2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC warning

NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Fig. 128 In the ignition switch: Vehicle key positions.

WARNING
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal injury.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
x Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
x Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.
Leaving the key in the ignition for a long time when the engine is not running will drain the vehicle battery.
Leaving the selector lever for a long period of time in any position other than Park (P) when the ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.
On automatic transmission vehicles, the vehicle key can be removed from the ignition switch only when the transmission is in Park (P). You may have to press the release button on the transmission selector lever to put the lever into Park (P).
Starter button

Fig. 129 In the center console: Starter button for the Keyless Access locking and starting system.

Switching the ignition on and off
x Briefly press the starter button once without operating the brake or clutch pedals ⇒ .
Emergency starting
If an authorized remote control vehicle key is in the passenger compartment but the instrument cluster displays Key not in Range when you push the starter button, the remote control vehicle key battery is weak or dead. You can still start the engine by inserting the key in the ignition switch, Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch.
Emergency shut-off
If the engine does not switch off by briefly pressing the starter button, emergency shut-off is necessary:
x Press the starter button twice within 3 seconds or press and hold the button longer than 1 second
⇒  in Stopping the engine.
x The engine switches off automatically.
Engine restart feature
If no authorized remote control vehicle key is identified in the passenger compartment after the engine has been switched off, the engine can be restarted within about 5 seconds. A related message is shown in the instrument cluster display.
After the 5 seconds have passed, the engine can no longer be started without an authorized vehicle key in the passenger compartment.
WARNING
Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.
x Do not depress the brake or clutch pedals when switching on the ignition, as the engine could otherwise start immediately.
WARNING
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized persons may use it to lock the vehicle, start the engine, and operate vehicle systems such as the power windows, leading to serious personal injury.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the vehicle. The doors can be locked using the remote control vehicle key. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
x Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside.

WARNING
Using an outlet or power cables that are incorrect or damaged, using electrical appliances incorrectly, or ignoring safety precautions can result in short circuits, accidents, injuries, and life-threatening electrical shocks.
x Never use a damaged outlet or a damaged power cable.
x Always plug the preheating system into a 120 Volt Ground Fault Circuit (GFI) wall outlet that is properly protected against rain and other moisture.
x Always check the fuse protection of the 120 Volt power source before using the connecting cable.
x Always use a 12 gauge or heavier heavy-duty extension cable that can be properly grounded to a three-prong GFI outlet. The extension cable must not be longer than 100 ft (30 meters).
x Check the cables for damage before every use. Never use a damaged cable. Damaged cables must be replaced. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Only use the cables provided.
x Always remove the connecting cable before starting the engine.
x Never attempt to alter or repair cables or other electrical components.
x Never let plugs or connectors come into contact with water, moisture, or any other fluids.
If the engine preheating system is used occasionally, test the GFI circuit breaker (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) once a month. Test it once a week if the system is used regularly.

WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to overheat and even to fail leading to collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never “ride” the brakes or apply the brake pedal too often or too long.
x Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause complete brake system failure.
NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to brake. This will make the brakes wear faster.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
Warning and indicator lights

WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
x Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn on the emergency flashers, stop the engine, and use other warning devices to warn approaching traffic.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Pedals

Fig. 131 Pedals in vehicles with manual transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal, 3 Clutch pedal.

Fig. 132 Pedals in vehicles with automatic transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal.

WARNING
Objects in the driver footwell can prevent the pedals from moving freely. This can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the pedals.
x Always fasten floor mats securely to the floor.
x Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on top of already installed floor mats.
x Always make sure that nothing can fall into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE
Always make sure that the pedals are able to move freely and that nothing can interfere with them. If a brake circuit fails, more brake pedal travel will be needed to bring the vehicle to a stop. The brake pedal must be pressed farther and harder than normal.
Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Fig. 133 Gearshift pattern of a 5-speed manual transmission.

Fig. 134 Gearshift pattern of a 6-speed manual transmission.

The positions of the individual gears are shown on the gearshift lever ⇒ fig. 133 or ⇒ fig. 134.
x Depress the clutch pedal all the way and hold.
x Move the gearshift lever into the desired position ⇒ .
x Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start the engine.
Shifting into reverse
x Only shift to the reverse gear when the vehicle is not moving.
x Depress the clutch pedal fully and hold ⇒ .
x Move the gearshift lever to neutral and press down.
x Move the shift lever to the left and then push forward into the reverse gear position ⇒ fig. 133 (R)
or ⇒ fig. 134 (R).
x Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.
Downshifting
You should always downshift gear by gear when driving, meaning always into the next lowest gear. Do
not downshift when the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) is too high ⇒ . At fast speeds or high engine rpm, skipping over one or more gears when downshifting can cause damage to the clutch and
transmission, even if a gear is not engaged ⇒ .
WARNING
Downshifting to a lower gear incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle control and can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.
WARNING
When the engine is running and a gear is engaged, the vehicle will start to move as soon as the clutch pedal is released, even when the parking brake is applied. This also applies when the parking brake is engaged.
x Never shift into reverse when the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE
Shifting down to a gear that is too low when driving at fast speeds or high engine rpm can cause extensive damage to the clutch and transmission. That is true even if the clutch pedal is pressed so that the clutch is not engaged.
NOTICE
To help prevent damage and premature wear:
x Do not rest your hand on the gearshift lever while driving. Over time, the pressure will cause premature wear in the transmission.
x Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse.
x Always depress the clutch pedal all the way when changing gears.