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Vehicle battery
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Warning light
Checking the vehicle battery electrolyte level
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
The standard 12 Volt vehicle battery is part of the vehicle electrical system.
Never do any work on the vehicle electrical system unless you
x know exactly how to carry out the job,
x have the correct technical information and the proper tools, and
x are familiar with the necessary safety precautions ⇒ !
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed
work.
Location of the vehicle battery
The 12 Volt vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
Symbol Meaning
Page 238 of 319
Vehicle battery
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Warning light
Checking the vehicle battery electrolyte level
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
The standard 12 Volt vehicle battery is part of the vehicle electrical system.
Never do any work on the vehicle electrical system unless you
x know exactly how to carry out the job,
x have the correct technical information and the proper tools, and
x are familiar with the necessary safety precautions ⇒ !
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed
work.
Location of the vehicle battery
The 12 Volt vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
Symbol Meaning
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Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed ⇒ :
1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface ⇒ .
2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the switch ⇒ fig. 167.
3. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch
6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a
guard rail.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.
9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for
example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.
Switch on the emergency flashers when:
x Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
x In any emergency situation.
x If the vehicle breaks down.
x When being towed.
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to
alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common
sense.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and
serious personal injury.
x Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the
ignition is switched off.
