EDRs, sometimes called “crash recorders,” are installed by some manufacturers for the express
purpose of capturing data for retrieval after an accident or crash event.
Some state laws restrict the retrieval or downloading of data stored by EDRs installed in a vehicle for
the express purpose of retrieving data after an accident or crash event without the owner's consent.
Although your vehicle is not equipped with an EDR, it is equipped with a number of electronic control
modules for various vehicle systems, such as engine management, emission control, airbags, and
safety belts.
These electronic control modules also record data during normal vehicle operation for diagnostic and
repair purposes. Their recording capability is limited to data (no sound is recorded). Only a small
amount of data is actually recorded over a very limited period of time, or stored when a system fault is
detected by a control module. Some of the data stored may relate to vehicle speed, direction, or
braking, as well as restraint system use and performance in the event of a crash. Stored data can only
be read and downloaded with special equipment.
Using a mobile phone in a motor vehicle when it is not connected to
the vehicle telephone antenna - some important things to know
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Mobile or cellular telephones send and receive radio waves, sometimes called “radiofrequency
energy” (RF energy), both when they are being used and when they are in standby mode. Current
scientific literature indicates that radio waves that exceed a certain level can have effects on the
human body. Limits and guidelines have been established by governmental authorities and
international committees in an effort to keep the electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones at
levels that will not cause health problems. However, there is no scientifically based proof that wireless
phones are absolutely safe.
Therefore some experts recommend a precautionary approach regarding the use of cellular phones by
taking measures that lower the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields. When using a cellular
telephone inside a motor vehicle without a proper connection to an integrated vehicle telephone
antenna, the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields will be higher than when using the cellular
telephone while properly connected to an integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna.
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional hands-free system that will permit many of the features
of compatible Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones to be used for greater convenience and is
consistent with the laws of an increasing number of states and localities that prohibit the use of cellular
telephones without some kind of hands-free device.
The hands-free system in your vehicle can be used with certain cell phones that are connected by wire
and hardware connector or via compatible Bluetooth® enabled phones with a cradle that is designed to
fit your cellular telephone. The special cradle offers several advantages: The phone cradle must be
safely secured to the base plate. Your phone is firmly attached to the instrument panel and is within
reach at all times. Placing the phone in its cradle permits it to be charged, but more importantly
connects the mobile phone to the vehicle's outside antenna. A cellular telephone that is properly
connected to the integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna will lower the personal
exposure to electromagnetic fields. You should also experience a better quality of service. Although a
cellular telephone can be used inside your vehicle without a cradle, the phone will not be securely
attached to the vehicle, will not be charged through the cradle wiring, and more importantly will not be
connected to the vehicle's integrated telephone antenna. The mobile phone will also not be recharged.
You might also experience more dropped calls and an overall impaired quality of the connection.
Therefore we strongly recommend that you use your cellular telephone in your vehicle only when it is
properly attached to an appropriate cradle mounted on a base plate on the instrument panel.
Because of the large number and variety of cellular telephones on the market and the frequency with
which new models are introduced, Volkswagen does not offer cradles for cellular telephones. Please
check with the manufacturer of the cellular telephone that you plan to use.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.
