Page 289 of 324
The catalytic converter provides exhaust gas after-treatment to help reduce pollutants in the exhaust
gas. To help ensure long service life of the exhaust system and gasoline engine catalytic converter:
x Only use unleaded fuel.
x Never completely empty the fuel tank.
x Do not exceed the correct oil level .
x Do not tow the vehicle to start it, but use a jump-start instead .
If you experience misfires, loss of power or the engine is not running smoothly while driving, reduce
speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, gasoline could reach the exhaust system and get into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter could also be damaged by overheating!
Under certain engine conditions, you may smell a sulfur odor. This is not an indication of a
malfunctioning emission control system. This depends upon the sulfur content of the diesel fuel.
Diesel particulate filter
Page 290 of 324

Frequently asked questions
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find
helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index.
Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Engine does not start. Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start .
– Charge vehicle battery .
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel .
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked using vehicle
key.
– Battery in the remote control
vehicle key is dead.
– Too far away from the
vehicle (out of range).
– Buttons have been pressed
too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote
control vehicle key
– Move closer to vehicle.
– Synchronize vehicle key
– Lock or unlock vehicle manually .
Unusual noises. Cold engine, braking assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock.
Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior. Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry
in the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too
hot.
Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely
do so.
Front seats cannot be
adjusted with power
controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery .
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary .
Features do not work as
described in this manual.
Settings were adjusted in the
Volkswagen Information
System.
Check and reset to factory settings if
necessary
Headlights do not light up
the road as they should.
– Headlights incorrectly
adjusted.
– Light bulbs burned out.
– Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
– Change light bulbs .
– Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers do
not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery .
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel .
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary .
Fuel consumption higher
than indicated.
– Short hauls.
– “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving.
– Drive defensively.
– Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.
Engine control malfunction. Have the malfunction corrected .
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure .
Page 291 of 324
Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Towing a trailer or driving with
a roof rack.
– Check use.
– Remove if not in use.
Driving with heavy payload. No direct corrective action possible.
Driving at high engine speed. Select a higher gear.
Page 292 of 324