When reverse gear is engaged, the cornering light on both sides of the vehicle switches on to
provide better illumination of the surrounding area when manoeuvring.
Switching the fog lights on and off
Switching on the front fog lights : pull the light switch ⇒ Fig. 79 out to the first position. The
indicator lamp in the light switch lights up green.
Switching on the rear fog light : pull the light switch all the way out. The indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up yellow.
To switch the fog lights off, press in the light switch or turn it to position .
When the automatic headlights are switched on and the front or rear fog lights are switched
on, the dipped beam headlights will also be switched on irrespective of the current light conditions
outside.
In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket: the vehicle's rear fog light is not switched on if a
trailer with rear fog light is electrically connected to the vehicle ⇒ Trailer towing .
Light functions
Side lights
If the side lights are switched on, both headlights light up with the side lights, parts of the tail
light clusters, the number plate lighting and the buttons in the centre console and the dash panel.
The daytime running lights also switch on when the ignition is switched on.
If the vehicle is not locked from outside when the ignition is switched off, the continuous parking
light on both sides of the vehicle switches on automatically after around 10 minutes to reduce 12-
volt vehicle battery discharge ⇒ Switching the parking lights on and off .
Automatic headlights
If the automatic headlights are switched on, the vehicle lighting and the instrument and
switch lighting will switch on and off according to the light conditions. When the lights are switched
on, the indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The automatic headlights are merely an aid and will not always be able to detect all driving
situations.
In vehicles with a corresponding equipment level, the switch-on time of the automatic headlights
can be adjusted in the Infotainment system in the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Infotainment system
controls and displays .
Cornering light
A cornering light is switched on when turning slowly or travelling around very tight bends.
Signal tones if lights are not switched off
If the vehicle key has been removed from the ignition lock and the driver door opened, acoustic
warnings sound under the following conditions:
If the parking light is switched on.
If the side lights are switched on or the rear fog light is switched on .
When the Coming Home function is switched on, no signal tone will be given as a reminder that a
light is still switched on when leaving the vehicle.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and therefore
change when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation .
Troubleshooting
Turn signal indicator lamp
If a turn signal on the vehicle has failed, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
The indicator lamp flashes green.
Check the lighting and change the appropriate bulb as required ⇒ Changing bulbs .
If the problem persists, go to a qualified workshop.
Does not apply in China and Japan: trailer turn signals indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out if a trailer turn signal or all trailer lights stop working.
The indicator lamp flashes green.
Check the lighting and change the appropriate bulb as required ⇒ Changing bulbs .
If the problem persists, go to a qualified workshop.
Vehicle lighting not working
Vehicle lighting has failed either completely or partially.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Check the lighting and change the appropriate bulb as required ⇒ Changing bulbs .
If the problem persists, go to a qualified workshop.
Fault in rain/light sensor
In the light switch position , the vehicle lighting is not switched on or off automatically.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Switch the ignition off and on.
If the problem persists, go to a qualified workshop.
Main beam
Switching main beam on and off
Fig. 80 On the left of the steering column: turn signal and main beam lever.
Switch on the ignition and dipped beam.
Move the turn signal and main beam lever from the centre position to the following position:
Main beam switched on.
Operate the headlight flasher or switch off the main beam. The headlight flasher comes on for as
long as the lever is pulled.
When the main beam or headlight flasher are switched on, the blue indicator lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
Main-beam control
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, advanced main-beam control may also be available
⇒ Main-beam control .
WARNING
Incorrect use of the main beam headlights can lead to accidents and serious injuries as the main
beam headlights could distract and dazzle other road users.
Main-beam control
The main-beam control automatically dips the headlights when oncoming vehicles and/or vehicles
driving in front are detected. Main-beam control also recognises illuminated areas such as towns
and deactivates the main beam while driving through them.
Within the limits of the system, main-beam control automatically switches main beam on at speeds
of over approximately 60 km/h (37 mph), depending on ambient and traffic conditions, and switches
it off again at speeds under approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) ⇒ .
With some equipment levels, the main-beam control can be activated and deactivated in the
Infotainment system in the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Infotainment system controls and displays .
Switching on main-beam control
Switch on the ignition and the automatic headlights .
Tap the turn signal and main beam lever forwards from the basic position.
When main-beam control is switched on, the indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster
display.
Switching off main-beam control
Pull back the turn signal and main beam lever.
OR: switch off the automatic headlights .
OR: switch off the ignition.
