goes out .
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light does
not go out and
the warning light begins to
flash.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Diesel particulate filter: Owner's manual!
The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After switching the
ignition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light also
lights up .
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
WARNING■ The diesel particulate filter reaches very high temperatures - there is a
fire hazard and serious injury could be caused. Therefore, never stop the
vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come into contact
with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth, leaves, spilled
fuel or such like.■
Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the indicator light must not
tempt you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic.
39Instruments and Indicator Lights