Operation Manual

222 Driving and operation
Check the brake lights before starting out
on a journey. On vehicles with check
control 3 the brake lights are checked
automatically – see page 138.
Shortly after starting each journey the
effectiveness of the brake system should
be tested at low speed and without
inconveniencing other traffic, especially if
the brakes are wet, e.g. after the vehicle
has been washed.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low
and the hand brake is not applied, control
indicator R on the instrument panel
illuminates – see page114.
Hill Start Assist 3 (HSA)
The system helps pull away on inclines.
After releasing the footbrake, if the hand
brake is not applied the brakes are only
released after 2 seconds. As soon as the
acceleration is sufficient to prevent rolling
back, the brake is released.
Picture no: 17207t.tif
Hand brake
Always apply hand brake firmly. On slopes
apply the hand brake as firmly as possible.
The mechanical hand brake acts on the
brakes on the rear wheels. It engages
automatically when applied.
To release the hand brake pull the lever up
slightly, press the ratchet knob, and fully
lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the hand
brake, depress the foot brake at the same
time.
Picture no: 17208t.tif
Brake system control indicatorR
The control indicator illuminates when the
ignition is switched on if the hand brake is
applied or if the brake or clutch fluid level is
too low. Brake fluid - see page 302.
For vehicles with Easytronic 3, the control
indicator flashes for a few seconds when
the ignition is turned off if the hand brake
is not applied.
9 Warning
If the control indicator comes on when
the handbrake is released, stop driving
immediately. Contact a workshop for
assistance.