OR: push the turn signal and main beam lever forwards to switch on the manual main beam.
System limits
The main beam must be manually switched off under the following conditions, as it is not switched
off by the main-beam control in time or at all:
In poorly lit streets where there are highly-reflective signs.
Other road users with insufficient lighting facilities, such as pedestrians, cyclists.
In tight bends, with half-hidden oncoming traffic, on steep crests or in dips.
With oncoming traffic on roads with a central barrier where the driver can see clearly over the
central barrier e.g. truck drivers.
In fog, snow or heavy rain.
In conditions with swirled-up dust and sand.
If the windscreen is damaged in the camera's field of vision.
If the camera's field of vision is covered by condensation, dirt, a sticker, or by snow or ice.
If the camera is faulty or the power supply is interrupted.
WARNING
Do not let the extra convenience afforded by main-beam control tempt you into taking any risks
when driving. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
Always check the vehicle lights yourself and adapt them to the prevailing conditions for light,
visibility and road traffic.
The main-beam control may not be able to recognise all driving situations correctly and may not
work properly in certain situations.
If the camera's field of view is dirty, covered or damaged, the function of the main-beam control
may be impaired. This also applies if changes are made to the vehicle's lighting system, for example
if additional headlights are fitted.
NOTICE
Please observe the following points in order to avoid impairing the proper function of the system:
Regularly clean the camera's field of view, and keep it free from snow and ice.
Do not cover the camera's field of view.
Regularly check the area of the windscreen that is in the camera's field of view for damage.
Light-emitting objects in the camera's field of operation, e.g. mobile navigation devices, can impair
the functions of the main-beam control system.
Parking light
Switching the parking lights on and off
Fig. 81 On the left of the steering column: turn signal and main beam lever.
Switching on parking light on one side of the vehicle
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight with side light and parts of the tail light
cluster on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up:
Switch off the ignition.
Move the turn signal and main beam lever from the centre position to the following position:
The right-hand parking light is switched on.
The left-hand parking light is switched on.
Continuous parking light on both sides of the vehicle
Both headlights light up with side lights as well as parts of the tail light clusters if the continuous
parking light on both sides of the vehicle is switched on:
With the ignition on, turn the light switch to position .
Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
The engine cannot be started with the starter button, for example, if the button cell in the vehicle
key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ No valid vehicle key recognised .
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is quite
normal, and no cause for concern.
At outside temperatures of less than +5°C (+41°F), fumes may be detected under a vehicle with a
diesel engine if the fuel-powered supplementary heater is switched on.
Switching off the engine
Bring the vehicle to a standstill ⇒ .
Park the vehicle ⇒ Parking .
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 99⓪ in the ignition lock.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button briefly ⇒ Fig. 100 . If the engine cannot
be switched off, carry out the emergency switch-off procedure ⇒ Engine cannot be switched off .
Follow the instructions in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster .
Ignition warning
In order to indicate an active ignition when leaving the vehicle, an acoustic warning signal sounds
when opening the driver door and corresponding warning messages appear on the display of the
instrument cluster.
Warning before leaving the vehicle
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: if the selector lever is not in position P, an acoustic
warning signal will sound when the driver door is opened and the warning message Please move
selector lever to position P. will be shown on the instrument cluster display. In this way, a warning is
given that the vehicle could potentially roll away. When you leave the vehicle, the electronic parking
brake also switches on to prevent the vehicle rolling away.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control,
accidents and serious injuries.
The steering assistance provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to
the vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
functions only 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 steering assistance in critical driving situations.
Additional steering forces assist the driver when counter steering ⇒ .
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the steering response in a
driving situation. Progressive steering functions only when the engine is running.
In urban traffic, less steering input is 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.
WARNING
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it difficult to
steer the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the power steering functions only 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 if 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.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is towed, the ignition 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.
Troubleshooting
Steering requires increased force
If you make a mistake when rocking free the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance
to free the vehicle.
When you cannot move forwards
Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the sand.
Select reverse gear.
Reverse in your own tracks with gentle use of the accelerator.
If this does not help, place brushwood, foot mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to
increase grip ⇒ .
Rocking the vehicle free
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒ .
Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems .
Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
Immediately select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
Switch the TCS on after the rocking free procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems .
Use the Offroad driving profile.
WARNING
No one must stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting to free a
stuck vehicle.
Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that are in front or
behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle starts to move
suddenly.
After offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Checklist
Clean the turn signals, lighting system, the number plate and all windows.