Fig. 122 Gear shift pattern of a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Select a forward gear
The positions of the individual driving gears are shown on the gearshift lever ⇒ Fig. 122.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
•Move the gear lever to the required position ⇒.
•Release the clutch to engage.
In some countries, the clutch pedal will have to be depressed fully in order to start the engine.
Selecting reverse gear
•Reverse gear should only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal ⇒.
•Move the gear lever to the neutral position and push down.
•Push the gearshift lever fully to the left and then to the front in the reverse gear position
⇒ Fig. 122Ⓡ.
•Release the clutch to engage.
Shifting down
You should always select the next immediate gear when shifting down a gear whilst the vehicle is in
motion. The engine revs should not be too high when doing this ⇒. Damage to the clutch and
the gearbox could occur if at high speeds or high engine revs one or more gears are skipped when
shifting down gear, even if the clutch is not released when doing this ⇒.
Kickdown
On vehicles with speed limiter ⇒ Speed limiter, the kickdown function allows the stored speed limit
to be intentionally exceeded, e.g. when overtaking.
When the accelerator is fully depressed, the speed limiter regulator is temporarily switched off when
the vehicle exceeds the stored speed.
Once the vehicle returns to a speed below the stored speed and the accelerator is no longer fully
depressed, speed limiter regulation becomes active again.
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile
selection and 4MOTION Active Control and the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.
Troubleshooting
Clutch does not transmit the entire engine torque. If necessary, remove foot from clutch pedal.
The clutch can overheat, for example if the vehicle pulls off regularly, travels at a crawl for long
periods, or in stop and go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases
by additional warning lamps and a text message in the instrument cluster display. An acoustic
warning may also be given ⇒.Clutch is defective. Drive on carefully! Seek expert
assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the clutch.
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. This also applies when the electronic park brake has been
switched on.
•Never engage reverse gear while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Shifting gears incorrectly to a lower gear can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, which
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
DSG dual clutch gearbox
Function of the DSG dual clutch gearbox
Description
The vehicle is equipped with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox is a gearbox which uses dual-clutch technology to change gear
automatically. It uses a dual clutch and two gear train halves to enable very fast gear changes with
no loss of torque. The DSG dual clutch gearbox thus combines the performance and economy of a
manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of a conventional automatic transmission.
Function
When driving, engine power is transferred to the drive axle via the gearbox. In order to change
gears, the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox has to be interrupted. This is
what the clutch is for.
With the DSG dual clutch system with its two gear train halves, the engine power is always
connected to one gear train half when driving. Before a gear change, the next higher or lower gear
is already preselected in the load-free second gear train half. The clutch on the non-driven gear is
closed and the other is opened at the same time. This is what makes very fast gear changes
possible.
Thanks to its design, the DSG dual clutch gearbox is more efficient than an automatic gearbox.
Whereas in an automatic gearbox the torque converter is constantly in use, in the DSG dual clutch
system the clutch can be opened at idling speed, thus saving fuel. Thanks to its efficiency, low
weight and intelligent control system, the DSG dual clutch system usually enables fuel
consumption equal to or lower than a manual gearbox.
However, just like the manual gearbox, the clutch in the DSG dual clutch gearbox is subject to
wear. Regular maintenance is necessary depending on the type of dual clutch gearbox DSG;
further information ⇒ Scope of service. In the event of a fault in one gear train half, the DSG dual
clutch gearbox also allows one gear train half to be deactivated and the journey to be continued
using the other gear train half ⇒ Troubleshooting. If this happens, have the system checked as
soon as possible by a qualified workshop.
DSG dual clutch gearbox: selecting a gear
Fig. 123 Left-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for DSG dual clutch gearbox with lock button
(arrow). The controls are mirrored for right-hand drive vehicles
When the ignition is switched on, the selected position or gearbox programme is displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
Instrument cluster display
Serious damage to the clutch and gearbox can occur if the gear stick on the manual
gearbox is shifted to too low a gear when travelling at high speeds or at high revs. This
also applies if the clutch remains depressed and the gears do not engage.
NOTICE
Please note the following to help avoid damage and premature wear:
•Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure from your hand is
passed onto the selector forks in the gearbox.
•Ensure that the vehicle has come to a full stop before engaging reverse gear.
•Always fully depress the clutch pedal when changing gear.
•Do not hold the vehicle by riding the clutch on a hill with the engine running.
NOTICE
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Fig. 126 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate.
Fig. 127 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Brake pedal not depressed. Fully depress the brake pedal. Also see Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).Do not drive on! Gearbox fault. Allow the gearbox
to cool down in selector lever position P. If the warning lamp does not go out, do not drive on. Seek
professional assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the gearbox.
Brake pedal not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever. To
select a position, press the brake pedal. See also electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
The indicator lamps flash.
The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged. The vehicle cannot drive off. Engage the
selector lever lock ⇒ Selector lever lock.
Troubleshooting for the selector lever lock
In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch
gearbox. The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away. The
indicator lamp flashes and an information message is also displayed. Use the following procedure
to engage the selector lever lock:
•Depress the foot brake and then release it again.
Unlocking the selector lever lock manually
If the power fails in the vehicle (e.g. if the 12-volt battery is flat) and the vehicle has to be pushed or
towed, the selector lever lock must be released manually. Seek professional assistance.
The manual release mechanism is located under the cover of the gearshift gate.
Removing the cover of the gearshift gate
•Switch on the electronic parking brake. If the electronic parking brake cannot be switched on,
the vehicle will have to be prevented from rolling off using other means.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Carefully pull the cover upwards in the area around the selector lever gaiter with connected
electrical wiring ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Pull the cover up and over the selector lever ⇒.
Releasing the selector lever lock manually
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there are two possible manual release mechanism variants.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 127.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
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•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever
positions have a light background. The DSG dual clutch gearbox is running in an emergency
programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced
speed and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.
In all cases you should have the DSG dual clutch gearbox checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating of the DSG dual clutch gearbox
The DSG dual clutch gearbox can become too hot, for example, if the vehicle pulls off
frequently, drives at crawling speed for long periods, or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is
indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases by a text message in the instrument cluster
display. A signal tone may also be given. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down ⇒
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The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Downhill speed control
If the vehicle is being held on the Auto Hold function, the green indicator lamp lights up.
Switch off Auto Hold if necessary ⇒ Auto Hold function.
The Hill Descent Control system in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox helps when braking
and travelling downhill ⇒. This system uses the braking power of the engine, rather than the
brakes directly.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox selects the best gear for the circumstances, depending on the
steepness of the hill and the current speed. The selector lever must be in position D/S. The downhill
speed control is not active in Tiptronic mode.
As the downhill speed control system can shift down only as far as third gear, it may be necessary
to activate the Tiptronic mode when driving down particularly steep inclines. When in Tiptronic
mode, select second or first gear manually in order to make use of the braking effect of the engine
and to relieve the load on the brakes.
The start/stop system is automatically deactivated as long as downhill speed control is active.
Activating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient is greater than approximately 6%.
•AND: if the selector lever is in position D/S.
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Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the electronic parking brake is not
switched on. Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an incline,
which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will become damaged if the vehicle is allowed to roll for a
long period of time or at a high speed (for example while being towed) with the selector
lever in position N and the engine switched off.
NOTICE
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•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the text message and signal tone are repeated every ten seconds, the vehicle must be
parked safely immediately and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the acoustic
warning stops. You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while
the gearbox is overheated.
NOTICE
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•In addition, if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is switched off:
if the vehicle speed is less than approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) or the brake pedal is
depressed.
•In addition, if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: if the
stored speed is exceeded.
Deactivating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient becomes less steep.
•OR: if the gearbox shifts up a gear because the engine speed is higher than approximately
4,500 rpm.
•Or in addition if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: if
the stored speed can be maintained.
Hill Descent Control
When Hill Descent Control is active, the indicator lamp lights up white.
When Hill Descent Control is not active, the indicator lamp lights up grey. The system is
switched on, but is not regulating.
The Hill Descent Control system automatically brakes all four wheels to limit the speed when driving
forwards and reversing on steep downhill gradients. The wheels will not lock as the anti-lock brake
system remains active. In vehicles with a manual gearbox, Hill Descent Control adjusts the target
speed so that the engine speed does not drop below the idling speed.
If you enter a downhill slope travelling at a speed under 30 km/h (18 mph), the vehicle speed will be
limited to a speed between min. 2 km/h (1 mph) and max. 30 km/h (18 mph). The driver can use the
accelerator pedal and the brakes to alter the speed in this range. The control speed will be set
again as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or brake pedal.
However, this can work only if the tyres have sufficient grip on the road. Hill Descent Control
cannot work on an icy or slippery slope, for example.
Hill Descent Control is automatically activated if the following conditions are met:
•The engine is running.
•The Off-road driving profile is selected ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control.
•The speed is under 30 km/h (18 mph) (the function display is visible on the instrument
cluster display).
•The downhill gradient is at least 10 %.
•You do not brake or accelerate.
The Hill Descent Control function will be deactivated when the downhill gradient is less than 5 %.
The intelligent downhill speed control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics,
and functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience
afforded by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The downhill speed control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Downhill speed control cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not
ensured.
