
Emergencies
First-aid kit
There is a first aid kit ››› page 112 in the rear
left-hand side storage compartment of the
luggage compartment.
The first aid kit must comply with legal re-
quirements. Check the expiry date of the con-
tents of the first aid kit.
Fire extinguisher
There is a Fire extinguisher underneath the
fr ont
passenger seat.
The fire extinguisher must conform to legal
requirements, be ready for use and be
checked regularly. Check the certification
seal on the extinguisher. WARNING
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can be vi-
olently thrown in case of a sudden manoeu-
vre or braking and especially in accidents
causing serious injury.
● Secure fire extinguishers, first aid kit, re-
flective vests and warning triangle securely
to their respective supports. Protecting yourself and securing the
vehicle
Fig. 179
In the centre of the dash panel: push
button for hazard warning lights. Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a
broken down vehicle. In a number of coun-
tries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn
on the hazard warning lights and use a re-
flective safety vest
››› page 242.
When being towed with the hazard warning
lights on, a change in direction or traffic lane
can be indicated as usual using the turn sig-
nal lever. The hazard lights will be interrup-
ted temporarily.
For your own safety and that of other passen-
gers, the following points should be ob-
served in the order given:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from
traffic and on suitable ground ››› .
1. Turn on the hazard warning lights with
the button
››› Fig. 179.
Connect the electronic parking brake
››› page 137 .
Mo v
e the selector lever to its intermedi-
ate position or to
P ››› page 143.
Stop the engine and remove the key
from the ignition ››› page 133.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and
move to safety, for example behind a
guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys
with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to
indicate the position of your vehicle to
other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a
specialist is required.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning
lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down
or reach the end of a traffic jam, to warn the
vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When being towed.
Always comply with the applicable laws re-
garding the use of hazard warning lights. »
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
243Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
If the hazard warning lights are not working,
you must use an alternative method of draw-
ing attention to your vehicle. This method
must comply with traffic legislation. WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of
accident for the driver and for other road
users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park the vehicle a safe distance from sur-
rounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of
an emergency. Turn on the hazard warning
lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the vehicle if the doors are to be
locked. In case of an emergency, passengers
will be trapped inside the vehicle. Individuals
locked in the vehicle can be exposed to very
high or very low temperatures. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass or
fuel). Note
● The vehicle battery will discharge and run
down if the hazard warning lights remain on for too long (even with the ignition turned
off).
● For some vehicles, the brake lights will
blink when braking suddenly at speeds of ap-
proximately 80 km/h (50 mph) to alert vehi-
cles to the rear. If braking continues, the haz-
ard warning lights system will automatically be turned on at a speed of less than approxi-
mately 10 km/h (6 mph). The brake lights re-
main lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warn-
ing lights will be automatically turned off. Vehicle tool kit*
Introduction When securing the vehicle in case of a break-
down, please note the legal requirements for
each country.
WARNING
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can be vi-
olently fired through the compartment in
case of a sudden manoeuvre or braking and
especially in accidents causing serious in-
jury.
● Make sure that the vehicle tools are stored
safely in the luggage compartment. WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged vehicle tools can
cause injury or accidents.
● Never work with inappropriate or damaged
tools. Location
Fig. 180
In the luggage compartment, viewed
from inside the vehicle: the vehicle tool kit lo-
cated in a cavity close to the lock carrier. Depending on the model, the vehicle tools
may be kept in the luggage compartment, in
a cavity close to the lock carrier
››› Fig. 180 .
L oo
sen the safety straps and remove the ve-
hicle tool kit. For vehicles factory-fitted with
winter tyres, you will find additional tools in a
toolbox located in the luggage compartment.
244

Advice
●
Never switch the positive and negative
poles or connect the jump leads incorrectly.
● Note the instruction manual provided by
the manufacturer of the jump leads. CAUTION
To avoid considerable damage to the vehicle
electrical system, note the following careful-
ly: ● If the jump leads are incorrectly connected,
this could result in a short circuit.
● The vehicles must not touch each other,
otherwise electricity could flow as soon as
the positive terminals are connected. Positive pole on the starting
assistance points
Fig. 191
In the engine compartment: positive
pole for starting assistance + On some vehicles, there is a starting assis-
tance terminal in the engine compartment,
under a labelled cover.
How to jump start: description Fig. 192
Diagram of connections for vehicles
without Start-Stop system. Fig. 193
Diagram of connections for vehicles
with Start-Stop system. Jump lead terminal connections
1. Switch off the ignition of both vehicles
››› .
2. Connect one end of the red jump lead to
the po s
itive + terminal of the vehicle
with the flat battery A
››› Fig. 192 .
3. C
onnect the other end of the red
jump
lead to the positive terminal + in the ve-
hicle providing assistance B .
4. For vehicles without Start-Stop system:
connect one end of the black jump lead to
the negative terminal – of the vehicle
providing the current B
››› Fig. 192 .
– For
vehicles with Start-Stop system: con-
nect one end of the black jump lead X to a
suitable ground terminal, to a solid piece of
metal in the engine block, or to the engine
block itself ››› Fig. 193 .
5. C
onnect the other end of the black jump
lead X to a solid metal component bolted
to the engine block or to the engine block
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery.
Do not connect it to a point near the bat-
tery A .
6. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving
parts in the engine compartment.
254

Emergencies
Starting
7. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let it run at idling
speed.
8. Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery and wait 2 or 3 minutes until the
engine is “running”.
Removing the jump leads
9. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights (if they
are switched on).
10. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear
w indo
w in the vehicle with the flat battery.
This helps minimise voltage peaks which
are generated when the leads are discon-
nected.
11.When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to the details
given above.
Connect the battery clamps so they have
good metal-to-metal contact with the battery
terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the start-
er after about 10 seconds and try again after
about 1 minute. WARNING
● Please note the safety warnings referring to
working in the engine compartment
››› page 214.
● The b att
ery providing assistance must have
the same voltage as the flat battery (12V) and
approximately the same capacity (see imprint
on battery). Failure to comply could result in
an explosion.
● Never use jump leads when one of the bat-
teries is frozen. Danger of explosion! Even af-
ter the battery has thawed, battery acid could
leak and cause chemical burns. If a battery
freezes, it should be replaced.
● Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes
away from batteries, danger of explosion.
Failure to comply could result in an explo-
sion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the jump leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the
other vehicle directly to the negative terminal
of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the
battery could be ignited by sparks. Danger of
explosion.
● Do not attach the negative cable from the
other vehicle to parts of the fuel system or to
the brake line.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery
clamps must not be allowed to touch. The
jump lead attached to the positive battery
terminal must not touch metal parts of the ve-
hicle, this can cause a short circuit. ●
Position the leads in such a way that they
cannot come into contact with any moving
parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not lean on the batteries. This could re-
sult in chemical burns. Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, oth-
erwise electricity could flow as soon as the
positive terminals are connected. Towing and tow starting
Introduction When towing, always respect legal require-
ments.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to
tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
If the vehicle comes with the Keyless Access
system, towing is only allowed with the igni-
tion on!
The vehicle battery drains if the vehicle is
towed with the engine switched off and the
ignition connected. Depending on the battery
charge status, the drop in voltage may be so
large, even after just a few minutes, that no
electrical device in the vehicle may work e.g.
the hazard warning lights. In vehicles with
»
255
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
the Keyless Access system, the steering
wheel could lock ››› .
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be
towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
lock. Otherwise, the steering wheel lock
could suddenly lock. The vehicle would not
be controlled and a serious accident could
ensue. WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and
braking efficiency change considerably.
Please observe the following instructions to
minimise the risk of serious accidents and in-
jury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must hard-
er as the brake servo does not operate.
Always remain aware to avoid collision
with the towing vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering
wheel as the power steering does not op-
erate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and
brake gently. CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towline anchor-
age and its cover to avoid damage to the ve-
hicle (e.g. paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and cause damage! Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started
by towing. Jump-starting is much more pref-
erable
› › ›
page 253.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles
can
not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● Vehicles with the Keyless Access locking
and ignition system, since the electronic
steering lock may not unlock.
● Vehicles with an electronic parking brake,
given that it is possible that the brake will
not be disengaged.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible
that the engine control units do not operate
correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be
tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Put it into second or third gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down. ●
Switch on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are
moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the
clutch and move the gear lever into neutral.
This helps to prevent a collision with the tow-
ing vehicle. CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the cata-
lytic converter and damage it. Towing instructions
Tow rope or tow bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and
vehicle friendly way. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid
damage to both vehicles. It is advisable to
use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or sim-
ilarly elastic material.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the
towline anchorage or specially designed fit-
ting.
Vehicles with a
factory fitted towing device ,
can only
be used for towing with a tow bar,
s
pecially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball
››› page 179.
256

Emergencies
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
● Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N
position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels raised.
Note the following instructions for towing
four all-wheel drive vehicles.
Instructions for towing all-wheel drive
vehicles
All-wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a
toolbar or tow rope. If the vehicle is towed
with the front or rear axle raised, the engine
must be turned off to avoid transmission
damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG ®
(di-
rect shift gearbox) the instructions for towing
vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply
››› page 257 .
Sit uation
s in which the vehicle should not be
towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not
be towed but transported on a trailer or spe-
cial vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lu-
bricant due to a fault. ●
If the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result,
the electronic steering lock and electronic
parking brake cannot be disengaged if ap-
plied.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic
gearbox and the distance to be covered is
greater than 50 km (30 miles). Note
● The vehicle can only be towed if the elec-
tronic parking brake and steering lock are de-
activated. If the vehicle has no power supply
or there is an electric system fault, the en-
gine must be started using jump leads to de-
activate the electronic parking brake and
electronic steering lock.
