Fig. 192 On the right of the luggage compartment: button for releasing the ball coupling.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing bracket coupling ball is located in the bumper. The electrically adjustable ball couple is
swivelled out mechanically and cannot be removed.
Releasing and swivelling out ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is released electrically and folds out automatically. The indicator lamp in the button
flashes.
•Continue rotating the ball head until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp
in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Swivelling in the ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Uncouple the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the
trailer. If fitted, remove the adapter from the trailer socket.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is electrically unlocked.
•Swivel the ball head under the bumper until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator
lamp in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Meaning of indicator lamp in the button
•If the indicator lamp in the button ⇒ Fig. 192 is lit up permanently when the boot lid is open, the
ball head is correctly engaged in the extended or retracted position.
•If the indicator lamp in the button flashes, the ball head has either not clicked into place properly
or it is damaged ⇒.
•The indicator lamp in the button goes out approximately one minute after the luggage
compartment is closed.
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.
•Only use the ball head if it has clicked into place properly.
•Ensure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball head.
•Never interrupt the ball head, for example with tools, when it is swivelling.
•Never press the button ⇒ Fig. 192 if a trailer is attached or if a luggage rack or other
accessories are fitted to the ball head.
•If the ball coupling does not engage properly or there is a fault in the electrical system
or the towing bracket itself, do not use the towing bracket and have it checked by an
authorised workshop.
•Never use the towing bracket if the diameter of the ball is below 49 mm at the smallest
point.
WARNING
Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the mechanically
positioned ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket. Seals could be damaged or the grease
required for lubrication could be washed off.
NOTICE
At extremely low outside temperatures, the electric ball head might not rotate. If this
happens, it is sufficient to place the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a garage.
Fitting a bicycle carrier on the swivelling ball head
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Mount the bicycle carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
Only carrier systems which can hold a maximum of three bicycles may be used ⇒. Position
heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle (ball head) as possible.
Maximum carrying load
The maximum permitted load (carrier system including load) on the ball coupling is 75 kg at a
distance of 300 mm. This distance refers to the gap between the centre of gravity of the bicycle
carrier and the middle of the ball head.
Volkswagen recommends that you remove all add-on parts from the bicycles before setting
off. This includes for example bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve
the carrier system's wind load and centre of gravity.
Notes on towing a trailer
Fig. 193 Pin assignment for the trailer socket (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Pin assignment for the trailer socket ⇒ Fig. 193:
Left turn signal
Rear fog light
Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Right turn signal
Rear light, right
Brake light
Incorrect use of the towing bracket with a bicycle carrier fitted to the ball head could
cause injuries and accidents.
•Never exceed the specified load and overhang.
•Do not attach a bicycle carrier underneath the ball head on the neck of the ball head.
The shape of the ball head neck and the design of the bicycle carrier could result in the
bicycle carrier becoming misaligned with the vehicle.
•Read and observe the assembly instructions provided by the bicycle carrier
manufacturer.
WARNING
Considerable vehicle damage could occur if the maximum permitted payload or overhang
is exceeded.
•Never exceed the specified values.
NOTICE
Trailer towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to blind other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
automatic headlight range adjustment are adjusted automatically.
Things to note when driving with a trailer
•If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
•The combination weight causes the braking distance to increase.
•Engage a lower gear prior to inclines (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the automatic
gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
•The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
•The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable.
When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope,
depending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Press button once to switch off the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
•Select first gear ⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or selector lever position D/S⇒ DSG dual
clutch gearbox.
•Pull on the button and hold it in this position to hold the vehicle and trailer with the
electronic parking brake.
•Release the brake pedal.
•Pull away slowly. To do this, slowly release the clutch pedal for a manual gearbox.
•Only let go of the button when the engine has sufficient power to move off.
Trailer stabilisation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to lurch from side to side
and can provide countersteer.
Trailer stabilisation is a subsidiary function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
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Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
•Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle
handles and increase the braking distance.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•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 try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Keep to speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than for vehicles
without trailers.
WARNING
If a lurching motion is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the
trailer's rocking motion using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
•The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
•Electronic Stability Control and the traction control system (TCS) are active. The indicator lamp
or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
•The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
•The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
•The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
•Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 194 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
•Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
WARNING
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
•Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
•Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function
and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
•A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle
is equipped with trailer stabilisation.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
•Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if
the trailer socket is being used without a trailer (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Turn the light switch to position 0 Lights.
Move the turn signal lever to neutral position Lights.
Move the automatic gearbox 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.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
Switch off the orientation lighting Lights.
Leave the defective bulbs to cool down.
You can change the following bulbs yourself:
•Bulbs in the halogen headlight: dipped beam, main beam, daytime running light, side light, turn
signal.
•Bulbs in front bumper: fog lights, static cornering light.
•Bulbs in the tail light clusters: rear turn signal, if it does not feature LED technology (depending
on vehicle equipment level).
All other bulbs and lamps in the vehicle should always be changed by an expert.
Additional bulb specifications
Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different
to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
LED bulbs on the vehicle
•Brake light, rear fog light, tail light, turn signal and reversing light in the tail light clusters.
•Dipped beam, main beam, daytime running lights, static cornering light, side lights and turn
signal.
•Number plate light.
Owners cannot replace the LEDs themselves. If some LEDs fail, this may be an indication that
more elements are on the point of failure. If this happens, have the bulbs checked and replaced if
necessary at a qualified workshop.
