Things to note when driving with a trailer
• If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will pre-vent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
• The combination weight causes the braking dis-tance to increase.
• Select a low gear before driving down a slope. This enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle. The brake system could otherwise overheat and fail.
• The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trail-er load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
• The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable. When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Tachograph
In most European countries, a tachograph has to be installed in the vehicle and used if the gross combination weight rating of the vehicle and trailer is over 3,500 kg.
• Observe the legal requirements governing the use of tachographs.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope, de-pending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
• Depress and hold the brake pedal.
• Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
• Select first gear or D =:o page 260, Changing gears.
Trailer stabilisation
r-('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 139.
The trailer stabilisation function can de-
tect if an attached trailer is starting to
lurch from side to side and can provide
countersteer.
• Unlock hand brake and carefully release while holding down lock button. At the same time, gently depress the accelerator and, in a manual vehicle, release the clutch pedal, until you feel the vehicle moving forwards. If necessary, read the notes on the Hill Hold Assist function =:o page 282, Pull-away assist systems.
• Only let go of the handbrake lever when the en-gine has sufficient power to move off.
• Pull away slowly.
A WARNING
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of ve-hicle control and serious personal injury.
• Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle handles and increase the braking distance.
• Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
• Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking ma-noeuvres.
• Take special care when overtaking. Re-duce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.
• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
• Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.
If, however, the effects of this snaking on the vehi-cle are detected via the ESC control unit, the vehi-cle is braked automatically by the ESC in order to stabilise the trailer. In this case the ABS indicator lamp flashes .,.
Transporting items 1147
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
• The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
• ESC is active. The indicator lamp in the in-strument cluster is not lit up.
• The trailer is electrically connected to the tow-ing vehicle via the trailer socket.
• The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
• The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
• The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
• Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
A WARNING
De not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any risks when driving-this can cause accidents.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
1481 Before the JOUrney
A WARNING (Continued)
• Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
• Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
A wARNING
The trailer stabillsation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
• Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation func-tion and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
• A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehi-cle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation system.
• Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
• Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically In extreme driving situations If the trailer socket Is being used without a trail-er (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
Bench seat/bed
Fig. 154 In the living area: controls on the bench seat/bed.
ill1 First read and observe the introductory l-J::,jJ information and safety warnings & on page 193.
Moving bench seat/bed
Before moving it, please ensure that the folding ta-ble is not opened up in the vehicle and is not fit-ted in the guide rails on the side panel.
• Pull the lever '*Fig. 154 CD and hold it in this position.
• Move the bench seat/bed and release the lever. The bench seat/bed must be engaged in position.
Removing the bench seat/bed
The bench seat/bed can be removed more easily by two people than by one person.
Before removing it, please ensure that the folding table is not opened up in the vehicle and is not fitted in the guide rails on the side panel.
• Take the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit.
• Prevent the vehicle from rolling away: apply the handbrake, move the selector lever to P or engage a gear.
• Push the driver seat and the front passenger seat as far forward as possible.
• Remove front and middle covers from the outer seat rails.
• Unscrew the stopper for the bench seat/bed with the screwdriver. The stopper is located in the third seat rail opposite the sliding door.
• Pull the lever G) and hold it in this position.
• Insert the screwdriver into the hole in the bench seat/bed =>Fig. 155 G) to block the locking mecha-nism in the bench seat/bed.
Fig. 155 Locking mechanism in lhe bench seat/ bed blocked by a screwdriver G).
• Push the bench seat/bed forwards in the seat rails to the point where it can be lifted out of the slots.
• Lift the bench seat/bed out.
• Place the removed covers on the open slots in the seat rails.
• Pull the screwdriver out of the hole in the bench seat/bed.
Fitting the bench seat I bed
The bench seat/bed can be fitted more easily by two people than by one person.
Before fitting it, please ensure that the folding table is not opened up in the vehicle and is not fitted in the guide rails on the side panel.
• Remove front protective covers from the outer seat rails.
• Insert the screwdriver into the hole in the bench seat/bed G) to block the locking mechanism in the bench seat/bed.
• Place the feet of the bench seat/bed into the slots so that the backrest is facing the rear of the vehicle.
• Push the bench seat/bed back so that you can see the recesses in the seat guides.
• Pull the lever =>Fig. 154 G) and hold it in this position.
• Pull the screwdriver out of the hole in the bench seat/bed.
• Screw the stopper for the bench seat/bed in to the original position (in the third seat rail opposite the sliding door) completely. .,.
Equipment, California 195
Checklist (Continued)
-Insurance documents
-Camping and travel guides
./ Inform yourself about the peculiarities of any foreign country you plan to visit, such as driving speed limits and required papers .
./ Check the cooking gas supply and change the bottle if necessary.
Actions to take during thunderstorms
ro First read and observe the introductory information given on page 252.
Checklist
Take the following actions before an impending storm:
./ Close the pop-up roof .
./ Retract the awning completely.
Winter conditions
r-f"'n First read and observe the introductory information given on page 252.
When parked at a camping site
• Engage a gear and place chocks against the wheels to prevent the vehicle rolling away.
• Release the handbrake so that it does not freeze.
• Do not lay power cables on the ground as they could freeze to the ground.
• Keep the ground under the vehicle free of ob-structions so that the exhaust from the supplemen-tary heating system can escape.
Ventilation
High humidity levels in the vehicle can be reduced by using a commercially available fan.
Cleaning cupboards, cooker and sink
r-f"'n First read and observe the Introductory L-la.U Information given on page 252.
Cleaning the cupboards
Clean the surfaces of the kitchen unit and cup-boards with commercially available non-abrasive cleaning agents =>
./ Drain the waste water tank.
./ Check the vehicle toolkit.
./ Take a mains cable and cable reel on board so you can use the 230-volt electrical feed.
./ Disconnect the 230-volt electrical feed.
./ Wait out the storm while remaining inside the vehicle.
Additional information:
• Read and observe the information under the in-dex keyword "Winter conditions".
CD
In very cold weather the fresh and waste water systems should be emptied to prevent them from becoming damaged If the vehicle Is not to be kept heated continuously or Is only to be
Ignition lock
Fig. 217 Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock .
.--m First read and observe the introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 257.
The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.
Vehicle key positions :) Fig. 217
@ Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
G) Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
® Start the engine. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released. the vehicle key moves back to position G).
Non-authorised vehicle key
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been inserted in the ignition lock it can be removed as follows:
• Dual clutch gearbox, DSG®: vehicle key cannot be removed from the ignition lock in this position. Press the lock button in the selector lever and re-lease. The vehicle key can be removed.
• Manual gearbox: remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
Starting the engine
A WARNING
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or Injuries.
• Always take all vehicle keys with you ev-ery time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can cause serious Injury.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone In the vehicle. They could become trapped In the vehicle in an emergen-cy and may not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low tempera-tures, according to season. This can cause serious Injuries and Illness or fatalities, espe-cially for small children.
• Never remove the vehicle key from the ig-nition lock when the vehicle Is In motion. The steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
m In vehicles with the DSG® dual clutch W gearbox the vehicle key can only be re-moved from the Ignition lock if the selector lever is in position P. If necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then release it.
The steps should only be carried out In the specified order.
Step Vehicles with a manual gearbox I Vehicles with dual clutch gearbox DSG ®
1. Press the brake pedal, if required. Keep it held down until stage 5 has been completed.
Fully depress the clutch pedal until the engine I
___
258 I While drivong
0 "' <(
"' ::;
oc "' N
The steps should only be carried out In the specified order.
Step Vehicles with a manual gearbox I Vehicles with dual clutch gearbox DSG ®
2a. Shift the gear stick to a neutral position. I Shift the selector lever to position P or N.
3. Only vehicles with diesel engines: to preheat the engine, turn the vehicle key to position 217 G). The indicator lamp mr lights up in the instrument cluster.
4. Turn vehicle key to position 217 ®-do not depress accelerator.
5. Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
6. If the engine does not start, stop the procedure and repeat it after approximately one minute.
7. Release the handbrake if you wish to pull away =>page 269.
A WARNING
Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended, particularly not if a gear or driving mode has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire or serious injuries.
A WARNING
Start boosters may explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs.
• Never use a start booster.
CD
• The starter and the engine could be dam-aged if you attempt to start the engine while the vehicle Is In motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been switched off.
Stopping the engine
CD
• When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading the engine.
• Do not push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic convert-er.
&-, Do not warm up the engine by running it W while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as soon as there is good visibility through the win· dows. This helps the engine to reach operating temperature more quickly and reduces emissions.
m Components with a high power consumption L!:J are switched off temporarily when the engine is started.
m When starting from cold, the engine may be a L!:J little noisy for the first few seconds. This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
m At outside temperatures of less than L!:J +5oC (+41°F), fumes may be detected under a vehicle with a diesel engine if the fuel-powered supplementary heater is switched on.
The steps should only be carried out In the specified order.
1. The vehicle must be completely stationary => &.
2. Press the brake pedal. Keep it held down until step 4 has been completed.
3. In vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG®, shift selector lever to position P.
4. Apply the handbrake =>page 269.
5. Turn the vehicle key to position =>Fig. 217 @.
6. In vehicles with a manual gearbox, select the first gear or the reverse gear =>page 263. .,.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 259
A WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle Is In motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.
• The alrbags and belt tensioners will not work If the Ignition Is switched off.
• The brake servo will not work when the engine Is switched off. That is why more pressure on the brake pedal is needed to stop the vehicle when the engine Is switched off.
• The power assisted steering will not work when the engine is not running. More power is needed to steer the vehicle when the en-gine Is switched off.
Electronic immobilizer
r-T'n First read and observe the Introductory L-Wl information and safety warnings & on page 257.
The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised ve-hicle key.
There is a chip in the key. lt automatically deacti-vates the immobilizer when the vehicle key is in-serted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobilizer is automatically activa-ted when the vehicle key is removed from the igni-tion lock.
Changing gears
CO! Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps ............. . Pedals ... Manual gearbox: selecting a gear ........ .
Dual clutch gearbox DSG® ...... .
DSG® dual clutch gearbox: selecting a gear Changing gear with llptronic ............. .
260 While driving
261 262 263
264
264
266
A WARNING (Continued)
• If the vehicle key is removed from the Igni-tion, the steering lock can activate and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
CD
If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine could overheat when it Is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run In neutral for approximately two minutes before switching lt off.
m In vehicles with DSG® dual clutch gearbox, W the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition lock if the selector lever is in position P.
m After the engine is switched off, the radiator W fan in the engine compartment may run on for some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radi· ator fan will switch itself off automatically.
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been used, the display in the instrument cluster will show SAFE, or Immobilizer active!. The vehicle cannot be used if this occurs.
m The vehicle cannot be operated properly if W you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Gear-change indicator 268
The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is switched on:
• The reverse light comes on.
• The Climatronic switches automatically to air recirculation mode when the vehicle is reversing.
• If fitted, the ParkPilot and the rear view camera system are switched on.
• The static cornering light may be switched on on both sides.
Additional information and warnings:
• Instruments 19
• Volkswagen information system 24
• Braking, stopping and parking 269
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• ParkPilot 287
• Reversing camera (Rear Assist) 291
• Air conditioning 322
• Engine management system and exhaust puri-fication system 407
• Manual opening and closing 413
A WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This can cause you to lose control of the ve-hicle, which can lead to accidents and seri-ous Injuries.
Warning and indicator lamps
A WARNING (Continued)
• The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used If the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
A WARNING
Never "ride" the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, Increase the braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fall completely.
CD
• Never let the brakes "rub" by applying light pressure to the brake when it Is not necessary to brake. This will Increase levels of wear.
• Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fall. The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
Lit up Possible cause Solution
Do not drive on I Allow the gearbox to cool down in selector lever
(!) 7-speed DSG® dual clutch gearbox over-position P. If the warning light does not go out, do not drive heating. on. Seek professional assistance. Failure to do so can cause considerable damage to the gear-box page 267.
Fully depress the brake pedal. Brake pedal not depressed. See also Adaptive cruise control (ACC) 298.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking 261