First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps light up
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Risk of engine overheating. The engine speed will be automatically
restricted. The engine speed is shown on the instrument cluster display. The engine speed control
is lifted when the engine is no longer in a critical temperature range and the foot is taken off the
accelerator. and Engine speed limitation is initiated due to a fault in the engine
management system. Make sure that you do not exceed the displayed engine speed. The engine
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Exhaust system fault. Have
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Particulate filter has become saturated with
soot. Drive in fourth gear (manual gearboxyf R U L Q V H O H F W R U O H Y H U S R V L W L R Q D (DSG dual clutch
gearboxyf D W D V S H H G R I D W O H D V W N P K P S K \f for approximately 15 minutes. Observe the valid
speed limits. Go to the nearest qualified workshop if the indicator lamp still does not go out.
m/k/a997MKVehicles with diesel engine
Indicator lamps flash.
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Engine management system has detected misfiring, which damages the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed immediately and drive carefully to the nearest qualified
workshop. Have the engine checked.
Unauthorised vehicle keys
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been inserted in the ignition lock it can be removed as follows:
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: press the lock button in the
selector lever and release. Pull the vehicle key out of the ignition lock.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a manual gearbox: remove the vehicle key from the ignition
lock.
Emergency start function
Use the emergency start function if no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior. A
corresponding display will appear in the instrument cluster. This could be the case, for example, if
the button cell in the vehicle key is weak or discharged:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Hold the vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim directly after pressing the starter
button ⇒ Fig. 120.
•The ignition is switched on automatically, and in some cases the engine is started.
Emergency deactivation
If the engine cannot be switched off by pressing the starter button briefly, an emergency switch-off
procedure is required:
•Press the starter button twice within a few seconds or press and hold once.
•The engine switches off automatically ⇒.
Immobiliser malfunction
A message will be displayed in the instrument cluster if an unauthorised vehicle key is used or there
is a fault in the system. The engine cannot be started. Use an authorised vehicle key or seek expert
assistance.
Start/stop system
Fig. 121 In the lower part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system.
The start/stop system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is coming to a stop
and when stationary. When required, the engine restarts automatically.
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Switching on start/stop
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display will show information about the current status.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox may be equipped with a start/stop system with engine-off
coasting function. The engine-off coasting function is deactivated and activated together with the
start/stop system.
Further information regarding start/stop mode is available in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation
and display in the Infotainment system. This information also applies to coasting.
Indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp is lit, the start/stop system is available and automatic engine stop is active.
If the indicator lamp is lit, the start/stop system is not available or the start/stop system has
started the engine automatically. Check whether all technical requirements have been fulfilled. If
not, ensure that all technical requirements are met ⇒ Important preconditions for automatic engine
switch-off.
The display on the instrument cluster may show the status of the start/stop system.
In addition, start/stop information on the current status of the start/stop system can be displayed as
required in Infotainment systems with a navigation function. Touch the i in the start/stop
information to obtain further information on the status.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
•Disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal when the vehicle is coming to a stop, or when
it is stationary. The engine is stopped.
•Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox
•To stop, press and hold the brake pedal. The engine switches off shortly before the vehicle
reaches a complete standstill or when the vehicle is stationary.
•Take your foot off the brake pedal, or depress the accelerator, to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
•The driver is wearing their seat belt.
•The driver door is closed.
•The bonnet is closed.
•A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with Climatronic: the temperature of the vehicle interior is within
the preset temperature range, and the humidity level is not too high.
•The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
•The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficient.
•The temperature of the 12-volt vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
•The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
•The windscreen heating is not switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the steering wheel is not turned
too sharply.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
•The Park Assist system is not active.
•The Off-road or Off-road Individual driving profile is activated.
When the conditions for automatic engine switch-off are only fulfilled when the vehicle is stationary,
the engine can also switch off subsequently, e.g. by switching off the defrost function.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
•If the temperature inside the vehicle substantially increases or decreases.
•If the vehicle rolls on.
•If the electric voltage of the 12-volt vehicle battery drops.
•If the steering wheel is moved.
As a general rule, the engine always starts again automatically when required by the detected
situation and the vehicle.
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Conditions that require a manual engine start
The engine must be started manually under the following conditions:
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Activating and deactivating the start/stop system manually
•Press the button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 121 to deactivate the system. If the
start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
•Press the button in the centre console again ⇒ Fig. 121 to reactivate the system.
The instrument cluster shows the status of the start/stop system every time the button is
pressed.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, it will start again as soon as the system has
been deactivated manually with the button.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Start/stop mode when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf L V D F W L Y e
The engine will be switched off after the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf K D V E U R X J K W W K H Y H K L F O H W R D
standstill via an active braking intervention ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf.
m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: when the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACCyf L V D F W L Y H W K H ' 6 G dual clutch gearbox can shift into coasting mode and the engine can be
switched off with the engine-off coasting function.
In the following instances, the engine will restart when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf L V D F W L Y H :
•If the accelerator is depressed.
•When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf K D V U H V X P H G V S H H G D Q G D X W R P D W L F G L V W D Q F H F R Q W U R O .
•If the vehicle ahead has moved on.
•If the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf L V G H D F W L Y D W H G D Q G W K H Y H K L F O H G U L Y L Q J L Q I U R Q W P R Y H G D Z D \ .
Troubleshooting
The engine stop function may be deactivated if the temperature is above around 38°C (100°Fyf .
In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the engine manually. Follow any
corresponding messages on the instrument cluster display.
The start/stop function is activated automatically if the Eco driving profile is selected on
vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
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Never switch off the engine or the ignition while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a
loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. That is why more
pressure on the brake pedal is needed to brake the vehicle when the engine is
switched off.
•The power steering will not work when the engine is not running. More power is
needed to steer the vehicle when the engine is switched off.
•When the ignition is switched off, the steering lock may activate and you will no longer
be able to steer the vehicle.
•The start/stop system must be deactivated if work is to be carried out in the engine
compartment.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the
12-volt vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE
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
(arrowyf 7 K H F R Q W U R O V D U H P L U U R U H G I R U U L J K W K D Q G G U L Y H Y H K L F O H s
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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Selector lever positionDisplay
PP
RR
NN
D/SE, D or S ⇒ Driving profile selection and
4MOTION Active Control
Tiptronic gateM ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic
– Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically. Select only when the vehicle is stationary. To disengage
this selector lever position while the ignition is switched on, depress the brake pedal and press the
lock button in the selector lever.
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear is selected. Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
– Neutral
The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted to the wheels and the braking effect
of the engine is not available.
– Standard forward driving position
Position : Normal programme.
All forward gears are shifted up and down automatically. The timing of the gear shift is determined
by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
Position : Sport programme.
The forward gears are automatically changed up later and down earlier than in selector lever
position D. This exploits the engine’s full power. The timing of the gear shift is determined by the
engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
– Changing driving modes
The change between positions D and S is carried out by tapping the selector lever once to the rear
out of selector lever position D/S⇒ Fig. 123. The selector lever will always return to selector lever
position D/S.
Using this function it is possible to access the Tiptronic option from both the Sport programme S
and from the Normal programme D⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock in selector lever position P or N prevents gears from being engaged
unintentionally, which would cause the vehicle to move.
To release the selector lever lock, switch on the ignition and press the brake pedal. Then press the
lock button in the selector lever handle in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 123.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through position N, e.g.
when shifting from reverse to D/S. This makes it possible, for instance, to rock the vehicle
backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically
if the brake pedal is not depressed and the lever is in position N for more than approximately
1 second and the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mphyf .
If the accelerator pedal is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear,
depending on the speed and engine revs. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration.
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 Control and the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.
Launch Control Programme
The Launch Control programme gives the vehicle maximum acceleration from a standing start in
vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
•In selector lever position D/S, select position S. Alternatively, select the Tiptronic position or in
vehicles with driving profile selection select the Sport driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•With your right foot, depress the accelerator until the engines speed reaches approximately
3,200 rpm.
•Take your left foot off the brake ⇒. The vehicle will start with maximum acceleration.
•Switch the TCS back on after acceleration.
Troubleshooting
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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.
•Only use kickdown or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
permit, and 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
traction control system (TCSyf L V V Z L W F K H G R I I H V S H F L D O O \ L I W K H U R D G L V V O L S S H U \ .
•Switch the traction control system (TCSyf E D F N R Q D I W H U D F F H O H U D W L R Q .
•Only use the launch control programme, if the road and traffic conditions allow for it.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle
or through your driving style.
WARNING
Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause
the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the
braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
WARNING
•If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by
depressing the accelerator while a position is still selected. The dual clutch gearbox
DSG could overheat and be damaged.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll in position N, particularly if the ignition is switched off.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will not be lubricated and could be damaged.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with Launch Control Programme: accelerating with the
Launch Control programme places heavy strain on all vehicle components. This can
lead to higher rates of wear.
NOTICE
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•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not
necessary to brake. This will increase levels of wear.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce your speed and select a suitable
recuperation level. This will make use of the electric drive braking effect and relieve the
load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. The brakes
should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE
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
(ACCyf ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf.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 flatyf D Q G W K H Y H K L F O H K D V W R E H S X V K H G R U
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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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.
Steering
The power steering is not hydraulic. It 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 starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened and 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 vehicle key or the sensor in the door
handle.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lockyf L Q Y H K L F O H V Z L W K D Q
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 clicks into place.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to take the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and
turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
reduced or has failed completely.
Counter steering assistance
Counter steering assistance provides the driver with power steering in critical driving situations.
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering ⇒.
The intelligent Hill Descent 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 Hill Descent Control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•A Hill Descent Control System may not be able to always hold the vehicle on uphill
gradients or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is
slippery or icyyf .
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not
ensured.
•The Hill Descent Control system is only a support function and may not be able to
brake the vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may accelerate despite the Hill Descent Control system.
WARNING