2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT check engine

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine
start-up.
B
Engine control / monitoring system
malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator
Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.

Applicable only in the United States and Canada
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 “Characteristics” and “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.
AdBlue fill level too low. Refill AdBlue.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked using vehicle
key.
– Battery in the remote control
vehicle key dead.
– Too far away from 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 do so
safely
Outside mirrors move
when vehicle is unlocked.
Convenience settings are
stored. Correct convenience settings.
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 adjusted too high.
– 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.

Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.
Engine control malfunctioning. Have the malfunction corrected.
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure.
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Towing a trailer. – 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.

Applicable only in Mexico, the AGCC, and South Korea
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 “Characteristics” and “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 vehicle.
– Buttons pressed outside
operating range.
– 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, and 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 do so
safely
Outside mirrors move
when vehicle is unlocked.
Convenience settings are
stored. Correct convenience settings.
Front seats cannot be
adjusted with power
controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery.
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary.
No jack or spare tire in
vehicle.
Equipment differs depending
on vehicle.
No direct corrective action possible
because this depends on the

Description Possible causes among
others Possible remedy
Vehicle has run-flat or mobility
tires.
equipment. Contact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for
assistance.
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 adjusted too high.
– 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 malfunctioning. Have the malfunction corrected.
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure.
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Towing a trailer. – 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.

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. 189.
3. Apply the 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 or diesel particulate filter 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.

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.

Towing automatic transmission vehicles
Check whether your vehicle can be towed at all; see below. If yes, note the following for the towed
vehicle:
x Put the transmission in Neutral (N).
x Do not tow faster than 30 mph (50 km/h).
x Do not tow more than 30 miles (50 km).
x When a commercial towing truck is being used, the vehicle must only be towed with the front
wheels lifted off the ground.
When not to tow your vehicle
In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed and must be transported on a flatbed truck or
trailer:
x If transmission fluid has leaked out of the transmission.
x If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved
with the drive wheels off the ground.
x If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
x When the vehicle battery is dead, since the steering may remain disabled, and it may not be
possible to release the electronic steering column lock.
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic steering column lock is released. In case of a power
loss or malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine may have to be jump-started in order to
release the electronic steering column lock.
Applicable only in South Korea
Driving tips while towing