Towing
a
trailer
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have friction linings at the sides to prevent exces
sive wear. Degrease and clean the ball joint be
fore using a stabiLiser. The stabiliser can be pur
chased and installed
at
a qualified workshop.
Electronic stabilisation control
The
ESC
-
in particular in conjunction with the
trailer stabilisation system
o^page
97 - makes
it
easier to stabilise a trailer
if it
starts to skid
or
sway. You should therefore keep the
ESC
switch
ed on
at
all times.
Overheating
In hot weather, keep an eye on the coolant
tem
perature gauge
^page
13. When climbing long
hills with the engine running fast in low gear, the
coolant temperature can increase. Reduce speed
immediately
if
the needle moves to the right end
of the scale. For information on the warning
lamp
||
refer to
opage
30.
Rear carrier systems
When using rear carrier systems (e.g. bicycle
racks) on the towing bracket,
it
is important not
to exceed the maximum load.
The total weight
of
the rear carrier system and
its
load must not exceed
75
kg for this vehicle. How
ever,
it
is also important to observe the maxi
mum permissible load for the rear carrier sys
tem.
The greater the distance from the towing brack
et, the smaller the maximum permissible Load
on
the rear carrier system. For this reason, you
should secure heavy objects as near as possible
to the towing bracket.
Note the instructions provided by the manufac
turer of the rear carrier system.
Please make sure that the rear carrier system
is
approved for use on your vehicle.
l
Note
A WARNING
The use of an unsuitable rear carrier system
could cause severe damage
to
the towing
bracket. The towing bracket could then break
and cause an accident.
Degrease and clean the ball joint before using
a rear carrier system.
Removable towing
bracket
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with removable towing bracket
Special care is required when fitting and remov
ing the towing bracket.
Fig.
84 Luggage compartment:
Ball
joint for towing brack
et (stowage example)
The removable ball joint attachment for the tow
ing bracket is stored under the floor panel or in a
separate bag on the floor of the luggage com
partment.
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
WARNING
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and
removing the ball joint. This could damage
the mechanism which locks the
ball
joint
in
place and impair its safety
-
risk of accident!
© Note
- Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball
joint or other towing bracket components.
- Should you have any difficulties when using
the towing bracket, or suspect that
it
is not
fitted properly, contact
a
qualified work
shop.
- Before setting off, always check that the
ball
joint is secured properly
Opage
101.
99
Intelligent technology
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Intelligent technology
Electronic stabilisation
control (ESC)
Description
The electronic stabilisation control (ESC) increa
ses the car's stability. It reduces the tendency to
skid and improves the stability and roadholding
of the vehicle. The ESC detects critical handling
situations, such as understeer, oversteer and
wheelspin
on the driven wheels. It stabilises the
vehicle by braking individual wheels or by reduc
ing the engine torque. The indicator
lamp^
in
the instrument cluster starts flashing as soon as
the ESC intervenes.
The following systems are integrated in the ESC:
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under
braking until the vehicle has reached a virtual
standstill.
You can continue to steer the vehicle
even when the brakes are on
full.
Keep your foot
on the brake pedal and do not pump the brakes.
You will feel the brake pedal puLsate while the
anti-lock brake system is working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can shorten the braking
distance. The braking force is automatically boos
ted if
you
press the brake pedal quickly in an
emergency. You must keep pressing the brake
pedal until the danger has passed. On
vehides
with adaptive cruise control*, the response of the
brake assist system will be more sensitive if you
are too close to the vehicLe in front.
Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of
wheelspin,
the traction control
system reduces the engine torque to match the
amount of grip available. This helps the car to
start moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the
spinning wheel and directs the power to the
oth
er driven wheel (or wheels on quattro* versions).
This function is not available at high speeds.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel
from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically
if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicLe can
still be driven. The EDL will switch on again auto
matically when the brake has cooled down.
Steering recommendation
The ESC helps to stabilise the vehicle by changing
the steering wheel torque.
Trailer stabilisation system
Applies to: vehicles with trailer stabilisation system
Trailers have a tendency to sway. If the
ESC
de
tects that the trailer is swaying and this is affect
ing the towing vehicLe, it will automatically brake
the vehicle in order to stabilise the trailer
^>page
97.
Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control intervenes when
cornering by braking the wheel(s) on the inside of
the bend individually as required. This enables
precision cornering.
Multicollision brake assist system
The "multicollision brake assist system" can help
to reduce the risk of skidding and further
colli
sions during an accident. If the airbag control
unit detects that
a
collision has taken place up
wards of
a
certain speed, the vehicle is braked by
the
ESC.
The vehicle will not be braked automatically if:
- the driver presses the accelerator,
- or the
ESC,
the brake system or the vehicle's
electrical system are not fully functional.
WARNING
- The grip provided by the ESC and the inte
grated systems is still subject to the physi
cal limits of adhesion. Always bear this in
mind,
especially on wet or sLippery roads. If
you notice the systems cutting in, you
should reduce your speed immediately to
suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not
let
the extra safety provided tempt you into
taking any risks when driving - this can
cause accidents.
145
Intelligent technology
Dynamic power management
While the vehicle is moving, this function distrib
utes the available power to the various electrical
components and systems according to their re
quirements. It ensures that on-board systems do
not consume more electrical power than is being
generated,
and thus maintains the maximum
possible vehicle battery power level.
® Note
- The power management system is not able
to overcome the given physical limits.
Please remember that the power and life of
the vehicle battery are limited.
- If the indicator lamp
|3 ^page
31 appears,
the starting ability may be impaired.
Starting ability has first priority.
Short trips, city traffic and low temperatures all
place a heavy load on the vehicLe battery. In
these conditions a large amount of power is
con
sumed,
but only
a
small amount is supplied. The
situation is also critical if electrical equipment is
in use when the engine is not running. In this
case power is consumed when none is being
gen
erated.
In these situations you will be aware that the
power management system is intervening to
con
trol the distribution of electrical power.
When the vehicle is parked for long periods
If
you
do not drive your vehicle for a period of
several days or weeks, the power management
will gradually shut off the on-board systems one
by one, or reduce the amount of current they are
using.
This limits the amount of power consumed
and helps to ensure reliable starting even after a
long period. Certain convenience features, such
as remote controL unlocking, may not be availa
ble.
These functions will be restored when you
switch on the ignition and start the engine.
150
With the engine switched off
If
you
listen to the radio or use the other info
tainment functions when the engine is not
run
ning,
this will discharge the vehicle battery.
The infotainment display will show a warning
message before the battery power drops to a Lev
el where the starting ability is impaired. This
message warns you that the system you are using
will soon be switched off automatically. You
should therefore start the engine if
you
wish to
continue using the system.
When the engine is running
Although the alternator generates electrical
power, the vehicle battery can still become dis
charged while the vehicle is being driven. This can
occur when a lot of power is being consumed but
only
a
small amount supplied, especially if the
vehicle battery is not fully charged initially.
To restore the necessary energy balance, the sys
tem
will
then temporarily shut off the electrical
components that are using a lot of power, or re
duce the current they are consuming. Heating
systems in particular use a Large amount of elec
trical power. If
you
notice, for instance, that the
seat heating* or the rear window heater is not
working,
they may have been temporarily switch
ed off or regulated to a lower heat output. These
systems will be available again as soon as
suffi
cient electrical power is available.
You may also notice that the engine runs at a
slightly faster idling speed. This is quite normal,
and no cause for concern. The increased idling
speed allows the alternator to meet the greater
power requirement and charge the vehicLe bat
tery at the same time.
Information saved in the
control units
The vehicle is fitted in the factory with electronic
control units that, among other things, control
the engine and the gearbox. The controL units al
so monitor the exhaust system and the airbags.
The control units continually analyse data rele
vant to the vehicLe while you are driving. In the •
Safe driving
•
Distribute the load evenly in the luggage com
partment.
•
Place heavy items as far forward as possible in
the luggage compartment and secure them
properly
<^>Fig.
214.
•
Secure the load with the stretch net* or with
non-elastic straps secured to the fastening
rings
^>page
62.
© CAUTION
A WARNING
- Loose items in the luggage compartment
are a safety hazard: they can move suddenly
and impair the handling of the vehicLe as a
result of the change in weight distribution.
- In an accident or a sudden manoeuvre, loose
objects in the passenger compartment can
be flung forward - risk of injury! Always
stow objects safely in the luggage compart
ment and secure them on the fastening
rings.
Use suitable securing straps, particu
larly when transporting heavy objects.
- Transporting heavy objects may affect the
vehicle's handling by shifting the centre of
gravity - this could cause an accident. Take
extra care when driving and adjust your
speed accordingly.
- Never exceed the maximum axle loads or
the maximum gross weight for the vehicLe
^>page
342. Exceeding the permitted axle
loads or gross weight Limit can affect the ve
hicle's handling characteristics, and increase
the risk of accidents, personal injuries or
damage to the vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicLe unattended when
the boot lid is open. Children could climb in
to the boot and close the boot lid from the
inside.
In this case the child would be un
able to get out of the vehicle without help.
This could have fatal consequences.
- Never allow children to play in or around the
vehicle. Always close and lock the boot lid
and all the doors when you leave the
vehi
cle.
- Never let passengers ride in the luggage
compartment. All occupants must be prop
erly restrained by the seat belts at all times
•=>
page
27'5.
Make sure that no hard objects chafe against
the wires of the heating element in the rear
window and damage them.
©
Note
- The tyre pressure must be adjusted accord
ing to the load the vehicle is carrying
<^>page
307.
- Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce
fogging of the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slots in the rear of the
vehicle. Make sure that these ventilation
slots are not obstructed.
- Suitable belts for securing loads to the fas
tening rings* are commercially available.
Fastening rings
Unsecured loads are a hazard to all vehicle occu
pants.
There are fastening rings in the luggage com
partment which can be used to secure luggage
and other objects
^>page
62.
•
Use the fastening rings to secure items safely
in the luggage compartment
<=> A.
During a collision or an accident, even small and
light objects can possess so much energy that
they can cause very severe injuries. The amount
of this "kinetic energy" depends on the speed of
the vehicLe and the weight of the object. The
most significant factor, however, is the speed of
the vehicLe.
For example: an object weighing 4.5 kg is lying
unsecured in the vehicle. During a frontal
colli
sion at a speed of 50 km/h, this object generates
a force corresponding to 20 times its weight.
That means that the effective weight of the ob
ject increases to about 90 kg. You can imagine
the severity of the injuries which might be sus
tained if this "projectile" strikes an occupant as it
flies through the passenger compartment. •
00
273
Checking and topping up fluids
months so that you can continue to operate your
vehicle reliably. Ask at your filling station wheth
er the diesel fuel available there is suitable for
the current conditions and for the temperatures
which could potentially occur.
© CAUTION
- Never use FAME fuels (biodiesel), petrol,
heating oil, thinners or any other fuels or
additives, as these could cause serious dam
age to the fuel system and the engine.
- Never start the engine if
you
fill up with the
wrong type of
fuel,
as this could damage
the fuel system and the engine. Obtain pro
fessional assistance.
Filling the tank
Procedure for filling the tank
Fig.
238 Vehicle as seen from the rear right: Opening the
fuel tank
flap
fe
Fig.
239 Fuel tank flap with tank cap attached
The fuel tank flap is unlocked and locked auto
matically by the central locking system.
Unscrewing the tank cap
•
Press the left side of the flap to open
it
-arrow
ed
Fig.
238.
•
Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise.
•
Hook the cap onto the open flap
•=>
Fig.
239.
Closing the tank cap
•
Screw on the tank cap clockwise until
it
clicks
audibly.
•
Close the tank flap. Make sure you hear
it
click
into place.
When the automatic filler nozzle is operated cor
rectly
it
will switch itself off
as
soon as the tank
is
fulL.
Do not try to put in more fuel after the
nozzle cuts out, as this will fill the expansion
chamber in the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on
a sticker on the inside of the tank flap. Further
notes on fuel
^>page
289.
The tank capacity of your vehicLe is given in the
Technical data section
^>page
343.
A WARNING
Fuel is highly inflammable and can cause
seri
ous burns and other injuries.
- For safety reasons we do not recommend
carrying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
The canister could become damaged in an
accident and Leak.
- Observe all relevant statutory regulations
on using, storing and transporting spare
fuel canisters.
- When filling your tank or
a
spare fuel canis
ter with
fuel,
do not smoke and keep away
from naked flames
-
risk of explosion!
- If, in exceptional circumstances, you have
to
carry
a
spare fuel canister, please observe
the following warnings:
- Never
filL
fuel into the spare fuel canister
with the canister placed in or on top of the
vehicLe. An electrostatic charge could
build up during filling, causing the fuel va
pour to ignite
-
risk of explosion! Always
place the canister on the ground to fill
it.
- Insert the filler nozzle as far as possibLe
into the spare fuel canister.
-
If
the spare fuel canister is made of metal,
the filler nozzle must be in contact with
the canister during filling. This helps pre
vent an electrostatic charge building up.
290
Checking and topping up fluids
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Emission controL
systems
Catalytic converter
Applies to: vehicles with petrol engine
The vehicle must only be used with unleaded pet
rol,
otherwise the catalytic converter will be ir
reparably damaged.
Never allow the fuel tank to run completely dry,
as the irregular supply of fuel can cause misfir
ing.
This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system,
which can cause overheating and dam
age to the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter
Applies to: vehicles with diesel engine
The diesel particulate filter can filter out almost
all soot particles contained in the exhaust gas. In
normal driving conditions the filter is self-clean
ing.
Should the self-cleaning function of the filter
not be able to operate, e.g. when the vehicle is
continuously used only for short trips, the filter
becomes obstructed with soot and the indicator
lampnf°r
the
diesel particulate filter Lights up
cépage
34.
A WARNING
The exhaust system is very hot when the
vehi
cle is being driven and after the engine has
been switched off.
- Never touch the tailpipes when they are hot
- risk of burns!
- Because of the high temperatures which can
occur in the emission controL system, do not
park the vehicle where the exhaust can
come into contact with flammable materials
under the car (e.g. on grass or at the forest
edge) - risk of fire!
- Do not apply any underseal agents in the
area around the exhaust system - risk of
fire!
Engine compartment
Working on components in the engine
compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on com
ponents in the engine compartment.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and
scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire
when working in the engine compartment (e.g.
when checking and refilling fluids). Always ob
serve the warnings listed below and follow all
normal safety precautions. The engine compart
ment of any motor vehicle is a potentially haz
ardous area
oA-
A WARNING
- Switch off the engine.
-Switch off the ignition.
-Applythe
parking brake.
- On vehicles with manual gearbox place the
gear lever in neutral, on vehicles with auto
matic gearbox move the selector lever to
position P.
- To avoid the risk of being scalded, never
open the bonnet if
you
see steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment.
Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen
before opening the bonnet.
- Wait for the engine to cool down.
- Keep children away from engine compart
ment.
- Never spill fluids on a hot engine. These
flu
ids can cause a fire (e.g. radiator
anti
freeze).
- Take care not to cause short circuits in the
electrical system.
- When working in the engine compartment
be aware that the radiator fan may start
running suddenly, even if the ignition is
switched off - risk of injury!
- Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion
tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure.
- Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a large, thick rag to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
295
Checking and topping up fluids
Coolant additive
The coolant additive contains anti-freeze and cor
rosion protection agent. Only use one of the
fol
lowing coolant additives. It is possible to mix
these additives.
Topping up coolant
Coolant additive
G13
G12++
Specification
TL774J
TL 774
G
The amount of coolant additive which needs to
be mixed with the water depends on the temper
atures to be expected in the winter season. If the
anti-freeze concentration is too Low, the coolant
can freeze and cause engine damage.
Hot regions
Cold regions
Coolant
additive
min.
40%
max. 45 %
min.
50%
max. 55 %
Frost protec
tion
min.-25°C
max. -40 °C
(T)
CAUTION
- Have your qualified workshop check the
cooling system before the winter season to
make sure that the anti-freeze concentra
tion is adequate for the conditions to be ex
pected.
This applies particularly if
you
drive
into a colder climate zone.
- To prevent damage to the engine, do not
use a different type of anti-freeze additive if
the approved type of additive is not availa
ble.
In this case use only water and bring
the coolant concentration back up to the
correct level as soon as possible by putting
in the specified additive.
- Always top up with fresh, unused coolant.
- Radiator sealants must not be added to the
coolant.
Fig.
248 Engine compartment: Markings on coolant ex
pansion tank
Please refer to the safety notes
^page
295,
Working on components in the engine compart
ment.
Checking coolant level
•
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
•
Switch off the ignition.
•
Read off the coolant level on the coolant ex
pansion tank
^>Fig.
248. When the engine is
cold,
the coolant level should be between the
marks. When the engine is warm, it may be
slightly above the top mark.
Topping up coolant
Important: The coolant expansion tank must not
be empty
•=>([).
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Cover the cap on the expansion tank with a
cloth,
and carefully unscrew the cap
anti-clock
wise
<=>
/K.
*-
Add coolant in the correct concentration
tapage
299 up to the top mark.
•
You should make sure that the fluid level re
mains stable. If necessary, add more coolant.
•
Screw the cap on again tightly.
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a Leak in
the cooling system. Drive to a qualified workshop
without delay and have the cooling system
checked.
If there are no leaks in the system, a
loss of coolant can only occur if the coolant boils
and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating.
300
Care of vehicle and cleaning
- Never clean the camera lens with cleaning
agents which are abrasive or contain alco
hol - danger of scratches and cracks ap
pearing.
- Windows and windscreen
- Remove snow and ice from windows and
exterior mirrors with a plastic scraper on
ly. To avoid scratches, the scraper should
only be pushed in one direction and not
moved to and fro.
- Never use warm or hot water to remove
snow and ice from windows and mirrors.
This could cause the glass to crack!
-To avoid damaging the heating element,
do not put stickers on the inner side of the
rear window.
- Ornamental trim/mouldings
- Do not use chrome cleaning agents.
- Paintwork
- The vehicle must be free of dirt and dust
before applying polish/wax - otherwise
the paintwork may be damaged.
- Do not polish/wax the vehicle in direct
sunLight - this can damage the paint!
- Do not attempt to polish out surface rust
deposits - this can damage the paint!
- Remove cosmetics and sun Lotion immedi
ately - otherwise the paintwork may be
damaged.
- Displays/instrument cluster
-The displays/instrument cluster and the
surrounding trim must not be cleaned
with a dry cloth - this can scratch the sur
faces!
- Before cleaning, ensure that the instru
ment cluster is switched off and
cool.
- Do not let any Liquid get between the in
strument cluster and the trim - risk of
damage!
- Do not exert heavy pressure on the head-
up display* when cleaning it. This could
push the dispLay out of its guide rails - risk
of damage!
- Control consoles
- Do not let any liquid get inside the control
consoles - risk of damage!
- Seat belts
- Do not remove the seat belts to clean
them.
- Do not use chemical cleaning agents, cor
rosive liquids, solvents or sharp instru
ments to clean the seat belts or their com
ponents - this can damage the belt web
bing!
- If
you
find any damage to the belt web
bing,
the belt fittings, the belt retractor or
the buckle, have the belt in question re
placed by
a
qualified workshop.
- Fabrics/leatherette/Alcantara
- Do not use leather care products,
sol
vents,
wax polish, shoe cream, stain
re
movers, or any similar products on leath
erette/Alcantara fabrics.
-To avoid damage, stubborn stains should
be removed by
a
qualified workshop.
- Never use steam cleaners, brushes, hard
sponges or similar utensils.
- Do not use the seat heating* to dry the
seats.
- Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as
zip fasteners, rivets or belts, can also
damage the surface of the fabric.
- Please make sure you close any velcro fas
teners, e.g. on your clothing, as these
could otherwise damage the upholstery.
- Natural leather
- Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe
cream,
stain removers, or any similar
products on leather fabrics.
- Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as
zip fasteners, rivets or belts, can also
damage the surface of the fabric.
- Never use steam cleaners, brushes, hard
sponges or similar utensils.
- Do not use the seat heating* to dry the
seats.
- Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight
for long periods, otherwise it may tend to
lose some of its colour. If the car is
Left
for
a prolonged period in the bright sun, it is
best
to cover the leather. •
316