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
Never connect the trailer lights directly to the elec-trical system of your vehicle. If you are uncertain whether the trailer has been connected correctly, please contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors, additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations. Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer
Electrical consumers Maximum output
All brake lights 84 watts
Turn signal per side 42 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 42 watts
Rear fog light 42 watts
Never exceed the specified values.
A wARNING
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or is in cor-rectly fitted, the trailer can become detached from the vehicle and cause serious Injury.
Fitting the removable ball coupling
Fig. 113 Overview of removable ball head.
r-f1t First read and observe the introductory L-J,::,JJ information and safety warnings & on page 139.
1421 Before the journey
• The vehicle electronics may be damaged If the trailer uses too much electricity.
• Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail lights or to other sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide power to the trailer.
m Towing a trailer places additional demands L!J on the vehicle. Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles recommends additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
m In certain countries, an additional fire extin-L!J guisher must be carried if the gross weight of the trailer exceeds 2,500 kg. <1
an.ons
The removable ball coupling is located in the vehi-cle tools 416. ..,.
A WARNING (Continued)
• If the ball coupling will not fit properly, the towing bracket should be checked by a quali-fied workshop.
• Do not use the towing bracket If the ball coupling does not engage properly or if you are unable to set it to the "ready" position.
• Do not use the towing bracket if you are unable to remove the key from the handwheel once the ball coupling has been mounted. This means that ball coupling Is not locked properly.
Removing the ball coupling
r--T'n First read and observe the Introductory L-J.:.IJ information and safety warnings & on page 139.
• Unhitch the trailer => &.
• Remove the cover =>Fig. 113 ®from the lock on the handwheel.
• Insert the key® into the lock and turn it clock-wise.
• Hold the ball coupling tightly in your left hand =>&.
• Use your right hand to pull out the handwheel 0 in the direction of arrow 1 and keep it in this po-sition.
• Turn the handwheel 0 in the direction of arrow 2 until it engages.
Hitching and connecting the trailer
Fig. 114 Pin assignment for the trailer socket.
1441 Before the journey
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always fasten the ball coupling securely In the luggage compartment once it has been removed.
CD
• The mounting on the vehicle, handwheel, shank and ball coupling retaining balls must all be clean and undamaged. Otherwise you may not be able to lock the ball coupling securely.
• Do not aim a high-pressure hose or steam cleaner directly at the ball coupling mounting. This could wash the grease required for lubri-cation out of the mounting.
• Pivot the trailer socket back fully from left to right to prevent soiling and damage to the mount-ing.
• Insert the cap in the mounting again.
A WARNING
The removable ball coupling Is heavy. The ball coupling could fall while it Is being re-moved. This could cause Injuries.
• Only unlock the ball coupling once the L-tr_a_ile_r_h_a_s __ be_e_n __ u_n_hi_tc_h_e_d_. ____________
r--T'n First read and observe the Introductory L-J.:.IJ information and safety warnings & on page 139.
Key to diagram Fig. 114:
Pin Meaning
1 Left turn signal
2 Rear fog light
3 Earth for pins 1 -8
4 Right turn signal
5 Rear light, right
6 Brake light
7 Rear light, left
Things to note when driving with a trailer
• If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will pre-vent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
• The combination weight causes the braking dis-tance to increase.
• Select a low gear before driving down a slope. This enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle. The brake system could otherwise overheat and fail.
• The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trail-er load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
• The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable. When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Tachograph
In most European countries, a tachograph has to be installed in the vehicle and used if the gross combination weight rating of the vehicle and trailer is over 3,500 kg.
• Observe the legal requirements governing the use of tachographs.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope, de-pending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
• Depress and hold the brake pedal.
• Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
• Select first gear or D =:o page 260, Changing gears.
Trailer stabilisation
r-('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 139.
The trailer stabilisation function can de-
tect if an attached trailer is starting to
lurch from side to side and can provide
countersteer.
• Unlock hand brake and carefully release while holding down lock button. At the same time, gently depress the accelerator and, in a manual vehicle, release the clutch pedal, until you feel the vehicle moving forwards. If necessary, read the notes on the Hill Hold Assist function =:o page 282, Pull-away assist systems.
• Only let go of the handbrake lever when the en-gine has sufficient power to move off.
• Pull away slowly.
A WARNING
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of ve-hicle control and serious personal injury.
• Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle handles and increase the braking distance.
• Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
• Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking ma-noeuvres.
• Take special care when overtaking. Re-duce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.
• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
• Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.
If, however, the effects of this snaking on the vehi-cle are detected via the ESC control unit, the vehi-cle is braked automatically by the ESC in order to stabilise the trailer. In this case the ABS indicator lamp flashes .,.
Transporting items 1147
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
• The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
• ESC is active. The indicator lamp in the in-strument cluster is not lit up.
• The trailer is electrically connected to the tow-ing vehicle via the trailer socket.
• The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
• The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
• The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
• Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
A WARNING
De not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any risks when driving-this can cause accidents.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
1481 Before the JOUrney
A WARNING (Continued)
• Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
• Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
A wARNING
The trailer stabillsation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
• Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation func-tion and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
• A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehi-cle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation system.
• Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
• Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically In extreme driving situations If the trailer socket Is being used without a trail-er (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
0 "' <(
"' ::;
oc "' N
The steps should only be carried out In the specified order.
Step Vehicles with a manual gearbox I Vehicles with dual clutch gearbox DSG ®
2a. Shift the gear stick to a neutral position. I Shift the selector lever to position P or N.
3. Only vehicles with diesel engines: to preheat the engine, turn the vehicle key to position 217 G). The indicator lamp mr lights up in the instrument cluster.
4. Turn vehicle key to position 217 ®-do not depress accelerator.
5. Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
6. If the engine does not start, stop the procedure and repeat it after approximately one minute.
7. Release the handbrake if you wish to pull away =>page 269.
A WARNING
Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended, particularly not if a gear or driving mode has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire or serious injuries.
A WARNING
Start boosters may explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs.
• Never use a start booster.
CD
• The starter and the engine could be dam-aged if you attempt to start the engine while the vehicle Is In motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been switched off.
Stopping the engine
CD
• When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading the engine.
• Do not push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic convert-er.
&-, Do not warm up the engine by running it W while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as soon as there is good visibility through the win· dows. This helps the engine to reach operating temperature more quickly and reduces emissions.
m Components with a high power consumption L!:J are switched off temporarily when the engine is started.
m When starting from cold, the engine may be a L!:J little noisy for the first few seconds. This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
m At outside temperatures of less than L!:J +5oC (+41°F), fumes may be detected under a vehicle with a diesel engine if the fuel-powered supplementary heater is switched on.
The steps should only be carried out In the specified order.
1. The vehicle must be completely stationary => &.
2. Press the brake pedal. Keep it held down until step 4 has been completed.
3. In vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG®, shift selector lever to position P.
4. Apply the handbrake =>page 269.
5. Turn the vehicle key to position =>Fig. 217 @.
6. In vehicles with a manual gearbox, select the first gear or the reverse gear =>page 263. .,.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 259
The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is switched on:
• The reverse light comes on.
• The Climatronic switches automatically to air recirculation mode when the vehicle is reversing.
• If fitted, the ParkPilot and the rear view camera system are switched on.
• The static cornering light may be switched on on both sides.
Additional information and warnings:
• Instruments 19
• Volkswagen information system 24
• Braking, stopping and parking 269
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• ParkPilot 287
• Reversing camera (Rear Assist) 291
• Air conditioning 322
• Engine management system and exhaust puri-fication system 407
• Manual opening and closing 413
A WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This can cause you to lose control of the ve-hicle, which can lead to accidents and seri-ous Injuries.
Warning and indicator lamps
A WARNING (Continued)
• The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used If the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
A WARNING
Never "ride" the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, Increase the braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fall completely.
CD
• Never let the brakes "rub" by applying light pressure to the brake when it Is not necessary to brake. This will Increase levels of wear.
• Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fall. The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
Lit up Possible cause Solution
Do not drive on I Allow the gearbox to cool down in selector lever
(!) 7-speed DSG® dual clutch gearbox over-position P. If the warning light does not go out, do not drive heating. on. Seek professional assistance. Failure to do so can cause considerable damage to the gear-box page 267.
Fully depress the brake pedal. Brake pedal not depressed. See also Adaptive cruise control (ACC) 298.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking 261
Flashes Possible cause Solution
The lock button in the selector lever is not Engage the selector lever lock 265. engaged. The vehicle cannot drive off.
Dual clutch gearbox DSG®. Drive to the nearest qualified workshop immedi-
/ ./ flashes alternately with selector lever dis-ately at a low engine speed to have the system play, e.g. D.
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.
A WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause acci-dent and serious injury.
• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
Pedals
Fig. 218 In vehicles with a manual gearbox, ac-celerator pedal G), brake pedal@ and clutch ped-al@.
r-T'n First read and observe the introductory L-Wl information and safety warnings & on page 260.
The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must never be impaired by objects or floor mats.
Only use floor mats that leave the pedal area free and can be securely fastened in the footwell.
If a brake circuit fails, you will have to depress the brake pedal further than normal in order to bring the vehicle to a stop.
262 I While driving
checked.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
• If the vehicle is stationary or has to be parked for repairs, always park the vehicle at a safe distance from the road, switch on the hazard warning lights, switch off the engine and take other precautionary measures In or-der to warn traffic behind you.
CD
Failure to observe Illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-Ing damaged.
A wARNING
Objects in the driver footwell can hinder ped-al operation. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and increase the risk of serious Injury.
• Please ensure that all pedals can always be operated without any hindrance.
• The foot mats must always be properly se-cured in the footwell. .,.