2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT warning

Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher may be located in a holder in the footwell in front of or under the front passenger
seat.
The fire extinguisher must comply with the valid legal requirements. It must be fully functional and
checked regularly. See the testing label on the fire extinguisher.
WARNING
In the event of a sudden driving or braking maneuver or accident, loose objects could be
flung though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.
x Always secure the fire extinguisher, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit, and warning triangle
safely in the vehicle.
Only applicable in the AGCC
Fire extinguisher with seal on the fire extinguisher canister

Fig. 192 Under the passenger seat: Location of the fire extinguisher. On the top of the fire extinguisher:
Operating levers.

Fig. 193 On the fire extinguisher: Pressure gauge.

It is important to know where the fire extinguisher is stored, how to remove and how to use it before
you need it to put out a fire.
Please be sure to read the operating instructions and heed the other important information on the fire
extinguisher label before you have to use it in a later emergency.
Using the fire extinguisher
x Release the retaining tab on the fire extinguisher bracket upward, in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 192.
x Remove the fire extinguisher from the bracket.
x Lift the lever on the fire extinguisher in the direction of the arrow (A) to break the seal on the
extinguisher canister.
x While holding the fire extinguisher upright, direct the nozzle at the source of the fire.
x Press the release in the direction of the arrow (B) to release the extinguishing agent.
x Extinguish the fire from the bottom up.
x Stop extinguishing the fire only when the flames are quenched.
x If possible, have another fire extinguisher or other extinguishing agent available in case the fire
reignites!
Installing the fire extinguisher
x Guide the fire extinguisher into the attachment straps.
x Place the fire extinguisher on the bracket.
x When locking the attachment strap, always make sure that the locking bars engage securely.
Fire extinguisher maintenance
Check the following on the fire extinguisher regularly:
x Expiration date: do not exceed the expiration date on the fire extinguisher.
x Pressure gauge: the needle ⇒ fig. 193 must be in the green area (ready for use).
x General inspection: make sure the components are secure and check for rust, dents or other
damage.
x Intact tamper-resistant seal: shows that the fire extinguisher has not been used.
WARNING
A loose fire extinguisher in the passenger can be thrown around the passenger compartment
and cause serious personal injury during hard braking, an emergency maneuver or during a
crash
x Always make sure that the fire extinguisher is properly and firmly secured in bracket
provided.

WARNING
Improper use of the fire extinguisher can cause serious personal injury.
x Never point or discharge the fire extinguisher at a person unless it is necessary.
x Always keep the fire extinguisher out of the reach of children.
x Never expose the fire extinguisher to direct sunlight.
x Always make sure that the fire extinguisher is clean and ready to use, but never use
aggressive cleaners, clean the fire extinguisher only with a moist cloth.
x Always stay at least 3 ft (1 m) away from a fire when using the fire extinguisher.
x The contents of the fire extinguisher are under pressure, always handle it with care and
never subject it to impact or abuse.
x Never try to open or repair the fire extinguisher, always leave work on the fire extinguisher
to a trained specialist.
x If the fire extinguisher is damaged, corroded or cannot be used because it is too old, have
a trained specialist depressurize and dispose of the fire extinguisher properly.
WARNING
The fire extinguisher can only be used once and must then be replaced with a fire
extinguisher of the same kind and size.
x The expiration date of the fire extinguisher is specified by law. The expiration date is
marked on the fire extinguisher housing.
x Replace the fire extinguisher immediately after use or upon reaching its expiration date.
x For safety reasons, the fire extinguisher must only be serviced or replaced by a trained
specialist. Please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility with appropriate certification.
Read and follow the information contained in the labels on the fire extinguisher housing regarding
usage, maintenance and inspection intervals for the fire extinguisher.
Have the fire extinguisher checked regularly to help make sure that it will work when needed
(every 2 years is recommended).
Do not use fire extinguishers in the vehicle that have been partially used or that have expired.
Heed all applicable legal requirements.

x Slip the cover up and over the selector lever ⇒ .
Emergency release for the selector lever
x Push the release lever ⇒ fig. 202 in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
x Press the release button in the selector lever handle and shift the selector lever to Neutral (N).
WARNING
Never shift the transmission out of Park (P) without first firmly applying the parking brake.
Otherwise, the vehicle can start to roll unexpectedly, especially on hills or inclines, and cause
an accident and serious injuries.
NOTICE
Even with the selector lever is in N (Neutral), the automatic transmission will be damaged if the
vehicle is towed (or you let it coast) for an extended period or at high speed with the engine
shut off.

WARNING
Changing a wheel, especially on the side of the road, can be dangerous. To help reduce the
risk of serious personal injury:
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off
the road where it is safe to change the wheel.
x Always make sure that all passengers, especially children, are in a safe place outside the
vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic (such as behind a guard rail).
x Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25
meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
x Change a wheel by yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise,
get expert assistance.
x Always switch the engine off, firmly apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission
into Park (P) (automatic transmission) or any gear (manual only) to help prevent the vehicle
from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.
x Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If necessary, place the jack on a large
and sturdy board or on a similar ground support.
x Always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed with chocks or other
similar things.
x If you are towing a trailer, always unhitch it from your vehicle before starting to change
the wheel. Always apply the trailer brakes firmly and make sure the trailer cannot move
unintentionally.
x Always use proper and undamaged tools when changing a wheel.
x Once a wheel is lifted off the ground, having the transmission in Park (P) or in gear will not
prevent sudden vehicle movement.
x Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Never use
other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other Volkswagen models.
x To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never loosen
the screws on rims with threaded rim rings.
x After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked with an accurate
torque wrench.
x After changing a wheel or tire, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

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.
Removing the wheel
x Review the checklist.
x Loosen the wheel bolts.
x Lift the vehicle.
x Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel bolts using the hexagonal socket
in the screwdriver handle ⇒ fig. 211. Place the wheel bolts on a clean surface.
x Remove the wheel.

Mounting a spare tire or a compact spare wheel
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction.
x Place the spare tire or compact spare on the axle.
x Place the anti-theft wheel bolt (where applicable) in position ⇒ fig. 208 (2) or (3) in relation to the
position of the tire valve (1). Hand tighten it using the adapter by turning clockwise.
x Screw in all wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the
screwdriver handle.
x Lower the vehicle with the jack.
x Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in
sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first
bolt, and so forth.
x Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any.
WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of
vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.
x Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease.
The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.
x Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they
are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle
acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on
the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact
spare tires are designed for brief use only.

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious
personal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine
compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area,
and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source
that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x H7 bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure
and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In
particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and
have the correct tools and light bulbs.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified
workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)
headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb
evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment
and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or
plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting
into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
Indicator light

NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Information on light bulb replacement