Revolutions counterRead and observe
on page 30 first.
The tachometer
1
» Fig. 23 on page 30 shows the actual engine speed per
minute.
The beginning of the tachometer red scale range indicates the maximum per-
mitted speed for an engine that has been driven-in and has reached operating
temperature.
You should shift into the next highest gear before the red scale of the revolu-
tion counter is reached, or select mode D on the automatic gearbox.
The gear recommendation is important to note in order to maintain the opti-
mum engine speed » page 43.
CAUTION
The pointer of the tachometer must reach the red area for only a short time -
there is a risk of engine damage!
Speedometer
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The speedometer
2
» Fig. 23 on page 30 displays the current speed.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/
h 1)
. The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls be-
low 120 km/h.
Coolant temperature gaugeFig. 24
Coolant temperature gauge
Read and observe on page 30 first.
The display » Fig. 24 provides information on the engine coolant temperature.
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale, this 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
A
» Fig. 24 . At very high ambient tempera-
tures or heavy engine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too
high. Further information » page 36.
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)
This function only applies to certain countries.
31Instruments and Indicator Lights
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
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
Problems starting the engineFig. 127
Starting the engine - Press the
button with the key
Read and observe and on page 133 first.
The key in the vehicle cannot be verified
If the key in the vehicle cannot be verified, then engine cannot be started by pressing a button.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Key not found.
NO KEY
The reasons for this may be as follows.
› The battery in the key is almost out of charge.
› The key is malfunctioning
› There is interference in the signal between the system and the key (strong
electromagnetic field).
Try to start the engine by pressing the knob with the key » Fig. 127.
System fault
If the following message appears on the display of the instrument cluster
there is a system malfunction.
Keyless faulty.
CHECK KEYLESS
Try to start the engine by pressing the knob with the key » Fig. 127.
CAUTION
The key can only be verified if it is in the vehicle. It is therefore not always nec-
essary to know where the key is.Note■ When attempting to start, the key bit must be pointed towards the but-
ton » Fig. 127 .■
If engine fails to start after pressing the button with the key, seek specialist
help.
Brakes and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
135
Handbrake
136
Parking
137WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission,
when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■
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!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 140, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style.
135Starting-off and Driving
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission engage 1st gear or reverse gear.
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe exhaust system components can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
137
Pedals
137Manual gear changingFig. 129
The shift pattern: 5-gear or 6-
gear manual transmission
On the shift lever, the individual gear positions are shown » Fig. 129.
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 43.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
on the clutch.
Reverse gear is engaged
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal is fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the left and then forward into R posi-
tion » Fig. 129 .
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear-
shift lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift
mechanism to wear excessively.■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
137Starting-off and Driving
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing de-
vice is merely a test value for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values
are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Never exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load or the per-
missible weight of the trailer - risk of accident!■
Sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety
- 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
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand
area or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the indicator light in the instrument cluster
starts to flash.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 36,
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.CAUTIONIf you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
If the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection to
the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 56 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via 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.165Hitch and trailer
The coolant additive content in the coolant must be at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec- essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reser-
voir » Fig. 162 on page 185 .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 180.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■ Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with coolant un-
der the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
fill with air - risk of engine damage,
stop 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 specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■ 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. 162 on page 185 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
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.
Note
The coolant capacity is approximately 1 l greater on vehicles that are fitted
with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventilation).
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 162
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 185 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 162
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B
.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-
isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open.
AB185Inspecting and replenishing
Preparations for using the breakdown kitRead and observe
on page 204 first.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the puncture
repair kit.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Engage 1st gear or place the selector lever of the automatic transmission in
the P-position .
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 203.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the boot.
›
Stick the sticker
1
» Fig. 178 on page 204 on the dashboard in the driver's
field of view.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
2
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 204 first.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflater bottle
10
» Fig. 178 on page 204 back and
forth 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
2
.
Inflating
›
Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose
8
» Fig. 178 on page 204 firmly
onto the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve
6
is closed.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
4
into 12 Volt socket » page 90.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›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
8
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
8
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
8
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey
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. Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is be-
ing inflated – risk of burning.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – risk of
overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching
it on again.
Notes for driving with repaired tyres
Read and observe
on page 204 first.
The inflation pressure of the repaired tyre must be checked after driving for 10
minutes.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Set the tyre pressure to the correct value.
205Emergency equipment and self-help