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The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. Lower gears increase the braking effect 
of the engine. Never allow the vehicle to roll down mountains or hills in the neutral position N. 
Reduce your speed. 
Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate Changing gear using 
Tiptronic 
Tap the selector lever to the rear to change down gear. 
OR: shift down a gear using the paddles on the steering wheel Changing gear using Tiptronic 
Stopping and pulling away on an uphill gradient 
The steeper the uphill gradient, the lower the gear you will need. 
If you wish to stop the vehicle or pull away when driving uphill, you should use the Auto Hold 
function Electronic parking brake 
When you stop the vehicle on an uphill gradient with a selected position, the vehicle must always be 
prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake. Do 
not release the brake pedal or switch off the electronic parking brake until you are about to pull 
away. 
Coasting with DSG
     
        
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The kickdown function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever position D/S or in the 
Tiptronic position. 
If the accelerator is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear, depending 
on the speed and engine speed. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration. 
With the kickdown function, the gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches 
the maximum engine speed for the gear. 
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection Driving profile 
selection and 4MOTION Active Controland the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure 
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration. 
 
WARNING 
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This can 
cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries. 
Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic. 
Use the kickdown function or fast acceleration only if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions 
permit, and if other road users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and the driving style. 
Please note that the driven wheels could start to spin and the vehicle could skid if the TCS is 
switched off and especially if the road is slippery. 
 
WARNING 
Never let the brakes rub too often and for too long or operate the brake pedal too often or for too 
long. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This will considerably reduce the braking 
power, significantly increase the braking distance and could cause the brake system to fail 
completely. 
 
NOTICE 
Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure when it is not necessary. This will increase levels 
of wear. 
Troubleshooting  
     
        
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Fig. 108 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate and manually releasing the selector lever lock. 
 
Fig. 109 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually. 
Engine does not start 
The indicator lamp lights up green. 
Brake pedal was not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever. 
To select a position, press the brake pedal Notes on driving 
Also see Electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake 
Driving off is prevented by the lock button 
The indicator lamp flashes green. 
The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged. 
Engage the selector lever lock. 
Driving off is prevented by the selector lever lock 
The indicator lamp flashes green. An information text is additionally displayed. 
In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG
     
        
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The warning lamp lights up red. 
Brake request by ACC Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 
The brake pedal was not depressed or not fully depressed. 
Brake immediately. 
Gearbox overheated 
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. 
A signal tone may also be given. A text message may also be shown on the instrument cluster 
display. 
The DSG
     
        
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old the vehicle on the gradient in all 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 you are not prepared 
to brake. 
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. 
Steering 
Information on steering 
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the 
vehicle to be stolen. 
The steering 
The power steering is not hydraulic, but is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this 
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required. 
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil 
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy supply 
while steering. 
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the selected driving profile can affect the behaviour of the 
power steering Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control 
Electronic steering column lock in vehicles with a starter button 
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened when the ignition is switched off. For 
this, the vehicle should be stationary and, if necessary, the gear selector lever should be in position 
P. 
If the ignition is not switched off until after the driver door is opened, the electronic steering column 
will only be locked when the vehicle is locked using the sensor in the door handle or the vehicle key. 
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lock) in vehicles with an ignition lock 
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle is 
stationary. Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering lock audibly engages. 
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel 
slightly to relieve the load on the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position 
and turn the ignition on. 
Electromechanical steering  
     
        
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whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur. 
The many different types of terrain and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to 
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines which are intended 
to help you to drive offroad safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into 
offroad terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential dangers in advance. 
The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel 
drive vehicle as required Setting a driving profile 
Checklist 
Before driving offroad for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the 
vehicle safely offroad: 
Observe the basic safety notes Safety instructions for offroad driving. 
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls. 
Check and adjust the seat position Sitting position and fasten the seat belts Seat belts. 
Check distance to steering wheel and adjust Steering wheel. 
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when operating the 
pedals. 
Safety instructions for offroad driving 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
 
WARNING 
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within 
the limits of the system. Despite ABS, instability through locked wheels can occur on adverse terrain 
e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel road. The Electronic Stability Control will be 
able to stabilise the vehicle only to a limited extent in these circumstances. 
 
WARNING 
Driving offroad can be dangerous and could cause accidents, serious injury, damage to the vehicle 
and also a vehicle breakdown far from any assistance. 
Never select a dangerous route and never take risks that could endanger you and your passengers. If 
you cannot drive on or if you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose 
another route. 
Even terrain that looks harmless can be difficult and dangerous, and could get you and your 
passengers into difficulties. We recommend inspecting the terrain on foot beforehand.  
     
        
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WARNING 
Always avoid traversing a slope Traversing a slope 
Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill when stopped 
sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle and its payload (vehicle 
occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll over and roll down the incline. Always 
leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which open up the incline Traversing a slope 
 
WARNING 
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise control 
system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the cruise control 
system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious injuries. 
Never use the cruise control system when driving offroad. 
 
WARNING 
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on surfaced roads only. The area 
monitoring system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the area 
monitoring system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious 
injuries. 
Never use the area monitoring system when driving offroad. 
 
WARNING 
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down offroad, 
accidents and serious injuries. 
When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially when 
driving up or down hills and inclines. 
The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if the engine 
sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply. 
Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and breaking 
down. 
 
NOTICE  
     
        
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foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient. 
You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the 
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle. 
DSG