Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
10
Driving safety
10
In this section of the instructions you will find important information on the
subject of passive safety. We have combined everything here which you
should be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, safety of children and anything similar.
Other important safety information can also be found in the subsequent sec-
tions of this Owner's Manual. The Owner's Manual should therefore always be
kept in 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.
▶ Check the lights and turn signal lights are functioning correctly.
▶ Check the wiper function and the wiper blades for wear. Check the wind-
screen washer fluid level.
▶ 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 using a suitable child seat » page 21, Transporting children
safely .
▶ Adopt the correct seated position. Tell your passengers to assume the cor-
rect seated position » page 10, Correct and safe seated position .
Driving safety
For safety in traffic, the following precautions must 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, drugs or similar).
▶ 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).
Correct and safe seated position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The correct seating position for the driver
11
Adjusting the steering wheel position
11
Correct seating position for the front passenger
12
Correct seating position for the passengers in the rear seats
12
Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is moving.
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 one 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.
10Safety
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
▶ Front side airbag.
▶ Rear side airbag.
▶ Head airbag.
When an airbag is deployed, the following events occur.
▶ The hazard warning lights are switched on.
▶ All doors are unlocked.
▶ The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
▶ The interior light comes on (if the automatic operation of the interior light is
switched on - position
).
When there is no air bag deployment?
With minor frontal and side collisions, rear collision, overturning of the vehicle
or vehicle roll-over there is no airbag deployment.
Safety instructions
Fig. 9
Safe distance from the steering
wheel and dashboard
WARNINGGeneral information■The seat belts and the airbag system can only offer optimum protection
if the driver and passengers are seated properly » page 10 .■
The airbag unleashes enormous force when triggered, which can lead to
serious injuries or fatalities if the driver and passengers are not seated
properly. This applies in particular to children who are transported without
using a suitable child safety seat » page 23.
■
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a spe-
cialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident.
WARNING (Continued)■ If the airbag has been deployed, the airbag system must then be replaced.■In the area of the front airbag and the knee airbag, the surface of the
steering wheel and the dashboard should be cleaned using only a dry cloth
or one that has been dampened with water.WARNINGInformation about the front airbags■For the driver and front passenger it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel or the panel » Fig. 9 - A
, If you do
not keep this distance, it means that the airbag system cannot protect you
- there is a risk to life! The front seats and the head restraints must always
also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing
child seat on the front passenger seat » page 19, Airbag deactivation . If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed.
■
No other persons, animals or objects should be placed in front of the oc-
cupants in the front seats in the deployment area of the front airbags.
■
The steering wheel and the surface of the dashboard on the passenger
side must not be stickered, covered or modified in any way. No parts (e.g.
cup holders, mobile phone mounts and the like) may be mounted near the
airbag installation points and in the airbag deployment area.
■
Never place objects on the surface of the dashboard on the passenger
side.
WARNINGInformation about knee airbags■Adjust the driver's seat in a forward/back direction so that there is a gap
of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dashboard in the vicinity of the
knee airbag » Fig. 9 - B
. If it is not possible to meet this requirement due
to your body size, visit a specialist garage.
■
The surface of the airbag module in the lower part of the dash panel be-
low the steering column not have stickers attached, be covered or modified
in any other way. Nothing may be attached to the cover of the airbag mod-
ule or located within the immediate vicinity.
■
Do not attach any bulky and heavy objects (bunch of keys etc.) to the igni-
tion key. These can be ejected by the knee airbag when it is deployed and
can cause injuries.
18Safety
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
Fig. 17
Instrument cluster
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Rev counter
28
Coolant temperature gauge
29
Fuel gauge
29
Lighting of the instrument cluster
29
Auto Check Control
30
Engine revolutions counter » page 28
▶ with warning lights » page 31
Speedometer
▶ with warning lights » page 31
Operation key:
▶ Setting the time » page 39
▶ Switching the display for the second speedometer on/off 1)
» page 39
123▶
Displaying the distance and days until the next service interval 1)
» page 44
▶ Show AdBlue range 1)
» page 39
Coolant temperature gauge » page 29
Display » page 38
Fuel gauge » page 29
Operation key: ▶ Reset counter for distance travelled (trip) » page 38
▶ Setting the time
▶ Enable / disable the mode selected using the3
button
Rev counter
The tachometer
1
» Fig. 17 on page 28 shows the actual engine speed per mi-
nute.
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 / S on the automatic gearbox.
The gear recommendation is important to note in order to maintain the opti-
mum engine speed » page 39.
CAUTION
The rev counter pointer may only move into the red area for a short time - oth-
erwise there is a risk of engine damage!45671)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
28Using the system
Auto Check Control
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition is switched on. If there is a system failure, the
relevant message is displayed in the MAXI DOTDisplay, in conjunction with in-
dicator lights, if necessary, indicator light illumination takes place in the instru-
ment cluster » page 31, 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 display
Engine oil pressure too low» page 33Check engine oil level
Engine oil sensor defective» page 145Engine-speed limitation» page 30Water in fuel filter (diesel engine).» page 30Automatic gearbox DSG overheated» page 30
AdBlue ®
level too low» page 30
Engine-speed limitation
The information about the maximum permissible engine speed is displayed to-
gether with this indicator light.
▶ Do not exceed the indicated maximum engine speed!
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
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.
The indicator light is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.
Illuminates
Water in fuel filter. Log book!FUEL FILTER SEE MANUAL
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
Automatic gearbox DSG
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!
▶
Stop driving! Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
You can continue your journey as soon as the warning light disappears.
▶ If the indicator light does not go out,
stop driving! Seek help from a spe-
cialist garage.
/
AdBlue ®
level too low
The indicator light and
is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.
Further information on refilling of AdBlue ®
is shown in the display.
Refill AdBlue (DEF)! Range: ...ADBLUE RANGE …
The range in the display indicates the distance that can be driven with the re-
maining AdBlue ®
left in the tank.
▶ Add AdBlue ®
» page 142 .
Refill AdBlue (DEF)! 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.
▶ Add AdBlue ®
» page 142 .
Refill AdBlue (DEF)! No engine start possible.ADBLUE NO RESTART
It is no longer possible to start the engine.
▶ Refill AdBlue ®
» page 142 .
30Using the system
HandbrakeRead and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up – the hand brake has been applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h while the
handbrake is still on.
▶ Release the handbrake.
Braking system
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – the brake fluid level in the brake system is too low.
▶ Park the vehicle,
stop driving! Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGA fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance -
There is risk of accident!
Front seat belt indicator light
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up - the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
At a speed of over 20 km/h, the indicator light flashes and an audible warn-
ing sounds at the same time.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 minutes, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
illuminates permanently.
Alternator
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up – the battery is not being charged whilst the engine is running.
▶ As the battery discharges while driving, all non-essential electrical loads (e.g.
Infotainment) should be switched off.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
CAUTIONIf, in addition to the light the light lights up while driving, stop driving -
There is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek assistance
from a specialist garage.
Door open
Read and observe
on page 31 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 38 .
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up or flashes – the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant lev-
el is too low.
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and allow the engine to cool down.
▶ Check the coolant level » page 146, Checking and refilling .
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the warning light lights
up again, 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 fan fuse are both OK but the warning light lights up
again,
stop driving!
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
Boot lid
Read and observe
on page 31 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 38 .
32Using the system
Power steering / steering lock (KESSY system)
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
Fault in the power steering
lights up – this indicates a complete failure of the power steering and the
steering assist is no longer working (significantly higher steering forces).
lights up – this indicates a partial failure of the power steering and the
steering forces can be greater.
▶ Switch off the ignition, start the engine again and travel a short distance.
▶ If the warning light
does not go out, stop the vehicle,
Stop driving! .
Seek help from a specialist garage.
▶ If the warning light does not go out, you can drive on, exercising appropri-
ate caution. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
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
required.
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 no lon-
ger possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical components (e.g.
Infotainment ), to switch on the ignition again and to start the engine. Seek
help from a specialist garage.
flashesSteering lock: Workshop!
▶
Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
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.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
Engine oil
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
Low oil pressure
flashesOil pressure: Engine off! Log book!
▶
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.
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 the engine oil is not 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.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
If, under the given conditions, it is not possible to top up with engine oil,
stop driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.33Instruments and Indicator Lights
Fuel reserveRead and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – the fuel level in the fuel tank is at the reserve level (approxi-
mately 9 litres).
An audible signal sounds as a warning. ▶ Please refuel » page 139.
Note
The text in the display goes out after refuelling and driving a short distance.
Airbag system
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
System fault
lights up - there is a fault in the airbag system.
Error: Airbag
▶
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch
illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched on.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic
tool
illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on and then
flashes for approximately 12 seconds.
Airbag / belt tensioner deactivated.WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized garage.
Tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
Change of tyre pressure values
lights up - there was a pressure change in one of the tyres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning.
▶ Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressures » page 151.
▶ Correct the tyre pressure, if necessary or replace the affected wheel
» page 155 or use the repair kit » page 159.
▶ Save the tyre pressure values in the system » page 123.
System fault
flashes for approximately 1 minute and remains lit – there may be a fault in
the tyre pressure monitoring system.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light flashes again after the engine has started, there is a
system error.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
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.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
Other incidents
The following reasons can explain the warning light being illuminated.
▶ The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute the load evenly.
▶ The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
▶ Snow chains are mounted.
▶ A wheel has been changed.
CAUTION
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light can be delayed or does not light up at all.36Using the system
The wear and tear on the brake pads is dependent on the operating condi-
tions and driving style. In difficult conditions (e.g. urban, sporty driving), the
condition of the brakes should be checked between services by a specialist ga-
rage.
Brake response can be slower if the brakes are covered in moisture or, in win-
ter, have a layer of ice or salt on them . The brakes should be cleaned and
dried by applying the brakes many times over »
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads can occur if the vehicle
has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the
braking system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times
over »
.
Before negotiating a long or steep gradient , reduce speed and shift down a
gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. If, nevertheless, there is a need for additional braking, it
should be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking warning - if it is necessary to brake hard, the system may
cause the brake lights to automatically flash, to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be “run in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause faults in the braking system ;
the warning light will light up in the instrument cluster
» page 32,
Braking
system . If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping distance is per-
ceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adapted in view of
the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a minimum - seek the
help of a specialist garage without delay.
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission,
when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not depress the brake pedal if there is no requirement to slow down.
This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear - There is a risk of an accident!■
Only brake for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the
traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads should be followed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be applied
firmly, otherwise the vehicle could move off - There is risk of an accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
Otherwise, the front brakes could be in danger of overheating – There is
risk of an accident!
Handbrake
Fig. 125
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 104 first.
The handbrake secures the vehicle against unwanted movement when stop-
ping and parking.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock
button » Fig. 125 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
104Driving