This chapter does not refer to all the fuses in the vehicle. These should be changed only by
a qualified workshop.
Fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 208 Dash panel on the driver side: fuse box cover.
Fig. 209 Fuse box cover in the dash panel: right-hand drive vehicle, on the front passenger side.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Left-hand drive: opening the fuse box in the dash panel
•Open the stowage compartment on the driver side ⇒ Fig. 208.
•Empty stowage compartment if necessary.
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, serious burns and death.
•Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
•Avoid causing short circuits in the electrical system.
WARNING
Using unsuitable or repaired fuses and bridging an electrical circuit without fuses can
cause a fire and serious injuries.
•Never fit fuses that have a higher fuse protection limit. Fuses must always be replaced
by a new fuse with the same amp rating (same colour and markings) and size.
•Never repair a fuse.
•Never use a metal strip, paper clip or similar objects to replace a fuse.
WARNING
•To avoid damage to the electrical system in the vehicle, switch the ignition, the lights
and all electrical consumers off and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock
before changing a fuse.
•You can damage another position in the electrical system by using a fuse with a higher
amp rating.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture
in the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In vehicles with a 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, there is a jump lead
connection point (positive terminal) ⇒ Fig. 216⊕ under a cover in the engine compartment for
connecting the red jump lead.
The vehicle can be jump-started or be used to jump-start another vehicle only via this jump lead
connection point.
Jump starting the vehicle
Fig. 217 Diagram for connecting the jump leads (12-volt vehicle battery in the engine
compartment).
Fig. 218 Diagram showing how to connect jump leads on the vehicle providing the jump start (12-
volt battery in luggage compartment).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 217 and ⇒ Fig. 218:
Vehicle with discharged 12-volt vehicle battery that is being jump-started.
Vehicle with 12-volt vehicle battery that is supplying power and jump-starting the other
vehicle.
Suitable earth connection: preferably the jump lead connection point (earth connection), a
solid metal part which is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or the cylinder block itself.
The discharged 12-volt vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical
system.
The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are
connected.
Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again
after about a minute.
If the engine still does not start, seek expert assistance.
Connecting jump leads (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the engine
compartment)
The jump leads should only be connected in the order A – B – C – D⇒ Fig. 217.
The black jump lead should never be connected to the negative terminal (–) on the 12-volt vehicle
battery. Connecting the lead to the negative terminal can cause incorrect condition evaluation of the
12-volt vehicle battery in the vehicle electronics.
•Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
•Open the cover on the 12-volt vehicle battery in the engine compartment, if a cover is installed
⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
•Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal (+) of the vehicle with the
discharged 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 217①⇒.
Tow-starting or towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing
⇒ Fitting the rear towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye (R-Line)
⇒ Driving notes when towing
Tow-starting is where a vehicle is started from it being set in motion by a vehicle that is hitched up
to it.
Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled away with the aid of another vehicle.
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged 12-volt battery must not be towed.⇒ Jump
starting
Vehicles with Keyless Access must only be towed with the ignition switched on.
Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the 12-
volt vehicle battery. Depending on the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery, the drop in voltage
can be large enough after just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer
function, e.g. the hazard warning lights.
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode,
which can lead to serious injuries. Please observe the following in order to reduce the risk
of the 12-volt vehicle battery exploding:
•All work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ 12-
volt vehicle battery.
•Always wear suitable eye protection and gloves and never lean over the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by
the negative.
•Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump
lead attached to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery must not touch
electrically conductive parts of the vehicle.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with battery in the engine compartment: check the battery
window on the 12-volt vehicle battery. Use a torch for this if necessary. If the display is
light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the 12-volt vehicle battery. The explosive
gas emitted from the 12-volt vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
•Do not carry out jump starting if the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has
ever been frozen.
WARNING
Once the vehicle has been successfully jump-started, go to a qualified workshop and have
the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
NOTICE
Notes on tow-starting and towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope, tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must only use tow bars that are specially designed
to fit a ball head ⇒ Trailer towing.
Tow-starting
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Instead have the vehicle jump-started
⇒ Jump starting or collected by a recovery vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started:
•Engage second or third gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•The vehicle gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.
•The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. The steering system is still locked and the electronic
parking brake and electronic steering column lock, if applied, cannot be released.
•The distance to be towed is further than 50 km.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition or switch off the ignition using the
starter button during towing. This could cause the mechanical steering column lock
(steering lock) or the electronic steering column lock to engage suddenly. You will no
longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change
significantly. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious
injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the
brake servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is
pulling your vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE
Safety notes for working in the engine compartment
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine
compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. You should only carry out work on
the engine, and in the engine compartment, if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks,
are aware of the general safety procedures and have access to the correct equipment, service
fluids and suitable tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious injuries ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must
be on a level, the wheels chocked, and the vehicle key removed from the ignition lock
as required.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra
support for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail,
which can lead to serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be
carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not
been carried out properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Hot steam or hot coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you
can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Observe the following points before opening the bonnet once the engine has cooled
down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and other injuries.
- Slowly and carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank anticlockwise
while exerting gentle downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries
and death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The 12-volt battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
- Never touch the electrical wiring and connections of gas discharge bulbs.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the selector lever to
position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and
stopping the engine.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other service fluids on the ground, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of
properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in
the engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the
rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can
start automatically, even if the ignition has been switched off and the vehicle key has
been removed from the ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
poly V-belts, alternator, radiator fan etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Always be particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long
hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work,
remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid
them getting caught in the engine compartment.
- Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and
fires.
WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and
hence cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the
electrical system:
- Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When topping up or changing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service
fluids into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
Before changing the engine oil, first find out where old oil can be disposed of properly near
you.
Used oil must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection of the
environment. Never dispose of old oil in locations such as gardens, woods, sewerage systems, on
streets and roads, or in rivers and waterways.
Engine oil consumption
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of
an engine.
The vehicle may consume up to 1.0 litre of engine oil per 2,000 km, depending on how you drive
and the conditions in which the car is used. In new vehicles, consumption is likely to be higher for
the first 5,000 km. The engine oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably
when refuelling and before long journeys.
When the engine is working hard, the engine oil level should be kept within the upper permissible
area ⇒ Fig. 227Ⓒ, for instance during extended motorway journeys in summer, when towing a
trailer ⇒ Trailer towing, or when climbing mountain passes.
Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
Fig. 227 Engine oil level markings on the oil dipstick.
Fig. 228 In the engine compartment: engine oil filler cap (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 227:
Engine oil level too high – follow the messages in the instrument cluster display or contact
a qualified workshop, if necessary.
If, in exceptional cases, you have to carry out an oil change yourself, please note the
following:
•Always wear eye protection.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely to avoid burns.
•Avoid raising your arms when removing the oil drain plug with your fingers to help
prevent oil from running down your arm.
•Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be at least large enough to
hold the entire quantity of engine oil required for refilling.
•Never store engine oil in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain engine
oil.
•Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
WARNING
•Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the
engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive
on. Seek professional assistance.
•If you can see coolant residue in the coolant expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains
stable.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. Do
not fill above the top edge of the marked area⇒.
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the required specification ⇒ Coolant
specification, do not use any other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water⇒
only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as possible ⇒ Coolant
specification.
Brake fluid
Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of
the engine compartment. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet.
Hot components can burn the skin.
•The following points should be noted before opening the bonnet once the engine has
cooled down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and other injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anti-clockwise while exerting gentle
downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the
engine due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine
failure. If any other type of water than distilled water is refilled, the fluid in the cooling
system should be completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 229. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could
cause damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air
could have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure
to do so can result in engine damage.
•When topping up service fluids, please ensure that you pour the correct service fluids
into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE