2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT wipers

Front view

Fig. 2 Vehicle front overview.
Key to fig. 2:
(1) Front windshield
(2) Windshield wipers
(3) Engine hood
(4) Engine hood release
(5) Headlights
(6) Fog lights / static cornering lights
(7) Front license plate bracket
(8) Sensor on mirror base for:
– Low-light sensor

(7) Windshield wiper and washer lever
– Windshield wiper ()'( – ,/7– /&&
– Intermittent operation for windshield wipers z
– “One-tap wiping” x
– Windshield wiper U
– Automatic wipe/wash for windshield W
– Lever with buttons for the Volkswagen Information System (Basic version) 42)0- , /+/2%3%4 24
(8) Ignition switch (vehicles without Keyless Access)
(9) Starter button (vehicles with Keyless Access locking and starting system)
(10) Pedals
(11) Driver front airbag
(12) Lever for adjustable steering wheel
(13) Horn (only works when the ignition is switched on)
(14) Storage compartment

NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, al-
ways make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using
the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the wind-
shield.
x If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the
same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other
objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.
x Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
x If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recom-
mends using a deicing spray.
NOTICE
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can
be scratched.
The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The
windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened.
The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the
speed, the faster the wipers move.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends
using a deicing spray.
Windshield wiper functions

x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent
residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on,
this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and re-calibrate itself
to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the
sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface (arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or
damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield
cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 105 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Closing the engine hood
x Lift the hood slightly ⇒ .
x Take out the hood support and clamp it in place in its bracket C.
x Lower the hood by hand until it is about 1 ft. (30 cm) above its latch and then let it drop into place
to latch it. Do not push down on it afterwards!
If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.
When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The indicator
light in the instrument cluster will go out.
WARNING
If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving.
This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into
the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
x If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop at once and close it.
x Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.
NOTICE
x Make sure the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield before you open the
hood. Otherwise, the windshield wipers and the hood may be damaged.
x Always put the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the
vehicle.
NOTICE
Before opening or closing the engine hood, make sure there is enough room to do so, for
example when the vehicle is in a garage.