WARNING
Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious
personal injuries.
x Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility
to the front, sides, and rear.
x Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has
reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.
x Always make sure you know how to properly use the heating and ventilation systems as
well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.
x Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and
recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce
visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents,
collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation a long
period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
NOTICE
x If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to
help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen
recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.
x Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation
system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter,
resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep
the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor)
switched on. Press the AC button. The indicator light in the button must come on.
When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner
evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow and leaves in order to
maintain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.
Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has
reached operating temperature.
Automatic air recirculation <
In the < setting, fresh air enters the passenger compartment. If the system detects an increased
concentration of pollutants in the outside air, it automatically switches to air recirculation. As soon as
the pollutant level is back in the normal range, air recirculation is switched off.
Unpleasant odors cannot be detected by the system.
Air recirculation is not automatically activated under the following outside temperatures and
conditions:
x The outside air temperature is colder than about +38 °F (+3 °C).
x The cooling system and the windshield wiper are switched off and the outside air temperature is
cooler than about +50 °F (+10 °C).
x The cooling system is switched off, the outside air temperature is cooler than about +59 °F
(+15 °C), and the windshield wiper is switched on.
Switching automatic air recirculation on and off
Switching on: Press the button repeatedly until the right indicator light under the button comes on.
Switching off: Press the button repeatedly until no indicator light under the button is on.
It is not possible to activate automatic air recirculation when the outside air temperature is colder than
about +38 °F (+3 °C).
Temporarily deactivating automatic air recirculation
x Press the button once to switch to air recirculation temporarily in the event of unpleasant odors.
The left indicator light comes on.
x Press the button again after more than 2 seconds to resume automatic air recirculation. The
right indicator light comes on.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents,
collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never use air recirculation mode over an extended period of time, since no fresh air will
enter the passenger compartment.
x When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly
form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
NOTICE
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system
can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, resulting in
permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
Climatronic: When backing up and while the automatic wiper/washer is working, air recirculation
is briefly activated to help keep exhaust fumes from getting into the passenger compartment.
