Operation
Instruments and warning lamps
In s
trument
s
View of instrument panel Fig. 110
Instrument panel, on dash panel Details of the instruments
››
›
Fig. 110:
Rev counter (with the engine running, in
hundreds of revolutions per minute).
The beginning of the red zone of the rev
counter indicates the maximum speed in
any gear after running-in and with the en-
gine hot. However, it is advisable to
change up a gear or move the selector
lever to D (or lift your foot off the acceler-
1 ator) before the needle reaches the red
z
one
›
›
› .
En gine c
oo
lant temperature display
››› page 206.
Displays on the screen .
Adjuster button and display
››› page 97.
Speedometer.
2 3
4
5 Fuel gauge
› ››
p
ag e 98. WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with
the risk of
injury.
● Do not operate the instrument panel con-
trol
s when driving. 6
94
Instruments and warning lamps
CAUTION
● To pr ev
ent damage to the engine, the rev
counter needle should only remain in the red
zone for a short period of time.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy ac
celeration and do not make the
engine work hard. For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel con-
sumption and noi se.Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of en-
gine r
ev
o
lutions per minute ›››
Fig. 110 1 .
T og
ether w
ith the gear-change indicator, the
rev counter offers you the possibility of using
the engine of your vehicle at a suitable
speed.
The start of the red zone on the dial indicates
the maximum engine speed which may be
used briefly when the engine is warm and af-
ter it has been run in properly. Before reach-
ing this range, you should change to a higher
gear for vehicles with a manual gearbox or for
automatic gearboxes put the selector lever in
“D” or take your foot off the accelerator ped-
al. We recommend that you avoid high revs and
that
you follow the recommendations on the
gear-change indicator. Consult the additional
information in ›››
page 24. CAUTION
Never allow the rev counter needle 1 ›››
Fig. 110 to g o int
o the red zone on the
scale for more than a very brief period, other-
wise there is a risk of engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save
fuel and minimi
se emissions and engine
noise. Indications on the display
A variety of information can be viewed on the
in
s
trument
panel display ›››
Fig. 110 3 de-
pendin g on the
v
ehicle equipment:
● Bonnet, rear lid and doors open
›››
page 25.
● Information and warning texts.
● Mileage.
● Time.
● Navigation instructions.
● Outside temperature.
● Compass. ●
Shift l
ever position ››› page 160.
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
›››
page 24.
● Multifunction display (MFD) and menus
with differ
ent setting options ›››
page 22.
● Service interval display ›››
page 30.
● Second speed display ›››
page 26.
● Speed warning function ›››
page 29.
● Start-Stop system status display
›››
page 182.
● Low consumption driving status (ECO)
›››
page 96
● Identifying letters on engine (MKB).
Dist
ance travelled
The odometer registers the total distance
travelled by the car.
The odometer (trip ) shows the distance
travelled since the last odometer reset. The
last digit of the trip recorder indicates distan-
ces of 100 metres or one tenths of a mile.
● Briefly press the button ›››
Fig. 110 4 to re-
set the trip r
ec
order to 0.
● Keep the button 4 pressed for about 3
sec ond
s
and the previous value will be dis-
played. »
95
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Time
● To set the time, keep the button ››
› Fig. 110
4 pressed for more than 3 seconds to select
the hour or minut e di
s
play.
● To continue setting the time, press the up-
per or lower p
art of the button 4 . Hold but-
t on do
wn t
o scroll through the numbers
quickly.
● Press the button 4 again in order to finish
settin g the time.
The time c an al
so be set via the key and
Set up function button in the Easy Connect
sy s
t
em ››› page 104.
Compass
With the ignition on and the navigation sys-
tem on, the cardinal point corresponding to
the direction of travel of the vehicle is dis-
played on the instrument panel.
Selector lever position
The selected gear is displayed on the side of
the selector lever and on the instrument pan-
el display. In positions D and S, and with the
Tiptronic, the corresponding gear is also dis-
played.
Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear in order to save fuel
is displayed on the instrument panel while
you are driving ›››
page 24. Second speed display (mph or km/h)
In addition t
o the speedometer, the speed
can also be displayed in a different unit of
measurement (in miles or in km per hour).
This option cannot be deactivated in models
destined for countries in which the second
speed must always be visible.
The second speed display can be adjusted in
the Easy Connect system via the key and
the Set
up function button
››
›
page 104.
Speed warning
When the speed setting is exceeded, this will
be indicated on the instrument panel display.
This is very useful, for example when using
winter tyres that are not designed for driving
at the maximum speed of the vehicle
››› page 29.
The speed warning settings can be adjusted
in the Easy Connect system via the key
and the Set
up function button
››
›
page 104.
Start-Stop operating display
Updated information relating to the status is
displayed on the instrument panel
››› page 182.
Low consumption driving status (ECO)*
Depending on the equipment, when driving,
the “ECO ” display appears on the instrument panel when the vehicle is in low consump-
tion stat
us.
Identifying letters on engine (MKB)
Hold the button ››› Fig. 110 4 down for more
th an 15 sec
ond
s to display the identifying
letters of the vehicle engine (MKB). To do
this, the ignition must be switched on and
the engine switched off. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 98. WARNING
Even though outside temperatures are above
freez in
g, some roads and bridges may be icy.
● At outside temperatures above +4°C
(+39°F), even when the “ice c
rystal symbol”
is not visible, there may still be patches of ice
on the road.
● Never rely on the outside temperature indi-
cator! Note
● Differ ent
versions of the instrument panel
are available and therefore the versions and
instructions on the display may vary. In the
case of displays without warning or informa-
tion texts, faults are indicated exclusively by
the warning lamps. 96
Instruments and warning lamps
●
Dependin g on the equipment, some set
-
tings and instructions can also be carried out
in the Easy Connect system.
● When several warnings are active at the
same time, the symbol
s are shown succes-
sively for a few seconds and will stay on until
the fault is rectified. Odometer
Fig. 111
Instrument panel: odometer and re-
set b
utt
on. The distance covered is displayed in “kilome-
tr
e
s” or mi
les “m”. It is possible to change
the measurement units (kilometres
“km”/miles “m”) in the radio/Easy Connect*.
Please refer to the Easy Connect* Instructions
Manual for more details. Odometer/trip recorder
The odometer show
s the total distance cov-
ered by the vehicle.
The trip recorder shows the distance that has
been travelled since it was last reset. It is
used to measure short trips. The last digit of
the trip recorder indicates distances of 100
metres or tenths of a mile.
The trip recorder can be set to zero by press-
ing 0.0/SET
› ››
Fig. 111
.
F
ault display
If there is a fault in the instrument panel, the
letters DEF will appear in the trip recorder
display. Have the fault repaired immediately,
as far as is possible.
Engine coolant temperature display For vehicles with no coolant temperature
g
aug
e, a c
ontrol lamp appears for high
coolant temperatures ›››
page 208. Please
note ››› .
The c oo
l
ant temperature gauge 2 ›››
Fig. 110 only w
orks when the ignition is
switched on. In order to avoid engine dam-
age, please read the following notes for the
different temperature ranges. Engine cold
If on
ly
the diodes in the lower part of the
scale light up, this indicates that the engine
has not yet reached operating temperature.
Avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and
do not make the engine work hard.
Normal temperature
If in normal operations, the diodes light up
until the central zone, it means that the en-
gine has reached operating temperature. At
high outside temperatures and when making
the engine work hard, the diodes may contin-
ue lighting up and reach the upper zone. This
is no cause for concern, provided the control
lamp does not light up on the instrument
panel digital display.
Heat range
When the diodes light up in the upper area of
the display and the control lamp appears
on the instrument panel display, the coolant
temperature is excessive ››› page 208. CAUTION
● To en s
ure a long useful life for the engine,
avoid high revs, driving at high speed and
making the engine work hard for approxi-
mately the first 15 minutes when the engine
is cold. The phase until the engine is warm al-
so depends on the outside temperature. If
necessary, use the engine oil temperature*
››› page 206 as a guide. » 97
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
Addition a
l lights and other accessories in
front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect
of the coolant. At high outside temperatures
and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
● The front spoiler also ensures proper distri-
bution of the c
ooling air when the vehicle is
moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can re-
duce the cooling effect, which could cause
the engine to overheat. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Fuel level gauge
Fig. 112
Fuel gauge. The fuel gauge
››
›
Fig. 112 operates only
when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 55 li-
tres. When the needle reaches the reserve
area, the ››› page 102 warning symbol illu- minates on the general instrument panel and
an audible w
arning can be heard. CAUTION
Never completely empty the tank! An irregu-
larity in the f
uel supply system can cause ir-
regularities when the engine is running. Un-
burned fuel can reach the exhaust gas sys-
tem, which can cause deterioration of the cat-
alytic converter. Note
Some vehicles come fitted with the fuel
gaug e on the g
eneral instrument panel. Control lamps
W arnin g and indic
ation lamps Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 32.
The control and warning lamps are indicators
of warnings, ››› , faults
››
›
or certain func-
tion s.
Some c
ontrol and warning lamps come
on when the ignition is switched on, and
switch off when the engine starts running, or
while driving.
Depending on the model, additional text
messages may be viewed on the instrument
panel display. These may be purely informa- tive or they may be advising of the need for
action
›››
page 94.
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the
vehicle, instead of a warning lamp, some-
times a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are
lit, an audible warning is also heard. WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignor-
ed, the v ehic
le may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text
mess
ages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● Park the vehicle away from traffic and en-
sure th
at there are no highly flammable ma-
terials under the vehicle that could come into
contact with the exhaust system (e.g. dry
grass, fuel).
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of acci-
dent for the driv
er and for other road users. If
necessary, switch on the hazard warning
lamps and put out the warning triangle to ad-
vise other drivers.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch off the
engine and al
low it to cool.
● In any vehicle, the engine compartment is a
hazar
dous area and could cause severe inju-
ries ››› page 203.98
Instruments and warning lamps
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text
mes s
ages when they appear may result in
faults in the vehicle. Hand brake
If the
warning lamp lights up, the hand-
br ak
e is applied. Additionally, driving the ve-
hicle at speeds exceeding 6 km/h (4 mph) for
at least 3 seconds produces an audible warn-
ing.
The informative display indicates:
Release the handbrake!
Brake system The warning lamp i
l
lumin
ates if the brake
fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in the
ABS system.
The informative display indicates:
Brake fluid Instruction Manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
check the level of the brake fluid
››› page 209 WARNING
● The fo l
lowing indications must be taken in-
to account when opening the engine com-
partment to check the brake fluid
››› page 203, Engine compartment.
● If the warning lamp illumin
ates together
with the warning lamp ››› page 101, Anti-
lock brake system (ABS) , , stop the ve-
hicle! Go to a technical service.
● A fault in the brake system or in the Anti-
lock br
ake system (ABS) can lead to longer
braking distances – Risk of accident! Fastening the seat belt
After switching on the ignition, the warning
l
amp i
l
luminates to instruct the driver or
front passenger to fasten their seat belt. The
warning lamp switches off when the driver or
front passenger fastens their seat belt
››› page 61.
Alternator If the
control lamp is illuminated while the
en gine i
s running, the battery is not charg-
ing.
Go to a technical service. Have the car's elec-
trical equipment inspected. CAUTION
Additionally, if the warning lamp lights up
whi
le driving, the warning lamp also lights
up (cooling system fault). Stop the vehicle
and switch off the engine – Risk of engine
damage! Door open
If the control lamp,
lights up , one of
the
doors, the rear lid or the bonnet is open.
Engine oil The control lamp
fla
she
s red (oil pressure
low)
The informative display indicates:
Oil pressure. Switch off the en-
gine! Instruction Manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
check the engine oil level ›››
page 207
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is
correct, do not drive on . Do not even run
the engine at idle speed!
Go to a technical service.
The control lamp lights up yellow (insuf-
ficient oil level)
The informative display indicates: »
99
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Check the oil level!
St op the
v
ehicle, switch off the engine and
check the engine oil level ››› page 207
If the bonnet remains open for more than 30
seconds, the warning lamp switches off. If
the engine oil is not refilled, the warning
lamp illuminates again after 100 km (62
miles).
The control lamp flashes yellow (oil level
sensor faulty)
The informative display indicates:
Oil sensor. Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, The
warning lamp flashes various times after
the ignition is switched on and an audible
warning is given.
Go to a technical service.
Coolant level and temperature If the warning lamp
(blue) i
s
lit up, the en-
gine has not yet reached its operating tem-
perature 1)
. Avoid high engine speeds, hard
acceleration and subjecting the engine to
high loads. If the warning lamp
(red) is
lit up or flash-
ing, the coolant temperature is too high or its
level is too low.
The informative display indicates:
Check coolant! Instruction Man-
ual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check
the coolant level ››› page 208 and refill if
necessary ››› page 209.
If the coolant is situated in the prescribed
area, the high temperature may be due to a
fault in the cooling system fan. Check the ra-
diator fan fuse and replace it if necessary
››› page 43.
If the warning lamp (red) remains lit up,
despite both the coolant level and the radia-
tor fan fuse being in correct condition,
stop the vehicle!
Go to a technical service. WARNING
● Tak e c
are when opening the coolant reser-
voir. When the engine is warm or hot, the
system is pressurised – Danger of burns!
Wait for the engine to cool before opening
the cover. ●
Do not t ouc
h the fan. The fan can switch on
automatically regardless of whether the igni-
tion is switched on. Power steering
If the
warning lamp is illuminated, there is
a f au
lt in the power steering.
The power steering system functions with re-
duced power steering effect.
Go to a technical service.
Stability system (ESC) If the control lamp
fla
she
s, the ESC is
working.
If the warning lamp illuminates on igni-
tion, the ESC system may have switched off
due to technical reasons. Turn off the ignition
and turn it on again. Upon switching on the
ignition again, if the warning lamp has
switched off, this means the ESC is function-
ing correctly again.
If the warning lamp is illuminated there is
a fault in the ESC.
The informative display indicates: 1)
This does not apply to vehicles equipped with an
inform ativ
e display.
100
Instruments and warning lamps
Report No.: electronic stability
control (ESC)
or Report No.: Traction control
system (ASR)
Go t o a t
ec
hnical service.
Further information ››› page 167, Electronic
stability control (ESC) .Note
If the battery is disconnected and connected
again, the y
ellow warning lamp lights up
when the ignition is switched on. This warn-
ing lamp must switch off after covering a
short distance. Traction control system (ASR)*
If the control lamp
fla
she
s, the ASR is
working.
If the warning lamp illuminates on igni-
tion, the TCS system may have switched off
due to technical reasons. Turn off the ignition
and turn it on again. Upon switching on the
ignition again, if the warning lamp has
switched off, this means the TCS is function-
ing correctly again.
If the warning lamp remains illuminated,
there is a fault in the TCS.
The informative display indicates: Report No.: Traction control
system (ASR)
Go to a tec
hnical service.
Further information ››› page 168, Traction
control system (ASR) .
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) If the
warning lamp is illuminated, there is
a f au
lt in the ABS.
The informative display indicates: ABS fault
The brake system alone is operational in the
vehicle, without ABS.
Go to a technical service. WARNING
● If the w
arning lamp illuminates together
with the ››› page 99 warning lamp, ,
stop the vehicle! Go to a technical service.
● A fault in the Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
can le
ad to longer braking distances – Risk of
accident! Rear fog light
The control lamp
lights up when the r
e
ar
fog light is switched on ›››
page 125. Bulb fault
The control lamp
lights up when ther e i
s a
fault in a bulb:
● for several seconds after switching on the
ignition,
● When connecting a faulty bulb
This i
s indicated on the informative display,
e.g.:
Check the front right dipped
beam headlight! Note
The rear side lights and number plate light
cont ain sev
eral bulbs. The control lamp
lights up only when there is a fault in all the
number plate bulbs or side light bulbs (of a
combined tail light). Therefore it is advisable
to regularly check the bulb operation. Emission control system
If the warning lamp
is
lit
up, there is a
fault in the emission system. The engine con-
trol unit allows driving to continue in an
emergency program.
Go to a technical service.
101
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety