The essentials
Front brake pads worn.
›››
page
155
it lights up:
Fault in the ESC, or dis-
connection caused by the system.
flashes: ESC or ASR activated.
ASR manually deactivated.
Or else
: ESC in Sport mode.
ABS faulty or does not work.
Front fog lights switched on.›››
page
21
Rear fog light switched on.›››
page
21
lights up or flashes:
fault in the
emission control system.››› page
171
it lights up:
pre-heating of diesel
engine.
››› page
171
flashes: fault in the diesel engine
management.
fault in the petrol engine manage-
ment.›››
page
171
lights up or flashes:
fault in the
steering system.››› page
148
Tyre pressure too low, or fault in
the tyre pressure monitoring sys-
tem.›››
page
216
Fuel tank almost empty.›››
page
100
Fault in airbag system and seat
belt tensioners.›››
page
66 Other warning lamps
Left or right turn signal.›››
page
22
Hazard warning lights on.››› page
123
Trailer turn signals›››
page
186
it lights up:
Press the foot brake!
flashes: the selector lever locking
button has not engaged.››› page
161
it lights up:
cruise control activated
or speed limiter switched on and
active.
››› page
34
flashes: the speed set by the
speed limiter has been exceeded.
Main beam on or flasher on.›››
page
22 On the instrument panel display
Fig. 43
On the instrument panel display: door
open.
Do not continue driving!
With the corresponding indica-
tion: door(s), rear lid or bonnet
open or not properly closed.››› page
107
››› page 9
››› page
201
Ignition: Do not carry on driv-
ing! Engine coolant level too low,
coolant temperature too high
››› page
207
Flashing: Fault in the engine
coolant system.
Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.››› page
204 36
The essentialsEngine typeSpecification
Diesel. Particulate Filter En-
gines (DPF).
With or without flexible
service interval (with and
without LongLife)
a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the
engine.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the
engine oil. The deterioration caused by these
additives is not covered by the warranty.
››› in Changing engine oil on page 207
››› page 204 Coolant
Fig. 54
Engine compartment: coolant expan-
s ion t
ank c
ap. The coolant tank is located in the engine
c
omp
artment
›››
page 204.
When the engine is cold, replace the coolant
when the level is below .
Coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from
the factory with a specially treated mixture of
water and at least 40 % of the additive G13
(TL-VW 774 J), purple. This mixture gives the
necessary frost protection down to -25 °C
(-13 °F) and protects the light alloy parts of
the engine cooling system against corrosion.
It also prevents scaling and considerably rai-
ses the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the cooling system, the percentage
of additive must always be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze pro-
tection is not
required.
If for weather reasons further protection is
necessary, the proportion of additive may be
increased, but only up to 60 %; otherwise an-
tifreeze protection will diminish and this will
worsen cooling.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture
of distilled water and at least 40 % of the
G13 or G12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive
(both are purple) to obtain an optimum anti-
corrosion protection ››› in Topping up cool-
ant on p ag
e 209 .
The mixture of G13 with
G12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G12 (red) or G11
(green-blue) engine coolants will significant-
ly reduce anti-corrosion protection and
should therefore be avoided ››› in Topping
up c oo
lant on p
age 209.
››› in Topping up coolant on page 208
››› page 207 42
Operation
●
Additiona l
lights and other accessories in
front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect
of the coolant. At high outside temperatures
and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
● The front spoiler also ensures proper distri-
bution of the coo
ling air when the vehicle is
moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can re-
duce the cooling effect, which could cause
the engine to overheat. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Fuel level
Fig. 123
Fuel gauge. The display
6
› ›
› Fig. 121 on
ly works when
the ignition is switched on. When the display
reaches the reserve mark, the lower diode
lights up in red and the control lamp ap-
pears ››› page 96. When the fuel level is very
low, the lower diode flashes in red. The distance to empty fuel level is displayed
on the instrument p
anel 3
› ››
Fig. 121
.
Y ou c
an consult the tank capacity of your ve-
hicle in the ›››
page 40 section. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An ir-
regu l
ar fuel supply could cause misfiring. In
this way the unburned fuel can reach the ex-
haust system, which could cause the catalytic
converter to overheat resulting in damage. Warning and control lamps
W arnin
g symbo l
s Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
p
age 35
There are red warning symbols (priority 1)
and yellow warning symbols (priority 2).
Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning
lamp will light up or flash and will be accom-
panied by three audible warnings. This is a
danger warning. Stop the vehicle and switch
off the engine. Check the fault and correct it.
Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the
same time, the symbols will be displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time
and will
continue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the
duration of a priority 1 warning message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages
(red)
● Brake system symbol with the warning
me
ssage STOP BRAKE FLUID INSTRUC-
TION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL .
● Coolant symbol with the warning me
s-
sage STOP SEE COOLANT INSTRUCTION
MANUAL .
● Engine oil pressure symbol with the
warning me
ssage STOP ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the correspond-
ing warning lamp lights up and is accompa-
nied by an audible warning. Check the corre-
sponding function as soon as possible al-
though the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are de-
tected at the same time, the symbols are dis-
played one after the other for about 2 sec-
onds at a time. After a set time, the informa-
tion text will disappear and the symbol will
be shown as a reminder at the side of the
display.
100
Operation
Climatronic* Gener a
l not
es Fig. 167
Climatronic: controls. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
p
age 39
Climatronic automatically maintains a com-
fortable temperature. To do so, it automati-
cally regulates the supplied air temperature
and the blower and air distribution levels.
The system also allows for the effect of sun-
light, so there is no need for manual adjust-
ment. It also has a humidity sensor that
helps to automatically demist the wind-
screen.
Automatic operations ››› page 147 guaran-
tee maximum comfort any time of year. Climatronic description
Cooling on
ly works if the following conditions
are met:
● The engine is running
● the outside temperature is above +2 °C
(+36 °F);
● A/C
18
› ››
Fig. 167
swit
ched on.
Starting the Climatronic
The corresponding function will be switched
on when a button is pressed, turning on the
air conditioning if it was switched off, with
the exception of button 17
›
› ›
Fig. 167
(r
ecir-
culation). Switching off the Climatronic
●
Turn control 10 to the left until the seg-
ments of
co
lumn 9
› ››
Fig. 167
swit
ch off.
● After 1 second has elapsed, turn the control
again to sw
itch off the display.
In order to ensure engines subject to heavy
loads are cooled, the air conditioning com-
pressor is switched off in the event of high
coolant temperatures.
Recommended setting for all seasons of the
year
● Set the required temperature. We recom-
mend +22 °C (72 °F).
146
Operation
● Use of
solv
ent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recyc
ling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Impro
vement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (thermal
recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
Economical and environmentally-
friendly driving Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and w
e
ar t o the en
gine, brakes and tyres de-
pends in large part on your driving style. By
adopting an economical driving style and an-
ticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)
Depending on the equipment, the vehicle
may have active cylinder management
(ACT ®
).
The active cylinder management (ACT ®
) may
automatically deactivate some of the engine
cylinders if the driving situation does not re-
quire too much power. When it is switched off, no fuel is injected into these cylinders,
hence total
fuel consumption may be re-
duced. The number of active cylinders can be
seen on the instrument panel display
››› page 30.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear
engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up quickly through the gears. Running the
engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ››› page 161. Avoid driving at high speed
We advi
se you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.
168
Checking and refilling levels
●
Only open and c lo
se the bonnet when there
is nobody within its range. CAUTION
When topping up service fluids, make sure
not to mi s
take them. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage! For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-
ronment. F or thi
s reason you should make
regular checks on the ground underneath
your vehicle. If you find spots of oil or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a speci-
alised workshop. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
p
age 10
The bonnet is released from inside the vehi-
cle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the
windscreen wipers are in rest position. WARNING
Hot coolant can scald! ●
Never open the bonnet if
you see steam,
smoke or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment.
● Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant
is emitted fr
om the bonnet, then carefully
open the bonnet.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alway
s observe the safety warnings
››› page 201. Closing the bonnet
–
Slightly lift the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its
sup
por t
.
– At a height of approximately 30 cm let it fall
so it locks.
If
the bonnet does not close, do not press
downwards. Open it again and let it fall as
mentioned above. WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could
open while y
ou are driving and completely
obscure your view of the road. Risk of acci-
dent.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that
it is pr
operly secured. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels. ●
If y ou notic
e that the bonnet latch is not se-
cured when the vehicle is moving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet
properly. Risk of accident. 203
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
Checking levels Fig. 185
Diagram for the location of the various elements. Fig. 186
For vehicles with the battery in the
luggag e c
ompartment. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluid
s in the
v
ehicle must be checked. Never
fill with incorrect fluids, otherwise serious
damage to the engine may be caused. Coolant expansion tank
Engine oil l
evel dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery
Windscreen washer reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids
are carried out on the components men-
tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in ››› page 201.
Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of ››› page 219.
1 2
3
4
5
6 Note
The layout of parts may vary depending on
the engine. Engine oil
General not
es The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oil th
at
can be used all year round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essen-
tial for the correct operation of the engine
and its long useful life, when topping up or
changing oil, use only those oils that comply
with VW standards.
204
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
comes int
o contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
star t
the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A .
Otherwi se oi
l can be drawn in through the
crankcase breather and escape into the at-
mosphere via the exhaust system. Changing engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
p
age 41
The engine oil must be changed at the inter-
vals given in the service schedule.
We recommend that you have the engine oil
changed by a Technical Service.
The oil change intervals are shown in the
Maintenance Programme. WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you
have the s pec
ialist knowledge required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnin
gs ››› page 201, safety notes
for work in the engine compartment .
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil
may c
ause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such
as acid b
urns, caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your
fingers, k
eep your arm horizontal to help pre-
vent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact w
ith engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be
stored in a s
afe place out of the reach of chil-
dren. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
This c ou
ld result in engine damage. Any dam-
age caused by the use of such additives
would not be covered by the factory warranty. For the sake of the environment
● Becau se of
disposal problems and the spe-
cial tools and specialist knowledge required,
we recommend that you have the engine oil
and filter changed by a Technical Service. ●
Never pour oil do
wn drains or into the
ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the
used oil. It
must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil. Cooling system
Contro l
lamp There is a fault if:
● The l amp does not go out again after a
f ew sec ond
s.
● The lamp lights up or flashes while the
vehicl
e is running, and three acoustic warn-
ing signals are emitted ››› .
Thi s
me an
s that either the coolant level is too
low or the coolant temperature is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the lamp lights up, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating
may be caused by a malfunction of the radia-
tor fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have
it replaced if necessary ››› page 81.
If the control lamp lights up again after driv-
ing on for a short distance, stop the vehicle»
207
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety