16In brief
Automatic transmissionP=park positionR=reverse gearN=neutral positionD=drive
The selector lever can only be movedout of P or N when the ignition is on
and the foot brake is depressed
(selector lever lock). To engage P or
R , press the release button on
selector lever.
The automatic transmission is
available in two versions 3 128.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 173,
3 205.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 153.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of seats, seat belts and mirrors 3 46, 3 55, 3 38.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.Starting engine with ignition
switch
■ Turn key to position 1
■ Move the steering wheel slightly to release the steering wheel lock
■ Operate clutch and brake, automatic transmission in P or N
■ Do not operate the accelerator pedal
■ Diesel engines, turn the key to position 2 for preheating and wait
until control indicator ! goes out
■ Turn key to 3 and release key when
engine is running.
76Storage
■ When transporting objects in theload compartment, the backrests of
the second row must not be angled forward.
■ Do not allow the load to protrude above the upper edge of the
backrests.
■ Do not place any objects on the load compartment cover or theinstrument panel.
■ The load must not obstruct the operation of the pedals, parking
brake and gear selector, or hinder
the freedom of movement of the
driver. Do not place any unsecured
objects in the interior.
■ Do not drive with an open load compartment.9 Warning
Always make sure that the load in
the vehicle is securely stowed.
Otherwise objects can be thrown
around inside the vehicle and
cause personal injury or damage
to the load or car.
■ The payload is the difference between the permitted gross
vehicle weight (see identification
plate 3 196) and the EC kerb
weight.
To calculate the payload, enter the
data for your vehicle in the Weights
table at the front of this manual.
The EC kerb weight includes
weights for the driver (68 kg),
luggage (7 kg) and all fluids (tank
90 % full).
Optional equipment and
accessories increase the kerb
weight.
■ Driving with a roof load increases the sensitivity of the vehicle to
cross-winds and has a detrimental
effect on vehicle handling due to
the vehicle's higher centre of
gravity. Distribute the load evenly
and secure it properly with retaining
straps. Adjust the tyre pressure and vehicle speed according to the load
conditions. Check and retighten the
straps frequently.
Do not drive faster than 75 mph.The permissible roof load is 75 kg and 100 kg for vehicles with roof
railing. The roof load is the
combined weight of the roof rack
and the load.
88Instruments and controls
Illuminates when the engine isrunning
Fault in the emission control system.
The permitted emission limits may be
exceeded. Immediately seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Flashes when the engine is
running
Fault that could lead to catalytic
converter damage. Ease up on the
accelerator until the flashing stops.
Seek the assistance of a workshop
immediately.
Service vehicle soon A illuminates or flashes yellow.
Illuminates when the engine is running
Fault in engine or transmission
electronics 3 132, 3 136. The
electronics switch to an emergency running programme. Fuel
consumption may be increased and
the vehicle handling may be impaired.If the fault persists after restarting the vehicle, consult a workshop.
Illuminates together with InSP4
in the service display
Seek the assistance of a workshop for
draining the diesel fuel filter 3 101.
Flashes with switched on
ignition
Fault in the immobiliser system. The
engine cannot be started 3 37.
Switch off the ignition and repeat the
start attempt.
If the control indicator continues
flashing, attempt to start the engine
using the spare key and seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch system R illuminates or flashes red.
Illuminated Illuminates when the parking brake is
released if the brake and clutch fluid
level is too low 3 155.9 Warning
Stop. Do not continue your
journey. Consult a workshop.
Illuminates after the ignition is
switched on if the parking brake is
applied 3 139.
Flashes
On vehicles with manual transmission
automated, flashes for a few seconds
when the ignition is switched off if the parking brake is not applied.
On vehicles with manual transmission
automated, flashes when the driver's
door is opened if no gear is engaged
and the parking brake is not applied.
Antilock brake system
(ABS) u illuminates red.
Illuminates for a few seconds after the ignition is turned on. The system is
ready for operation when the control indicator goes out.
Vehicle care151Vehicle careGeneral Information...................151
Vehicle checks ........................... 152
Bulb replacement .......................158
Electrical system ........................165
Vehicle tools .............................. 171
Wheels and tyres .......................172
Jump starting ............................. 184
Towing ....................................... 185
Appearance care .......................187General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend using genuine parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
Following must be done if the vehicle
should be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change engine oil.
■ Drain washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check coolant antifreeze.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park vehicle in dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or reverse gear
or set selector lever to P. Prevent
the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply parking brake.
Vehicle care155
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
KALT/COLD mark. Top up if the level
is low.
9 Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
Top up with antifreeze. If no
antifreeze is available, use clean tap
water or distilled water. Install the cap
tightly. Have the antifreeze
concentration checked and have the
cause of the coolant loss remedied by a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of windscreen
washer fluid which contains
antifreeze. For the correct mixing ratio refer to the washer fluid container.
Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Brakes
A squealing noise indicates that the
brake lining is at its minimum
thickness. Continued driving is
possible but have the brake lining
replaced as soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake fluid
9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes,
skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
156Vehicle care
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks.
When topping up, ensure maximum cleanliness as contamination of the
brake fluid can lead to brake system
malfunctions. Have the cause of the
loss of brake fluid remedied by a
workshop.
Only use high-performance brake
fluid approved for the vehicle, Brake
and clutch fluid 3 155.
Vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
4 weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.
The anti-theft alarm siren must be
deactivated as follows: Switch the ignition on then off, disconnect the
vehicle's battery within 15 seconds.
Vehicle battery discharge protection
3 115.
Warning label
Meaning of symbols: ■ No sparks, naked flames or smoking.
■ Always shield eyes. Explosive gases can cause blindness or
injury.
184Vehicle careJump startingDo not start with quick charger.
A vehicle with a discharged battery
can be started using jump leads and the battery of another vehicle.9 Warning
Be extremely careful when starting
with jump leads. Any deviation
from the following instructions can
lead to injuries or damage caused
by battery explosion or damage to the electrical systems of both
vehicles.
9 Warning
Avoid contact of the battery with
eyes, skin, fabrics and painted
surfaces. The fluid contains
sulphuric acid which can cause
injuries and damage in the event
of direct contact.
■ Never expose the battery to naked flames or sparks.
■ A discharged battery can already freeze at temperatures of 0 °C.
Defrost the frozen battery before
connecting jump leads.
■ Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when handling a battery.
■ Use a booster battery with the same voltage (12 Volts). Its
capacity (Ah) must not be much less than that of the discharged
battery.
■ Use jump leads with insulated terminals and a cross section of at
least 16 mm 2
(25 mm 2
for diesel
engines).
■ Do not disconnect the discharged battery from the vehicle.
■ Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers.
■ Do not lean over the battery during jump starting.
■ Do not allow the terminals of one lead to touch those of the other
lead.■ The vehicles must not come into contact with each other during the
jump starting process.
■ Apply the parking brake, transmission in neutral, automatictransmission in P.
Lead connection order:
1. Connect the red lead to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal of the
discharged battery.
Vehicle care189
Wheels and tyresDo not use high-pressure jet
cleaners.
Clean rims with a pH-neutral wheel
cleaner.
Rims are painted and can be treated
with the same agents as the body.
Paintwork damageRectify minor paintwork damage witha touch-up pen before rust forms.
Have more extensive damage or rust
areas repaired by a workshop.
Underbody Some areas of the vehicle underbody
have a PVC undercoating while other critical areas have a durable
protective wax coating.
After the underbody is washed, check
the underbody and have it waxed if
necessary.
Bitumen/rubber materials could
damage the PVC coating. Have
underbody work carried out by a
workshop.Before and after winter, wash the
underbody and have the protective
wax coating checked.
Engine compartment
Areas of the engine compartment that
are painted in the same colour as the vehicle must be looked after like any
other painted surface.
It is advisable to wash the engine
compartment before and after winter
and preserve it with wax. Protect the
alternator and brake fluid reservoir
with plastic sheets before washing
the engine.
When washing the engine with a
steam-jet cleaner, do not direct the
steam jet towards components of the
antilock brake system, air
conditioning system or the belt drive
and its components.
After an engine wash, have all engine
room components preserved
thoroughly by a workshop using
protective wax.
Do not use high-pressure jet
cleaners.Towing equipment
Do not clean the coupling ball bar with
a steam-jet or high-pressure jet
cleaner.
Interior care Interior and upholsteryOnly clean the vehicle interior,
including the instrument panel fascia
and panelling, with a dry cloth or
interior cleaner.
Clean the leather upholstery with
clear water and a soft cloth. In case of
heavy soiling, use leather care.
The instrument cluster and the
displays should only be cleaned using
a soft damp cloth. If necessary use a
weak soap solution.
Clean fabric upholstery with a
vacuum cleaner and brush. Remove
stains with an upholstery cleaner.