
Cockpit
52InstrumentsInstrument overview
The instruments display the vehicle operating status.Fig. 32  Detailed view of dash panel instrument panelThe layout of the instruments depends upon the model and engine.
Rev counter* ⇒ page 53
Coolant temperature gauge  ⇒page 53
Fuel gauge ⇒ page 54
Speedometer  ⇒page 54 Digital clock*/Outside temperature display*/Multifunction display 
⇒
page 54
Display field for selector lever position  ⇒page 58
Distance display with service interval display*  ⇒page 58A1A2A3A4
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Cockpit
54
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always bear in mind the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 180.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At 
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the 
engine overheating.Fuel gauge 
 and reserve indicator
Instrument panel: fuel gauge
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 45 litres. When the needle reaches the reserve zone 
⇒fig. 34  the warning lamp will 
light and an acoustic signal will sound  reminding the driver to refuel. At this 
point there are still about 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
SpeedometerThe speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip counter, in 
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions shown on  ⇒page 151 should 
be followed.Digital display in the instrument panelDigital clock* – Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 52, fig. 32    anti-clockwise to 
the stop to set the hour. If the kn ob is turned briefly anti-clock-
wise the clock will advance one hour further.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the limit stop to set the  minutes. If the knob is turned briefly clockwise the clock will 
advance one minute further.
Fig. 34  Fuel gauge
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Cockpit
58
NoteWhen the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual ambient temperature as 
a result of the heat radiated from the engine.Display field for selector lever position*The position of the automatic gearbox selector lever is shown on the display 
⇒page 137.Mileage display or Service Interval DisplayDistance display
The upper counter in the display registers the total distance covered by the 
vehicle. The lower counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates steps 
of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by the reset button 
⇒
page 52, fig. 32 .
Service interval display
A  Service pre-warning will appear in the mileage displays if a service is due 
soon. A spanner symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance that 
can be driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will 
change after approximately 10 seconds. A clock symbol appears and the 
number of days until the next service appointment is due.
The following message appears on the instrument panel if a service is due:
INSP- Maintenance service
The service message will disappear approximately 20 seconds after the igni-
tion is switched on or the engine is  running. This may also be turned off 
pressing the short journey counter reset button for more than 0.5 seconds.
2)
The Service Centre who carry out the maintenance service will reset the main-
tenance interval display on completion of the service.
We recommend that the repair and main tenance work only be carried out at 
Authorised Service Centres.
With the ignition switched on, you can  call up the current service message by 
pressing the trip counter reset button for 2 seconds.
The service indicator can also be reset  by pressing the trip counter button. 
Proceed as follows:
- Switch off ignition.
- Keep “Reset” button on distance counter pressed.
- Connect ignition with the “Reset ” button pressed. The fixed mode 
display appears.
- Release the reset button and rotate it to the right. The display will return  to the normal mode. The indication has been reset.
Fig. 39  Service interval 
display
2)With “Ignition OFF” the mainte nance display remains visible.
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Cockpit59
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Caution
We recommend that the resetting of the service interval indicator be carried 
out in an Authorised Service Centre to avoid possible faults in the vehicle.
Note
•
The indication can only be reset when  a pre-warning or warning is indi-
cated.
•
Do not reset the display between two service intervals, otherwise the 
display will be incorrect.
•
The values are stored even when the battery is disconnected.
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
128When the outside temperature is high, using air recirculation mode provides 
more effective cooling by cooling air from the vehicle interior instead of warm 
air from outside.
For reasons of safety, air recirculation is  not possible when the control for air 
distribution is set to the windscreen setting 
.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no ambient ai r enters the vehicle interior. If the 
air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can quickly mist over. 
Therefore, you should never leave the  air recirculation mode switched on 
for longer periods, as this increases the risk of an accident.
Note
When reverse gear is engaged the air recirculation connects automatically to 
prevent the entrance of exhaust fumes in the vehicle on travelling backwards. 
In this case the symbol   for air recirculation is not displayed.General notesThe pollen filter
The pollution filter (a combined part iculate filter and active carbon filter) 
serves as a barrier against impurities in the ambient air, including dust and 
pollen.
For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollen 
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Program.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high 
levels of air pollution, the pollen filte r must be changed more frequently than 
stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioning is damaged, switch off the air 
conditioning with button   to prev ent further damage and have it 
checked by a qualified workshop.
•
Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and 
special tools. Therefore, we recommend  that you take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop should problems occur.Note
•
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,  condensa-
tion  can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle, this is completely no rmal and there is no need to suspect 
a leak.
•
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and 
leaves to ensure heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the 
windows misting over.
•
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and is 
extracted by slots designed for this purpose. Do not cover these slots with 
articles of clothing or other objects.
•
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows 
and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. Howe ver, if the sun has heated up the 
vehicle, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows for 
a short period.
•
Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the 
air conditioning system leaves a r esidue on the evaporator, producing a 
permanent unpleasant odour.
•
At low outside temperatures the compressor switches off automatically. 
The   button cannot be switched on either.
•
It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to 
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling 
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to 
check the system.
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Driving and the environment159
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted 
draw bar 
weight  on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified 
limit.
The figures for  trailer weights and draw bar weights  that are given on the 
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The 
correct figures for your sp ecific model, which may be  lower than these figures 
for the towing bracket, are give n in the registration documents  ⇒Section 
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as 
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them 
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker 
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in 
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the 
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors 
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should  be mounted on hinged extension 
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give  sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the  normal inspection intervals if the 
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your 
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling of the towing bracket is located in the tool 
boxThe ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the 
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage 
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing 
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be re moved if a trailer is not being towed 
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very 
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be  avoided, drive extra slowly to allow 
for the unbalanced we ight distribution.
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Checking and refilling levels185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the 
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the 
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature 
is reached then stop.
– Wait two minutes. – Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and 
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level  ⇒fig. 127. Top 
up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area 
- Do not add oil.
Oil level in area 
- Oil  can be topped up. The indi cated oil level should be  after the zone 
Oil level in area 
- Oil  must  be topped up. The indicated  oil level should be found, after, in zone 
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil 
consumption can be up to 0.5 L/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be 
higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine  oil level must be 
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a 
journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartm ent, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 180.Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Fig. 127  Engine oil 
dipstick.
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Checking and refilling levels
186Topping up engine oil 
 
Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 180.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 128.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using  small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before 
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area  , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler openi ng is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment diagram ⇒ page 242. Engine oil specification 
⇒page 183.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot 
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do  not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area  . Otherwise oil can be drawn in 
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the 
exhaust system.Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the 
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!
Fig. 128  In the engine 
compartment: Engine oil 
filler cap
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