Brake fluidFig. 323
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - The brake fluid level must lie between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 323.
Specification - the brake fluid must comply with VW 501 14 standard (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).
WARNING■ The following warning instructions must be followed at all times when
working in the engine compartment » page 268.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 323mark, this may be an indication of a leak in the brake
system.
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident! Seek help from a
specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■A low brake fluid level which is too low is indicated by the warning light
being shown on the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corre-
sponding message » page 35. We therefore recommend that you check the
coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check condition
274
Charging
275
Disconnect/reconnect and change
275
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Automatic consumer shutdown - discharge protection of the vehicle battery
The on-board power supply tries as follows to avoid draining the vehicle bat-
tery when it is heavily loaded.
▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ By limiting the power of certain consumers.
▶ By turning off some consumers (heated seats, heated rear window) for as
long as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - risk of injury, irritation or poisoning! Corro-
sive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory tract and the
eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
273Inspecting and replenishing
ChargingRead and observe
and on page 273 first.
Only charge the vehicle battery when the ignition and all consumers are
switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles with START-STOP system or auxiliary heating, connect the
terminal of the charger on the
pole of the battery, the
terminal of the
charger to the earth point of the engine » page 288.
›
For vehicles without START-STOP system or auxiliary heating, connect the
terminals of the charger to the corresponding battery poles ( at
.
at
).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused from sparks or connection or releasing
the cable plug while the ignition is on.■
The so-called “quick charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have“Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
Disconnect/reconnect and change
Read and observe
and on page 273 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and the
same size as the original Battery.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
›
To disconnect the battery, switch off the ignition and disconnect first the
negative terminal , and only after this the positive
.
›To
connect the battery, first connect the positive terminal , and only after
this the negative terminal .
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.Function / deviceOperating measurePower windows» page 64Panorama sliding/tilting roof» page 65Sun screen» page 66Time setting» page 44
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the vehicle battery only with the ignition turned off - there is a
risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Before disconnecting the battery, close the electric tailgate, all the windows,
the sliding / tilting roof and the electric sunshade - otherwise malfunctions of
equipment elements may occur.
■
Under no circumstances must the connection cables be connected incorrect-
ly – risk of fire.
Note
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, we recommend
having the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality
of all electrical systems is guaranteed.275Inspecting and replenishing
Speed symbol
All-season or “winter” tyres (marked with M+S and a peak/snowflake symbol
) of a lower speed category than stated in the technical vehicle documenta-
tion can be used, provided the permissible maximum speed of these tyres is
not exceeded even if the possible maximum speed of the vehicle is higher.
The speed limit for all-season or “winter” tyres can be adjusted in Infotainment
in the
→
→
tire
menu.
If the vehicle has all-season or “winter” tyres of a lower speed category then
the specified maximum speed of the vehicle (referring to tyres that have not
been delivered by the factory, a warning label with the maximum value of the
speed category provided for the mounted tyres must be fixed in the interior of
the vehicle in a constantly visible place in the driver’s field of vision. The warn-
ing label (sticker) can be replaced by setting the maximum value of the speed
category supplied for the mounted tyres in Infotainment 1)
. This specification
defines the maximum vehicle speed with mounted all-season or “winter”tyres
that may not be exceeded.
Snow chains
The snow chains improve driving in wintry road conditions.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains » page 283.
Only fit snow chains with links and locks no larger than 12 mm.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels and are applicable on-
ly for the following wheel / tyre combinations.
Applies for 2.0 l/162, 206 kW TSI
Rim sizeImpression depth DTyre size6.5J x 1741 mm215/55 R17
Applies to the other engines
Rim sizeImpression depth DTyre size6.5J x 1641 mm215/60 R166.5J x 1741 mm215/55 R17WARNINGDo not use chains on snow- and ice-free routes - the driving behaviour may
be affected and there is a risk of a puncture.1)
Applies to some countries.
279Wheels
CAUTIONScrew the jack back to its starting position prior to putting it back in its box -
Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the box.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
Preliminary work
For safety's sake, the following instructions must be observed before
changing a wheel on the road.
›
As far as possible, park the vehicle far away from the traffic flow - find a
place with a flat and firm surface.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear.
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch on the parking brake.
›
Position the hazard warning system and the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
›
All the occupants should get out of the vehicle. The passengers should not
stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for in-
stance) while the wheel is being changed.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Changing a wheel
›
Remove the spare wheel » page 283.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 283 or caps » page 283 .
›
Loosen the wheel bolts » page 284 » .
›
Jack up the vehicle » page 284 until the wheel that needs changing is clear of
the ground.
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper,
etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (“alter- nating crosswise”) » page 284.
›Replace the wheel trim
» page 283and the caps » page 283.
When fitting a wheel with a unidirectional tyre, ensure that the direction of ro-
tation is correct » page 276.
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily. If the screws are corroded and dif-
ficult to move, then these must be replaced.WARNING■ Undo the wheel bolts just a little (about one turn) while the vehicle is not
jacked up. Otherwise, the wheel could come off and fall down – there is a
risk of injury.■
Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts - risk of accident!
Subsequent steps
After changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Stow the replaced wheel in the well under the floor covering of the luggage
compartment and secure with a locking screw.
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressure on the assembled wheel,
and, for vehicle with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values
in the system » page 249.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible. The prescribed tightening torque is 140 Nm.
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
WARNINGA tightening torque which is too high can damage the bolts and threads
and this can result in permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on
the rim. Too low tightening torque, the wheels may fall off while driving -
risk of an accident. Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the
tightening torque has been checked.282Do-it-yourself
Fig. 337
Attach lifting jack
The procedure for lifting the vehicle is valid for all body versions.
Before the vehicle is raised, the safety instructions must be observed »
.
Use the jack from the tool kit to raise the vehicle. Position the jack at the jack-
ing point closest to the flat tyre.
The jacking points are located on the lower sill » Fig. 336.
›
Insert the crank
6
into the mount on the jack
5
» page 281 .
›
Support the base plate of the jack with its full area resting on level ground
and ensure that the jack is located in a vertical position at the jacking point
» Fig. 337 -
.
›
Use the crank to raise the jack until its claw encloses the bar
» Fig. 337 -
.
›
Continue to lift the vehicle until the wheel is just off the floor.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions, otherwise there is risk of injury.■Secure the vehicle from unexpectedly rolling away.■
Always ensure the base plate of the lifting jack cannot slip.
■ Provide a wide and stable base under the jack on loose surfaces (e.g.
such as gravel). ■ Create a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber floor mat) under the jack on a
smooth surface (e.g. cobblestones).
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs, under the vehicle,
while the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
When the vehicle is raised, never start the engine.
CAUTIONIt is important to ensure that the jack is correctly attached to the bar of the
lower beam, as otherwise there is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
Puncture repair kit
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description of puncture repair kit
286
Preparing to use the puncture repair kit
286
Sealing and inflating tyres
286
Information for driving with repaired tyres
287
The following information applies to the factory-fitted puncture repair kit.
Use the puncture repair kit to seal tyre punctures with a diameter of up to
about 4 mm.
Performing a repair with the breakdown kit not at all intended to replace a
permanent repair on the tyre. Its purpose is to get you to the nearest specialist
garage.
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the puncture repair kit, or
consult a specialist garage about repair options.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have penetrated into the tyre (e.g. nails etc.).
Do not use the puncture repair kit in the following instances.
▶ The rim is damaged.
▶ The outdoor temperature is below the minimum temperature indicated in
the instruction manual of the tyre filling bottle with sealant.
▶ Tyre punctures of more than 4 mm.
▶ There is damage to the tyre wall.
▶ The expiration date (see inflation bottle) has passed.
WARNING■ If the sealant comes into contact with skin, wash the affected area imme-
diately.■
Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.
285Emergency equipment and self-help
Description of puncture repair kitFig. 338
Description of puncture repair kit
Read and observe
on page 285 first.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compart-
ment.
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph”Valve remover
Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor (the layout of the controls may be different depending on
the type of air compressor delivered with the vehicle)
Button for the tyre pressure reduction
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
ON and OFF switch
Tyre inflation bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the air compressor or the log
folder.1234567891011Preparing to use the puncture repair kit
Read and observe
on page 285 first.
For safety's sake, the following instructions must be observed before
performing a wheel repair the road.
›
As far as possible, park the vehicle far away from the traffic flow - find a
place with a flat and firm surface.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear.
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch on the parking brake.
›
Position the hazard warning system and the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
›
All the occupants should get out of the vehicle. The passengers should not
stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for in-
stance) while the wheel is being repaired.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Sealing and inflating tyres
Read and observe
on page 285 first.
Sealing
›
Unscrew the valve cap from the damaged tyre.
›
Insert the valve remover
2
» Fig. 338 on page 286 on the valve insert, so
that the valve insert fits into the slot of the valve remover.
›
Unscrew the valve insert and lay it on a clean surface (e.g. cloth, paper etc.).
›
Forcefully shake bottle
10
several times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflater bottle
10
. The film on
the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the filler plug from the tyre valve.
›
Screw in the valve insert using the valve remover
2
.
Inflating
›
Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose
7
» Fig. 338 on page 286 firmly
onto the tyre valve.
286Do-it-yourself
›For vehicles with
manual transmission , set the lever in the neutral position.›On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.›
Start the engine.
›
Plug the connector
6
into 12 volt socket » page 96.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0-2.5 bar is reached, turn off the air com-
pressor. Maximum run time of 6 minutes » .
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
7
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle approx. 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the seal-
ing agent to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
7
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
Stick the corresponding sticker
1
on the dashboard in the driver's field of
view.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey
at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
WARNING■ If the tire does not inflate at least. 2.0 bar, the damage is too great. The
sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. Stop driving! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is be-
ing inflated – risk of burning.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 6 minutes at the most – risk of
overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching
it on again.
Information for driving with repaired tyres
Read and observe
on page 285 first.
The inflation pressure of the repaired tyre must be checked after driving for 10
minutes.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
The tyre cannot be properly sealed with the breakdown kit.
Do not drive
the vehicle! Seek help from a specialist garage.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more›Set the tyre pressure back to the correct value » page 277.›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
WARNINGA tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
Jump-starting
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Start using the battery from another vehicle
288WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 268.■
When handling the vehicle battery, the following warnings must be ob-
served » page 273 .
■
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not carry out a jump start with the bat-
tery of another vehicle – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an acid level that is too low – risk
of explosion and caustic burns!
287Emergency equipment and self-help
Start using the battery from another vehicleFig. 339
Jump-starting:
- Discharged battery,
- power-supplying bat-
tery / ground point of the engine for the START-STOP system
Read and observe
on page 287 first.
If it is not possible to start the engine due to a discharged vehicle battery, the
battery of another vehicle can be used to start the engine. Only use jump-start
cables which have an adequately large cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
The rated voltage of the two batteries must be 12V. The capacity (Ah) of the
current-giving battery must not be significantly less than the capacity of the
discharged battery in your vehicle.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp
1
to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
›
Attach clamp
2
to the positive terminal of the current-giving battery.
›
Attach clamp
3
to the negative terminal of the current-giving battery.
›
For vehicles with the START-STOPsystem, attach clamp
4
to the ground
point of the engine
A
» Fig. 339 .
›
For vehicles without the START-STOP system, secure the clamp
4
to a solid
metal part that is firmly attached to the engine block or secure to the engine
block directly.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
›
If the engine does not start within 10 s, then cancel the starting procedure
and repeat after half a minute.
›
Remove the jump start cables in the reverse order as attachment.
WARNING■
Never clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery - danger of explosion.■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each
other – risk of short circuit!
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery
must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle
– risk of short circuit!
■
Route the jumper cables so that they cannot be caught in rotating parts
in the engine compartment - danger of injuries and the risk of vehicle dam-
age.
Towing the vehicle
Information about the towing process
Fig. 340
Braided tow rope / Spiral tow rope
For towing using a tow rope, use only a braided synthetic fibre rope » Fig. 340
-
»
.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes at the front
» page 289 ,towing eyes at the rear » page 290or to thetowing device of the
trailer device » page 250 .
Conditions for towing. Cars with automatic gearboxes must not be towed with the rear wheels
raised - there is a risk of gearbox damage!
If the gearbox has no oil, your vehicle must be towed with the front axle
raised clear of the ground or on a breakdown vehicle or trailer.
288Do-it-yourself