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 &.
Recommended windscreen washer fluid
• For warm weather: summer windscreen wash G 052 184 A 1. Dilution 1:100 (1 part concen-trate, 100 parts water) in the washer fluid reservoir.
• All-year washer fluid G 052 164 A2. Dilution in winter to -18°C (0°F) approx. 1 :2 (1 part concen-trate, 2 parts water), otherwise dilute one part con-centrate to four parts water (1 :4) in the washer fluid reservoir.
Capacities
The capacity of the washer fluid reservoir is ap-proximately 3. 7 litres or approximately 5.0 litres in vehicles with a headlight washer system.
A WARNING
Never mix coolant additive or other unsuita-ble additives into the windscreen washer flu-id. An oily film may otherwise be left on the windscreen or rear window which will restrict the field of vision.
Mirrors
o:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Interior mirror .............. . 122
Exterior mirrors ............ . . .... 123
For safety reasons it is important that the driver po-sitions the exterior and interior mirrors correctly be-fore starting a journey '* &.
You can use the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror to observe traffic behind you and adjust driv-ing style accordingly. Looking in the exterior mir-rors and the interior mirror does not allow the driver to see the entre side and rear area of the vehicle. The area that cannot be seen is known as the blind spot. There may be objects and other road users in the blind spot.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views '* page 5
• Changing gear '*page 260
• Braking, stopping and parking '*page 269
A WARNING (Continued)
• Use clean, clear water (not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles.
• A suitable anti-freeze agent should be added to the windscreen washer fluid If nec-essary.
CD
• Never mix other cleaning agents with the cleaning agents recommended by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This can cause the ingre-dients to separate and block the windscreen washer jets.
• When refilling or changing service fluids, please ensure that the correct fluids are added through the correct openings. Incorrect service fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine damage.
Adjusting the exterior and interior mirrors while driving may cause the driver to become distracted. This can lead to accidents and se-rious Injuries.
• Exterior and interior mirrors should only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary.
• When parking, changing lane, or perform-ing an overtaking or turning manoeuvre, al-ways pay careful attention to the area around the vehicle as objects and other road users may be located In the blind spot.
• Always ensure that the mirrors are posi-tioned correctly and that the rear view Is not restricted by ice, snow, condensation or any other objects.
A WARNING
Automatic anti-dazzle mirrors contain an electrolyte fluid which could leak If the mirror is broken.
• The leaking electrolyte fluid can cause lrri-tation to the skin, eyes and respiratory or-gans, especially In people who suffer from
Lights and vision 121
Fig. 104 Tightening the ratchet strap
r--f'n First read and observe the Introductory l.-..lr:=-ll information and safety warnings & on page 125.
Tightening the ratchet strap
• Press the slider =:>Fig. 103 ® outwards in the direction of the arrow.
• Pivot the lever CD to position@.
• Pull the belt@ from the rear through the slot in the spool@ tight.
• Pivot the lever CD back and forth alternately be-tween positions ® and @ until the belt strap has wound itself around the spool 2 -3 times ::. &.
• Press the slid er® outwards and pivot the lever CD to position @. The ratchet is now closed and locked in position.
Releasing the ratchet strap
• Before releasing the ratchet strap, make sure the load cannot fall over.
• Press the slider =:>Fig. 104 ® outwards.
• Pivot the lever CD to position @, until the slider ® engages in the slot@. The spool @) now ro-tates freely.
• Pull the ratchet strap @ out of the ratchet.
A WARNING
Ratchet straps, if used Incorrectly, may get detached in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or accident. This could cause ob-jects to be flung through the Interior and lead to severe or fatal injuries.
• "Wind" the strap around the spool 2-3 times.
• Never use ratchet straps to secure loads to the side panels.
r--f'n First read and observe the Introductory l.-..lr:=-ll Information and safety warnings & on page 125.
Driving with an open tailgate or open wing doors is particularly dangerous. All objects and the open tailgate or open wing doors must be secured prop-erly. Take the appropriate measures to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could en-ter into the vehicle.
Make sure you observe any legal requirements when driving with an open tailgate or open wing doors.
A WARNING
Driving with an unlocked or open tailgate or unlocked/open wing doors can cause serious injuries.
• Always drive with the tailgate or wing doors closed.
• Always stow all items in the luggage com-partment securely. Loose objects can fall out of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
• Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
• Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the open tailgate or open wing doors to move un-pred lctably. .,.
Transporting items 129
Additional information and warnings:
• Airbag system =:.page 87
• Lights =:.page 106
• Transporting =:.page 125
• Towing a trailer=> page 139
• Luggage net, California =>page 192
• Wheels and tyres =>page 367
A WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or is not being supervised, always lock the doors and tail-gate to reduce the risk of severe or fatal inju-ries.
• Never leave children unattended, especial-ly when the tailgate is open. Children could make their way into the luggage compart-ment, close the tailgate and be unable to get out. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
• Never let children play in or around the ve-hicle.
• Do not travel with people in the luggage compartment.
A WARNING
Objects that are not secured, or are secured Incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeu-vre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the alrbag when activa-ted and then flung through the vehicle interi-or. To reduce the risk of accidents, please ob-serve the following guidelines:
• Always stow all objects In the vehicle se· curely. Always stow luggage and heavy ob-jects in the luggage compartment.
• Always use suitable straps to prevent lug-gage from being thrown through the vehicle Interior and entering the deployment zones of
A WARNING (Continued)
the curtain alrbag, the combined curtain and side airbag or the front airbag In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
• Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is In motion.
• Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp ob· jects loose in any of the vehicle's open stow-age areas, on the luggage compartment cov-er or on the dash panel.
• Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags Inside the vehicle and stow them securely.
A WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehi-cle's handling and increases the braking dis-tance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and can cause serious injury.
• Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
• The payload should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
• Always secure heavy objects In the lug-gage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
CD
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and cause damage.
m Always ensure that the venlilalion openings L!J between the rear window and the stowage area are uncovered to allow stale air to escape from the vehicle.
n11 First read and observe the introductory l-J=,IJ information and safety warnings & on page 133.
The net partition can prevent objects in the lug-gage compartment entering the passenger com-partment.
The net partition can be fitted behind the front seats or behind the 3-seat bench.
Key to Fig. 111:
® Cross pieces with joints which lock into place
Preparing the net partition for fitting
• Take the net partition out of its plastic bag and unroll it fully.
• Fold out all the side rods fully, until you hear a "clicking• noise.
Fitting the net partition
• Make sure that the sewn-in instructions label is pointing to the rear.
• Hook the net partition up onto the left-hand side
• Push the rod together to hook the net partition onto the right-hand side.
• Pull the net partition to check that it has engag-ed securely in the retainers in the headliner.
• On the left and right sides. pull the strap down on the loop G) until you can insert the T-shaped holder into the outer seat rails.
• Turn each of the T-shaped holders through 90° so that they are positioned across the seat rails @.
• Make sure that the net partition is vertical and securely fitted in the seat rails.
Roof carrier
COl Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Attaching the mounts and roof carrier . . . . . . . 138 Loading the roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Removing the net partition
• Slacken off the straps by pulling loop
• Push the net partition on one side slightly to the inside of the vehicle and lift it out of the upper re-tainer.
• Press the release button 111 ® in the joint of each cross piece and fold the cross pieces together.
• Roll up the net partition and stow it in its plastic bag.
• Stow the plastic bag securely in the vehicle.
A WARNING
Always use the net partition carefully, observ-Ing the Instructions. Risk of injury.
• The net partition is secured properly in the roof only if the T-shaped holders are securely fitted Into the retainers.
• The net partition is fitted correctly in the seat rails only if the T-shaped retainers are at right-angles to the seat rails and correctly en-gaged.
• The T-shaped holders must never be fitted close to the removable covers on the seat rails.
• Heavy, pointed or sharp items which are not stowed securely can cause Injury in the event of sudden braking manoeuvres or acci-dents. This may also happen when the net partition is fitted correctly.
• Vehicle occupants must not travel behind a fitted safety net.
• When it is no longer being used.
• When the vehicle is driving through a car wash.
• When the vehicle height exceeds the required clearance height, e.g. in a garage. .,.
Transporting items 1137
Key to Fig. 113:
Q) Cap
® Ball coupling
@ Retaining balls
@ Catch for locking mechanism
® Shank
® Centring device
0 Handwheel
® Keys
® Cover
® Gap (pre-tensioned ball coupling)
® Green marking on the ball coupling
@ Green marking on handwheel
@ Red marking on handwheel
Step 1: preparations
• Before using the ball coupling for the first time, make a note of the number stamped on the key. This can be used if you need to acquire a replace-ment key.
• Remove the cap from the mounting.
• Check to ensure that the mounting, handwheel 0. shank® and retaining balls@ of the ball cou-pling are all clean and not damaged Clean as necessary.
Step 2: setting the ball coupling to the "ready" position
The ball coupling cannot be fitted properly unless the spring mechanism inside the ball joint is in the ready position.
• Take the ball coupling in your left hand.
• Remove the cover® from the lock and insert the key ® into the lock.
• Turn the key clockwise.
• Use your right hand to pull out the handwheel 0 in the direction of arrow 1 and keep it in this po-
• Turn the handwheel 0 in the direction of arrow 2 until it engages. The ball coupling is now in the ready position. The red marking @on the hand-wheel must point towards the green marking ® on the ball coupling. The handwheel is clearly visible in front of the ball coupling. The distance between the two is approximately 4 mm @.
• Check to see whether all retaining balls @can be pressed fully into the ball coupling mount @.
Step 3: attaching the pre-tensioned ball coupling to the vehicle
Do not touch the handwheel once the ball coupling has been pre-tensioned. When engaged, the hand-wheel will spring back to its original position and could cause injury = &.
• Guide the pre-tensioned ball coupling into the mounting pipe from below.
• Push the ball coupling firmly upwards until it en-gages. Both of the centring devices ® must en-gage in the insertion point on the vehicle.
• The handwheel has now returned to its original position. There is no longer a gap between the handwheel and the ball coupling.
• Turn the key ® anticlockwise in the handwheel and remove it.
• If the setting is correct, you will not be able to turn the handwheel or pull it out.
• Put the cover® over the lock and place the key in the vehicle toolkit.
Step 4: safety check
Check to see whether the ball coupling is attached properly:
• The green marking@ on the handwheel must point towards the green marking @ on the ball coupling.
• The handwheel must rest on the ball coupling and there may be no gap between them.
• Shake the ball coupling or pull it down with some force. lt must sit firmly in the mounting = &.
• The lock must be locked and the key removed. The cover must be fitted over the lock in the hand-wheel.
A wARNING
Improper fitting of the ball coupling can cause injuries and accidents.
• Only use the ball coupling when it is fitted properly.
• If the smallest diameter on the ball cou-pling ® is smaller than 49 mm, do not use the towing bracket.
• The ball coupling is heavy. When checking whether it is secure, the ball coupling could fall off and cause injuries.
• Do not touch the handwheel once the ball coupling has been pre-tensioned. When the ball coupling is pressed into the mounting, the handwheel will spring back to its original position. ..,
Transporting items 1143
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
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