
Operational problemsRead and observe
and on page 108 first.
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5
°C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 215 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because
the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 29.
If you are not able to resolve the operational problem yourself, or if the cooler
output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning system)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
110
adjusting
112
Recirculated air mode
112
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 110.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approx. +2 °C.
The blower switch is switched on (positions 1-4).
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
The cooling system is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to
provide cooling at a high load of the engine.
CAUTION
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when get-
ting out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.Note■ We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a spe-
cialist garage once every year.■
During operation of the air conditioning, an increase in engine idle speed may
occur under certain circumstances in order to ensure sufficient heating com-
fort.
Control elements
Fig. 124
The air conditioning system: Control elements
Read and observe
on page 110 first.
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 124 :
Set the temperature (turn to the left to reduce the temperature: turn to
the right to increase temperature)
Set the blower stage (stage 0: Blowers, level 4: the highest blower speed)
Set the direction of the air outlet » page 108
Switch the cooling system on/off
Switching the rear window heater on/off » page 73
Aux. heating on/off » page 116
Switch recirculation on/off » page 112
Control the seat heater on the front left seat » page 83
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 83
ABC110Operation

NoteThe warning light in the symbol button lights after activation, even if not all
of the conditions for the function of the cooling system are met » page 110. By
lighting up of the indicator light in the button, the operational readiness of the
cooling system is signalled.111Air conditioning system

adjustingRead and observe
on page 110 first.
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning system for the respective operating modes:
SettingsControl dial settings » Fig. 124 on page 110Button » Fig. 124 on page 110Air outlet vents 2 » Fig. 122
on page 108ABCDefrost/defog windscreen and
side windows a)Desired tempera-
ture3 or 4Automaticallyswitched onDo not switch onOpen and align with the side windowThe fastest heatingTo the right up tothe stop3Switched offBriefly switch onOpeningComfortable heatingDesired tempera- ture2 or 3Switched offDo not switch onOpeningThe fastest coolingTo the left up to
the stopbriefly 4, then 2 or 3ActivatedBriefly switch onOpeningComfortable coolingDesired tempera- ture1, 2 or 3ActivatedDo not switch onOpen and align to the roofFresh air mode - ventilationTo the left up tothe stopDesired positionSwitched offDo not switch onOpeninga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 122 on page 108 in
the opened position.
Recirculated air mode
Read and observe
on page 110 first.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting in-to the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in
a traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the button.
The indicator light in the button lights up.
›
Press the button again.
The indicator light in the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution con-
trol C » Fig. 124 on page 110 is turned to the position.
Recirculated air mode can be switched on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the symbol button
.WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as
“stale” air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows
start to mist up.112Operation

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
113
automatic mode
114
Switching the cooling system on/off
114
Setting the temperature
114
Recirculation mode - Version 1
115
Recirculation mode - Version 2
115
Controlling blower
116
Defrosting windscreen
116
The Climatronic in automatic mode ensures the best-possible setting of the
temperature of the outflowing air, the blower stage and air distribution.
The system also takes sunlight into account, which eliminates the need to al-
ter the settings manually.
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 110.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approx. +2 °C.
The cooling system is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to
provide cooling at a high load of the engine.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh air
blower is automatically switched over to “solar mode” if the sun ray's are suffi- cient after switching off the ignition. The solar cells on the sliding/tilting roof
deliver power for the fresh air blower. This supplies the interior of the car with
fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents 2 and 3 must be
opened » Fig. 122 on page 108 .
The ventilation functions only when the sliding/tilting roof is fully closed.
Note■ We recommend that you have Climatronic cleaned by a specialist garage
once every year.■
During operation of the Climatronic, an increase in engine idle speed can oc-
cur under certain circumstances in order to ensure adequate heating comfort.
■
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio or radio navigation system,
the Climatronic information is also shown on their displays. This function can
be switched off, see » operating instructions for the radio or navigation sys-
tem .
Control elements
Fig. 125
Climatronic: Control elements
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 125 :
Adjust the temperature for the left side » page 114
Adjust the blower speed
» page 116
depending on equipment:
›
Aux. heating on/off
» page 117
›
Switching the windscreen heater on/off
» page 73
Adjust the temperature for the right side » page 114
Interior temperature sensor
depending on equipment:
›
Recirculation mode
with air quality sensor on/off » page 115, Recir-
culation mode - Version 1
›
Recirculation mode
without air quality sensor on/off » page 115, Re-
circulation mode - Version 2
ABCDEF113Air conditioning system

Switch the intensive windscreen heater on/off
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to the upper body
Air flow in the footwell
Switching the rear window heater on/off » page 73
Control the seat heater on the front left seat » page 83
Switching automatic mode on » page 114
Switching Climatronic system off
Switch the cooling system on/off » page 114
Switch the temperature setting in Dual mode on/off » page 114
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 83
Note
Do not stick anything on or cover the interior temperature sensor E, other-
wise it could have an unfavourable effect on the Climatronic.
automatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature and
to demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year
›
Set the required temperature between +18 °C and +26 °C: we recommend 22
°C.
›
Press the
» Fig. 125 on page 113 button.
›
Set the air outlet vents 2 and 3 » Fig. 122 on page 108 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
After pressing, an indicator light in the top right or left corner of the button
lights up, depending on which mode was last selected.
If the warning light in the top right corner of the button lights up, the Cli-
matronic operates in “HIGH”-mode.
The “HIGH” mode is the standard setting of the Climatronic.
When pressing the button again, the Climatronic switches to “LOW”-mode
and the indicator light in the top left corner lights up. The Climatronic uses on-
ly in this mode the lower blower speed. However taking into account the noise
level, this is more comfortable, yet be aware that the effectiveness of the air
conditioning system is reduced particularly if the vehicle is fully occupied.
By pressing the button again, it is changed to “HIGH”-mode.
Automatic mode can be
switched off by pressing one of the buttons for the air
distribution or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed.
Switching the cooling system on/off
›
Press the button
.
The indicator light in the button lights up.
›
Press button
. once more.
The indicator light in the button goes out.
After the cooling system is switched off, only the ventilation and heating func-
tion remains active whereby the minimum temperature that can be reached is
the outside temperature.
Setting the temperature
The interior temperature for the left and right side can be set separately or to-
gether.
For both sides
›
Turn the control dial
A
» Fig. 125 on page 113 to the left or right to increase
or decrease the temperature.
The indicator light in the button lights up.
For the right side
›
Turn the control dial
D
» Fig. 125 on page 113 to the left or right to increase
or decrease the temperature.
The indicator light in the button lights up.
If the warning light in the symbol button is lit, the temperature for both
sides cannot be set with the control dial
A
. This function can be restored by
pressing the symbol button . The indicator light in the button goes out.
The interior temperature can be set between +18 °C and +26 ℃. The interior
temperature is regulated automatically within this range.
If a temperature lower than +18 °C is selected, a blue symbol lights up at the start of the numerical scale.
If a temperature higher than +26 °C is selected, a red symbol lights up at the
start of the numerical scale.
At both end positions, Climatronic functions at maximum cooling/heating out-
put and the temperature is not regulated.
114Operation

CAUTION■Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the
standard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and ex-
haust system!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We rec-
ommend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle cannot be operated with bio fuel RME, therefore this fuel must
not be filled in the tank and used for driving the vehicle. The use of biofuel
RME can cause considerable damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents), into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the
engine or the exhaust system!
Engine compartment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
183
Engine compartment overview
184
Radiator fan
184
Windscreen washer system
184WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in
the engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety
rules. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
WARNING (Continued)■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever in-
to Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the
selector lever into position P.■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant
is escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep all people, especially children, away from the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, gen-
erator, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
182General Maintenance

ReplenishingRead and observe
and on page 185 first.
›
Check the oil level » page 186.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 161 on page 184 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 185 .
›
Check the oil level » page 186.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.
Changing
Read and observe
and on page 185 first.
The engine oil must be changed according to prescribed service intervals or ac-
cording to the service interval display » Service plan .
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
188
Checking the coolant level
188
Replenishing
188
The coolant consists of water with coolant additive. This mixture guarantees
antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system against corrosion
and prevents lime formation.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40%.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50%.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the con-
centration of coolant additive can be increased up to a maximum of 60% (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze identified on the coolant expan-
sion vessel » Fig. 164 on page 188 .WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 182.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to fill
with coolant under the current circumstances
. Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 164 on page 188 .
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist
garage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
187Inspecting and replenishing

CapacityRead and observe
and on page 187 first.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesCapacity1.4 ltr./92 kW TSI7.71.8 ltr./112 kW TSI
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI8.62.0 ltr./147 kW TSI8.63.6 l/191 kW FSI9.0Diesel enginesCapacity1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR8.42.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR8.42.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR8.4
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 164
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 187 first.
The coolant expansion reservoir is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 164 .
Image description » Fig. 164
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level.
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level.
ABThe coolant level should be kept between the marks A and B.
If the coolant level is above the mark A,
no coolant may be topped up.
If the coolant level is below the mark
B,
the coolant must be topped up.
Checking the level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle. » Fig. 164.
Check the coolant level only when the engine is cold.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark
A
» Fig. 164 .
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light lighting up in the instrument cluster
» page 34,
Coolant
.
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 187 first.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an
emergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of
water and coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
1)
The coolant capacity is approximately 1 l greater on vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (aux-
iliary heating and ventilation).
188General Maintenance