2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT dead battery

Convenience functions
The door opening function when touching a sensor surface on a door handle is carried out depending
on the settings activated in the Settings – Convenience menu.
NOTICE

x The door handle sensor surfaces can be activated by a strong stream of water or steam if a
valid vehicle key is within range of the vehicle.
The door may not open if the outside and inside door handles are used at the same time.
If the vehicle battery or the battery in the remote control vehicle key is weak or dead, it might not
be possible to unlock and lock the vehicle using Keyless Access. The vehicle can still be manually
locked or unlocked with the key bit.
The driver message Key not in range appears in the instrument cluster display if there is no
remote control vehicle key inside the vehicle or if the system does not recognize the remote control
vehicle key. The key may not be recognized, for example, if it is covered by something that interferes
with the signal (such as a briefcase), or if the remote control vehicle key battery is weak. Electronic
devices such as cell phones can also interfere with the signal.
Dirt on the door handles that contains a lot of salt (especially in winter) can affect the way the
door handle sensors work. Cleaning the door handles can help with this problem.
If the automatic transmission is not in Park (P) position, the electronic steering column lock will
not lock and the vehicle will not lock via sensors in the front door handles or the remote control vehicle
key.

Preparation for the anti-theft alarm system
If the vehicle is pre-equipped for installation of the anti-theft alarm system, the alarm system can be
retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The anti-theft alarm system makes it more difficult for someone to break into or steal the vehicle.
The anti-theft alarm system is automatically activated when the vehicle is locked by pressing the lock
button on the remote control vehicle key.
When is the alarm triggered?
The anti-theft alarm system sounds for about 30 seconds and the turn signals flash for up to 5 minutes
if the following occurs with respect to the locked vehicle:
x Opening a door that has been mechanically unlocked without switching on the ignition within about
15 seconds.
x Forcibly opening a door.
x Forcibly opening the engine hood.
x Forcibly opening the luggage compartment lid.
x Switching on the ignition with an invalid key.
x Disconnecting the vehicle battery.
Deactivating the alarm
Unlock the vehicle with the unlock button on the remote control vehicle key and switch on the ignition
with a valid vehicle key.
For vehicles with Keyless Access, the alarm can be deactivated by grasping one of the door handles
when a valid remote control vehicle key is in range or by holding the remote control vehicle key to the
right of the steering column trim and pressing the starter button.
After the alarm has stopped and the vehicle is opened again in the same or a different area that
is protected by the alarm, the alarm is triggered again. For example, the alarm will sound again if the
luggage compartment lid is opened after one of the doors has been opened.
The anti-theft alarm system is not activated when the vehicle is locked with the power lock
switch W on the inside of the driver or front passenger doors.
If the driver door is mechanically unlocked using the vehicle key bit, only the driver door is un-
locked, but not the entire vehicle. Switching on the ignition deactivates the anti-theft alarm system and
activates the central locking button. To unlock the doors, use the central locking button or remote
control vehicle key.
If the vehicle battery is dead or weak, the anti-theft alarm system will not work properly.

DANGER
20 mm button cells and other lithium batteries will cause serious personal injury and even
death within a short time if swallowed.
x Always keep hand-held remote control devices with batteries, all spare batteries, and all
dead button cell and larger 20 mm batteries out of the reach of children.
x Get medical attention immediately if you suspect that a battery has been swallowed.
WARNING
Improper use of the garage door opener can cause severe or fatal injuries.
x Only use the garage door opener when you are within range and no one is in the way.
NOTICE
The wrong batteries can damage the hand-held remote control. Replace a dead battery with
one that has the same voltage, size, and specifications.
Please dispose of old batteries properly and in an environmentally responsible manner. Always
keep them out of the reach of children.
Certain batteries used in hand-held remote controls are classified as Perchlorate Material.
Special handling may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all legal
requirements regarding proper disposal. 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.

DANGER
20 mm button cells and other lithium batteries will cause serious personal injury and even
death within a short time if swallowed.
x Always keep hand-held remote control devices with batteries, spare batteries, as well as
dead button cell and larger 20 mm batteries out of the reach of children.
x Get medical attention immediately if you suspect that a battery has been swallowed.
WARNING
Improper use of the HomeLink® Universal Transmitter can cause serious or even fatal per-
sonal injury.
x Garage doors operate with enough force to cause serious personal injury.
x Never let anyone get in the way of a garage door when it is opening or closing.
x When programming the HomeLink® Universal Transmitter, you may be operating a garage
door or estate gate. Always make sure that people and objects are out of the way to help
prevent serious personal injury or property damage.
x When operating the “training” button on a garage door opener with a rolling code, you will
need to stand on a ladder or step-stool. Always take extra precautions to prevent falls and
serious injury.
x Never use the HomeLink® Universal Transmitter with any garage door opener that does
not have the safety stop-and-reverse feature, as required by federal safety standards. This
includes any garage door opener model manufactured before April 1, 1982.
x A garage door opener that cannot detect an object, signaling the door to stop and reverse,
does not meet current federal safety standards. Using a garage door opener without these
features increases the risk of serious injury or death.
x Follow the installation manual and the included safety information from the manufacturer
when using the remote-controlled garage door opener or electrical drive.
NOTICE
The wrong batteries can damage the hand-held remote control. Replace a dead battery with
one that has the same voltage, size, and specifications.
Please dispose of old batteries properly and in an environmentally responsible manner. Always
keep them out of the reach of children.
Certain batteries used in hand-held remote controls are classified as Perchlorate Material.
Special handling may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all legal
requirements regarding proper disposal. 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.

x The adjusted mirror position is automatically stored and assigned to the vehicle key used to unlock
the vehicle. The preselected position will be recalled when the key assigned to that mirror adjustment
position is used again.
Recalling settings for driver seat and outside mirrors
x Briefly press the appropriate memory button when the vehicle is not moving, the ignition is
switched off, and the driver door is open.
x OR: If the ignition is switched on and the driver door is closed, press and hold the appropriate
memory button until the stored position is reached.
x The passenger-side outside mirror automatically adjusts back from the position stored for backing
up when the vehicle moves forward at about 10 mph (15 km/h) or more or when the rotary knob is
rotated from R into a different position.
Assigning driver seat and outside mirror settings to a vehicle key
The memory function of all vehicle keys is disabled when the vehicle is first delivered from the factory.
To enable vehicle key memory function:
x Unlock the driver door.
x Press and hold a memory button until memory position is reached.
x Press and hold the unlock button0on the vehicle key and then press the desired memory button at
the same time within about 3 seconds. A chime sounds to confirm activation.
To disable vehicle key memory function:
x Press and hold the SET button.
x Press and hold the unlock button 0 on the vehicle key and the desired memory button at the same
time within about 10 seconds. A chime sounds to confirm deactivation.
Assigning settings to an additional vehicle key
x Follow the instructions ⇒ page 120 to assign the driver seat and outside mirror settings to the
vehicle key.
x Unlock the vehicle with the same vehicle key.
x Adjust driver seat and outside mirrors.
x Lock the vehicle with locking button 1 in the vehicle key to store the settings.
Once the settings are stored, the driver seat and the outside mirrors move to the stored positions
whenever the vehicle is unlocked with the vehicle key open button 0 and the driver door is opened. If
two people use the vehicle, each of them should always use the key in which his or her personal
settings have been stored.
Initializing the memory seats
The memory system must be initialized by an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop in certain situations, for instance, if a new
driver seat is installed.
Initializing clears all memories and assignments of the memory seat. After that, memory buttons can
be reprogrammed and assigned to a vehicle key.
x Open the driver door but do not enter the vehicle.
x Adjust the seats from the outside.
x Move the angle of the backrest forward as far as it will go.
x Release the backrest adjustment switch and press it again until you hear a chime sound.
Cancellation conditions when storing settings for the memory buttons
When one of the following conditions is met, the storing process will be cancelled:
x The vehicle battery is weak or dead.

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

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