ABS SKODA YETI 2009 1.G / 5L Owner's Manual

Contents 4
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . .
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-road* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . .
Off-road driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of the group N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Space for first-aid box* and warning triangle* . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations
(99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI - EU 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./81 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yeti - Vehicles of the group N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
141
141
142
143
146
146
147
149
150
152
154
156
156
158
161
162
163
163
163
166
167
167
168
168
168
169
170
170
173
173
174
174
178
178179
179
180
190
190
193
193
193
193
197
200
200
200
201
203
203
205
207
209
210
214
215
215
221
221
221
221
223
223
223
223
223224
224
225
229
230
233
233
238
243
243
243
243
243
243
243
244
245
245
246
247
249
251
253
255
257
259
sgg.6.book Page 4 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
6Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)The Owner's Manual has been systematically designed, in order to make it easy for you to find and absorb the information you require.Chapters, table of contents and subject indexThe text of the Owner's manual is divided into relatively short sections which are combined into easy-to-read
chapters
. The chapter you are reading at any particular
moment is highlighted at the bottom right of the page. The
Table of contents
is arranged according to the chapters and the detailed
Subject
index
at the end of the Owner's Manual helps
you to rapidly find the information you
are looking for.SectionsThe majority of
Sections
apply to all models.
Since there is a wide range of different equipment and options available it is clearly unavoidable, despite dividing the contents
into sections, that
mention may be made
of equipment whic
h is not fitted to your vehicle.
Brief information and instructionsEach section has a
Heading
.
This is followed by
Brief information
(in large italic lettering), which tells you the
subject which is dealt with in this section. Most of the illustrations are accompanied by an
Instruction
(in relatively large letters)
which explains to you in a straightforw
ard way the action you have to take.
Work steps

which have to be carried out are illustrated with a hyphen.Direction indicationsAll direction indications such as “left”, “right”,
“front”, “rear” relate to the direction of
travel of the vehicle.Explanation of symbols* Equipment which is marked in such a way is
only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as opti
onal equipment for certain models.
 End of a section.
 The section is continued on the next page.NotesAll four kinds of notes, which are used in th
e text, are always stated at the end of the
respective section.
WARNING
The most important notes are marked
with the heading WARNING. These
WARNING notes draw your attention to a serious risk of accident or injury. While reading the text you will frequent
ly encounter a double arrow followed
by a small warning symbol. This symbol is intended to draw your attention to a WARNING note at the end of the section to which you must pay careful atten- tion.
Caution
A Caution
note draws your attention to the possib
ility of damage to your vehicle (e.g.
damage to gearbox), or points ou
t general risks of an accident.
For the sake of the environment
An
Environmental
note draws your attention to environmental protection aspects.
This is where you will, for example, find tips
aimed at reducing your fuel consumption.
Note
A normal
Note
draws your attention in a general way to important information.
sgg.6.book Page 6 Thursda
y, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
WARNING
•
If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body inju- ries or major vehicle damage.•
The engine compartment of your car is
a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire wh
en working in the engine compartment,
e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. It is also essential to
observe all warnings
⇒page 204, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Note
•
The arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional
description are to be
found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.•
Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority 1 -
danger) or yellow symbol
s (priority 2 - warning).

Failure of the light bulbs
⇒page 31

Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)
⇒page 31

Airbag system
⇒page 32

Control system for exhaust
⇒page 32


Electromechanical power steering
⇒page 32

Engine oil level
⇒page 33

Engine oil pressure
⇒page 33

EPC fault light (petrol engine)
⇒page 33

Glow plug system (diesel engine)
⇒page 34

Coolant temperature/coolant level
⇒page 34

Traction control system (TCS)
⇒page 34

Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
⇒page 35

Selector lever lock*
⇒page 35

Tyre pressure*
⇒page 35

Antilock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 36

Boot lid
⇒page 37

Open door
⇒page 37

Seat belt warning light
⇒page 36

Brake pad wear*
⇒page 36

Fluid level in windshield washer system*
⇒page 37

Brake system
⇒page 37

Dynamo
⇒page 37

Fuel reserve
⇒page 38

Downhill Drive Support*
⇒page 38

Overheated clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG*
⇒ page 38
sgg.6.book Page 30 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
35
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the TCS system. The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly. If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS system is fully functional again. Further information about the TCS
⇒page 165, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected
and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle (for example when applying and releasing a braking force to an individual wheel), then the warning light
 flashes quickly in the
information display. The ESP system cannot be switched off, the
TCS system can only be switched off by
pressing the button
⇒page 163, fig. 154
, then the warning light flashes slowly
.
The warning light lights up permanently
if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly. If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP system is fully functional again. Further information on the ESP
⇒page 163, “Electronic stability programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)* The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the
EDL is indicated by th
e ESP warning light in
the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected immediately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL
⇒page 164, “Electronic Differential Lock
(EDL)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected
and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.Selector lever lock*

