Windscreens made of heat-insulating glass
Fig. 91 Metal-coated windscreen for infrared reflection with communication window (blue area).
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory L-W.! Information and safety warnings & on page 115.
Heat-insulating glass windscreens may have an in-frared-reflecting coating and can be heated wire-lessly with some equipment levels.
There is a non-coated area above the interior mir-ror (communication window) 91 which en-sures that electronic accessories, for example re-mote controls, can function properly.
Wipers and washer
CQJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Indicator lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Wiper lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Wiper functions . . . . . . . . . . 118 Service position for the front wipers . . . . . . . . 119
Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Checking and refilling the windscreen washer fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views page 5
• Air recirculation mode in the air conditioning system 322
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment page 350
• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior 380
116 I Before the journey
The uncoated area should not be covered either from the outside or the inside, nor should any stick-ers be applied to this area as this could cause a fault in the electronic components.
Without adequate frost protection, the wash-er fluid can freeze on the windscreen and ob-scure your view of the road.
• In winter temperatures, the windscreen washer system should only be used when ad-equate frost protection has been added.
• Never use the windscreen washer system at winter temperatures before the windscreen has been heated by the ventilation system. This could lead to the anti-freeze mixture freezing on the windscreen and restrict the driver's vision. .,.
A WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.
• Wiper blades should therefore always be changed if they are damaged or worn and no longer clean the windscreen properly.
Indicator lamp
Q)
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the glass before using the wipers. When parking the vehicle in cold weather, it may be helpful to leave the front windscreen wipers in the service position 119.
Lit up Possible cause
Windscreen washer fluid level too low.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
Wiper lever
Fig. 92 Next to the steering wheel: wiper lever for operating the front wipers.
Solution
Fill up the washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible =>page 120.
Q)
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-ing damaged.
[QJ First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings & on page 116.
Move the lever into the required position
® Off Switches off the wipers.
Interval wipe for the windscreen.
® LOW Slow wipe.
@ IOOH Fast wipe.
Lights and vision 117
Service position for the front wipers
Fig. 94 Wiper blades in service position.
r--('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,::.IJ information and safety warnings & on page 116.
The wiper arms can be lifted off the windscreen when in the service position 94. Carry out the following steps to move the wipers to the serv-ice position:
Rain sensor
CD
®
Fig. 95 Next to the steering wheel: adjusting rain sensor® in wiper lever.
r--('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,::.U information and safety warnings & on page 116.
When the rain sensor is activated, it automatically controls the frequency of the wiper intervals, de-pending on the amount of rain &. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted manually. Man-ual wipe 117.
• The bonnet must be closed 350.
• Switch the ignition on and then off again.
• Briefly press down the wiper lever 92 @).
Place the wiper arms back onto the windscreen before driving away. Briefly press the wiper lever down to bring the wiper arms back to the original position.
Lifting the front wipers
• Move the wiper arms to the service position be-fore lifting
• When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
CD
• In order to prevent damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms, the wiper arms should only be lifted when in the service position.
• Always return the wiper arms to the wind-screen before starting your journey.
Push the lever to the desired position 95:
@ Deactivates the rain sensor.
CD Rain sensor is active -automatic wipe when necessary.
® Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain sensor:
-Switch to the right-high sensitivity.
-Switch to the left -low sensitivity.
Lights and vision 119
The rain sensor will remain active after the ignition is switched off and back on again and will function again if the wiper lever is in position G) and if the vehicle is travelling at speeds higher than approxi-mately 16 km/h (10 mph).
Changes to the functioning of the rain sensor
Possible causes for faults and misinterpretations concerning the sensitive surface 96 of the rain sensor include:
• Damaged wiper blades: a film of water or smears caused by damaged wiper blades can in-crease the time the wipers are switched on, can shorten the length of the intervals between wipes or cause the wipers to run continuously.
• Insects: insects hitting the surface can cause the wipers to be activated.
• Salt deposits: in winter, salt deposits can cause the wipers to continue to wipe the windscreen when it is almost dry.
• Soiling: dry dust, wax, windscreen coatings (lo-tus effect) or detergent deposits (automatic car wash) can cause the rain sensor to become less sensitive and react too slowly or even not at all.
• Crack in the windscreen: when the windscreen is impacted by a stone, a wash cycle is triggered if the rain sensor is on. The rain sensor will then reg-
ister the reduction in sensitivity of the surface and adjust accordingly. The size of the crack could af-fect the way in which the sensor activates the wip-ers.
A WARNING
The rain sensor will not always detect every rain shower and activate the wipers.
• If necessary, switch on the wipers manual-ly if the water on the windscreen restricts the field of vision.
m At regular intervals, clean the sensitive sur-L!...J face of the rain sensor and check the wiper blades for damage 96 (arrow).
m We recommend that you use an alcohoi-W based glass cleaner to remove wax and pol-ish.
Checking and refilling the windscreen washer fluid level
Fig. 97 In the engine compartment: cap of washer fluid reservoir.
r--T'n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:,JJ information and safety warnings & on page 116.
The windscreen washer fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary.
120 I Before the journey
A filter can be found in the feed throat of the wash-er fluid reservoir. The filter keeps large dirt particles away from the washer jets when refilling. The filter should only be removed for cleaning. if the filter is damaged or cannot be found when refilling, these dirt particles will reach the system and will block the washer jets.
• Open the bonnet & 350.
• The washer fluid reservoir is identified by the $ symbol on the cap 97.
• Check whether there is enough windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
• To top up, mix clean water (not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Observe the dilution in-structions on the packaging.
• At low temperatures, add a special anti-freeze agent so that the fluid cannot freeze &.
A WARNING (Continued)
asthma or similar illnesses. Immediately en-sure that there is a sufficient supply of fresh air and get out of the vehicle. If this is not possible, open all of the windows and doors.
• If the electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes or onto the skin, immediately wash the area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
• If the electrolyte fluid gets onto shoes or clothing, wash immediately with plenty of wa-ter for at least 15 minutes. Clean shoes and clothes thoroughly before wearing them again.
Interior mirror
A WARNING (Continued)
• If the electrolyte fluid is swallowed, imme-diately rinse the mouth with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Do not induce vomit-ing unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Seek medical assistance immediately.
CD
If the glass of an automatic anti-dazzle mirror is broken, electrolyte fluid can leak from the mir-ror. This fluid corrodes plastic surfaces. Re-move the fluid as soon as possible, e.g. using a wet sponge.
BSG-0101.
Fig. 99 On the windscreen: manual anti-dazzle in-terior mirror.
1"'111 First read and observe the introductory L-lo::JJ information and safety warnings & on page 121.
The driver must adjust the interior mirror so that they can see clearly through the rear window.
1221 Before the journey
The driver's rear view may be restricted or com-pletely obscured by objects such as a sun blind on the rear window, items of clothing stowed on the luggage compartment cover, or a rear window that is covered in ice, snow or dirt.
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror
When the ignition is switched on, the interior mirror will darken automatically according to the amount of light it receives.
Key to Fig. 98:
G) Sensor for detemnining light incidence from the rear.
® Sensor for detemnining light incidence from the front.
If the light on the sensors is hindered or interrup-ted, e.g. by a sunblind, the automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror will not function or will not function correctly.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deactivated when the reverse gear is selected. .,..
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by Increasing your speed.
A WARNING
Accidents and severe injuries can occur if the maximum permitted draw bar weight is ex-ceeded.
• Never exceed the specified values.
A WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switch-ed off manually when a trailer Is to be towed with towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Other-wise faults can occur In the brake system, possibly resulting In accidents and serious Injuries.
Technical requirements
,...-.('n First read and observe the introductory 1--J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 139.
If the vehicle is supplied with a factory-fitted tow-ing bracket it will already have the necessary tech-nical modifications and meet the statutory require-ments for towing a trailer.
Only use a towing bracket which is approved for the gross weight of the trailer you want to tow as a retrofit solution. The towing bracket must be suit-able for the vehicle and trailer and be securely bol-ted to the vehicle's chassis. Only a towing bracket with a removable ball coupling should be used. Al-ways check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer. Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing brack-et on the vehicle.
Towing brackets fitted to the rear bumper
Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or to its fastenings. The towing bracket must not prevent the rear bumper from functioning correctly. Do not
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always switch off the start/stop system manually If a trailer is attached to a towing bracket that was not retrofitted by Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles.
m Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a L!J trailer is being hitched or unhitched 43. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.
m In new vehicles, do not tow a trailer during L!J the first 1,000 km 394.
m Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-L!J mends removing the ball coupling before driving without a trailer. The level of damage sus-tained during a rear-end collision could be greater for vehicles with a fitted ball coupling than for those without.
m By law, the ball coupling must be removed if L!J a trailer is not being towed if it obscures the number plate.
m In some models, the towing bracket is re-L!J qui red for towing vehicles. For this reason, the towing bracket ball coupling should be stored in the vehicle at all times.
Engine cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the cooling system when towing a trailer. The cooling system must contain sufficient coolant and be able to cope with the extra load added by the trailer.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations. The trailer's brake system must never be connected to the ve-hicle brake system.
Emergency breakaway cable
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer 144.
Trailer rear lights
The rear lights on the trailer must meet legal re-quirements 144.
Transporting items 1141
Key to diagram Fig. 114:
Pin Meaning
8 Reversing light
9 Permanent live
10 Charging cable plus
11 Earth pin 10, charging cable
12 Not assigned
13 Earth pin 9, permanent live
Trailer socket
A 13-pin trailer socket makes the electrical connec-tion between the towing vehicle and the trailer. When the engine is running, electrical consumers in the trailer are supplied with voltage (charging ca-ble) via the electrical connection (pin 10 of the trail-er socket). If required, the charging cable charges the caravan's battery.
When a trailer is electrically detected, electrical consumers in the trailer are supplied with voltage (permanent live) via the electrical connection (pin 9). Permanent live supplies a trailer's interior lighting for example. Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with voltage on-ly when the engine is running (pin 1 0).
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not inter-connect the three earth wires (pins 3, 11 and 13).
If the trailer has a 7 -pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. Pin 10 (charging cable) is then without function.
Emergency breakaway cable
Always fasten the trailer's emergency breakaway cable properly to the towing vehicle. Leave enough slack in the emergency breakaway cable so that the vehicle can still drive around corners. However the emergency breakaway cable should not drag along the ground while you are driving.
Trailer rear lights
Ensure that the trailer lights work properly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the maxi-mum power consumption for the trailer 142.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm
The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:
• When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.
• When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
• When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
• When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be trig-gered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a trailer is being hitched or unhitched. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.
Trailer with LED rear lights
For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm sys-tem.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not trig-gered as soon as the electrical connection to the trailer with LED rear lights is interrupted.
A WARNING
Any electrical cables that are not connected properly could cause a power surge to the trailer. This could cause faults tn the entire vehicle electronics system and also lead to accidents and serious Injuries.
• All work on the electric system should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
• Never connect the trailer's electrical sys-tem directly to the electrical connections of the tail lights or to other sources of electrici-ty.
CD
If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. The vehicle could rock up and down if the load changes or if there is damage to the tyres. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehi-cle and trailer.
CD
Maximum power consumption of the trailer should not be exceeded. Otherwise, the vehicle electrical system could be damaged.
m If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer elec-L.:!.J trical systems or in the anti-theft alarm, have the systems checked by a qualified workshop.
m If the engine is not running and electrical L.:!.J equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer socket, the vehicle battery will discharge. .,.
Transporting Items 145
Sterilising agent
f"""('n First read and observe the Introductory L-J,:,U information and safety warnings & on page 237.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends adding a sterilising agent to the fresh water through the fresh water filler neck =>&.After add-ing sterilising agent, turn on the tap and allow ap-proximately one litre of water to run out and down the drain. This will distribute the sterilising agent through the fresh water system.
You may also pour sterilising agent down the sink, followed by a little water, to sterilize the waste wa-ter tank.
Cleaning the fresh water tank
Fig. 204 In the rear stowage compartment under the shelve: opening for cleaning the fresh water tank.
f"""('n First read and observe the introductory l-J,:,,J information and safety warnings & on page 237.
A WARNING
Improper use of the sterilising agent can cause poisoning or Injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for diluting and using the sterilising agent.
m Sterilising agent is available at specialist L!J camping shops and in pharmacies.
• Open the door to the wardrobe on the right of the luggage compartment.
• Remove the round plastic cover plate from the bottom of the wardrobe.
• Carefully disconnect the electrical connection =>Fig. 204@ for the water level sensor@.
• Turn the tank cap Q) together with the water level sensor anticlockwise.
• Reassemble by following the preceding steps in reverse order.
m Vehicles used for commercial purposes in L!J Germany are required by law to have their fresh water systems checked to ensure compliance with drinking water regulations.