Operation
WARNING
Never programme the auxiliary heater so that
it sw
itches itself on and is running in an en-
closed space or an area with no ventilation.
The auxiliary heater exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colour-
less toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
people to lose consciousness. It can also
cause death. Operating instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located
belo
w the
vehicle must be kept clear of snow,
mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes
must be able to exit freely. The emissions
generated by the auxiliary heater are re-
moved via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath
the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on
the outside temperature, the warm air is first
directed at the windscreen and then to the
rest of the vehicle interior through the air
vents. Directing the diffusers – towards the
windows for example – can affect air distribu-
tion.
When will the auxiliary heater not be activa-
ted?
● The auxiliary heater requires about as
muc h po
wer as the dipped beam headlights.
If the 12-volt battery charge is too low, the auxiliary heater switches off automatically
and c
annot
be switched on. This avoids prob-
lems when starting the engine.
● The heating must be activated every time
you w
ant to set off. Similarly, the departure
time must reactivate each time.
● The control lamp (fuel
level indicator)
lights up. Note
● Noi se
s will be heard while the auxiliary
heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the in-
side t
emperature low, condensation from the
heating and ventilating system may evapo-
rate when the auxiliary heater is switched on.
In this case, steam may be released from un-
derneath the vehicle. This does not mean
that there is a vehicle malfunction.
● If the vehicle is tilted, e.g. if parked on a
slope, the oper
ation of the auxiliary heater
may be restricted if the fuel tank level is low
(just above the reserve level).
● If the auxiliary heater is used a number of
times
for a long period of time, the 12-volt
battery will lose its charge. To recharge the
battery, the vehicle must be driven for a num-
ber of kilometres from time to time. As a
guideline: The journey should last approxi-
mately as long as the heater was connected.
● At temperatures below +5°C (+41°F), the
auxi
liary heater may switch itself on automat-
ically when the engine is switched on. The auxiliary heater is switched off again after a
c
er
tain time.164
Driving
Driving St ar
t and stop the engine
Switching the ignition on and starting
the engine with the key Fig. 163
Ignition key positions. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 23
Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer
than usual to start on cold days. Therefore
the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or the
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) must re-
main pressed until the engine starts up. Dur-
ing preheating, the warning lamp remains
lit.
The preheating time depends on the coolant
and exterior temperatures. With the engine at
operating temperature, or at outside temper-
atures above +8°C, the warning lamp will light up for about one second. This means
that
the engine starts immediately.
If the engine does not immediately start up,
interrupt the starting process and try again
after 30 seconds. To start the engine again,
return the key to position 1 .
St ar
t-Stop System*
If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
system* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on.
Automatic gearbox: before leaving the vehi-
cle, make sure that the ignition is switched
off and the selector lever is in position P.
Driver messages on the instrument panel
display
Press the clutch
This message appears on vehicles with a
manual gearbox if the driver tries to start the
engine without having the clutch pedal
pressed. The engine will only start if you
press the clutch pedal.
Press the brake This message appears on vehicles with an
automatic gearbox if the driver tries to start
the engine without having the brake pedal
pressed. Select N or P
This
message appears if you try to start or
stop the engine when the selector lever of
the automatic gearbox is not in position P or
N. The engine can only start or stop in certain
positions.
Engage position P; the vehicle
can move; doors can only close in
position P.For safety reasons, this driver message ap-
pears and an audible warning sounds if the
selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not
in position P after you switch off the ignition.
Put the selector lever in position P, otherwise
the vehicle could roll away.
Gear change: selector lever in
the drive position! This driver message is displayed when the
selector lever is not in the position P when
the driver door is opened. Additionally, a
buzzer will sound. Put the selector lever in
position P, otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.
Ignition is switched on
This driver message is displayed and a buz-
zer is sounded when the driver door is
opened with the ignition switched on. »
165
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
WARNING
● Nev er ru
n the engine in confined spaces, as
the exhaust gases are poisonous. CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and
e xtr
eme load conditions until the engine has
reached its normal operating temperature,
otherwise this can damage the engine. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by idling it. You
shou l
d drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This will help avoid unnecessary ex-
haust emissions. Note
● If it
is difficult to turn the ignition key to
the position 1 , turn the steering wheel to
both s ide
s to release the steering lock.
● When starting from cold, the engine may be
a little noi
sy for the first few seconds until oil
pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve
lifters. This is quite normal, and no cause for
concern.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected and
rec
onnected, the key must remain in the posi-
tion 1 for around 5 seconds before starting
up .
● V
ehicles with automatic gearbox: after
swit
ching off the ignition, you can only re-
move the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (parking lock). Next, the se-
l
ect
or lever is locked. Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1 ›››
Fig. 163.
En g
aging the steering wheel lock
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the igni-
tion key can only be removed when the selec-
tor lever is in position P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in posi-
tion 1
› ›
›
Fig. 163 ››› .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gag
e.
Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged. WARNING
● Nev er sw
itch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury. ●
Nev er r
emove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could suddenly lock, making it impossible
to steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you
le
ave the vehicle. This is particularly impor-
tant if there are children in the vehicle, as
they might otherwise be able to start the en-
gine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause in-
juries. CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high
lo a
d for a long time, there is a risk of heat
building up in the engine compartment after
it has been switched off; this could cause en-
gine damage. For this reason, you should idle
the engine for approximately 2 minutes be-
fore you switch it off. Note
● Af t
er the engine is switched off the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes, even if
the ignition is switched off. It is also possible
that the fan turns itself on once more if the
coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment
or due to its prolonged exposure to solar ra-
diation.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
sys
tem* switches off the engine, the ignition 166
Driving
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion i
s
switched off before leaving the
vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge. Starter button*
Fig. 164
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: starter button. The vehicle engine can be started with a
s
t
arter button (Press & Drive). To do so, there
must be a valid key inside the vehicle in the
area of the front or rear seats.
In vehicles with the Keyless Access
››› page 112 system, the engine can also be
started with the key in the luggage compart-
ment.
Opening the driver's door when exiting the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled. Switching the ignition on/off manually
Briefly p
ush the starter button without touch-
ing the brake or clutch pedal ››› .
F or
vehicles with both manual and automatic
transmission, the starter button text START ENGINE STOP flashes like a heartbeat
when the sy s
tem is preset for switching the
ignition on and off.
Automatic ignition switch-off
If the driver leaves the vehicle, taking the ve-
hicle key with them but leaving the ignition
on, the ignition is switched off automatically
after a certain time. If at that time the dipped
beam is on, the parking lights will stay on for
approx. 30 minutes. The side light can be
turned off by blocking the vehicle
››› page 112 or manually ››› page 131.
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the battery of the vehicle key button
is very low or flat: ● Immediately after pushing the starter but-
ton, k
eep the vehicle key next to the right
trim of the steering column.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
autom
atically. Emergency disconnection
If the en
gine does not switch off after briefly
pressing the starter button, an emergency
disconnect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 3 sec-
onds
or press it once for more than 1 sec-
ond ››› .
● The engine turns off automatically.
En gine r
estart feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation of the ignition on ve-
hicles with the Start-Stop system
The ignition is switched off automatically
when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-
matic engine shutdown is active, if:
● The driver's seat belt is not fastened,
● the driver does not step on any pedal,
● the driver door is opened.
Aft
er automatically turning off the ignition, if
the dipped beam is on, the side light re-
mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if the bat-
tery is sufficiently charged). If the driver locks »
167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
the vehicle or manually turns off the light, the
s ide light
goes out. WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
r e
sult in serious injury.
● When switching on the ignition, do not
pr
ess the brake or clutch pedal, otherwise
the engine could start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due c
are, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when ex
iting. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
● Bef
ore leaving the vehicle, always discon-
nect the ignition manually and, if appropri-
ate, take into account the instructions on the
screen of the dash panel.
● If the vehicle is stationary for a long time
with the ignition on, the
vehicle battery
might be discharged and it might not be pos-
sible to start the engine.
● In diesel vehicles, there may be a delay in
the engine s
tarting if it requires preheating. ●
If durin
g the STOP phase you press the
START ENGINE STOP button, the ignition is
sw it
ched off and the button flashes.
