towing SKODA ROOMSTER 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Layout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Using the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
General view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Instruments and warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overview of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Service reminder indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Shift recommendation for changing gears . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Multi-functional indicator (onboard computer) . . . . . . . 14
MAXI DOT display (information display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Locking/Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Interior monitor and towing protection monitoring . . 36
Electrical power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Panorama roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Seats and Stowage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Heating the front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Variable loading floor in the luggage compartment . . 58
Bicycle holder in the luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . 60
Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Front cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Rear cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Parking ticket holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Cigarette lighters and power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Heating and air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Starting-off and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Setting steering wheel position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
“START-STOP” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Multifunction steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II . . . . . . . . . . 94 Voice control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Music playback via Bluetooth
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Inputs AUX-IN and MDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . . . . . . 105
Important safety information regarding the use of
seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Head airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Deactivating airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
What you should know about transporting children! . 118
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system . . . . 123
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system . . 124
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Electronic stability programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Uphill Start Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 3
Table of Contents Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Tyre pressure monitoring system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Driving and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
The first 1 500 kilometres and afterwards . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Inspecting and Replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts . 166
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
First-aid kit and warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Towing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Praktik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Praktik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Rear interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Adjustable safety partition behind the front seats . . . 189
Fixing of the loading floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Adjustment of the safety partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Emergency unlocking of the loading area door . . . . . . 190
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fuel consumption according to the ECE standards and
EU guidelines
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Engine 1.2 l/51 kW - EU5/EU2 DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Engine 1.2 l/63 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Engine 1.2 l/77 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Engine 1.4 l/63 kW - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Engine 1.6 l/77 kW - EU4/EU2 DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine 1.2 l/55 kW TDI CR - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Engine 1.6 l/66 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Engine 1.6 l/77 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2034
Table of Contents

If the vehicle is locked by pressing the button
3 and some doors or the boot lid
are not closed, the turn signal lights flash only after closing. WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person in the vehicle as it is then not possible to
open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors make it
more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard! Note
● Operate the radio remote control only when the doors and boot lid are closed
and you have visual contact with the vehicle.
● Once in the car, you must not press the lock button  of the radio remote con-
trol before inserting the key into the ignition lock in order to avoid the car being
inadvertently locked and the alarm system being switched on. Should this happen,
press the unlock button  of the radio remote control. 
Synchronisation of the remote control If the vehicle cannot be unlocked by actuating the remote control system then it
is possible that the code in the key and the control unit in the vehicle are no lon-
ger synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the radio-operated key are
actuated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or
the battery on the remote control was replaced.
This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:
● Press any button on the remote control.
● pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1
minute. 
Anti-theft alarm system
Description The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people seek-
ing to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning sig-
nals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle. How is the alarm system activated?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically when the vehicle is locked
with the key on the driver's door or by using the radio remote control. It is activa-
ted 30 seconds after locking the door.
How is the alarm system deactivated?
The anti-theft alarm system is deactivated if the vehicle is unlocked by only using
the radio remote control. The anti-theft alarm system is reactivated if the vehicle
is not opened within 30 seconds after transmitting the radio signal.
Once you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you then
have to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15
seconds after opening the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system.
The alarm will be triggered
if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
● Bonnet,
● Boot lid,
● Doors,
● Ignition lock,
● Vehicle inclination ⇒ page 36,
● Vehicle interior ⇒ page 36,
● A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply,
● Socket of the factory-fitted towing device.
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
You switch the alarm off if you unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control or
if you switch the ignition on. Note
● The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years. More detailed information is
available by a specialist garage.
● Before leaving the vehicle, check that all the doors and windows are closed in
order to ensure that the anti-theft alarm system is fully operational.
● Coding of the radio remote control and the receiver unit precludes the use of
the radio remote control from other vehicles.  35
Unlocking and locking Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Interior monitor and towing protection monitoring
The interior monitor and the towing protection monitoring detect
movements inside the vehicle interior and then trigger the alarm. Fig. 18 Button for interior monitor and
towing protection monitoring
The interior monitor and the towing protection monitoring are operated with the
button . You can switch the interior monitor and the towing protection moni-
toring off if there is a possibility that movements from (e.g. children or animals) in-
side the vehicle interior or if the vehicle must be transported (e.g. by train or ship)
or towed, might trigger the alarm.
Switch off the interior monitor and towing protection monitoring
– Switch off the ignition.
– Open the driver door.
– Press the button 
on the driver door ⇒ fig. 18 .
– Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds. The interior monitor and the towing pro-
tection monitoring are switched off.
The interior monitor and the towing protection monitoring are switched on again
automatically the next time the car is locked. Note
● You can switch the interior monitor and the towing protection monitoring off if
there is a possibility that movements from (e.g. children or animals) inside the ve-
hicle interior or if the vehicle must be transported (e.g. by train or ship) or towed,
might trigger the alarm.
● You can also switch off the interior monitor and the towing protection moni-
toring, by deactivating the safe securing system ⇒
 page 30.●
When the ignition key is removed or a door is opened, the symbol in the but-
ton lights up red.
● Lighting up of the symbol in the button does not confirm that the interior
monitor and the towing protection monitoring are switched on. 
Electrical power windows Buttons for electrical power windows Fig. 19 Buttons on the driver's door/Buttons on the rear doors
The power windows operate only when ignition is switched on.
Opening a window
– A window is opened by pressing lightly on the respective button in the door.
The process stops when one releases the button.
– Additionally you can open the window automatically (fully opened) by pressing
the button up to the stop. Renewed pressing of the button causes the window
to stop immediately.
Closing a window
– A window is closed through pulling lightly on the respective button in the
door. The closing process stops when one releases the button.
– Additionally you can close the window automatically (fully closed) by pulling
the button up to the stop. Renewed pulling of the button causes the window
to stop immediately.
The buttons for the individual windows are located in the operating part of the
armrest of the driver's door ⇒

 fig. 19, front passenger door and on the rear doors. £36
Unlocking and locking

The warning light
 lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on ⇒ page 20.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up if the vehicle is fitted with a towing
device from ŠKODA Original Accessories and when you are towing a trailer which
is fitted with the rear fog light. CAUTION
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor (con-
form with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your ve-
hicle. 
Headlamp range adjustment Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
Fig. 23 Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
– Turn the control dial ⇒
 fig. 23 until you have adjusted the low beam so that on-
coming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads: Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
- 1
2
3 CAUTION
Headlamp range adjustment should always be adjusted in a way that:
● it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic,
● and the range is sufficient for safe driving. 
Switch for hazard warning lights  Fig. 24 Dash panel: Switch for hazard
warning lights
– Press switch  ⇒  fig. 24 to switch the hazard warning light system on or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn signals and
the indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You can also switch
on the hazard warning light system if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag is de-
ployed in the event of an accident.
Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard warning light
system. Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
● you encounter traffic congestion;
● your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs. 42
Lights and Visibility

The handbrake warning light
 lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the Information display
if you have inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h
for more than 3 seconds. WARNING
● Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
● Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident! CAUTION
After the car has come to a stop, always first of all apply the handbrake firmly be-
fore then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector
lever into position P (automatic gearbox). 
Parking aid The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.
Fig. 81 Parking aid: Range of sensorsThe audible parking aid determines the distance from the rear bumper to an ob-
stacle behind the car with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integra-
ted in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area
A ⇒ 
fig. 81 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area B ) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device, the indication threshold of the dan-
ger area starts -

continuous tone - 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle
can be extended through an installed detachable towing device.
On factory-fitted radio navigation systems and car stereos, the distance to the ob-
struction can also be shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-
fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The
driver is informed about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the
radio or the radio navigation display. The factory-fitted radio or navigation system
can be set so that the play function volume decreases when activating the park-
ing aid, see Owner's Manual radio or radio navigation system. As a result, the sig-
nal tones from the parking aid can be better recognised.
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by disengaging the reverse gear or by switching the
ignition off. £82
Starting-off and Driving

WARNING
● The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the vehi-
cle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
● You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no
small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar, etc., behind your ve-
hicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.
● Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the park-
ing aid. Note
● The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models
which feature a factory-fitted towing device).
● A system fault is indicated if a warning signal sounds for about 5 seconds after
switching the ignition on and engaging reverse gear and there is no obstacle close
to your vehicle. It is possible that the audible warning does not function correctly
(an obstacle behind the vehicle may not be detected - take extra care). Have the
fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
● If the audible warning sounds for 3 seconds after switching the ignition on and
engaging the reverse gear, a fault has occurred in the system. It is possible that
the audible warning does not function correctly (an obstacle behind the vehicle
may not be detected - take extra care). Have the fault rectified by a specialist
workshop.
● The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
● If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
is in the position P , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle can no longer
move). Cruise control system (CCS)
Introduction The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h
(20 mph), once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator
pedal. This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power out-
put and braking power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible
- particularly on long journeys - for you to rest your
“accelerator foot”. WARNING
● For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) - risk of accident!
● In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use. Note
● Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Always depress the clutch pedal if you
switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral! Otherwise the
engine can rev up unintentionally.
● The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driv-
ing on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at
which it travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the
vehicle down by applying the foot brake.
● It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R.  83
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed. 
Switching off the cruise control system completely –
Press the switch A
⇒  fig. 82 to the right into position OFF. 
“START-STOP” Fig. 83 Centre console: START-STOP
System button
The “START-STOP” system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the

“START-STOP” system is indicated
in the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
– Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
– Take the vehicle out of gear.
– Take your foot off the clutch.
Automatic engine restart (start phase).
– Push down on the clutch. Switching the “START-STOP” system on and off
You can switch the
“START STOP” system on/off by pressing the button ⇒ fig. 83.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the en-
gine starts immediately.
The START-STOP system involves complicated switching conditions, some of
them cannot be correctly determined without servicing. The general conditions
for the proper functioning of the START-STOP system are listed in the following
overview.
Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase) The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
The clutch pedal is not pressed!
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driver's door is closed.
The bonnet is closed.
The vehicle is at a standstill.
The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
The engine is at operating temperature.
The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
The engine speed is less than 1200 1/min.
The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
The pressure in the brake system is sufficient.
The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
⇒ page 27 The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution). Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase)
The clutch is pressed.
The max./min. temperature is set.
£ 85
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Selector lever positions
Fig. 84 Selector lever/information display: Selector lever positions
The selector lever position you have engaged is shown in the information display
of the instrument cluster with the corresponding gear symbol highlighted
⇒  fig. 84 on the right. In the positions D and S the gear you have already engaged
will be additionally displayed on the display.
P - Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary ⇒  .
If you wish to move the selector lever into or out of this position, you must press
the Shiftlock button in the handle of the selector lever and at the same time de-
press the brake pedal.
R - Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
idling ⇒  .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position. The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position
N into the position
D, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour or
on a stationary vehicle.
D - Position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and
down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift
programme.
You must depress the brake pedal if you wish to move into position D from N
when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5
km/hour or is stationary ⇒  .
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when
towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme
⇒  page 91 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the
driving situations.
S - Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power po-
tential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D .
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position S, because the maxi-
mum speed is reached with the 5th gear 1)
.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of the position D into the position S. WARNING
● Never move the selector lever into position
R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
● When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps. £1)
Not valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox DSG. 89
Automatic gearbox Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater
physical effort is required.
It is possible that the hydraulic pump of the power steering will not run due to the
low vehicle network voltage if the battery has gone flat and the engine must star-
ted with the help off jump leads. This condition will be indicated by lighting up of
the warning light.
The power steering operates again if the battery is charged to a specific range
when engine is running. It also operates again, if the engine can be started with
its own battery.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light lights up in the instru-
ment cluster  ⇒  page 20. WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective. CAUTION
Never leave the steering wheel at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the en-
gine is running - risk of damaging the power steering! 
Tyre pressure monitoring system Fig. 114 Button for setting the tyre in-
flation pressure control valueThe tyre pressure monitoring system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors
the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the rolling
circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light
 in the instrument clus-
ter ⇒ page 24 and an acoustic signal sounds. The rolling circumference of the tyre
can change if:
● the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
● the structure of the tyre is damaged,
● the vehicle is loaded on one side,
● the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill),
● snow chains are mounted,
● the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
● one wheel per axle was changed.
Basic setting of the system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures, after changing one or several wheels,
the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. exchanging the wheels between the
axles) or when the warning light lights up while driving, a basic setting of the sys-
tem must be carried out as follows.
● Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒
 page 161.
● Switch on the ignition.
● Press button 

⇒  fig. 114
for more than 2 seconds. While pressing the but-
ton, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the memory of the system is
erased and the new calibration is started, which is confirmed with an audible sig-
nal and then the warning light  goes out.
● If the warning light  does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in
the system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
Warning light  lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated in com-
parison to the stored basic value, the warning light  ⇒  lights up.
Warning light  flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle inspected by
your nearest specialist garage. £130
Intelligent Technology