•The downhill speed control is only a support function and may not be able to brake the
vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may become faster despite the downhill speed control being in operation.
WARNING
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering
movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only functions when the engine is running.
In urban driving, smaller steering movements are required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning
sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Do not drive on! Electromechanical steering not functioning. The steering must be
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Electromechanical steering function
reduced. The steering must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. If the yellow
warning lamp remains off after the engine has been restarted and you have driven a short distance,
you do not need to consult a qualified workshop.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
and reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
The indicator lamps flash.
Steering column twisted. Turn the steering wheel back and forth.Steering column not
locked or unlocked. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock and switch the ignition back on
again. Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display. Do not continue your
journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched on. Seek expert
assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD)
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control)
⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
⇒ Troubleshooting
The driving profile selection contains
factory-defined driving profiles which
have different effects on the vehicle
setup. You can also set your own
vehicle setup by means of an individual
driving profile.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles depends on the vehicle equipment.
The settings available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with a front-wheel drive come with
ONROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD), while vehicles with all-wheel
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering column lock may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the
vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with
assistance when steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at
all times. Counter steering assistance does not steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be
used.
NOTICE
•Proactive occupant protection system
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, the system automatically changes to gear
position S when the Sport driving profile is selected. The system automatically switches to gear
position D when the Eco driving profile is selected. Since coasting is active in the Eco driving
profile, the gearbox programme E is additionally displayed on the instrument cluster display.
The driver can adjust certain vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driving profile. For
example, the driver can switch to gear position S when the Eco driving profile is selected.
Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control)
Fig. 129 In the lower section of the centre console: control for the 4MOTION Active Control in
vehicles with all-wheel drive.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 129:
MODE button: Selects Onroad driving profiles and opens menu in the Infotainment system.
Snow driving profile.
On-road driving profile.
Off-road driving profile.
Off-road Individual driving profile.
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Turn the control for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to the desired driving profile
lights up ⇒ Fig. 129.
•To switch through the Onroad driving profiles, press the MODE button or press an Onroad
driving profile in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the function button to display additional information about the active driving mode.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile in the Infotainment system.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
If one of the driving profiles Snow, Off-road or Off-road Individual was the last active profile, the
most recently active On-road driving profile is activated if the ignition remains switched off for a
relatively long period.
The driving profile Sport will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched off. However,
sport functions, e.g., for the engine and gearbox, can be deactivated when switching on the ignition
again. To reactivate the sports functions, tip the gearbox selector lever to the rear ⇒ DSG dual
clutch gearbox.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Snow: The Snow driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator on icy or snowy
roads. In addition, the lane holding when cornering and the power in straight driving are also
improved. The dynamic of the ACC Adaptive Cruise Control is restricted. The dynamic
cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is not possible to shift into
the S position in the Snow driving profile.
•Off-road: The Off-road driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator when driving
off-road. The engine brake is always available and gearshifts can be prevented in critical
situations. In the Off-road driving profile, the Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are
active. The dynamic cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is
not possible to shift into the S position in the Off-road driving profile. When the driving profile is
active, the instrument cluster displays the symbol m/k/s562MK.
Changing the driving profile can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow the driving profile
selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
WARNING
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•Off-road Individual: Enhanced version of the off-road driving profile that can be adjusted to the
driver's needs ⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements. When the driving profile
is active, the instrument cluster displays the symbol m/k/s562MK.
•Onroad:The Onroad driving profile enables you to choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal,
Sport and Individual.
Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Selecting the Individual driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Switch on the Infotainment system.
•Press the driving profile selection button or turn the control for 4MOTION Active Control
until the LED next to the Onroad driving profile ⇒ Fig. 129③ lights up.
•Touch the Change function button to open the Individual menu.
Selecting the Off-road Individual driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Switch on the Infotainment system.
•If necessary, turn the control ⇒ Fig. 129 for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to
the Off-road Individual driving profile ⇒ Fig. 129⑤ lights up.
•If the Off-road Individual driving profile is already selected, press the MODE button on the
control ⇒ Fig. 129.
•Touch the Change function button to open the Individual menu.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fault in adaptive chassis control (DCC): go to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.
If there is a fault in the adaptive chassis control (DCC), the message Fault: damping control may
be shown on the instrument cluster display.
Off-road display
The off-road display contains digital
instruments that show additional
information about the vehicle and its
surroundings. This makes it possible to
assess the current driving situation
more precisely.
Fig. 130 In the Infotainment system: off-road display.
Opening the off-road display
Changing the driving profile can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow the driving profile
selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
WARNING