Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
In this section of the instructions you will find important information, tips and
notes on the subject of passive safety.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, safety of children and anything similar.
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those travelling
with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
The complete on-board literature should therefore always be in the vehicle. This applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
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 properly.
▶ 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 21 , Transporting children safely .
▶ Adopt the correct seated position » page 8, Correct and safe seated posi-
tion . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
The driver is fully responsible for himself and passengers, especially children. 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 conditions.
▶ Take regular breaks on long journeys (at least every two hours).
The following list contains instructions for the Passenger which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death. ▶ Do not lean against the dash panel.
▶ Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
The following list contains instructions for all Passengers which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death. ▶ Do not sit only on the front part of the seat.
▶ Do not sit facing to the side.
▶ Do not lean out of the window.
▶ Do not put your limbs out of the window.
▶ Do not put your feet on the seat cushion.
Correct and safe seated position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seat position of the driver
9
Adjusting the steering wheel position
9
Correct seated position for the front passenger
10
Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seats
10
8Safety
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
28
Revolutions counter
29
Coolant temperature gauge
29
Display
29
Fuel gauge
30
Counter for distance driven
30
Setting the time
30
Display of the second speedometer
31
Auto Check Control
31
The instrument cluster gives the driver basic information such as the current
speed, engine speed, the state of some vehicle systems and the like.
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. 22
Instrument cluster
Read and observe
on page 28 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 29
▶ with warning lights » page 32
Speedometer
▶ with warning lights » page 32
Button for display mode:
▶ Time settings » page 30
▶ Switching the display for the second speedometer on/off 1)
» page 31
▶ Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remain-
ing until the next service 1)
» page 48
Coolant temperature gauge » page 29
Display » page 29
Fuel gauge » page 30
Button for: ▶ Reset counter for distance travelled (trip) » page 30
▶ Setting the time
▶ Enable / disable the mode selected by means of the
3
key
12345671)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
28Using the system
Revolutions counterRead and observe
on page 28 first.
The tachometer
1
» Fig. 22 on page 28 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 40.
CAUTION
The pointer of the tachometer must reach the red area for only a short time -
there is a risk of engine damage!
Coolant temperature gauge
Fig. 23
Coolant temperature gauge
Read and observe on page 28 first.
The display » Fig. 23 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. 23 .
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too
high.
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.
Display
Fig. 24
Display types
Read and observe on page 28 first.
Display types » Fig. 24
MAXI DOT display
Segment display
The following information will be displayed.
▶ Distance travelled » page 30
▶ Time » page 30
▶ Information system data » page 39
▶ Warning lights » page 31, Auto Check Control
CAUTION
Pull out the ignition key if coming in contact with the display (e.g. when clean-
ing) to prevent any possible damage. On vehicles with the KESSY system,
switch off the ignition and open the driver's door.29Instruments and Indicator Lights
Display of the second speedometerRead and observe
on page 28 first.
The display can show the current speed in mph 1)
.
This feature is provided for driving in countries with different speed units.
MAXI DOT display
The display of the second speedometer can be set in the
Alt. speed dis.
menu
item » page 47 , Menu item
Settings
.
Segment display
›
Press key
3
» Fig. 22 on page 28 repeatedly, until the odometer display
flashes » page 30 .
›
Press the
7
key while the display flashes.
The second speedometer is displayed instead of the odometer.
The display of the second speedometer is switched off in the same manner as
it is switched on.
Auto Check Control
Read and observe
on page 28 first.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions of vehicle systems are checked continuously when the igni- tion is switched on.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT
display. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the warning lights in
the MAXI DOT display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster
» page 32 , Warning lights .
The menu item
Vehicle status
is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message exists. After selecting this menu,
the first of the error messages is displayed.
Several error messages are shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3.
This indicates that the first of a total of three error messages is being dis-
played.
Warning lights in the MAXI DOT displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 34Check engine oil level
Engine oil sensor defective» page 169Engine-speed limitation» page 31Water in fuel filter (diesel engine).» page 31Automatic gearbox DSG overheated» page 31AdBlue ®
level too low» page 31
Engine-speed limitation
The information about the maximum permissible engine speed is displayed to-
gether with this warning light.
Do not exceed the indicated maximum engine speed!
Have the vehicle checked by a specialist garage.
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.
Water in fuel filter. Owner´s manual!FUEL FILTER SEE MANUAL
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Automatic gearbox DSG overheated
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner´s manual!
▶
Do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
You can continue your journey as soon as the warning light disappears.
AdBlue ®
level too low
The warning light is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.
1)
For models with the speedometer in mph, the second speedometer is displayed in km/h.
31Instruments and Indicator Lights
AdBlue (DEF) refill! Range: ...ADBLUE RANGE …
The range in the display indicates the distance that can be driven with the re-
maining AdBlue ®
left in the tank.
Refill AdBlue ®
» page 164 .
AdBlue (DEF) refill! No engine start in …ADBLUE NO START IN …
The range in the display indicates the distance to travel, after which no engine
restart is possible, as long as no AdBlue ®
is added.
Refill AdBlue ®
» page 164 .
AdBlue (DEF) refill! No engine start possible.ADBLUE NO RESTART
It is no longer possible to start the engine.
Refill AdBlue ®
» page 164 .
WARNINGIf 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 light system » page 68. Place the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 41, Operation .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the warning lights are al-
ways indicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the warning
lights continue to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
33
Brake system
33
Seat belt warning light
33 Alternator33 Door open33
Coolant
33
Boot lid
34
Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
34
34
Traction Control System (ASR)
35
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
35
Traction control (TCS) is deactivated
35
Antilock brake system (ABS)
36
Rear fog light
36
Lamp failure
36
Xenon headlights (AFS)
36
Exhaust inspection system
36
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
36
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
37
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
37
Fuel reserve
37
Airbag system
37
Tyre pressure
38
Windscreen washer fluid level
38
Turn signal system
38
Fog lights
39
Cruise control system
39
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
39
OFF ROADmode
39
Main beam
39
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.
32Using the system
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 light system » page 68. Place the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
■
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 165, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
illuminates – the hand brake 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.
Release parking brake!
Brake system
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
illuminates – the brake fluid level in the braking system is too low.
Brake fluid: Owner's Manual!›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake fluid
» page 171 .
WARNING■
If the warning light lights up together with the warning light
» page 36 , 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 33 first.
illuminates - the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
The indicator light
goes off after the respective seat belt is fastened.
At a speed of more than approximately 20 km/h the warning light
flashes
and an audible warning sounds at a time.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
lights up permanently.
Alternator
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
illuminates – the battery is not being charged whilst the engine is running.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
If in addition to the symbol the symbol » page 33 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 33 first.
illuminates - one or more doors are open.
On vehicles with MAXI DOT display, this indicator is replaced by a vehicle icon
on the display » page 40 .
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
illuminates or flashes – the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant
level is too low.
Check coolant! Owner´s manual!
33Instruments and Indicator Lights
›Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant, and
refill the coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the warning light
illumi-
nated again after ignition on, then there may be a malfunction of the cooling
fan.›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary.
If the coolant level and the fan fuse are OK and the warning light
illuminates
again after ignition on
do not continue to drive!
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!
Boot lid
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
illuminates - the boot lid is open.
On vehicles with MAXI DOT display, this indicator is replaced by a vehicle icon
on the display » page 40 .
Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Fault in the power steering
illuminates – this indicates a complete failure of the power steering and the
steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
illuminates – this indicates a partial failure of the power steering and the
steering forces can be greater.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Steering column lock not unlocked (System KESSY) flashes - for vehicles with the KESSY system, the steering lock is not re-
leased.
▶ Move the steering wheel slightly back and forth, thereby facilitating unlock-
ing the steering lock.
If the steering does also not unlock then, the help of a specialist garage is re-
quired.
Steering lock defect (KESSY system)
An audible signal sounds as a warning. flashesSteering column lock faulty.
Park the vehicle,
stop driving
. After switching off the ignition, it is then no
longer possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical components (e.g.
radio, navigation system), to switch on the ignition again and to start the en-
gine. Seek help from a specialist garage.
flashesSteering column lock: Workshop!
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after the motor is restarted and a short drive, the indicator light does not go
out, there is a system error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Read and observe on page 33 first.
Low oil pressure
flashesOil pressure: Engine off! Owner´s manual!
▶
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level.
If the warning light flashes ,
do not drive an 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.
34Using the system
Engine oil level too low Illumi-
nates
Check oil level!
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level, top up
if necessary.
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.
Fault on the engine oil level sensor
flashesOil sensor: workshop!
The warning light
flashes several times after switching on the ignition and
there is audible signal.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
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 33 first.
flashes - the TCS is now being activated.
illuminates - there is a TCS fault.
Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
If the warning light comes on after starting the engine, the TCS may be
switched off for technical reasons.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does not illuminates after you switch the engine back
on, the ASR is fully functional again.
For more information about the TCS system » page 128, Traction control (TCS) .
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light
comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er-
ror.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
flashes - the ESC is now being activated.
illuminates - there is an ESC fault.
Error: stabilization control (ESC)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
If the warning light comes on after starting the engine, the ESC system may
be switched off for technical reasons.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
The ESC is fully functional again if the warning light does not light up after
you switch the engine back on.
For more information about the ESC system » page 127, Stability Control (ESC) .
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er-
ror.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Traction control (TCS) is deactivated
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
illuminates – the TCS system is disabled.
35Instruments and Indicator Lights