Checking and refilling levels
212•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.
•
If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•
If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames. −
Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified
workshop.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before you open the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper
arms are in contact with the windscreen. Failure to do so could
damage the paintwork.
Opening the bonnet
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard
⇒fig. 138 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet is
unlocked by a spring ⇒ .
– Gently lift the bonnet and press the unlock button ⇒fig. 139 in
the direction of the arrow.
– Open the bonnet to the point where it is held open by the gas struts.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.
•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet,
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
Make sure that the support rod is inserted securely and properly in the
holder in the open bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 211.
Fig. 138 Detail of foot-
well area on driver's side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet.Fig. 139 Detail of radi-
ator grille: lever for
unlocking the bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels
214Closing the bonnetClosing the bonnet
1. To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pres-
sure.
2. Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its clasp. Do not press
down ⇒ .If the bonnet does not close properly, open it again and close it properly.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil
conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at
atmospheric temperature should be used instead. The use of this type of oil
may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example,
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for
both types of engines.
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Checking and refilling levels231
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not use wheel bolts from a different car -
even if it is the same model
⇒page 204.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly, the wheel could become
loose while driving. Risk of accident.•
The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil
to them.
•
Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.
•
If the prescribed torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen
whilst the vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is
too high, the wheel bolts and threads could be damaged.Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels. Information on permitted
winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code ⇒page 229, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits : ⇒
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These
stickers are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
⇒ page 229, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and thus, an accident risk.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres in good time. They are quieter, do not wear so quickly
and reduce fuel consumption.
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If and when233
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If and whenVehicle tools*, spare wheel*, breakdown set*
and towing bracketLocation
The vehicle tools, the spare wheel and the removable ball
coupling of the towing bracket are stored in the luggage
compartment.Vehicle tool kit and removable ball coupling
The vehicle tool kit and removable towing bracket ball coupling are stored on
the right of the luggage compartment, behind a cover.
Spare wheel
The spare wheel is stored underneath the vehicle ⇒page 234.
Caution
Make sure that the spare wheel / removed wheel and the tools are stored
safely in the luggage compartment.
Vehicle tools*The vehicle tools are stored in the luggage compartment, behind the side
cover on the right and are secured using a thumb screw ⇒fig. 151 . The
tool kit comprises the following items:
To ol b ox
44)
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel
bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver is in the wheel
bolt.
Towing eye, removable
Open jaw spanner 10 x 13 mm
Wire hook
44) for pulling off the centre cover and the wheel bolt caps
44)Optional equipment
Fig. 151 Storage of
vehicle tools
A1
A1A2A3A4A5
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If and when235
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
•
If you are driving without the spare wheel, the cable should be rolled up
and the bracket fastened to the floor of the luggage compartment.
Fitting the defective wheel in the spare wheel casing1. Place the wheel behind the vehicle.
2. Insert the support on the inside of the defective wheel, through a central opening.
3. Insert the defective wheel below the vehicle, with the outer side facing downwards. 4. Remove the box spanner
⇒page 234, fig. 152 and turn the
bolt on the floor of the luggage compartment several times to the
right, until the defective wheel is firmly secured against the
inside of the luggage compartment floor ⇒ in “Taking out
the spare wheel” on page 234.
5. Close the opening with the rubber seal ⇒page 234, fig. 152
and lower the cover .
WARNING
Tighten the bolt of the luggage compartment to a maximum torque of 25
Nm.Breakdown set*
Fig. 153 Resting point for
the spare wheel on the
bumper
AC
AB
AA
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If and when239
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Removing the hubcaps
The hubcaps must be removed to gain access to the wheel
bolts.– Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit.
– Insert the hook into a hole in the cover ⇒fig. 156.
– Pull off the cover.
Removing the caps from the wheel bolts
The caps must be removed from the wheel bolts before the
wheel bolts are unscrewed.– Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit.
– Insert the hook through the opening in the middle of the cap ⇒fig. 157 .
– Use the wire hook to remove the caps.The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be replaced after changing the
tyre.
When fitting, make sure that the caps click securely into place. They could
otherwise fall off.
Fig. 156 Removing the
hubcaps
Fig. 157 Use the hook to
pull off the cap
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If and when
246Side indicator lamps– Slide the turn signal forwards ⇒fig. 163 and remove .
– Remove the lamp holder and separate. – Remove the failed glass bulb and replace with a new bulb.
– Insert the lamp holder in the turn signal guide rail.
– First fit the turn signal in the opening of the chassis, securing
with the tabs ⇒fig. 164 and then, fit the bulb as shown by
the arrow .
Rear lightsBefore changing a bulb, the tailgate should always be opened.
The lights have the following layout:
On the body
Turn signals, pilot light and brake/rear light.
On the tailgate / rear door
Reversing light and rear antifog light.
Fig. 163 Side indicatorFig. 164 Side indicator
A1
A2
A1
A2
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