Operation
Fig. 161 Operating the trailer manoeuvring system on the instrument cluster display: setting the
angle; reversing.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 161:
Rotary knob for adjusting the exterior mirror.
Align the trailer to the left.
Align the trailer to the right.
Move the vehicle in the direction of the trailer.
Current trailer position.
Target trailer position.
Zero position on the angle display.
Manoeuvring the vehicle and trailer
The checklist conditions are met ⇒ Prerequisites.
•Select reverse gear.
•Press the button.
•Release the steering wheel ⇒.
•Tilt the rotary knob until the desired direction is reached. A representation of the current position
of the vehicle and trailer is shown on the instrument cluster display for orientation
purposes ⇒ Fig. 161.
•Reverse slowly by pressing the accelerator. Check area around vehicle!
•Correct the angle with the rotary knob if necessary. Press the rotary knob to the left and right –
the vehicle combination moves to the left or right. Press the rotary knob to the rear – the vehicle
follows the trailer.
•Reverse and drive forwards until the required position is reached.
•The manoeuvring operation has been completed when a corresponding message is displayed
on the instrument cluster. A signal tone may also sound.
Automatic braking intervention
Trailer Assist helps the driver by initiating an automatic braking intervention in certain situations.
The driver is responsible for braking in time ⇒.
An automatic braking intervention may occur and the function may be cancelled in the following
situations:
•If a certain speed is exceeded.
•If the driver takes hold of the steering wheel. The vehicle is automatically braked to standstill.
•If the button is pressed while manoeuvring or the driver door is opened.
The exterior mirrors cannot be adjusted while Trailer Assist is active. The stored exterior
mirror setting can be activated ⇒ Mirrors.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
No camera visibility, error message, system switches itself off
•Clean the camera or remove stickers or accessories from the camera ⇒ Caring for and cleaning
the vehicle exterior.
•Check whether any damage is visible.
The system is not responding as expected
•The camera is dirty ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior. The camera visibility may be
impaired by dirt and snow or also residue from cleaning agents or coatings.
•The system requirements must be met ⇒ Prerequisites.
•The camera is covered by water.
•The vehicle is damaged in the area around the camera, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
•The detection range of the camera is blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
•Changes have been made to the paintwork around the camera or the construction has been
modified, e.g. vehicle front end or the running gear.
Response to all circumstances
•Switch off the system temporarily.
•Check whether any of the causes described below apply.
•You can switch the system back on again once you have rectified the cause of the problem.
•If the system still fails to respond as expected, have the system checked by a qualified
workshop.
Brake support systems
Information on brake support systems
The vehicle is fitted with brake support systems. The systems can support the driver in critical
driving or braking situations. Brake support systems cannot overcome the limits of physics and
cannot always keep the vehicle under control in every single critical driving or braking situation. The
driver is responsible for driving safety ⇒.
Driving with brake support systems
The brake support systems work when the engine is running. They do not need to be operated
separately.
The brake pedal may pulsate or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating.
Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure. Apply the necessary pressure to the
brake pedal consistently. If necessary, steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is depressed.
Fast steering wheel movements can cause serious injury.
•During the manoeuvring operation, do not reach for the steering wheel until prompted
to do so by the system.
•Exception: if a dangerous situation occurs, intervene and take over the steering.
WARNING
Do not let the automatic braking intervention tempt you to take any risks while driving, as
this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.
•Trailer Assist has system-related limitations. In some situations, the automatic braking
intervention function is only able to intervene in a limited way or not at all.
•You should always be prepared to brake the vehicle yourself.
•The automatic braking intervention is ended after approximately 1.5 seconds at vehicle
standstill. Depress the brake pedal of the vehicle yourself following the automatic
braking intervention.
WARNING
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving situations
⇒.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ESC can be switched to a Sport mode ⇒ Switching TCS on
and off.
When ESC is regulating, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster display.
Traction control system (TCS)
The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road surface
conditions. The TCS makes it easier to pull away, accelerate and drive up hills.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances
⇒ Switching TCS on and off.
When the TCS is regulating, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster
display.
Anti-lock brake system
The anti-lock brake system can prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up
until the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle
and keeping it under control.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system
reinforces brake pressure when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency
situation.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal when the brake assist system is regulating. If you
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake servo.
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)
EDL brakes the wheel that has lost traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive
wheels.
The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the disc brake from
overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDS applies pressure to the brake of the wheel on the inside of the bend. This will improve traction,
helping the vehicle to remain in the required lane longer.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of an accident, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to
reduce the risk of skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking.
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only in front, side and rear collisions when
the airbag control unit detects a corresponding trigger threshold during the accident.
The ESC brakes the vehicle automatically, provided that the hydraulic braking system, the ESC and
the electrical system are undamaged in the accident and remain functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of an accident:
•When the driver depresses the accelerator. No automatic braking occurs.
•When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the
brake pressure provided by the system. The vehicle is braked manually.
Switching TCS on and off
Fig. 162 In the centre console: button for switching TCS on and off manually.
If the vehicle does not have sufficient traction, you can switch off TCS in the following situations:
•When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
•When rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud.
Then switch the TCS function back on.
Switching TCS or ESC Sport on and off
Depending on the vehicle equipment, TCS and ESC Sport can be switched off via the Infotainment
system or using the button ⇒ Fig. 162.
When the TCS is switched off, ESC Sport is switched on, or the Off-road or Off-road Individual
driving profiles are active, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster display.
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Driving fast on icy, slippery or
wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the
driver and passengers.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems anti-lock
brake system, brake assist system, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you into taking any risks
when driving.
•The brake support systems cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery and wet roads will
remain dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.
•Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road
surface and aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has
lost contact with the road surface.
•Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if e.g. you are driving too close to
the vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the specific driving situation.
•Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the
vehicle in difficult driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability
of the vehicle depends on the tyre grip.
•When accelerating on a slippery surface, e.g. on ice and snow, press the accelerator
carefully. The wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active, and this
can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.
WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems
which affect driving dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly.
This also applies, but not exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other systems named
above.
•Please always note that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the
function of the anti-lock brake system, brake assist system, TCS, EDL and ESC.
•Alterations to the suspension system or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre
combinations can affect the function of the anti-lock brake system, brake assist
system, EDL, TCS and ESC and reduce their effectiveness.
•Suitable tyres are also crucial if ESC is to function optimally ⇒ Wheels and tyres.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will
have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to
the lack of assistance for the brake system.
WARNING
•Switch off TCS: press the button for around one second.
•Switch on ESC Sport: press the button for longer than three seconds.
•Switch on TCS: press the button again. ESC Sport is switched off.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the event of faults
Do not drive on! Brake system fault. Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒.Lit
up: ABS failure or defect. Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Lit up: ESC switched off by the system. Switch the ignition on and off. Drive a short distance at a
speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph) if necessary. If still lights up, seek expert assistance.
Notes on the brake support systems
If you suspect that there is a malfunction in the systems, read and observe the following notes:
•The ESC and TCS can function properly only if all four wheels are fitted with the same tyres.
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power
unexpectedly.
•If there is a fault in the anti-lock brake system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also stop working.
•Operating noises may be heard during the self-regulation processes of the systems explained
above.
Practical equipment
Stowage areas
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowage compartment on the driver side
⇒ Stowage compartment on the front passenger side
⇒ Stowage compartment in the dash panel
⇒ Stowage compartment in the front centre armrest
⇒ Stowage compartment in the roof console (glasses compartment)
⇒ Folding table
⇒ Drawers
⇒ Coat and bag hooks
Use stowage compartments only to stow light or relatively small objects.
A factory-fitted CD changer, Apple iPod adapter, USB connection or multimedia socket
(MEDIA-IN) may be located in the stowage compartment in the centre armrest.
•If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the
control function of the anti-lock brake system may have failed. This can cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of
control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed
to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid
sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.
•The anti-lock brake system is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp
does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped
using the normal brakes only (without the anti-lock brake system). The protection
provided by the anti-lock brake system is no longer available. Go to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
®
•If necessary, fold back the rear seat backrest and allow it to engage securely.
•If necessary, adjust the headlight range ⇒ Headlights.
•Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the tyre pressure sticker ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, set the new vehicle load level as necessary ⇒ Tyre
monitoring systems.
Do not cover the ventilation openings in the area around the rear window as this prevents
stale air escaping from the vehicle.
Luggage compartment cover
Fig. 181 In the luggage compartment: removing and installing the luggage compartment cover.
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if
objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle
interior. To reduce the risk of accidents, please observe the following guidelines:
•Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely.
•Small and light objects should also be secured.
•Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never
enter the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
•If an item is being stowed on a seat, this seat must not be used by any passengers.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp objects loose in any of the vehicle's open
stowage areas, on the surface behind the rear seat backrest 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.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and increases the braking
distance. 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.
•Never exceed the vehicle's maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of
the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance
of the vehicle.
•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 luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle
as possible.
•Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and change the way the
vehicle handles.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
WARNING
Objects rubbing against the rear windows may damage or destroy the heating wires or,
depending on the vehicle equipment, also the aerial.
NOTICE
Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased
concentration on the part of the driver.
Vehicles with start/stop system
If the connected trailer is not recognised, or when using towing brackets that were not retrofitted by
Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be deactivated manually using the button in the
centre console before starting to tow a trailer, and must remain switched off for as long as the trailer
is being towed ⇒.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm before a trailer is hitched or unhitched or a bicycle
carrier is loaded or unloaded ⇒ Central and manual locking. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger
an alarm unintentionally.
With a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km ⇒ Running in the engine.
Some retro-fitted towing brackets may cover the aperture for fitting the towing eye. If so, the
towing eye cannot be used for towing or tow-starting other vehicles. For this reason, the retro-fitted
towing bracket ball head should be stored in the vehicle at all times.
It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.
DANGER
Improper use of the towing bracket can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and
serious injuries.
•Only use the towing bracket if it is fitted properly and is not damaged.
•Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.
•Wherever possible, swivel in or remove the ball head when a trailer is not being used in
order to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk of injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The
vehicle is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.
WARNING
Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the vehicle handling,
increase the braking distance and lead to accidents.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low
centre of gravity.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt
and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
•Take special care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows
even the slightest sign of snaking.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing a trailer; also 100 km/h (60 mph)
in exceptional cases. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted.
Keep to country-specific speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than
for vehicles without trailers.
•Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket on the vehicle.
WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using
towing brackets that have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur
in the brake system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle).
NOTICE
Technical requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the engine cooling system when trailer towing. The
engine cooling system must contain sufficient engine 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.
Trailer tail light clusters
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
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.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights84 watts
Turn signal per side42 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights42 watts
Rear fog light42 watts
Australia
All brake lights108 watts
Turn signal per side54 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights54 watts
Rear fog light54 watts
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends
additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for
towing a trailer.
Electrically adjustable ball coupling
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached
from the towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•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 carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.
WARNING
•The vehicle electronics may be damaged if the trailer's power consumption is too high.
•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.
NOTICE