2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Brake system

Lower center console

Fig. 7 Overview of the lower center console.
Key to fig. 7:
(1) Lever for:
– Manual transmission
– Automatic transmission
(2) Storage compartment
– with 12 Volt socket
– with AUX-IN socket ⇒Booklet Radio or ⇒Booklet Navigation system
– Card holder
(3) Storage compartment with cup holder in the center console
(4) Center armrest with storage compartment (if equipped)
(5) Parking brake lever
(6) Starter button for the Keyless Access locking and starting system

WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the brakes react slower and need longer stop-
ping distances.
x Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the
brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.
x Avoid abrupt or sudden braking maneuvers immediately after driving through water.

NOTICE
x Vehicle components such as the engine, transmission, suspension or electrical system
may be severely damaged by driving through water.
x Never drive through salt water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion. Thoroughly rinse with fresh
water all vehicle parts that were exposed to salt water.

Function Action
Switching the DRL off: – Switch the ignition on.
– Turn the light switch to the O position.
– Set the parking brake.
Switching the DRL back on: – Release the parking brake.

WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright
enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see
far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-
beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle
without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can
temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
Applicable only in Canada
Lights and vision features

Electrical load Maximum power
Brake lights total 108 watts
Turn signals per side 54 watts
Side marker lights total 100 watts
Taillights total 54 watts

WARNING
x An improperly installed or incorrect trailer hitch can cause a trailer to separate from the
tow vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.
x If you don't have to tow a trailer any more, remove the entire trailer hitch. Always seal all
bolt holes to prevent water and deadly exhaust fumes from getting into the vehicle.

NOTICE
x If the trailer lights are not connected properly, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
x If the trailer uses too much electricity, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
x Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for
the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to
provide power to the trailer.
If you tow a trailer frequently, Volkswagen recommends having the vehicle serviced between the
regular maintenance and inspection intervals because of the extra load it has to pull.
Hitching up and connecting a trailer

x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, shift into a lower gear (manual or
automatic transmission) so that the engine helps to brake the vehicle. Otherwise, the brake system
could overheat and might fail.
x The vehicle's center of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trailer
load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
x Weight distribution is especially bad if the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer is loaded. If you
absolutely must drive with this combination, drive with extra care and at a reduced speed.
Starting off with a trailer on hills
Depending on how steep the hill is and the combined towing weight, a parked vehicle with trailer can
roll backwards when you first start moving.
When starting off with a trailer on a hill:
x Depress and hold the brake pedal (and depress and hold the clutch - manual transmission).
x Shift into first gear or Drive D , Shifting.
x Unlock the parking brake and gently release it while holding the unlock button. At the same time,
release the brake pedal and gradually depress the accelerator and, for a manual transmission, let out
the clutch until you can feel the car moving forward. If applicable, follow the instructions for the Hill
Hold feature , Starting assistance systems.
x Do not release the parking brake lever until the engine starts to move the vehicle forward. If your
vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can also depress and hold the brake pedal for added
braking and then let up on the brake pedal when you feel that the vehicle “wants” to move forward.
x Drive ahead slowly.
WARNING
Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
x Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or bulky items changes the way the vehicle
handles and increases the distance it needs to stop safely.
x Always watch what is happening up ahead and around you. Brake earlier than you would
if you were not towing a trailer.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the
vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under
unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Always avoid sudden maneuvers and
hard braking.
x Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
x Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of swaying.
x Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
x Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are
lower than for vehicles without trailers.

WARNING
Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.
x Do not depress the brake or clutch pedals when switching on the ignition, as the engine could otherwise start immediately.

WARNING
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized persons may use it to lock the vehicle, start the engine, and operate vehicle systems such as the power windows, leading to serious personal injury.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the vehicle. The doors can be locked using the remote control vehicle key. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
x Heat build-up in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
In vehicles with a diesel engine and Keyless Access, the engine start may be delayed if the engine has to be preheated.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside.
Starting the engine

WARNING
Never stop the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. You can lose control of the vehicle, crash, and be seriously injured.
x The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not work when the ignition is switched off.
x The brake booster does not work when the engine is not running. More brake pedal pressure will be needed to stop the vehicle.
x The power steering system does not work when the engine is not running, and you will need more force to steer the vehicle.
x When the key is removed from the ignition switch, the steering will lock and you will not be able to steer the vehicle.

NOTICE
If the vehicle has been driven hard for a long time, the engine could overheat when it is stopped. To reduce the risk of engine damage, let the engine idle in Neutral for about 2 minutes before you switch off the ignition.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside.
On vehicles with automatic transmissions, the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition when the transmission is in Park (P).
After the engine has been switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may keep running for several minutes, or may start running after the vehicle has been parked for a while, even if the ignition is switched off and the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan shuts off automatically when the engine has cooled down enough.
Electronic immobilizer

NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to
brake. This will make the brakes wear faster.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and
shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
Warning and indicator lights