● If the indication “Start-Stop system deacti-
vat
ed: Start the engine manually” is dis-
played on the dash panel display, the START ENGINE STOP button will blink.
Starting the engine
3
Valid for vehicles: with Keyless Access
StepStarting the engine with the starter but-
ton ››› page 167 (Press & Drive).
1.Press and hold the brake pedal until step 5 is
performed.
1a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: press and
hold the clutch down until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector
lever in position P or N.
3.
Briefly press the starter button ››› Fig. 164 with-
out pressing the accelerator. For the engine to
start there must be a valid key in the vehicle.
After starting the engine, the light of the START ENGINE STOP
button changes to a fixed
light indicating that the engine has started.
4.If the engine does not start, stop and wait for
approx. 1 minute before trying again. If neces-
sary, perform an emergency start ››› page 167.
5.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when
you are about to start driving ››› page 170. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle with the engine run-
nin g, e
specially if a gear or gear range is en-
gaged. The vehicle could then suddenly move
or something strange could happen that
would cause damage, fire or serious injury. WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
s ud
den increase in the engine speed.
● Never use sprays to cold start the engine. CAUTION
● The s t
arter motor or the engine may be
damaged if you try to start the engine while
driving or if you restart it immediately after
switching it off.
● If the engine is cold, avoid high engine
speed
s, pushing the engine too hard and rap-
id acceleration.
● Do not start the engine by pushing the ve-
hicl
e or towing it. Unburnt fuel could enter
the catalytic converter and damage it. Note
● Do not w
ait until the engine warms up with
the vehicle stationary; if you have good visi-
bility through the windows, start driving im-
mediately. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emis-
sions. 168
Driving
●
Electric
al components with a high power
consumption are switched off temporarily
when the engine starts.
● When starting with a cold engine, noise
lev
els may briefly increase. This is quite nor-
mal, and no cause for concern.
● When the outside temperature is below
+5°C (+41°F), if
the engine is diesel, some
smoke may appear under the vehicle when the fuel-operated auxiliary heater is on. Stopping the engine
3
V
alid for vehicles: with Keyless Access
StepSwitch off the engine with the starter
button ››› page 167.
1.Stop the vehicle completely ››› .
2.Press and hold the brake pedal until the step
4 is performed.
3.If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place
the selector lever in position P.
4.Connect the electronic parking brake
››› page 170.
5.
Briefly press the start-up button ››› Fig. 164.
The START ENGINE STOP button blinks again. If
the engine fails to switch off, perform an emer-
gency disconnect ››› page 167.
6.If the vehicle is equipped with a manual gear-
box, put it into 1st or reverse. WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
i s
moving. This could cause loss of control of
the vehicle, accidents and serious injury.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not
work
when the ignition is switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off.
Therefore, you need to press the
break pedal harder to brake the vehicle.
● Power steering does not work when the en-
gine is
not running. You need more strength
to steer when the engine is switched off.
● If the ignition is switched off, the steering
co
lumn could be locked, making it impossible
to control the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine is made to work hard for a long
time, it m
ay overheat after being switched
off. To prevent damage to the engine before
switching it off, leave it idle for approx. 2 mi-
nutes in neutral. Note
After switching off the engine, the cooling fan
m a
y continue to operate in the engine com-
partment for a few more minutes, even with
the ignition off. The radiator fan is automati-
cally switched off. “My Beat” Function
For vehicles with a convenience key there is
the “M
y
Beat” function. This feature provides
an additional indication of the vehicle igni-
tion system.
When accessing the vehicle, e.g. by opening
the doors with the remote control, the START ENGINE STOP button flashes, calling at-
t ention t
o the relevant starter system button.
Upon switching the ignition on/off, the light
of the START ENGINE STOP button flashes. With
the en gine sw
itched off, after a few seconds,
the STOP ENGINE START button stops flashing
and g oe
s out.
With the engine running, the START ENGINE STOP button light stays on, indi-
c atin
g that the engine is running. Upon
switching the ignition off with the START ENGINE STOP button, it starts flashing
ag ain.
In
vehicles with the Start-Stop system , the
“My Beat” function also offers additional in-
formation:
● When the engine stops during the Stop
pha
se, the light of the START ENGINE STOP but-
t on s
tays on, since, even though the engine
is off, the Start-Stop system is active.
● When the engine cannot be stated again
with the
Start-Stop system, ›››
page 188, and
needs to be started manually, the »
169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
START ENGINE STOP button flashes to indicate
thi s
fact.
Braking and parking Electr
onic parking brake Fig. 165
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: electronic parking brake button. The electronic parking brake replaces the
h
andbr
ake.
Activating the electronic parking brake
The electronic parking brake can be activated
whenever the vehicle is at a standstill, even
when the ignition is switched off. Activate it
whenever you leave or park the vehicle.
● Pull and hold the ››
› Fig. 165 button.
● The parking brake is activated when the
contr
ol light of the ››› Fig. 165 button (arrow) and the red control light of the display in
the d
ash panel are on.
● Release the button.
Rel
easing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press the button ››
› Fig. 165. At the same
time step hard on the brake pedal or, if the
engine is running, press the accelerator ped-
al slightly.
● The control light of the ››
› Fig. 165 button
(arrow) and the red control light of the dis-
play in the dash panel go out.
Automatic release of the electronic parking
brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically
switched off when starting if, after the driv-
er's door is closed and the driver's seat belt
fastened, any of the following situations take
place:
● On vehicles with an automatic gearbox: A
ge
ar range is engaged or the vehicle is
switched to another one and the accelerator
pedal is lightly pressed.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: The
clut
ch pedal is pressed fully before starting
off and the accelerator is pedal lightly press-
ed.
● To facilitate certain manoeuvres there are
ex
ceptions that allow the automatic parking brake to be released without the driver's seat
belt bein
g fastened.
The parking brake can be prevented from be-
ing automatically released by continuously
pulling up the ››› Fig. 165 switch when
starting off.
The electronic parking brake is not discon-
nected until the button is released. This
can facilitate starting off when a heavy load
is towed ››› page 255.
Automatic activation of the electronic park-
ing brake on starting the engine
In vehicles with automatic transmission, the
electronic parking brake is activated auto-
matically when exiting the vehicle incorrectly
if: ● The selector lever is in the D/S or R pos
i-
tion or in the Tiptronic selection track.
● AND: the vehicle is stationary.
● AND:
the driver door i
s open.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency brake function if you
are unable to stop the vehicle with the foot
brake ››› .
● Pull and hold the › ›
› Fig. 165 button in
this position to forcefully stop the vehicle. At
the same time, an acoustic warning can be
heard.
170
Driving
● To s
top the braking process, release the
button or press the accelerator. WARNING
The improper use of the electronic parking
br ak
e can cause accidents and serious injury.
● Never use the electronic parking brake to
st
op the vehicle, unless it is an emergency.
Braking distances can be considerably lon-
ger, since, under certain circumstances, only
the rear wheels brake. Always use the foot
brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine when a
ge
ar range or a gear is engaged and the en-
gine is running. The vehicle could move, even
if the electronic parking brake is activated. CAUTION
To prevent the vehicle from unintentionally
mo v
ing when parking it, first apply the elec-
tronic parking brake and then remove your
foot from the brake pedal. Note
● In v
ehicles with a manual gearbox, releas-
ing the clutch and accelerating at the same
time automatically disconnects the electronic
parking brake.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be
pos
sible to disconnect the electronic parking
brake. Use the jump-start ›››
page 58. ●
When the el ectr
onic parking brake is ap-
plied or released, noises may be heard.
● The system performs automatic and audi-
bl
e tests sporadically in the parked vehicle if
some time elapses without the electronic
parking brake being used. Parking
The electronic parking brake should always
be ap
p
lied when the vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle: – Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the electronic parking brake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition.
Turn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Never leave a vehicle key in the vehicle.
Addition
al notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhi
ll,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb . ●
If the
vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn
the front wheels so that they point away from
the kerb.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
electr
onic parking brake firmly and putting it
in 1st gear. WARNING
● Tak
e measures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
cou
ld ignite inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the v
ehicle when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They c
ould set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the electronic parking
brake or the gearshift lever, which would
cause the vehicle to move, but uncontrolla-
bly.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become e
xtremely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. 171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety