2012 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER traction control

• Reduce your speed.
• Push the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic gate 266.
• Gently push the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
Stopping the vehicle and pulling away when driving uphill
The steeper the incline, the lower the gear that is required.
If you wish to stop the vehicle or pull away when driving uphill, you should use the Hill Hold Assist function 282.
Vehicles without Hill Hold Assist: when the vehi-cle is stopped on an incline and remains in gear, the vehicle must always be prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the handbrake. The brake pedal or the handbrake should not be released until you start to pull away
Kickdown
The kickdown mechanism enables maximum ac-celeration in the selector lever positions D and S, or in the Tiptronic position.
If the accelerator pedal is depressed fully, the gear-box will automatically shift to a lower gear, depend-ing on the speed and engine revs. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration &.
The gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches the maximum engine speed for the gear.
Freewheel driving with 7-speed dual clutch gearbox DSG®
In coasting mode, the momentum of the vehicle can be used to save fuel in conjunction with a fore-sighted driving style. The engine is declutched and no longer brakes the vehicle -the vehicle can roll out over a longer distance.
Switch-on condition: the selector lever must be in position D.
Fault in the DSG® dual clutch gearbox
r-f"'n First read and observe the introductory l-J::,JJ information and safety warnings & on page 260.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever posi-tions have a light background. The automatic gear-
Triggering coasting
• Remove foot from accelerator pedal. The en-gine will be disengaged and run in freewheel mode. The vehicle rolls without the braking effect of the engine.
Cancelling coasting mode
• Depress the brake pedal briefly.
Coasting can be switched on and off in the Set-tings menu of the Volkswagen Information sys-tem 24.
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.
• Always adjust your driving style in ac-cordance with the flow of traffic.
• Only use kickdown or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit, and other road users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and the driving style.
• You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehi-cle or through your driving style.
CD
• If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by depress-Ing the accelerator while a position is still se-lected. The automatic gearbox could overheat and be damaged.
• Never allow the vehicle to roll in position N, particularly if the ignition is switched off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubricated and could be damaged. <1
box is running in an emergency programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency pro-gramme, but only at reduced speed and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear. The gearbox should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. .,..
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking 267

Braking, stopping and parking
COl Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps Handbrake ............................ .
Parking . . . . . . . ............. .
Information on the brakes ................ . Brake support systems .................. .
Switching the TCS on and off ............. .
Brake fluid ............................ .
270 271
272 272
274
276
277
The brake support systems are the anti-lock brake system (ASS), the Brake Assist system (SAS), the electronic differential lock (EDS), the traction control system (TCS) and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
• Towing a trailer 139
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and seri-ous Injuries.
• If the warning lamp 0 lights up either on its own or with a text message In the display of the Instrument cluster, go to a qualified workshop Immediately, have the brake pads checked and any worn brake pads replaced.
A WARNING
Incorrect parking can cause serious Injuries.
• Never remove the vehicle key from the lg-nltlon lock when the vehicle Is In motion. The steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the vehl-cl e.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
• Always apply the handbrake when the ve-hicle Is parked.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone In the vehicle. They could release the handbrake, move the selector lev-er or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle In motion. This can lead to accidents and se-rious 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 used which could 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.
CD
• To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake and then remove your foot from the brake ped-al.
• Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels can touch the bollards or kerbs.
• Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the running gear, engine or exhaust system could be dam-aged.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 269

A WARNING (Continued)
• If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be Increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system.
CD
• Never let the brakes "rub" by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to brake. Continual pressure on the brake pedal will overheat the brakes. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, In certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
Brake support systems
r-f'n First read and observe the Introductory l..-Wl information and safety warnings&. on page 269.
The brake support systems ESC, ABS, BAS, TCS and EDL only function when the engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC de-tects critical driving situations such as oversteer, understeer and wheelspin. The system helps to stabilise the vehicle through targeted application of the brakes or by reducing engine torque.
ESC has its limitations. lt is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able to assist every time that there is a sudden change in the road surface quality. If a section of dry road is suddenly covered with water, mud or snow, ESC will not be able to assist in the same manner as on a dry road. If the vehicle aquaplanes (drives on a layer of water rather than on the road surface), ESC will not be able to assist in steering the vehicle as the contact to the road surface has been interrupted and it is therefore no longer pos-sible to steer or brake the vehicle. When driving at speed through bends, particularly on stretches of road with many bends, the ESC will not always be able to process complicated driving situations as
2741 While dnvang
• 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.
m If the front brake pads are tested, the rear L!..J brake pads should be tested at the same time. Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose. effectively as at lower speeds. When towing a trail-er, ESC is unable to assist the driver in regaining control over the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. ESC cannot defy the laws of motion, improve the availa-ble power output, or keep the vehicle on the road if insufficient care and attention on the part of the driver causes the vehicle to leave the road. In-stead, the ESC improves the chances of keeping the vehicle under control and, in extreme on-road driving situations, exploits the driver's steering in-put to keep the vehicle travelling in the desired di-rection. If the vehicle is driving at a speed that leads it to leave the road before the ESC can pro-vide any kind of support, the ESC will be unable to provide any assistance.
The ASS, BAS, TCS and EDL systems are integra-ted into the ESC. The ESC is always on. If the trac-tion achieved in certain situations is not sufficient, TCS can be switched off by pressing the ASR (TCS) button =>Fig. 224. Always ensure that ASR (TCS) is switched back on again once traction is sufficient.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of an accident, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to re-duce the risk of skidding, and the danger of secon-dary collisions, through automatic braking.

The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System only functions in frontal, side and rear collisions if the airbag control unit registers the corresponding trig-gering threshold during the accident, and the acci-dent occurs at a speed greater than 10 km/h (6 m ph).
The ESC brakes the vehicle automatically, provi-ded that the hydraulic braking system, the ESC and the electrical system are undamaged in the accident and remain functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of an accident:
• When the driver depresses the accelerator. No automatic braking occurs.
• When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the brake pressure provided by the system. The vehi-cle is braked manually.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and keeping it under control. This means that the vehicle is less likely to spin, even when the brakes are depressed fully:
• Depress and hold the brake pedal with force. Do not take your foot off the brake pedal or reduce the force on the brake pedal.
• Do not pump the brake pedal or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal.
• Steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is fully depressed.
• The ABS will switch off when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the brake pedal is reduced.
If the ABS is taking corrective action, there is a pulsing movement in the brake pedal and some noise. However, ABS will not necessarily guaran-tee shorter braking distances in a// conditions. The braking distance could even be longer when brak-ing on gravel or on fresh snow covering an icy or slippery surface.
Brake Assist system (BAS)
The Brake Assist system can help to reduce the braking distance. The Brake Assist system reinfor-ces brake pressure when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency situation. As a result, full braking power is made accessible very quickly, braking power is reinforced and the brak-ing distance reduced. This means that the ABS is activated more quickly and more effectively.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The Brake Assist system will switch off the brake servo automatically when the brake pedal is re-leased or if the pressure on the brake pedal is re-duced.
Traction control system (TCS)
The TCS reduces the engine output if wheels pin occurs and adapts the output to suit road surface conditions. TCS helps the car to start moving, ac-celerate and climb gradients in unfavourable road conditions.
The TCS can be switched on and off manually 276.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL is available for normal driving on straight roads. EDL brakes the wheel that has lost traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automat-ically if subjected to excessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
A WARNING
Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions. Do not Jet the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
• The Intelligent technology of the brake support systems cannot overcome the Jaws of physics or system-related vehicle limita-tions. Slippery and wet roads will remain dan-gerous, even when the ESC and other sys-tems are active.
• Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to Jose contact with the road sur-face and aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact with the road surface.
• Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close to the vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation. .,.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking 275

A WARNING (Continued)
• Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the ve-hicle in difficult driving situations, please al-ways remember that the driving stability of the vehicle depends on the tyre grip.
• When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, press the accel-erator carefully. The wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active, and this can lead to a loss of control of the vehl-cl e.
A WARNING
ESC will be considerably less effective if oth· er components and systems that affect driv-ing dynamics are not serviced correctly or are not functioning properly. This also ap-plies, but not exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other systems that have already been named.
Switching the TCS on and off
BSO·OC40
Fig. 224 in the centre console: button for switch-ing the TCS on and off manually.
.-m First read and observe the introductory l-J=J.I information and safety warnings & on page 269.
276 Wh1lo driving
A WARNING (Continued)
• Please always note that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the function of the ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS and ESC.
• Alterations to the suspension system or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre com-binations can affect the function of ABS, BAS, TCS, EDL and ESC and reduce their ef· fectiveness.
• Suitable tyres are also crucial if ESC is to function optlmaliy =>page 367.
m The ESC and TCS can only function properly L.:U if ail 4 wheels are fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the roiling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power unex-pectedly.
m If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC, TCS lU and EDL will also stop working.
m Operating noises may be heard during the L.:U self-regulation processes of the systems ex-plained above. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) only func-tions when the engine is running. lt consists of ABS, EDL and TCS.
When the engine is running, the TCS can be switched off by pressing the@ 224 button. The TCS should only be switched off in certain sit-uations when the traction achieved is not sufficient. For example:
• When driving in deep snow or on loose surfa-ces.
• When rocking the vehicle backwards and for-wards to free it from mud.
Then press the@ 224 button to switch the TCS back on.

Rear axle differential lock
OSG-0041
Fig. 229 On the dash panel: button for rear axle differential lock
i""('n First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings & on page 282.
If the rear-axle differential lock is switched on, the vehicle has better traction on difficult ground and
Switching the rear axle differential lock on
and off
• To switch the rear axle differential lock on, press the 229 button on the dash panel at speeds under approximately 45 krnlh (28 mph) The indicator lamp r. lights up in the instru-ment cluster.
• Press button , Fig. 229 in dash panel again to switch off the rear-axle differential lock. The indica-tor lamp r. in the instrument cluster goes out.
If the engine is switched off with the rear axle dif-ferential lock switched on, the rear axle differential lock remains switched on for roughly another 30 seconds.
Not switching the rear axle differential lock on
• If you are driving on well-surfaced roads &.
• If the vehicle is being towed.
• If the brakes are being tested on a rolling road test bed.
286 I While dnving
Rear-axle differential lock cannot be switched on
The rear axle differential lock cannot be switched on in the following situations:
• if there is a large difference in the speed of ro-tation of the rear wheels
• if the drive train is loaded heavily
• If the mechanical teeth of the rear-axle differen-tial lock are '1ooth to tooth": the indicator light r. in the instrument cluster flashes.
A WARNING
Never switch the rear axle differential lock on If you are driving on a solid road surface, the vehicle is being towed or if the tyres have no traction.
• Your steering will be greatly Impaired when the rear axle differential lock has been switched on. This could mean that you lose control over the vehicle and cause serious In-juries.
CD
Switching the rear axle differential lock on while being towed can damage the drive train.
m If the rear axle differential lock is switched off W when driving through a bend, this may cause a small shudder to go through the vehicle. This is caused by the release of wind-up in the drive train. This is normal and is not a indication of damage to the vehicle.
m If you drive through bends with the rear axle W differential lock switched on, the wheels "rub" on the road surface. You might be able to hear this. The ''rubbing" of the tyres -especially on solid ground -will lead to increased wear on the tyres.

When the highest level is reached, the distance re-turns to the lowest level when the button is press-ed again.
The distance level can also be set using the Q or Q buttons on the multifunction steering wheel im-mediately after the(!) button on the multifunction steering Fig. 241 has been pressed.
Select the Settings menu, Assist systems submenu, ACC to set the distance to be used when the ACC is switched on 24.
Setting the gearbox programme
The acceleration response can be influenced by the gearbox programme selected. The programme can be set Using the ACC option in the Assistant submenu in the Settings menu. The following gearbox programmes can be selected:
• Normal
• Sport
• Eco
The following conditions can prevent the adaptive cruise control (ACC) from reacting:
• If the accelerator is depressed.
• If no gear is selected.
• If the ESC is taking corrective action.
• If there is a fault in several brake lights on the vehicle or on a trailer with an electrical connection to the vehicle.
• If the vehicle is reversing.
• System version 1: if the vehicle is travelling faster than approximately 160 km/h (1 00 m ph).
• System version 2: if the vehicle is travelling faster than approximately 210 km/h (130 mph).
A WARNING
If you do not maintain the minimum distance to a vehicle In front and the difference In speed between the two vehicles is so great that the braking action of the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is insufficient, you are In dan-ger of colliding with the vehicle in front. You should reduce the vehicle speed immediately with the foot brake.
• The adaptive cruise control (ACC) may not be able to detect all driving situations cor-rectly.
• Leaving your foot on the accelerator means that the adaptive cruise control (ACC) will not brake automatically. This is because manual acceleration overrides the system.
• You should always be prepared to brake the vehicle yourself.
• Observe country-specific regulations re-garding the minimum distance.
m The set speed will be deleted if the ignition or L!.J the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is switched off.
m The adaptive cruise control (ACC) is auto-L!.J matically deactivated when the traction con-trol system (TCS) is deactivated.
m In vehicles with a start/stop system, the en-L!.J gine is switched off automatically during the stationary phase of adaptive cruise control (ACC) and is then restarted for moving off. Switch off the adaptive cruise control (ACC) temporarily in the following
situations
1""111 First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.IJ Information and safety warnings & on page 298.
The adaptive cruise control (ACC) should be switched off in the following situations due to sys-tem limitations &:
304 I While driving
• When turning off roads, driving around round-abouts, narrow curves, joining motorways, exiting from motorways or driving through road works, to prevent the vehicle from unnecessarily accelerat-ing to the set speed in these situations
• When driving through a tunnel as this situation could impair the system function.
• On roads with more than one lane, if other vehi-cles are driving more slowly in the fast lane. The slower vehicles In the other lane would be overtak-en from the right side in this case.
• In heavy rain, snow or spray as vehicles travel-ling ahead cannot be monitored sufficiently or maybe cannot be monitored at all. .,.