2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG brake light

An indicator light k comes on in the instrument cluster display whenever Hill Descent Assist is ena-bled. The indicator light blinks when Hill Descent Assist is regulating the brakes.
Hill Descent Assist is always enabled, but only regulates the brakes when certain requirements are met.
Hill Descent Assist regulates automatically:
x If the vehicle is in off-road mode and the indicator light k is on.
x And: If your speed is under 18 mph (30 km/h).
x And: If the downhill grade is 10 % or steeper.
x And: If you neither accelerate nor apply the brakes.
x And: If the vehicle's engine is running.
If you accelerate or step on the brake when Hill Descent Assist is operating, the feature switches off. Hill Descent Assist begins regulating speed again the next time the requirements are met.
Hill Descent Assist does not regulate speed:
x On downhill grades of less than 10 %.
x OR: At speeds over 18 mph (30 km/h).
x OR: If the driver brakes or accelerates.
WARNING
Always be ready to apply the brakes. Otherwise accidents and injuries can occur.
x Hill Descent Assist is merely a driving aid and cannot always slow the vehicle down enough under on downhill grades.
x The vehicle may pick up speed despite the use of Hill Descent Assist.
The Hill Descent Assist also works when you are backing down a hill.

WARNING
Improper use of the Adaptive Cruise Control can cause collisions, other accidents and seri-ous personal injury.
x Always remember that the Adaptive Cruise Control has limits – it will not slow the vehicle down or maintain the set distance when you drive towards an obstacle or something on or near the road that is not moving, such as vehicles stopped in a traffic jam, a stalled or disa-bled vehicle.
x Always remember that the Adaptive Cruise Control cannot detect a vehicle that is driving towards you in your traffic lane and that it cannot detect narrow vehicles such as motorcy-cles and bicycles.
x Never drive at speeds that are too fast for traffic, road and weather conditions.
x Never follow a vehicle so closely that you cannot stop your vehicle safely. The Adaptive Cruise Control cannot slow or brake the vehicle safely when you follow another vehicle too closely. Always remember that the Adaptive Cruise Control has a braking power that is only about 30% of the vehicle's maximum braking ability, the automatic braking function cannot bring the vehicle to a stop.
x Never use Adaptive Cruise Control when you cannot drive safely at a steady speed, in-cluding on city streets, on winding roads or when road conditions are poor (for example, on ice, gravel, in fog, heavy rain or on wet roads that increase the risk of hydroplaning).
x The radar sensor's vision can be reduced by rain, snow and heavy road spray. These and similar conditions can prevent vehicles up ahead from being accurately detected and in some cases they may not be detected at all. Do not use ACC when the radar sensors cannot accu-rately detect vehicles moving ahead of you in traffic.
x Always turn off Adaptive Cruise Control when entering turn lanes, exit lanes and construc-tion zones or in similar situations because the vehicle will automatically accelerate to the stored speed when the road ahead is clear.
x Never rest your foot on the accelerator pedal, especially when the Adaptive Cruise Control is being used because doing so will override the braking function.
x Always pay attention to traffic, especially when Adaptive Cruise Control is switched on.
x Always maintain a safe speed and distance between your vehicle and other vehicles while considering the traffic situation. This is the duty of the driver. Adaptive Cruise Control is merely an aid to the driver.
x To prevent unintended operation, always switch ACC off when it is not being used.
x It is dangerous to use the “Resume” feature when the previously set speed is too high for existing road, traffic or weather conditions.
x Always select a speed and distance to traffic ahead that is safe and appropriate under the prevailing traffic, road, weather and lighting conditions.
x Never allow the closing speed between you and other vehicles to be so high that the Adaptive Cruise Control may not be able to slow your vehicle safely. If closing speed is too high, you must apply the brakes yourself to reduce the risk of a rear-end crash.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is driving at speeds lower than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the 3%4 button is pressed or the lever is moved to 2%35-%, the vehicle will be accelerated to the lowest possible speed that can be set in ACC of 20 mph (30 km/h)
The stored speed is canceled when the ignition or the ACC is switched off.

The Autonomous Emergency Braking function should be deactivated by switching off the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) in following situations:
x When the vehicle is being towed.
x When the vehicle is on a roller test stand.
x When the vehicle is off road, like on construction sites or on race tracks.
x When one of the sensors is defect.
x When the sensors have been damaged, like after a frontal collision accident.
x After several false alarms in a row.
x If the sensors are covered by additional parts, like auxiliary headlights.
x If the vehicle is driving on steep terrain or on or across slopes.
WARNING
Always remember that the Autonomous Emergency Braking function has limits – it will not release you from the responsibility to control and slow down your vehicle.
x The Autonomous Emergency Braking function alone cannot avoid accidents and fatal injuries.
x Under certain circumstances and complex traffic situations the Autonomous Emergency Braking function can perform unwanted braking maneuvers, like in construction sites.
x Soiled or misaligned radar sensors can lead to unwanted braking maneuvers
x The Autonomous Emergency Braking function does not react to people, animals, crossing traffic or vehicles that are approaching you on the same lane.
x Always adjust your speed and the distance you keep between you and the vehicles ahead of you to the road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.
x Never follow a vehicle so closely that you cannot stop your vehicle safely, under certain circumstances the automatic braking function cannot bring the vehicle to a stop in time.
x Never allow the closing speed between you and other vehicles to be so high that the Au-tonomous Emergency Braking function may not be able to slow your vehicle safely. If closing speed is too high, you must apply the brakes yourself to reduce the risk of a rear-end crash.
x Always be prepared to takeover the control of the brake and the gas pedal in every situa-tion.
NOTICE
If you notice that the Autonomous Emergency Braking function doesn't work properly or the sensors are damaged, switch off the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) and therefore the Autonomous Emergency Braking function immediately.
x Go see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance and have the system checked.
If the Autonomous Emergency Braking function initiates a braking maneuver, the hydraulic brak-ing system is under pressure. In this case the braking pedal will feel “harder” and the brake pedal travel will be shorter.
Automatic braking maneuvers can be interrupted by depressing the gas pedal or moving the steering wheel.
The Autonomous Emergency Braking function can slow your vehicle down to a standstill, but not hold your vehicle permanently. When necessary, apply the vehicle brakes!

In order to Operation
OR: If the vehicle rolls backwards.
Automatically
deactivate
the PDC:
Drive forward faster than about 5 – 10 mph (10 – 15 km/h).
OR: Shift into Reverse R.
Switch to full-
screen view:
Vehicle rolls backwards slowly.
OR: Press the lit-up button  or ∗.
OR: Tap the /03 function key ⇒ fig. 299.

The indicator light in the button  ⇒ fig. 298 comes on and stays on as long as the feature is active.
A chime sounds to tell you that the system is on. If the chime does not sound, PDC is not working. Have the system inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Special considerations when using Park Distance Control
x In some cases, the Park Distance Control system interprets water and ice on the sensors as an obstacle. To prevent automatic PDC activation in these cases, you can turn Park Distance Control off
permanently in the Infotainment System ⇒  Automatic activation in the Infotainment System.
x If the distance remains the same, the warning tone volume decreases after a few seconds. If a continuous tone sounds, its volume remains the same.
x If the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound stops automatically. The beep turns on once more automatically if the vehicle approaches the obstacle again.
x There is no beeping when the transmission is in Park (P) or the electronic parking brake is en-gaged.
x The volume of the audible signals can be adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealership or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Never rely completely on the PDC for information about people and objects that might be in the way of the vehicle and could be struck by the vehicle causing serious personal injury.
x The PDC sensors have blind spots where they cannot detect people or objects.
x Always watch for people, especially small children and animals, because the sensors may not always be able to detect them.
If you hear a long beep lasting about 3 seconds when you first turn PDC on or the indicator light in the button starts blinking, this means there is a malfunction in the Park Distance Control system. Switch off the Park Distance Control system with the button and have it immediately checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Checklist
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work. Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every time you refuel:
d Windshield washer fluid level ⇒  Windshield wiper and washer
d Engine oil level ⇒  Engine oil
d Engine coolant level ⇒  Engine coolant
d Brake fluid level ⇒  Braking and parking
d Tire pressure ⇒  Tires and wheels
d Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:
– Turn signals
– Parking lights, low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate light
Information regarding replacing light bulbs ⇒  Replacing light bulbs.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.
x Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause serious personal injury.
x Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the engine compartment. Always follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk personal injury.
x Never perform any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified work-shop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician. Serious personal injury may re-sult from improperly performed work.
x Never open or close the engine hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escap-ing from the engine.
x Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
x Hot parts of the engine and the exhaust system will burn skin on contact.
x When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Apply the electronic parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter button.
– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave them unsupervised.
x The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even elec-trocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables. The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high-voltage elec-tronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine compart-
ment ⇒  Cleaning the engine compartment.
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotat-ing engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Do not smoke.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

Checking engine coolant level
x When the engine is cold, check the engine coolant level relative to the marking on the side of the
expansion tank ⇒ fig. 319.
x If the coolant level in the tank is below the minimum mark (“min”), add coolant. When the engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper edge of the marked range.
Adding engine coolant
x Always protect face, hands and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Carefully unscrew the cap ⇒ .
x Add only new engine coolant according to Volkswagen specifications ( Engine coolant specifica-
tions) ⇒ .
x The engine coolant level must be inside the marks on the side of the reservoir ⇒ fig. 319. Do not
fill above the top edge of the filling range! ⇒ .
x Screw the lid tightly.
x Even in an emergency, do not use any other kind of coolant additive if engine coolant meeting Volkswagen specifications (Engine coolant specifications) is unavailable! Instead, add distilled water
only ⇒ . As soon as possible, have the correct coolant ratio restored using engine coolant that
meets Volkswagen specifications ⇒  Engine coolant specifications.
WARNING
Hot steam and hot engine coolant can cause serious burns.
x Never open the hood if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine.
x Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood. Hot com-ponents will burn skin on contact.
x When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Apply the electronic parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access , make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button ⇒  Starter button.
– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave them unsupervised.
x The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire. Under some conditions, the ethylene glycol in engine coolant can catch fire.