● Vehicles with the Keyless Access locking
and ignition system should only be towed
with the ignition connected since, otherwise,
the electronic steering lock will not unlock. Fitting the front towline anchorage
Fig. 194
On the right-hand side of the front
bumper: Screw in the towline anchorage. The location for the removable towline an-
chorage is on the right-hand side of the front
bumper
››› Fig. 194 .
The t o
wline anchorage should always be kept
in the vehicle.
Note the instructions for towing ››› page 256.
To fit the towline anchorage
● Take the towline anchorage from the vehi-
cle tool kit ››› page 244.
● Pre
ss on the upper cover and carefully re-
move it forwards. Allow the cover to hang.
● Screw in the towline anchorage into its po-
sition anticlockwise as far as it will go
›
›› Fig. 194 ››› . Use a suitable tool to firmly
tighten the towline anchorage in its location. »
257
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
● After towing, remove the towline anchorage
by turning it clockwise and put the cover
b ac
k in place. CAUTION
The towline anchorage must always be com-
pletely and firmly tightened. Otherwise, it
could be released while towing and tow-start-
ing. Fitting the rear towline anchorage
Fig. 195
On the rear bumper, to the right
hand side: Tow ring in position The location for the removable towline an-
chorage is on the right-hand side of the rear
bumper
››› Fig. 195 . For
vehicles with a facto-
ry
fitted towing bracket , there is no fitting be-
hind the cover to insert the towline anchor-
age. For towing, fit and use the tow hitch
››› page 179, ››› . Note the instructions for towing
››› page 256.
Fitting the towline anchorage to the rear for
vehicles without factory fitted tow hitch ● Take the towline anchorage from the vehi-
cle tool kit in the luggage compartment
››› page 244 .
● Pr e
ss on the upper cover and carefully re-
move it back. This may require some
strength. Allow the cover to hang.
● Screw in the towline anchorage into its po-
sition anticlockwise as far as it will go ›
›› .
Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow-
line anchorage in its location.
● After towing, remove the towline anchorage
by turning it clockwise and put the cover
b ac
k in place. CAUTION
● The towline anchorage must always be
completely and firmly tightened. Otherwise,
it could be released while towing and tow-
starting.
● Vehicles with a factory fitted towing brack-
et, can only be used for towing with a tow
bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch
ball. Otherwise, the tow hitch ball and the ve-
hicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope
should be used. Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially
when using a tow rope. Both drivers should
be familiar with the technique required for
towing. For this reason, inexperienced drivers
should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces
and jerking. When towing on an unpaved
road, there is always a risk of overloading
and damaging the anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warn-
ing lights on and the ignition switched on,
the turn signal may be used to indicate
changes of direction. Simply operate the turn
signal lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard
warning lights will go off. When the turn sig-
nal lever is returned to the rest position, the
hazard warning lights will be turned on auto-
matically.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
●
Leave the ignition on to avoid locking the
steering wheel, to release the electronic
parking brake and to activate the turn sig-
nals, the horn as well as the window wipers
and window washers.
● As the power assisted steering does not
work if the engine is not running, you will
need more strength to steer than normally.
258

Advice
Unlocking notes:
● The anti-theft alarm will remain active when
vehicles are unlocked. However, the alarm
will not yet be triggered ››› page 57.
● If the driver door is opened, the alarm will
be triggered.
● Switch the ignition on. When the ignition is
switched on, the electronic immobiliser rec-
ognises a valid vehicle key and deactivates
the anti-theft alarm system. Note
The anti-theft alarm is not activated when the
vehicle is locked manually using the key
shaft ››› page 57. Locking the passenger side door and
sliding doors manually
Fig. 197
To the front of the passenger side
door: Emergency lock, hidden by a rubber
cap. Fig. 198
Emergency locking of the vehicle us-
ing the vehicle key The passenger side door and the sliding
doors can be locked manually. The anti-theft
alarm is
not activated in this case. ●
Door open.
● Remo ve the rubber cap to the front of the
door. The rubber cap is marked with a lock
symbol ››› Fig. 197
.
● Unfold the vehicle key shaft ››› page 54.
● Insert the key shaft horizontally into the
opening and moved the coloured lever for-
ward ››› Fig. 198
.
● Replace the rubber cap and close the door.
● Check if the door is locked.
● Carry out the same operation on the other
doors if necessary.
● Have the vehicle checked by a specialised
workshop. Note
The doors can be opened and unlocked indi-
vidually from the inside by pulling the inside
door handle. To open, pull the inner door re-
lease lever twice ››› page 57.260