
How to start the engine using jump leads
Fig. 171 How to connect the jump leads when starting vehicles without start/stop system:
discharged battery Ⓐ and battery providing assistance Ⓑ
Fig. 172 How to connect the jump leads when starting vehicles with start/stop system: discharged
battery Ⓐ and battery providing assistance Ⓑ
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicle with discharged battery that is being jump-started.
Vehicle with vehicle battery that is supplying power and jump-starting the other vehicle.
Suitable earth connection. A solid metal part that is firmly bolted to the engine block, the
engine block itself or, where fitted, the screwed-in towing eye at the front ⇒ Tow-starting and
towing.
Using the jump leads incorrectly or completing the jump start procedure incorrectly can cause
the battery to explode, which can lead to severe injuries. Please note the following in order to
reduce the risk of the battery exploding:
•All work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical
burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety information before
carrying out any kind of work on the vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle battery.
•The vehicle battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the discharged
vehicle battery (12 volt) and approximately the same capacity (see markings on battery).
•Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can
even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
•The battery should be replaced if it is or has ever been frozen.
•A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is jump started.
Always keep fire, sparks, naked flames and lit cigarettes away from the vehicle battery.
Never use a mobile telephone when the jump leads are being connected or disconnected.
•Only charge the battery in a well-ventilated space as the battery emits a highly explosive
mixture of gases when the vehicle is being jump started.
•Position the jump leads so that they never come into contact with any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
•Never confuse the negative and positive terminals or connect the jump leads incorrectly.
•Observe the jump lead manufacturer's instructions.
WARNING
Please note the following in order to avoid considerable damage to the vehicle electrical
system:
•A short circuit can be caused if the jump leads are wrongly connected.
•The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the
positive terminals are connected.
NOTICE

The discharged vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical system.
The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are
connected.
Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again
after about half a minute.
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Attaching the jump leads
•Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
•If necessary, open the battery cover in the engine compartment ⇒ Vehicle battery.
•Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal ⇒ Fig. 171⊕ or ⇒ Fig. 172⊕ in
the vehicle with the discharged battery Ⓐ ⇒.
•Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal ⊕ in the vehicle providing
assistance Ⓑ.
•In vehicles without start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative
terminal ㊀ in the vehicle providing assistance Ⓑ ⇒ Fig. 171.
•In vehicles with start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead Ⓧ to a suitable
earth connection, to a solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder or to the cylinder
block itself ⇒ Fig. 172.
•Connect the other end of the black jump lead Ⓧ to a solid metal component bolted on to the
engine block, or onto the engine block in the vehicle with the discharged battery. Do not
connect it to a point near the battery Ⓐ ⇒.
•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
Starting the engine
•Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.
•Start the engine of the car with the discharged vehicle battery and wait two or three minutes
until the engine is running smoothly.
Removing the jump leads
•Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights if they are switched
on.
•Turn on the heater blower and rear window heater in the vehicle battery with the discharged
battery. This helps minimise the voltage peaks generated when the leads are disconnected.
•With the engines running, disconnect the jump leads in the exact reverse order to the
instructions given above.
•Close the battery cover.
Tow-starting and towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Notes on tow-starting
⇒ Notes on towing
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the battery to explode, which can lead to
serious injuries. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of the battery exploding:
•All work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical
burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety information before
carrying out any kind of work on the vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle battery.
•Always wear suitable eye protection and never lean over the vehicle battery.
•Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by the
negative.
•Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump lead
attached to the positive vehicle battery terminal must not touch metal parts of the vehicle.
•Check the window on the vehicle battery using a torch if necessary. If the display is light
yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. The gas emitted from the
vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
•Do not use jump leads to start the engine if the vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has
ever been frozen.
WARNING

⇒ Fitting the front towing eye
⇒ Driving tips when towing
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged battery must not be tow-started.
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automated manual gearbox must not be tow started
unless it has been ascertained that the gearbox is in position N⇒ When a vehicle with an
automated manual gearbox has to be towed:.
Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the
vehicle battery. In some vehicles battery charge level, the drop in voltage can be large enough after
just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer function, e.g. the hazard
warning lights.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Engine management system and exhaust purification system ⇒ Engine management system
and exhaust purification system
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
You will not be able to fit a towing eye onto the rear bumper. The vehicle is not suited for
towing other vehicles.
Notes on tow-starting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Use jump leads to start the engine
instead⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles cannot be tow-started:
•If the vehicle battery has discharged, the engine control unit will not function properly.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started (manual gearbox):
•Engage 2nd or 3rd gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the key from the ignition. This could cause the steering lock to engage
suddenly. You will no longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control
of the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change significantly.
Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake
servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is pulling your
vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE

•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started (automated manual
gearbox):
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Place the selector lever in position N.
•When both vehicles are in motion and the brake pedal indicator lamp goes out, move the
selector lever to position D.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the brake pedal and move the selector lever to position N.
This helps to prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
Notes on towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
When a vehicle with a manual gearbox has to be towed:
Check whether the vehicle can be towed ⇒ When should your vehicle not be towed?.
•Move the gear stick to neutral ⇒ Changing gear.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not have the vehicle towed further than 50 km (30 miles).
When a vehicle with an automated manual gearbox has to be towed:
Check whether the vehicle can be towed ⇒ When should your vehicle not be towed?
•Switch on the ignition.
•Move the selector lever to N⇒ Changing gear.
•Check whether the automated manual gearbox is really in neutral. To do this drive the car a few
metres as a test. The automated manual gearbox is in neutral if the vehicle can be easily
moved.
•Seek expert assistance if the automated manual gearbox cannot be put into neutral ⇒.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not have the vehicle towed further than 50 km (30 miles).
•If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels raised.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•If, due to damage, the vehicle gearbox no longer contains any lubricant.
•If the automated manual gearbox cannot be put into neutral ⇒.
•If the distance to be towed is further than 50 km - applies to vehicles with an automated manual
gearbox only.
•If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured, e.g. after an
accident.
The vehicle can only be towed when the handbrake and steering lock are not engaged.
Fitting the front towing eye
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with automated manual gearbox if the automated manual gearbox cannot
be put into neutral. Otherwise, the gearbox and engine can suffer considerable damage.
NOTICE

Fig. 173 On the right-hand side of the front bumper: releasing and removing the cover
Fig. 174 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper
⇒ Fig. 173.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle toolkit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 173① to release the cover.
•Pull the cover forwards to remove it ② and leave it to hang on the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye anticlockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible
⇒ Fig. 174⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it clockwise.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and guide the upper locking lug
carefully over the edge of the opening. If necessary, press the upper locking lug from above.
•Push on the upper area of the cover until the lower locking lug engages in the bumper.
Driving tips when towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be
familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
When driving, ensure that you do not pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid
jerking movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and
damaging the anchorage points.
You can still use the turn signals if your vehicle is towed with the hazard warning lights and ignition
switched on. Move the turn signal lever to signal the required direction. The hazard warning lights
will not flash while the turn signal is being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing
automatically as soon as the turn signal lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
•Leave the ignition switched on to prevent the steering wheel from locking, and so that the turn
signals, horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be used.
•As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than you normally would.
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing eye
can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE