2013 VOLKSWAGEN EOS sensor

Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works
The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor
surface ⇒ fig. 91 (arrow) and not work for a number of reasons; which include:
x Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this can
cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.
x Insects: Insects hitting the sensor may trigger the wipers.
x Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or
continuously on glass that is almost dry.
x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other build-up on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent
residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on,
this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself
to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the
sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface (arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or
damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield
cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 92 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

To help make it more difficult to steal your vehicle, you should always make sure the steering column
is locked before leaving the vehicle.
Electronic steering column lock
Vehicles with Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the driver door is opened with the
ignition switched off. The vehicle must be standing still and the transmission must be in Park (P) on an
automatic transmission vehicle.
If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the electronic steering column lock is
activated only after the vehicle has been locked with the vehicle key or via the sensor in the door
handle.
Mechanical steering column lock
Vehicles without Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the vehicle is stationary and the
vehicle key is removed from the ignition switch.

Engaging the steering column
lock
Disengaging the steering column
lock
Parking the vehicle Turn the steering wheel slightly to
take pressure off the steering
column lock.
Remove the vehicle key. Insert the vehicle key into the
ignition switch.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering column lock
engage.
Hold the steering wheel in this
position and turn the ignition switch.

Power steering
Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the
wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.
If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.
Counter-steering assistance
Counter-steering assistance is part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature makes it easier
for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a
surface that provides uneven traction, the vehicle could pull to the right or left. ESC detects this
situation and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power ⇒ .
WARNING
The counter-steering assistance in ESC can do no more than help the driver steer in difficult
situations. The driver must still control the vehicle. The vehicle does not steer by itself with
this feature!
NOTICE
If the ignition is off, the steering column lock will engage and the vehicle cannot be steered.
For this reason, you must leave the ignition on when going through an automatic car wash, for
example, so that the wheels will still steer.

WARNING
x Opening and closing the luggage compartment lid and the CSC roof can cause serious
injuries if someone gets in the way of moving parts. The rear lid assist system is no
substitute for careful and attentive driving. It is the driver's responsibility to make sure that
nobody is in the way when opening or closing the luggage compartment lid, particularly
when putting the CSC roof up or down.
x If the opening or closing process is interrupted or the hydraulic pump overheats, the CSC
roof will automatically lower itself into a balanced position after a while (may take up to
8 minutes).
NOTICE
x Things like trailer draw bars, thin rods, fences, trees, narrow painted vertical poles, posts,
or a luggage compartment lid that is opening may not be detected by the Park Distance Control
sensors and could damage the vehicle.
x If you continue driving closer to an object that the Park Distance Control has already
detected and reported, the object may disappear from the sensor range and may no longer be
detected. This is especially true for low or high objects. The system will no longer sound
warnings about these objects. Ignoring signals from the Park Distance Control system could
result in serious damage to the vehicle.
x The sensors in the bumper can be damaged or become misaligned in low speed impacts
and parking maneuvers. Damaged or misaligned sensors cannot accurately detect or report
objects that might be within range of the PDC system.
x To help make sure that the system works properly, always keep the sensors in the bumpers
clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the sensors with stickers or other objects.
x When cleaning the sensors with power washers or steam cleaners, only spray the sensors
directly for a very short time, and always keep the washer nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from
the sensors.
x Noise from rough roads, cobblestones, other vehicles and the surrounding area, for
example, can prevent the Park Distance Control system from accurately detecting and
reporting people and objects that may be within range of the system sensors.
NOTICE
x Rear lid assist does not detect obstacles above the rear bumper. For this reason, always
check to make sure there is enough room behind the vehicle before opening or closing the
CSC roof.
x When the CSC roof is opening or closing, the luggage compartment lid lowers and covers
the Park Distance Control sensors. The sensors cannot detect people or things that are moving
behind the vehicle within range of the luggage compartment lid or that were not there before
the lid began to descend.
x Rear lid assist only checks the area behind the vehicle for obstacles at the start of CSC roof
operation, when the roof is still completely closed or open. If roof operation is interrupted, the
area behind the vehicle will not be checked a second time when roof operation starts again.
x You can damage the vehicle if rear lid assist detects an obstacle and stops CSC roof
operation, and you continue to operate the switch to open or close the roof.
Volkswagen recommends practicing with the Park Distance Control system in a location or
parking space with no traffic in order to become familiar with the system and how it works.

Park Distance Control (PDC) with rear lid assist

Fig. 130 In the center console: Button to turn Park Distance Control on and off.

Fig. 131 Park Distance Control sensors.

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 again automatically if the vehicle approaches the obstacle again.
x For vehicles with automatic transmissions, there is no beeping when the transmission is in Park
(P).
x The volume of the audible signals can be adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Rear lid assist only works when the vehicle is not moving.
Rear lid assist during opening and closing the CSC roof
Before the CSC roof opens or closes, the rear lid assist system uses the PDC sensors to check that
there is enough room behind the vehicle for the rear lid to swing out past the rear bumper.
x If an obstacle is detected, roof operation stops. Unlike the Park Distance Control system, rear lid
assist has no acoustical alert signal. Remove any obstacles behind the vehicle or move the vehicle
forward so that there is enough room for the luggage compartment lid to swing out.
x If you operate the CSC roof lever again after roof has automatically stopped (because rear lid
assist has detected an obstacle), roof operation will start again after a few seconds. The CSC roof will
not stop again automatically if an obstacle is detected a second time. Instead, a warning will appear in
the instrument cluster display.
x Because the rear lid assist system uses the PDC sensors, its operation depends on whether or not
the PDC system is working properly. PDC is working properly if the warning chime sounds when you
shift into Reverse.
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 there is a malfunction in the Park Distance Control, a brief continuous warning tone will sound
and the indicator light in the button will blink when you first switch the system on. 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.
Rear lid assist can be deactivated by an authorized Volkswagen dealership or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. If this is done, Park Distance Control still works and will give an acoustic
warning if the CSC roof is opened or closed while the vehicle is in Reverse. The signal sounds as
soon as the luggage compartment lid swings into the area scanned by the PDC sensors.

WARNING
Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury or even death.
x When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster, stop and inspect the tires.
x Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect
the handling of the vehicle and stopping ability.
x Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure,
including a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.
x The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The
recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the driver door Error!
Bookmark not defined..
x The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct
cold tire inflation pressure specified for the tires installed on the vehicle.
x Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Always inflate
the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires installed on the vehicle.
x Always maintain correct cold tire inflation pressure so that TPMS can do its job.
x Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
x Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot,
resulting in tread separation, sudden tire failure and loss of control.
x Excessive speed and/overloading can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure, and loss of
control.
x If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle
will not handle well.
x If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change a wheel immediately, drive carefully
and at reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as
required.
x When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS always read and heed
the information and all WARNINGS regarding Tires and wheels, Tires and wheels.
NOTICE
x The wheel electronics are attached to special aluminum valves on the wheels. These valves
are screwed on rigidly. Never bend the valves “into position” when checking and adjusting tire
pressure.
x Missing valve stem caps can cause damage to the valves as well as to the TPMS sensors.
To help prevent damage, always use valve stem caps like those originally installed at the
factory. The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do not use metal valve stem caps.
x Do not use “comfort valve caps.” They do not seal properly and can damage the sensors.
x When replacing or rotating tires, make certain the valves and sensors are not damaged.
x The aluminum valves that are installed should be replaced after about 6 years of use
because of aging in the rubber seals. The valves can be replaced when a tire is changed. Do
not reuse aluminum valves after they are removed. They must be replaced. The tire pressure
sensor can be reused.
x When replacing the valve cores, use only nickel-plated replacement cores.
x The batteries in the wheel electronics last up to 10 years. It is not possible to replace the
batteries. The entire device must be replaced.
Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.

Dispose of the wheel electronics and the old batteries in an environmentally responsible manner.
Batteries of the type used in the wheel electronics may contain Perchlorate Material. Special handling
may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hadardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all applicable legal requirements
regarding proper disposal.
Do not rely only on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Check your tires regularly to make sure
they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and blisters.
Remove any objects that become embedded in the tire tread but have not penetrated into the body of
tire itself.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System checks for the factory-recommended inflation pressure, as
shown on the label inside the driver door Error! Bookmark not defined..
x For replacement tires that require a different inflation pressure, the TPMS must be adjusted to the
new pressure specification by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility. Only one value can be entered for each tire; see the tire inflation pressure label on the driver
door pillar
x To help prevent damage to the sensor and valve, do not put excessive force on the valve when
checking the tire pressure. Do not try to bend the valve.
x If sensors have to be replaced, have the valves changed at the same time.
x The tire valve gaskets must be replaced whenever a tire is mounted on the rim. Your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility has a valve seal and gasket kit for this
purpose. Always make sure that a valve seal and gasket kit is also used whenever a sensor is
replaced.
x If you have to adjust the tire pressure on a “warm” tire, fill the tire with 2.0 - 4.35 psi (20 - 30 kPa)
more than the pressure specified on the tire pressure label.
x When the TPMS determines that the air pressure in at least one tire is too low, carefully check the
pressure in all 4 tires with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be
determined by looking at the tire. This is especially true of low-profile tires.
A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is
found in the Consumer Information section of this Manual
There may be differences between the pressure readings from a tire pressure gauge and the
pressures registered by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The electronic TPMS is more accurate.
If you have work done on your wheels or tires, inform the workshop that the vehicle is equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System that has sensors in the wheels.
Applicable only in Canada

Your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
sensors to indirectly check the tire pressure of all 4 tires while you are driving. The sensors monitor the
tread circumference (rolling circumference) and vibration characteristics of the individual tires. TPMS
warns if there is a significant loss of pressure in one or more tires while the vehicle is moving.
Pressure loss is signaled by the indicator light Ç (described below) as well as by acoustic warnings and
text warnings in the instrument cluster display if your vehicle has this display (Multi-Function Indicator -
MFI).
The original benchmark pressure is the recommended maximum load cold tire inflation pressure for
the tires that come with your vehicle. This pressure is listed on the tire pressure label on the driver
door jamb Error! Bookmark not defined.. After adjusting the tire pressures in all 4 tires, you must
confirm and store the new cold inflation pressures by pressing the SET button, which changes the
benchmark pressure to match the current pressure of the tires on your vehicle
Recalibrating the TPMS to reset the benchmark cold tire inflation pressure with proper use of the SET
button is explained below
More information:
x Transporting
x Braking, stopping and parking
x Exterior care and cleaning
x Tires and wheels
x Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications