2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC Owners Manual

Vehicle battery

WARNING
Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, explosions, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS
and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system.
x Before working on the electrical system, always switch off the ignition and all electrical
consumers and disconnect the negative (-) cable from the standard 12 Volt battery.
x When you change a light bulb, always switch off the light first.
x Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
x Always wear eye protection. Never let battery acid or lead particles come into contact with
your eyes, skin, or clothing.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness.
Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the
batteries, as this could spill acid through the vents and burn you.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for
several minutes and then get immediate medical attention. If you swallow any battery acid,
get medical attention immediately.
x When disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect
the negative cable (-) first and then the positive cable (+).
x Always switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting 12 Volt batteries.
Reconnect the plus cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-). Never reverse the polarity of
the connections. This could cause a fire.
x A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
x Do not smoke and avoid fires, sparks, and open flames when working. Never create
sparks or electrostatic charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never short
circuit the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.
x Never use or attempt to charge a damaged or frozen battery, or a battery that was frozen
but has thawed. Charging a frozen or thawed battery could cause explosions and chemical
burns! Replace damaged or frozen vehicle batteries immediately. A dead battery can freeze at
temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
x If the battery has a vent line or tube, make sure that it is properly connected to the battery.
x Always make sure that the vent line is securely attached to a vehicle battery that is located
in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning
x Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead components,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash
your hands after handling.
NOTICE
x Do not expose the vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as
ultraviolet rays may damage the battery housing.
x If the vehicle is left standing in the cold for a long time, protect the vehicle battery from
freezing. A battery will be permanently damaged by freezing.
Undeployed battery isolator modules are classified as Perchlorate Material. Special handling
may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all applicable legal

requirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehicle or parts of its restraint system, including
airbag modules and safety belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend that you have
them perform this service for you.
Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle
battery has been replaced may change or delete system settings (including time, date, personal
convenience settings, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the
vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.
Warning light

Exterior care and cleaning

WARNING
Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can impact the safety features of the
vehicle and cause severe injuries.
x Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.
x Only use approved or recommended cleaners.
NOTICE
Vehicle care products containing solvents can damage plastics and other vehicle the materials.
Wash the vehicle only at specifically designated wash locations to help prevent water
contaminated with oil, grease and fuel from entering the storm drain sewer system. In some areas it is
against the law to wash motor vehicles anywhere than other than at specified designated car washing
locations.
When buying vehicle care products, try to choose those that are not harmful to the environment.
Never throw out vehicle care products with ordinary household waste. Always read and heed all
the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package.
Washing with a power washer

WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated
with ice, react slower and need longer stopping 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.
NOTICE
x Water temperature should not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).
x To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
x In order for Park Distance Control to work correctly, the sensors in the rear bumper must be
kept clean and clear of snow and ice.
x When using a power washer or steam cleaner, only spray the sensors directly for a short
period of time and always keep the nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the sensor.
x Do not clean icy or snow-covered windows with a power washer.
x When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock
cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or luggage compartment lid. The
water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!
Undercoating

Interior care and cleaning

WARNING
Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can compromise the vehicle's safety
features and cause serious personal injury.
x Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.
x Only use approved or recommended cleaners.
NOTICE
x Vehicle care products containing solvents can cause irreparable damage to plastics and
other vehicle materials.
x Stains, dirt and other deposits that contain aggressive substances or solvents can corrode
vehicle materials and cause permanent damage, even after brief contact with the surface.
x Remove stains, dirt, and other deposits as quickly as possible and do not allow them to dry.
x To help prevent damage, have stubborn stains removed by a professional who has the
necessary expertise and experience.
Suitable care products are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities.
Caring for upholstery