If the
green
warning light
 lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position
P or N.
Further information about the selector lever lock
⇒page 123.
Tyre inflation pressure*

The warning light
 lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in one
of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or
correct as soon as possible the inflation
pressure in the tyres
⇒page 215.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified. Further information about tyre pressure-control system
⇒page 169.
WARNING
•
When the warning light
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvr
es. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in
spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.•
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light
 can be delayed or does not light up at all.
sgg.6.book Page 35 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
Note
If the battery has been disc
onnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on
the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.Antilock brake system (ABS)

The warning light
 shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be br
aked by the normal brake system. Visit a
specialist garage as quickly as possible and
adjust your style of driving appropriately as
you will not know how great the damage is. Further information about ABS
⇒page 167, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light

(handbrake must be released), there is a fa
ult not only in the ABS but also in another
part of the brake system
⇒
.
WARNING
•
If the brake system warning light
 comes on together with the ABS
warning light
 stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid level in
the reservoir
⇒page 209, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain professional assistance.•
Pay attention to the following instruct
ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet
⇒page 204, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
•
If the brake fluid is at the correct leve
l, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapi
dly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-ding! Drive carefully to the nearest sp
ecialist garage and have the fault
rectified.Seat belt warning light

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition is sw
itched on as a reminder for the
driver and front passenger to fasten the seat
belt. The warning light only goes out if the
driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt. If the seat belt has not been fastened by
the driver or front passenger, a permanent
warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds gr
eater than 20 km/h and simultaneously the
warning light
 flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the dr
iver or front passenger during the next 90
seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
 lights up perma-
nently. Further information on the seat belts
⇒page 141, “Seat belts”.
Thickness of the brake pads*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds
5) when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light
 comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have the
brake pads on
all of the wheels
inspected.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Check brake pads!
5)The warning light
 on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching
the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.WARNING (continued)
sgg.6.book Page 36 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
37
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Boot lid

The warning light

comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If th
e boot lid opens while driving

, the warning light
lights up and an audible signal sounds. An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.The warning light comes on even when the ig
nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. On vehicles with information display* this wa
rning light is replaced
by a vehicle symbol
⇒ page 25.Open door

The warning light
 comes on, if one or several doors are opened. If one of the doors
opens while driving, the warning light lights
 up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig
nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. On vehicles with information display* this wa
rning light is replaced
by a vehicle symbol
⇒ page 25.Windshield washer fluid level*

The warning light
 comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insufficient
fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid
⇒page 214.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Add wash fluid!
Brake system

The warning light
 flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there is a
fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied. If the warning light
 flashes and an audible signal sounds three times (handbrake is
not applied),
stop
and check the brake fluid level
⇒
.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Brake fluid Owner's manual
If there is a fault in the ABS which also infl
uences the function of the brake system (e.g.
distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
 comes on and at the same
time the brake system warn
ing light starts flashing
. Be aware that not only the ABS
but also another part of th brake system is defective
⇒
.
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage. For further information on the brake system
⇒page 166, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6 km/h. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Release parking brake!
WARNING
•
Pay attention to the following instruct
ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet
⇒page 204, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.•
If the brake system warning light
 does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir
⇒page 209. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain professional assistance.Alternator

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
sgg.6.book Page 37 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Unlocking and locking
39
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Unlocking and lockingKeyFig. 30 Set of keys without remote control / set of keys with remote control keyTwo keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehicle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control or with radio remote control keys* ⇒ fig. 30
.WARNING
•
Always withdraw the key whenever you le
ave the vehicle - even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the en
gine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. The steerin
g lock might otherwise enga
ge unintentionally - risk
of accident!
Caution
•
Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against moisture
and severe shocks.•
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile fibres, dust etc.)
have a negative effect on the proper operation of the locking cylinder and the ignition lock.
Note
Please approach a specialist garage if you lose a key since he can obtain a new one for you.Changing the battery of the radio remote controlFig. 31 Remote control key - remove cover / remove batteryEach remote control key contains a batt
ery which is housed under the cover
⇒ fig. 31
. If the battery is discharged, the red in
dicator light does not light up after
pressing a button on the remote control
⇒fig. 30
. Change the battery as follows:
– Fold open the key. – Carefully press off the cover at the points of the arrows .– Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery downwards at
the point of the arrow
⇒fig. 31
.
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+”
symbol on the battery is facing upwards.
The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
– Position the battery cover on the key and press on it until it is heard to lock in place.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accord
ance with environmental regulations.
AB
AAA1
A2
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Seats and Stowage
85
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
•
Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle change when you
transport heavy or bulky items on the roof bar system as a result of the displacement of the centre of gravity an
d the increased wind attack area - risk
of accident! You must absolutely adapt your style of driving and the speed of the vehicle to the sp
ecific circumstances.
Cup holderCup holder in front centre consoleYou can place two cups or beverage cans into the recesses
⇒fig. 86
.
WARNING
•
Do not place any hot beverages into the
cup holder. If the vehicle moves, the
hot beverages may spill - risk of scalding!•
Do not use any cups or beakers which are
made of brittle material (e.g. glass,
porcelain). You might be injured by them in the event of an accident.
Caution
Do not open the beverages in the cup hold
er while driving. They may spill when
braking and while doing so damage the vehicle.
Cup holder in rear centre console*– Press on the panel in the area
⇒fig. 87
- the cup holder comes out.
– Pull the cup holder out as far as the stop.– Adjust the cup holder by
moving the locking plate .
WARNING
•
Do not place any hot beverages into the
cup holder. If the vehicle moves, the
hot beverages may spill - risk of scalding!•
Do not use any cups or beakers which are
made of brittle material (e.g. glass,
porcelain). You might be injured by
them in the event of an accident.
Caution
The cup holder in the rear part of the centre
console must be closed
(otherwise it could
get damaged) before folding forward the rear middle seat.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 86 Front centre console: Cup holder
Fig. 87 Centre console at rear: Cup holder
AA
AB
sgg.6.book Page 85 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Seat belts
141
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Seat beltsWhy seat belts?It is a proven fact that seat belt
s offer good protection in accidents
⇒fig. 132
. Thus
wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries. Seat belts which have been correctly fasten
ed and adjusted hold the occupants of the
car in the correct seated position
⇒fig. 132
. The belts reduce the kinetic energy
(energy of motion) to a considerable exte
nt. They also prevent uncontrolled move-
ments which, in turn, may well result in severe injuries. The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened
and correctly adjusted their seat belt,
profit to a major extent from the fact that
the kinetic energy is optimally absorbed by
the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety meas- ures, such as the airbag system, also cont
ribute to reducing the kinetic energy. The
energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury. Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly adjusted reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival in a major accident ⇒ page 141. It is important that you pay attention to
safety measures, particularly when trans-
porting children in the vehicle
⇒page 156, “What you should know about trans-
porting children!”.
WARNING
•
Fasten your seat belt each time before
setting off, also when driving in town!
This also applies to the people seated at the rear - risk of injury!•
Expectant women must also always wear
a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child
⇒page 143.
•
It is important for the belt webbing to be
properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer the maximum protection. You can see a description of how safety belts should be fitted properly on the next pages.
Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat belts.The physical principle of a frontal collisionFig. 133 The driver is thrown forward if not wear
ing a belt / the rear seat occupant is thrown
forward if not wearing a beltThe physical principle of a frontal a
ccident can be explained quite simply:
Motion energy, so-called kinetic energy, is produced as soon as the vehicle is moving, both for the vehicle and its occupants. The
magnitude of this kinetic energy depends
essentially on the speed at which the vehicl
e is travelling and on the weight of the
vehicle and the occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the amount of energy which has to be ab
sorbed in the event of an accident.
Fig. 132 Driver wearing seat belt
sgg.6.book Page 141 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Intelligent Technology
163
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralGeneral The ESP aids you in maintaining control of
your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as
entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding
is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds. The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:•
electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
•
traction control system (TCS),
•
active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
•
antilock brake system (ABS),
•
brake Assist,
•
uphill-Start off-Assist.
The ESP system cannot be switched off, the
TCS system can only be switched off by
pressing the button
⇒fig. 154
, then the ESP warning light flashes slowly
.
Operating principle The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also proc- esses additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle about its ve
rtical axis, the lateral acceleration of the
vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle. The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is co
nstantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If
differences exist, such as the vehi
cle beginning to skid, the ESP will
automatically brake the appropriate wheel. The car is stabilised again by the forces wh
ich take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break away) while occurs this is on the inner rear wh
eel of a vehicle whic
h tends to understeer
(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by noises. During an intervention of the system, the warning light
 flashes quickly in the instru-
ment cluster
⇒page 35.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS
⇒page 167, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate. The ESP warning light lights up in the inst
rument cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP
 ⇒page 35.WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road surfac
e and the traffic situation. This partic-
ularly applies when driving on slippery
and wet roads. The increased safety
Fig. 154 ESP switch
sgg.6.book Page 163 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM