6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe place, such as behind a guard rail.
7. Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable things.
8. If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the trailer properly.
9. If the luggage compartment is loaded: Remove the luggage.
10. Raise and secure the luggage compartment floor.
11. If applicable: Remove the subwoofer ⇒ Removing the subwoofer.
12. Unscrew the fastening screw with washer counterclockwise and remove.
13. Take the spare or compact spare wheel and the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.
14. Take off the wheel covers ⇒ Wheel trim.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
Wheel bolts
Fig. 179 Changing a wheel: Loosening the wheel bolts.
The subwoofer, if equipped, is located under the luggage compartment floor and must be removed to access the spare wheel.
Removing the subwoofer
Follow these steps in the order listed:
1. Raise and secure the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Storage.
2. Unscrew the handwheel ⇒ fig. 182 (1) in a counterclockwise direction (arrow).
3. To release the connector, press and hold the center tab down with one hand (2).
4. With the other hand, grasp the connector on both sides, and carefully pull the connector out of the socket in the direction of the arrow (magnified view). Put the electric cable aside.
5. Remove the subwoofer carefully and place in a clean storage location.
Reinstalling the subwoofer
1. Reinstall the subwoofer carefully back into the recess. The tip of the arrow symbol “FRONT” on the subwoofer (3) must point toward the front of the vehicle
2. Insert the connector (2) into the socket until it clicks into place.
3. Turn the handwheel (1) clockwise to secure the subwoofer.
4. Carefully lower the luggage compartment floor back into place.
Changing a wheel
Fig. 183 Changing a wheel: Remove previously loosened wheel bolts using the screwdriver handle.
Mounting a spare or compact spare wheel
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction ⇒ Tires and wheels.
x Place the spare wheel or compact spare wheel on the axle.
x Screw in the wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.
x Lower the vehicle with the jack.
x Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first bolt, and so forth.
x Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any ⇒ Wheel trim.
WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.
x Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease. The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.
x Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief use only.
After changing a wheel
