Driving and operating137Brakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when the brake pedal
is depressed firmly. Considerably
more force is needed for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has
been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 85.
Antilock brake system
Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off, the system performs a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 86.
Fault9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can nolonger be steered and may
swerve.
You can continue driving, provided
you drive with care and anticipation.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Parking brake Electrical parking brake
138Driving and operating
Applying when vehicle is stationary
Pull switch m, the electrical parking
brake operates automatically with
adequate force. For maximum force,
e.g. parking with a trailer or on
inclines, pull switch m twice.
The electrical parking brake can
always be activated, even if the
ignition is off.
Do not operate electrical parking
brake system too often without
engine running as this will discharge
the battery.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the
electrical parking brake status.
Control indicator m 3 86.
Releasing
Switch on ignition. Keep foot brake
depressed and then push switch m.
If the foot brake is not depressed
when attempting to release electrical
parking brake, a warning chime will
sound and control indicator -
illuminates in the instrument cluster
3 90.Drive away function
With the engine running, selecting a
forward gear (manual transmission)
or engaging D (automatic
transmission) and then depressing the accelerator pedal automatically
releases the electrical parking brake.
This is not possible when the switch
m is pulled at the same time.
This function also helps driving away
on inclines.
Aggressive drive away may reduce
life time of wear parts.
Dynamic braking when vehicle is
moving
When the vehicle is moving and the
switch m is kept pulled, a warning
chime will sound and the electrical
parking brake system will decelerate
the vehicle, but will not apply
statically.
As soon as the switch m is released,
dynamic braking will be stopped.Fault
Failure mode of electrical parking
brake is indicated by control indicator
j 3 86.
In the event of a fault, to apply
electrical parking brake: pull and hold the switch m for a few seconds. If
control indicator m illuminates,
electrical parking brake has been applied successfully.
To release electrical parking brake:
push and hold the switch m for a few
seconds. If control indicator m
extinguishes, electrical parking brake
has been released successfully.
If control indicator m flashes:
electrical parking brake is not fully
applied or released. When m is
continuously flashing, with ignition switched on depress brake pedal,
release electrical parking brake and
retry applying.
If m continues to flash, do not drive
the vehicle. If necessary, place
wedge blocks or equivalent in front of and behind wheels to prevent vehicle
Driving and operating139
movement. Seek the assistance of a
workshop to have the cause of the
fault remedied.
Brake assist
If the brake pedal is depressed
quickly and forcefully, maximum
brake force is automatically applied
(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the
brake pedal for as long as full braking
is required. Maximum brake force is
automatically reduced when the
brake pedal is released.
Hill start assist
The system helps prevent unintended movement when driving away on
inclines.
When releasing the foot brake after
stopping on an incline, the brakes
remain on for a further 2 seconds. The brakes release automatically as soon
as the vehicle begins to accelerate.Ride control systems
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip. It also
prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer/oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the
wheels are braked individually. This
considerably improves the driving
stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESC is operational as soon as control indicators b and t extinguish in the
instrument cluster after switching on the ignition.
When ESC is active b flashes 3 87.9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Deactivation
With ESC active, if wheels are
slipping on wet, snowy or icy roads,
engine speed may not increase when
accelerator pedal is depressed. The
vehicle may not move.
140Driving and operating
Switch off ESC function, to allow
engine rpm to increase, by pressing
button t briefly. Control indicator t
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
ESC is reactivated by pressing button
t again. The control indicator
extinguishes.
Control indicator t 3 88.
Hydraulic brake assist
When the ESC function comes into
action and recognises any
emergency situation requiring hard
braking, it automatically delivers
increased braking pressure to the
wheels.
Active rollover protection If the vehicle moves in an unstable
manner, this function helps the
vehicle maintain normal stability.
Trailer stability assist
If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is
selectively braked until the snaking
ceases. While system is working keep steering wheel as still as possible.Descent control system
The Descent control system (DCS)
allows the vehicle to travel at a low
speed without depressing the foot
brake. The vehicle will automatically
decelerate to a low speed and remain
at that speed when the system is
activated. Some noise or vibration
from the brake system may be
apparent when the system is active.Caution
Use only when descending steep
grades while driving off-road. Do
not use when driving on normal
road surfaces. Unnecessary
usage of the DCS function, such
as while driving on normal roads,
may damage the brake system
and the ESC function.
Activation
At speeds below approx. 30 mph,
press button u. The green control
indicator u flashes in the instrument
cluster, to show DCS is in operation.
DCS will not activate at speeds above 30 mph, even if the button is pressed.
Deactivation
Press button u again. The green
control indicator u extinguishes.
Depressing the foot brake or
accelerator will also cause the system to be deactivated.
148Driving and operating
If no eye is available, loop cable
around coupling ball bar. Ensure
cable is crossed under the vertical
coupling socket to ensure the trailer
nose cannot drop to the ground if it
becomes separated from the trailer
hitch. Do not allow the cable to drag
along the ground and always allow
enough slack to permit full turning.
Follow the instructions supplied with
the towing equipment.
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements. For trailers with
low driving stability, the use of a
friction-type stabiliser is strongly
recommended.
Do not drive faster than 50 mph, even
in countries where higher speeds are
permitted. When driving uphill, do not drive faster than 20 mph in 1st gear,
or 30 mph in 2nd gear.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 210.
Trailer towing Trailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle-dependent and engine-
dependent maximum values which
must not be exceeded. The actual
trailer load is the difference between
the actual gross weight of the trailer
and the actual coupling socket load
with the trailer coupled.
When the trailer load is being
checked, therefore, only the trailer
wheels - and not the jockey wheel -
must be standing on the weighing
apparatus.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.The permitted trailer load applies up
to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 201.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (80 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum load,
Driving and operating151
Unlock coupling ball bar and remove
key. Push lever to the left, towards the
coupling ball bar and turn it
downwards. Pull coupling ball bar out of coupling housing.
Remove any rust or dirt from area
around the coupling housing and
coupling ball bar connection before
inserting sealing plug in the hole.
Place the coupling ball bar in the bag supplied, fasten it with the strap and
stow it below the floor cover in the
load compartment.
Do not use steam-jet cleaners or
other high-pressure cleaners to clean
the coupling ball bar.
Trailer stability assist If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is
selectively braked until the snaking ceases. While system is working keep steering wheel as still as possible.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Control 3 139.
152Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................152
Vehicle checks ........................... 153
Bulb replacement .......................161
Electrical system ........................167
Vehicle tools .............................. 175
Wheels and tyres .......................177
Jump starting ............................. 190
Towing ....................................... 192
Appearance care .......................194General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of 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
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first orreverse gear or move selector lever
to P. Prevent the vehicle from
rolling.
■ Do not apply the electrical parking brake.
174Vehicle care
FuseCircuitAMPAmplifierAPO JACK
(CONSOLE)Power outlet
(centre console)APO JACK
(REAR CARGO)Power outlet
(load compart‐
ment)AWD/VENTAll-wheel drive,
ventilationBCM (CTSY)Courtesy lightsBCM (DIMMER)Instrument illu‐
minationBCM (INT LIGHT
TRLR FOG)Interior lights,
trailer fog lightBCM (PRK/TRN)Parking lights,
turn signalsBCM (STOP)Brake lightsBCM (TRN SIG)Turn signalsBCM (VBATT)Battery voltageFuseCircuitCIMCommunica‐
tions Integration
ModuleCLSTRInstrument
clusterDRLDaytime running
lightsDR/LCKDriver door lockDRVR PWR
SEATDriver power
seatDRV/PWR
WNDWDriver power
windowF/DOOR LOCKFuel filler flapFRT WSRFront washerFSCMFuel systemFSCM/VENT SOLFuel system,
vent solenoidHEATING MAT
SWHeating mat
switchHTD SEAT PWRSeat heatingFuseCircuitHVAC BLWRClimate control,
air conditioning
fanIPCInstrument panel clusterISRVM/RCMInterior mirror,
remote compass moduleKEY CAPTUREKey captureL/GATETailgateLOGISTIC MODELogistic modeOSRVMExterior mirrorsPASS PWR
WNDWPassenger
power windowPWR DIODEPower diodePWR MODINGPower modingRADIORadioRR FOGHeated rear
window