The electric parking brake is not automatically
applied if the engine is switched off by the
ECO start/stop function.
Releasing automatically
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-
matically released if all of the following condi-
tions are met:
R
The engine is running
R
The transmission is in position
h
or
k
and
you depress the accelerator pedal or shift
from position
j
to
h
or
k
R
The seat belt is fastened
If the transmission is in position
k
, the tail-
gate must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R
The driver's door is closed.
R
You are shifting from transmission position
j
or have previously driven at speeds
greater than 2 mph (3 km/h)
Ensure that you do not depress the accelera-
tor pedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the park-
ing brake will be released and the vehicle will
start to move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking brake.
X
While driving, push handle
:
of the electric
parking brake (
Y
page 147).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle
:
of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle
:
is depressed, the greater
the braking force.
During braking:
R
a warning tone sounds
R
the
Release Parking Brake
Release Parking Brake
message
appears
R
the red
F
(USA only) or
!
(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is applied.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i
You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could
affect, for example, the power steering and
the brake boosting effect. You will require
considerably more effort to steer and brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G
WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. You could also
lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of
an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions
prohibit the driver from using a mobile phone
while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
148
Driving tips
Driving
and
par
king