Operation
Placing in standby position Fig. 214
Step 1. Fig. 215
Step 2. Before assembling it, place the detachable
b
al
l
in the standby position with the follow-
ing two steps. Step 1.
● Turn the key in the direction of arrow 1 un-
ti l
the p
art of the key with the holes reaches
the top position ››› Fig. 214 (arrow).
Step 2.
● Grip the detachable ball below the protec-
tive co
ver.
● Press the release bolt B in the direction of
arr o
w 2 , and at the same time press lever
C in the direction of arrow
3 as far as it will
g o
›
›
› Fig. 215.
The lever will remain blocked in this position. Standby position Fig. 216
Standby position: Position of the lev-
er and the r el
e
ase bolt. Standby position adjusted properly
● Key A
› ›
› Fig. 216
is in the released posi-
tion (the part of the key with the holes is fac-
ing upwards).
● Lever B
› ›
› Fig. 216
is in the bottom posi-
tion.
● The release bolt C
› ›
› Fig. 216
can be
moved.
238
Towing bracket device
Thus adjusted, the detachable ball is ready
f or in
s
tallation. CAUTION
The key cannot be removed or turned in the
st andb
y position. Assembling the detachable ball - Step
1
Fig. 217
Fitting the detachable ball / Release
bo lt
in the dep
loyed position. Fitting the detachable ball
● Remove the hook housing cap 4›››
Fig. 213 down w
ards.
● Set the detachable ball to its standby posi-
tion ›››
page 238.
● Grip the detachable ball from below
›
›› Fig. 217 and insert it into the hook hous- ing following the direction of arrow
1 until it
en g
ag
es audibly ››› .
L ev
er A turns
automatically in the direction
of arr
ow 2 upwards, and the release bolt
B moves outwards (the red and green part will
be
v
i
sible) ››› .
If l
ev
er A does not turn automatically or the
r el
e
ase bolt B does not come out, the de-
t ac
h
able ball should be removed by turning
the lever as far as possible downwards from
the housing cavity, and the detachable ball's
support surfaces and the cavity should then
be cleaned. WARNING
● When attac hin
g the detachable ball, keep
your hands well away from the reach of the
lever's rotation to avoid getting your fingers
caught.
● Never try to pull the lever upwards by force
to turn the k
ey. The detachable ball would not
be secured properly! Assembling the detachable ball - Step
2
Fig. 218
Locking the lock. Fig. 219
Placing the cover over the lock. Do not omit this first step
››
›
page 239, As-
sembling the detachable ball - Step 1 !
● Turn key A in the direction of arrow
1 un-
ti l the p
art of the key with the holes reaches
the bottom position ››› Fig. 218. »
239
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
● Remo
v
e the key in the direction of arrow
2 .
● Place cover B in the lock in the direction
of arr
o
w 3
› ››
Fig. 219
››› .
● Check that the detachable ball is securely
att ac
hed ›
›› page 240, Checking proper at-
tachment. CAUTION
● Aft er r
emoving the key, always place the
cover over the lever's lock. If the lock be-
comes soiled it will be impossible to insert
the key.
● Keep the towing bracket device's housing
cavity
clean at all times. Dirtiness can pre-
vent the detachable ball from being properly
secured!
● If the detachable ball is removed, always
plac
e the cap on the hook's housing. Checking proper attachment
Fig. 220
Detachable ball properly attached. Whenever you go to use the detachable ball,
m
ak
e s
ure that it is properly attached first.
Detachable ball properly attached. ● The detachable ball will not fall out of the
housin
g cavity after a major “knock or jerk”.
● Lever A
› ›
› Fig. 220
is fully raised.
● The release bolt B
› ›
› Fig. 220
is sticking
fully out (the red and green part is visible).
● The key has been removed.
● Cover C
› ›
› Fig. 220
is placed over the lock. WARNING
● When remo v
ing the detachable ball, keep
your hands well away from the reach of the
lever's rotation to avoid getting your fingers
caught. ●
The to w
ing bracket device should only be
used if the detachable ball has been properly
locked! Removing the detachable ball - Step 1
Fig. 221
Removing the lock cover. Fig. 222
Releasing the lock. ●
Remove cover A from the lock in the direc-
tion of arr
o
w 1
› ›
› Fig. 221 .
240
Towing bracket device
● Inser
t
key B into the lock in the direction
of arr
o
w 2
› ››
Fig. 222
.
● T
urn the key in the direction of arrow 3 un-
ti l
the p
art of the key with the holes is facing
upwards. WARNING
Never remove the detachable ball joint when
the trai l
er is hitched. Note
Before you remove the detachable ball, you
are a dv
ised to place the protective cover on
the ball coupling. Removing the detachable ball - Step 2
Fig. 223
Releasing the detachable ball. Do not omit this first step
››
›
page 240, Re-
moving the detachable ball - Step 1 !Releasing the detachable ball
● Grip the detachable ball from below.
● Press the release bolt A in the direction of
arr o
w 1 as far as it will go, and at the same
time pr e
s
s lever B in the direction of arrow
2 as far as it will go.
In thi s
po
sition, the detachable ball is loose
and will fall/drop freely downwards. If this
does not occur when you release it, press it
with the other hand from above.
The detachable ball locks into the standby
position at the same time and is therefore
ready to be reinserted into the hook housing
››› .
● Fit the cap 4
› ›
› Fig. 213
onto its housing. WARNING
Never leave the detachable ball loose in the
lugg ag
e compartment. It could cause damage
in the luggage compartment in the case of
abrupt braking, and even jeopardise passen-
ger safety! CAUTION
● If y
ou hold the lever and do not press down
on it as far as you can, after you remove the
detachable ball, the latter will continue up-
wards and will not lock into the standby posi-
tion. The detachable ball should be placed in
this position before the next assembly. ●
Keep the det ac
hable ball in the standby po-
sition, with the key inserted into the box
while you place it facing downwards with the
side opposite to the one where the key is in-
serted. The key could get damaged!
● When operating the lever, do not apply too
much pre
ssure (for example, do not stand on
it)! Note
Remove any dirt from the detachable ball be-
f or e
you put it away with the vehicle tools. Operation and care
Put the cover on the housing cavity so that
dir
t
c
annot get in.
Before hooking up a trailer, always check the
ball coupling and apply suitable grease if
necessary.
Use the protective cover when putting the de-
tachable ball away to keep the luggage com-
partment clean.
Remove any dirt from the housing cavity sur-
faces and use a suitable cleaning product. CAUTION
The top part of the hook housing is greased.
Mak e s
ure that the grease has not been re-
moved. 241
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Towing bracket device
Hitching and connecting the trailer Fig. 224
Schematic diagram: assignment of
the pins of the trailer's electrical socket.
Key of the Schematic diagram ››› Fig. 224:
PinMeaning
1Left turn signal
2Rear fog light
3Earth, pins 1, 2, 4 to 8
4Right turn signal
5Rear light, right
6Brake lights
7Rear light, left
8Reverse lights
9Permanent live
10Cable without positive charge
11Earth, pin 10
Key of the Schematic diagram ››› Fig. 224:
PinMeaning
12Unassigned
13Earth, pin 9 Electrical socket for trailer
The v
ehic
le is fitted with a 13-pole power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. If the system de-
tects that a trailer has been connected elec-
trically, the electrical equipment on the trailer
will receive voltage through this connection.
Pin 9 has a permanent live. This powers, for
example, the trailer's interior lighting. Pin 10
is only powered when the engine is running.
The charge wire (pin 10) charges, for exam-
ple, a caravan battery.
Pin 9 and 10 should not be connected to
each other to avoid discharging or damaging
the vehicle's battery.
The earth wires, pin 3, pin 11 and pin 13,
should never be connected to each other to
avoid overloading the electrical system.
If the trailer has a 7-contact connector , you
will need to use an adapter cable. In this case
the function corresponding to pin 10 will not
be available. Trailer maximum electricity consumption
Brake lights (total)84 Watts
Turn signal, on each side42 Watts
Side lights (total)100 Watts
Rear lights (total)42 Watts
Rear fog light42 Watts
Never exceed the values indicated!
Note
● If the r e
ar lights of the trailer are not cor-
rectly connected, the vehicle electronics may
be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric cur-
rent, the v
ehicle electronics may be dam-
aged.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
directly t
o the electrical connections of the
tail lights or any other power sources. Only
use the connections intended for providing
electric current to the trailer. Ball coupling of towing bracket de-
v
ic
e* The ball coupling is provided with instruc-
tion
s
on fittin
g and removing the ball cou-
pling of the towing bracket. »
243
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Towing bracket device
Anti-theft alarm When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
ger
ed when the el
ectrical connection be-
tween vehicle and trailer is interrupted.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system
before connecting or disconnecting a trailer
››› page 138.
Conditions for the integration of a trailer in
the anti-theft alarm system.
● The vehicle is factory-equipped with an an-
ti-theft al
arm system and a towing bracket
device.
● The trailer is connected electrically to the
tow
ing vehicle by the trailer connector.
● The electrical system of the vehicle and the
trail
er are prepared for operation.
● The vehicle is locked with the ignition key
and the anti-theft al
arm system is activated.CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear
LED lights ar
e not integrated in the anti-theft
alarm system. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra
c
ar e. W
eight distribution
The weight di
stribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable.
However, if this cannot be avoided, drive ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced with increasing speed. For this reason,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum
permissible speed in an unfavourable road,
weather or wind conditions. This applies es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snak-
ing. Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
creasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has
an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at
first and then, firmly. This will prevent the
jerking that can be caused by locking of trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving in a low gear and high
engine speed, always monitor the coolant
temperature gauge ››› page 120. Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* sys
tem helps to stabilise the trailer
in case of skidding or rocking.
Retrofitting a towing bracket* Fig. 226
Attachment points for towing brack-
et . » 245
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Care and maintenance
WARNING
● Car -c
are products can be toxic. Because of
this, they must always be kept closed in their
original container. Keep them out of the reach
of children. Failure to comply could result in
poisoning.
● Always read and observe the instructions
and warning
s on the package before using
car-care products. Improper use could cause
health problems or damage the vehicle. The
use of certain products may produce noxious
vapours; they should be used in well ventila-
ted areas.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail
varnish r
emover or other volatile fluids.
These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of
fire and explosion.
● Before washing your vehicle, or carrying
out any
maintenance, switch the engine off,
apply the handbrake firmly and remove the
key from the ignition. CAUTION
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if
the sur f
ace of the vehicle is dry. Never use a
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes.
This could damage the paintwork or the win-
dows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust
with plenty of water. For the sake of the environment
● When pur c
hasing car care products, try to
select ones that are not harmful to the envi-
ronment.
● The waste from car-care products should
not be dis
posed of with ordinary household
waste. Observe the disposal information on
the package. Care of the vehicle exterior
Autom atic
car wash tunnel The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the
v
ehic
l
e can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, the paintwork wear depends to a
large extent on the kind of the car wash tun-
nel, the brushes used, its water filtering and
the type of cleaning and preservative prod-
ucts.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions (close the win-
dows, the roof and rear-view mirrors). There
is nothing to note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as
spoilers or a roof rack or two-way radio aerial,
etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash
tunnel operator first. After washing, the brake
s could take some
time to respond as the brake discs and pads
could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry”
the brakes by braking several times. WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduc e br
aking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. Hand-washing
Vehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with wa-
ter
.
– C
lean your vehicle from top to bottom with
a soft s
ponge, a glove or a brush. Use very
light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean
water
.
– Special car shampoo should only be used
for v
ery stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last,
usin
g a different sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a cha-
mois l
eather.
– In cold temperature, dry the rubber seals
and their sur
faces to prevent them from »
249
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
have the engine cleaned. On commissioning
thi s
w
ork, ensure that all surfaces, seams,
joints and components in the engine com-
partment are given anti-corrosion treatment. WARNING
● When work in
g in the engine compartment,
always observe the safety warnings
››› page 263.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch the en-
gine off, app
ly the handbrake firmly and al-
ways remove the key from the ignition.
● Allow the engine to cool before you clean
the engine comp
artment.
● Do not clean, for example, the vehicle un-
derbody, wheel ar
ches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Failure
to comply could result in injury.
● Moisture, ice and salt on the brake system
may
affect braking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. Directly after washing, avoid sudden
and sharp braking.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is tempera-
ture-c
ontrolled and could start automatically,
even when the key is removed from the igni-
tion! For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits can be removed
when the engine i s
washed. The polluted wa-
ter must be cleaned in an oil separator. For
this reason, engine washing should be car- ried out only by a specialised workshop or a
petro
l
station. Caring for the vehicle interior
Scr een f
or the radio/Easy Connect*
and control panel* The display can be cleaned with a soft cloth
and a prof
e
ssionally available “LCD cleaner”.
Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the
cleaning fluid.
The Easy Connect control panel* should first
be cleaned with a brush so that no dirt goes
into the device or between the keys and
housing. Next, we recommend cleaning the
Easy Connect control panel* using a cloth
dampened with water and washing-up liquid. CAUTION
● To av oid s
cratching the screen, do not wipe
the display with a dry cloth.
● To avoid damage, ensure that no liquid
goes
into the Easy Connect control panel*. Cleaning plastic parts and the dash
p
anel –
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic
par ts
and the dash panel. –
If this
does not provide satisfactory results,
use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning
product. WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag
modul e s
urface with cleaners containing sol-
vents. Solvents cause the surface to become
porous. If the airbag triggered, plastic parts
could become detached and cause injuries. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
dam ag
e the material. Cleaning wooden trim*
–
Clean the wooden trim with a water-mois-
tened c
l
ean cloth.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results,
use a gen
tle soap solution. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
dam ag
e the material. Cleaning textile covers and trim parts
Textile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door
trim) shou
l
d be c
leaned regularly with a
254