
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and
disposed of properly.
12-volt vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Troubleshooting
The 12-volt vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system and serves to supply power in
the vehicle.
You should only carry out work on the electrical system 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 ⇒. All work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Location of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the 12-volt vehicle battery may be located in the engine
compartment or in the luggage compartment under the luggage compartment floor.
Explanation of the warnings on the 12-volt vehicle battery
m/k/n948MKAlways wear eye protection!m/k/n947MKElectrolyte is very corrosive
and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!m/k/n944MKNo fires,
sparks, naked lights or smoking!m/k/n946MKA highly explosive mixture of gases is given
off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is charging!m/k/n945MKAlways keep children away
from battery acid and the 12-volt vehicle battery!m/k/n949MKAlways observe the owner's
manual!
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too
low or by brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
•The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
•The brake fluid should be changed regularly.
•Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system
for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase
braking distance and can cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Please ensure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that is explicitly
compliant with VW standard 501 14.
•Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and
reduce their effectiveness.
•If a brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14 is not available, use a high-quality
brake fluid compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT
4, but only in exceptional circumstances.
•The refilled brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
•In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store
brake fluid. There is always a risk of someone drinking from such containers, even if
they are labelled appropriately.
•Brake fluid must always be stored in its original sealed container and kept out of the
reach of children.
WARNING
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts
and tyres. Wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled immediately from all parts of
the vehicle.
NOTICE

When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or after a
successful jump start, you may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings
and programming) have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary
once the 12-volt vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged.
Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Fig. 232 In the engine compartment: folding open the 12-volt vehicle battery cover.
Fig. 233 Battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older 12-volt vehicle batteries. The 12-volt vehicle battery is
otherwise maintenance-free.
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work:
•Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the
12-volt vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the 12-volt vehicle battery.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the 12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in
particular are protected from acid spillages.
•Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
•When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and
electrostatic charge.
•Never short circuit the battery poles.
•Never use a damaged 12-volt vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged 12-volt vehicle
batteries must be replaced as soon as possible.
•Damaged or frozen 12-volt vehicle batteries must be replaced as soon as possible.
Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around
0°C (+32°F).
•In vehicles with the 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, ensure that the
breather hose is connected properly to the 12-volt vehicle battery.
WARNING
•Do not expose the 12-volt vehicle battery to direct daylight for an extended period as
the UV rays could damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the 12-volt
vehicle battery from frost. If it freezes, it will be destroyed.
NOTICE

Vehicles with auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation and vehicles with the 12-volt
battery in the luggage compartment are fitted with special batteries. The acid level of these 12-volt
vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical reasons. Go to a qualified workshop to have the
12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Preparation (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the engine compartment)
•Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
Opening the cover of the 12-volt vehicle battery
To open, fold the cover open in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 232.
To close, fold the cover against the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 232.
Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle batteries with battery
window)
•Ensure that enough light is available for you to clearly see the colours in the round window on
the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 233 (arrow). Never use naked flames or glowing
matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
•The colour displayed in the round viewer changes according to the electrolyte level in the
battery.
Light yellow or without colourThe electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. The 12-
volt vehicle battery should be checked by a qualified workshop and replaced if necessary.BlackThe
electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is correct.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt
vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If you suspect that the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or faulty, go to a qualified workshop and
have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Charging the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in
factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If a 12-volt vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic
compatibility, size and necessary maintenance, performance and safety requirements for the new
12-volt vehicle battery with a Volkswagen dealership before purchase.
Only maintenance-free 12-volt vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 should be used. These standards must be dated July 2012 or later.
In vehicles with a start/stop system or vehicles with an auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and
ventilation, always have the 12-volt vehicle battery replaced by a qualified workshop, as the vehicle
electronics must be adapted as part of the replacement process. Only qualified workshops have the
technology required to carry out this adjustment correctly. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Disconnecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
Please note the following if the 12-volt vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical
system in the vehicle:
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and
electric shocks.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the 12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in
particular are protected from acid spillages.
•Never tilt the 12-volt vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and
cause chemical burns.
•Never open a 12-volt vehicle battery.
•If acid is spilt in your eye or on your skin, rinse immediately for several minutes with
cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
•If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING

•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.
•Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the anti-theft
alarm.
•First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable ⇒.
Connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable ⇒.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the 12-volt vehicle battery has been connected and the
ignition is switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of approximately
15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a
qualified workshop.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for an extended period, the system may not able to
calculate or correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instrument cluster. Observe
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service.
Vehicles with Keyless Access:⇒ Central locking system: if the ignition cannot be switched on after
connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery, lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside. Then try to start
the ignition again. Please contact an expert if the ignition cannot be switched on.
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system management automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging under high loads:
•The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.
•The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off
completely.
•The power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while
the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system management function cannot always prevent the 12-volt vehicle
battery from discharging. For example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with
the engine off, or when the side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended
period.
Battery switch-off in an accident in which the airbag is triggered
In vehicles with 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the
12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected pyrotechnically in the event of an accident in which the
airbags are triggered. This prevents short-circuiting.
What can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to discharge?
•Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is
switched on.
•The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.
•When the auxiliary heater is being used ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.

Dispose of the 12-volt vehicle battery in accordance with the regulations. 12-volt vehicle
batteries may contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of
them properly.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
12-volt vehicle battery
Fault in the alternator. Go to a qualified workshop. Have the electrical system checked. Switch
off any electrical consumers that are not required. The 12-volt vehicle battery will not be charged by
the alternator while the vehicle is in motion. The start/stop system cannot start the engine.
⇒ Start/stop system
Wheels and tyres
Tyre monitoring systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of tyre monitoring systems
⇒ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
⇒ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
⇒ Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
⇒ Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
The tyre monitoring system warns the
driver when the tyre pressures get too
low.
Incorrectly securing the battery and using incorrect 12-volt vehicle batteries can cause
short circuits, fire and serious injuries.
•Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof 12-volt vehicle batteries that have the
same properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•In vehicles with the 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, ensure that the
breather hose is connected properly to the 12-volt vehicle battery. Make sure that no
open gas discharge openings are located in the area around the positive battery
terminal. If there is an open breather opening in this area, it must be closed off with a
sealing plug. The breather hose must be connected to the open breather opening in the
area of the negative terminal.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is being
charged.
•12-volt vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never charge a 12-volt vehicle battery that is frozen or that has thawed. Discharged 12-
volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
•The 12-volt vehicle battery must be replaced if it has ever been frozen.
•Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable
and then the negative cable.
WARNING
•Never connect or disconnect 12-volt vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or
the engine is running. Never use a 12-volt vehicle battery that does not correspond with
the vehicle's specifications. This can damage the electrical system or electronic
components, which can cause electrical faults.
•Never connect equipment that supplies electric power, such as solar panels or a
battery charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the 12-volt
vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle electrical system.
NOTICE

Maximum load and speed range for tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles in the EU and the so-called EU user states are issued an EC Certificate of Conformity.
This details the size, diameter and speed range of all tyres approved by Volkswagen for the
relevant vehicle type.
The type plate shows whether there is an EC certificate of conformity for this particular vehicle. The
type plate can be seen on the lower part of the door pillar when the door is open ⇒ Technical data.
•If the type plate has a row marked Permit then the vehicle does have an EC certificate of
conformity.
•If there is no type plate, or no row marked Permit the vehicle does not have an EC certificate of
conformity.
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Winter or all-year tyres improve the handling and brake response in winter conditions. Volkswagen
recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F) or in
winter road conditions.
Winter tyres and all-year tyres lose a large degree of their effectiveness for winter conditions when
the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm.
The following applies when using winter tyres:
•Observe any country-specific legal requirements.
•Use winter tyres on all four wheels at the same time.
•Only use in winter road conditions.
•Only use the sizes of tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Winter tyres must have the same belt type, size and the same tread pattern.
•Observe the maximum speed permitted by the speed index ⇒.
Speed limitation
Winter tyres have a speed limit depending on the speed index ⇒ Tyre lettering and tyre type.
Speed warning settings can be made and adjusted in the Infotainment system using the
button and the and Tyres function buttons ⇒ Operation and display in the
Infotainment system.
If you use V-rated tyres, the speed limits and required tyre pressure will be determined by the
engine size. You must ask a Volkswagen dealership about the maximum permitted speed and
required tyre pressure.
Four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, the vehicle will have plenty of traction in winter conditions, even with
the standard tyres. Nevertheless, Volkswagen still recommends that winter tyres or all-year tyres
should be fitted on all 4 wheels in winter, mainly because this will give a better braking response.
Observe information on snow chains⇒ Snow chains.
Summer tyres should be fitted in good time at the end of the winter. The vehicle handling is
better if summer tyres are fitted at temperatures above +7°C (+45°F). They are quieter, do not wear
so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.
In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system has to re-synchronise after
wheels are changed ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Volkswagen dealerships can provide details on permissible winter tyre sizes.
The improved winter driving characteristics afforded by the winter tyres should not
encourage you to take any risks.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the winter tyres that are fitted.
WARNING

If your vehicle has a flat tyre, park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance
from moving traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch
gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be placed fully back in position after changing the
wheel.
Removing and fitting the caps
•Removing: take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook through the opening in the cap ⇒ Fig. 243 and pull off in the direction of
the arrow.
•Fitting: press the caps on the bolts as far as they will go.
The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. It only fits onto the anti-theft wheel bolts and not
onto conventional wheel bolts.
Changing a wheel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel
⇒ Wheel bolts
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered from the factory without a jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the
wheel should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. If both tyres on one side of the vehicle, both tyres on one
axle, or all tyres are damaged, seek expert assistance.
Preparations for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for
changing the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road.
Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from
your area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm. If necessary use a
large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not,
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
•In the case of vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system must be re-
synchronised immediately after new tyres are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
WARNING

Find a firm and level surface suitable for lifting the vehicle.
Stop the engine, with a manual gearbox select a gear or with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox
move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox and switch on the
electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
Chock both wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle using the collapsible chocks or
other suitable objects.
Loosen the wheel bolts Wheel bolts.
Find the jacking point under the vehicle which is closest to the wheel that is being
changed.
Insert the hand crank into the opening on the jack (depending on equipment).
Crank up the jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.
Ensure that the entire surface of the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground, and
that the foot of the jack is positioned fully underneath the point of application and .
Position the jack and simultaneously continue to crank the claw up until it is in position
around the vertical rib underneath the vehicle .
The tightening torque should be checked with a properly functioning torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
Lifting the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 246 Lifting points for the jack.
Fig. 247 Vehicle jack at the rear left-hand side of the vehicle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The jack may be positioned only at the reinforcements on the underbody, which are located behind
the markings on the body ⇒ Fig. 246. Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel you are
working on ⇒.
Checklist
For your own safety, carry out the following points in the specified order ⇒:
Incorrectly tightened wheel bolts can loosen while the vehicle is in motion and cause
accidents, serious injury, and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Only use wheel bolts that belong to the wheel.
•Never use different wheel bolts.
•The wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs must be clean, free from oil and grease,
and turn easily.
•Always use the box spanner placed in the vehicle at the factory to loosen and tighten
the wheel bolts.
•Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with
the vehicle jack.
•Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub. This could
cause them to loosen while the vehicle is in motion, even if the required torque setting
is used.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel bolts and rims can
loosen while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel bolts and threads can be damaged if
the tightening torque is too high.
WARNING