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. 
Driver seat and outside 
mirrors move when 
vehicle is unlocked. 
Convenience settings are 
stored. Correct convenience settings   
Memory-seat settings are 
stored. 
– Reassign seat setting. 
– Clear memory-seat memory   
Front seats cannot be 
adjusted with power 
controls. 
Vehicle battery dead.  Charge vehicle battery  
Fuse blown.  Check fuse and replace if necessary  
No jack, spare wheel, or 
compact spare wheel in 
the vehicle. 
Equipment differs depending 
on the vehicle. 
No direct corrective action possible; 
depends on the vehicle equipment. 
Contact an authorized Volkswagen 
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen 
Service Facility for assistance. 
Vehicle has run-flat tires 
(mobility tires). 
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    
 
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. 160. 
3.  Apply the electronic 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.