Checklist Information on changing bulbs
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order ⇒:
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have
difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
WARNING
Changing the bulb incorrectly can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•When working in the engine compartment, always read and observe the safety
warnings ⇒ In the engine compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
•H7/H15 bulbs are pressurised and could explode when they are being changed.
•Only change the defective bulb once it has had time to cool down completely.
•Never change a bulb unless you are familiar with the procedure. If you are uncertain of
what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. When the light is
switched on, heat will cause fingerprints to evaporate on the bulb, which in turn will
cause the reflector to dim.
•There are sharp-edged parts in the headlight housing in the engine compartment and
on the tail light cluster housing. Protect your hands when changing bulbs.
WARNING
Damage to the electrical system can be caused by water entering the system if the rubber
covers or plastic caps on the headlight housing are not properly mounted after a bulb has
been changed.
NOTICE
•Push the retaining lugs ⇒ Fig. 208① upwards in the direction of the arrow whilst opening the
stowage compartment until the fuse carrier can be accessed.
•To install, press the stowage compartment into the mounts on the dash panel until it audibly
clicks into place on both sides and then close the compartment.
Right-hand drive: opening the fuse box in the dash panel
•Open the stowage compartment on the front passenger side and remove the contents if
necessary ⇒ Fig. 209.
•Slide the braking element ⇒ Fig. 209① downwards into the opening in the holder and pull it
out sideways.
•Push catches ⇒ Fig. 209② upwards in the direction of the arrow whilst opening the stowage
compartment further.
•To install: bring storage compartment into position. Insert the brake element in the holder
opening and push upwards until it audibly engages. Carefully push the stowage compartment
forwards beyond the resistance of the catches ⇒ Fig. 209②.
Fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 210 In the engine compartment: cover ① of fuse box with plastic pliers ②.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening the fuse box in the engine compartment
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Press the release buttons in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 210① to release the fuse box
cover.
•Lift off the cover.
•To install, position the cover on the fuse box and press it downwards until the cover audibly
clicks into place on both sides.
In some vehicles, there is a pair of plastic pliers ⇒ Fig. 210② for removing fuses on the inside of
the cover of the fuse box in the engine compartment.
Fuse table for fuses in the dash panel
•Remove the covers for the fuse boxes carefully and install them again properly so as to
avoid damage to the vehicle.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture
in the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE
•Remove the covers for the fuse boxes carefully and install them again properly so as to
avoid damage to the vehicle.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture
in the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE
Fig. 211 In the dash panel: fuse layout.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The table shows the fuse locations of the electrical equipment relevant for the driver. The first
column in the table contains the location. The other columns contain the fuse designs, the amp
rating and the consumer protected by the fuse.
Depending on the market and specification of your vehicle, the fuse numbers and positions may
differ to those given in the table. If necessary ask your Volkswagen dealership for the exact fuse
layout.
Fuse
location
⇒ Fig. 211
Fuse
design
Amp
rating
Electrical consumers
F4MINI10Anti-theft alarm.
F6MINI10Selector mechanism for the automatic gearbox
F7MINI10Control unit for air conditioning system or heating and
fresh air system, rear window heating relay
F8MINI10Light switch (dipped headlights), rain/light sensor,
electronic parking brake
F10MINI7,5Display, Infotainment controls
F11ATO40Exterior lights, left
F12ATO20Infotainment services
F14ATO40Blower control
F16MINI7,5Telephone
F22ATO15Charging cable for the trailer
F23JCASE30Electric glass roof
F24ATO40Exterior lights, right
F26ATO30Seat heating
F27ATO30Interior lighting
F28ATO25Left trailer controller unit
F38ATO25Right trailer controller unit
F40ATO20Cigarette lighter, electrical socket
F42ATO40Central locking
F44ATO15Trailer controller unit
F47ATO15Rear wiper
F51ATO25Seat heating at rear
F53ATO30Rear window heating
The electric windows and the electrically adjustable seats may be secured with circuit
breakers which switch on again automatically a few seconds after the overload, e.g. frozen
windows, has been rectified.
Observe the installation position. Factory-fitted fuse location as shown in illustration ⇒ Fig. 211.
Fuse tables for fuses in the engine compartment
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Fig. 212 Engine compartment: fuse layout.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The table shows the fuse locations of the electrical equipment relevant for the driver. The first
column in the table contains the location. The other columns contain the fuse designs, the amp
rating and the consumer protected by the fuse.
Fuse
location
⇒ Fig. 212
Fuse
design
Amp
rating
Electrical consumers
F6ATO5Brake light sensor
F14JCASE40Windscreen heating
F15ATO15Horn
F19ATO30Windscreen wipers
F37ATO20Auxiliary heater
Depending on the version and specification of your vehicle, the fuse numbers and positions
may differ to those given in the table. If necessary, ask a qualified workshop for the exact fuse
layout. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
Changing a blown fuse
Fig. 213 Blown fuse: flat blade fuse, JCASE® fuse.
Fig. 214 Remove or insert fuse with plastic pliers: : flat blade fuse, : JCASE® fuse.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fuse designs
•Standard flat blade fuse (ATO).
•Small flat blade fuse (MINI).
•JCASE fuse.
Colour coding of fuses
ColourAmp rating in ampere (ATO
/ MINI)
Amp rating in ampere
(JCASE)
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