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.
If the tyre pressure is too low, this will increase fuel consumption and tyre wear.
When new tyres are driven at high speeds for the first time, they can expand slightly and
trigger a one-off pressure warning.
Old tyres should only be replaced by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen for the
vehicle type.
Do not rely solely on the tyre monitoring system. Check your tyres regularly to ensure that
they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and
blisters. Remove any objects that become embedded in the tyre tread but have not penetrated into
the body of the tyre itself.
Types of tyre monitoring systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
There are two different tyre monitoring systems available for this vehicle. Their differing features are
described below:
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
•Monitoring of various parameters (for example rolling circumference) of all wheels using ABS
sensors (indirect measurement).
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
•Monitoring of the tyre pressure by means of pressure sensors on each tyre valve (direct
measurement). Tyre valve made of metal.
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Functional description
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator uses data from the ABS sensors and other functions to check the
speed of rotation and the rolling circumference of the individual wheels.
The rolling circumference can change:
•If the tyre pressure has been changed.
•If the tyre pressure is too low.
•If the tyre has structural damage.
•If the vehicle is loaded more heavily on one side.
•If snow chains have been fitted.
•If a temporary spare wheel has been fitted.
•If one wheel per axle has been changed.
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator may react with a delay or not display anything at all in the
event of a sporty driving style, when driving on snow-covered or icy roads or unpaved roads or
when driving with snow chains.
Synchronising the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the button or function button, depending on version ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
The intelligent tyre monitoring system technology cannot overcome the laws of physics,
and functions only within the limits of the system. Incorrect handling of the wheels and
tyres can lead to a sudden loss of pressure in the tyres, tread separation and even tyre
blow-out.
•Check tyre pressures regularly and always maintain the specified tyre pressure value
⇒ Tyre pressure. If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature
will increase to such an extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Always maintain the correct cold tyre pressure as specified on the sticker ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•Check the tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold. If necessary, adjust the tyre
pressure in the cold tyre to the recommended tyre pressure for the tyres installed on
your vehicle ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Check your tyres regularly for signs of wear or damage.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
WARNING
•Open the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Tyres function button.
•Touch the SET function button.
•When all four tyre pressures correspond to the required values, touch the Confirm function
button.
After an extended driving time with driving at different speeds, the system will automatically learn
the new values and monitor them.
•If the tyre pressures have been changed.
•If one or more wheels have been changed.
•If the wheels have been swapped round, e.g. from front to rear ⇒ Rotating wheels front to rear.
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator stops working if there is a fault in the ESC or ABS ⇒ Brake
support systems.
After a warning about the tyre pressure being too low, switch the ignition off and then back
on again. The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator can only then be re-synchronised.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Fig. 234 Typical display in the instrument cluster: current tyre pressures.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 234:
Target pressure in bar.
Actual pressure in bar.
Loss in pressure in front left.
System fault for rear right tyre.
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the tyre pressure of the four wheels while
the vehicle is in motion using pressure sensors on the tyres. The system warns the driver in the
event of a pressure loss.
Display of tyre pressures on the instrument cluster
Open the menu Vehicle status in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Instrument cluster. The vehicle
is displayed with the target and actual pressures of all the wheels ⇒ Fig. 234.
When the ignition is switched on, the last measured tyre pressures will be displayed first; these
values will be updated when the journey is started. If the tyre pressure is too low, the respective
actual values and the affected tyres will be marked ⇒ Fig. 234.
If the tyres are in rest state, the sensors will not transmit any tyre pressures. This stops the sensor
batteries discharging.
If no tyre pressures are transmitted, the last received values are shown in grey.
Switching the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System on and off
Observe any country-specific legal requirements for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
If a set of tyres is fitted to the vehicle where the tyres either do not have wheel sensors or have
wheel sensors that are not compatible with the vehicle, the indicator lamp will flash for
approximately one minute and then light up steadily. The tyre pressures will not be monitored. The
system cannot be switched off.
Adjusting the tyre pressure
Following any relevant change in the vehicle load, the tyre pressure must be checked and altered
as necessary. The tyre pressures recommended for the vehicle are on a sticker on the driver door
pillar or on the inside of the tank flap ⇒ Tyre pressure.
1)
Driving on unpaved roads for long periods, or a sporty driving style, can temporarily
deactivate the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator. The indicator lamp shows the malfunction, but
disappears if the road conditions or driving style change.
Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit up
•Do not drive on!
•Check all wheels for exterior damage or foreign bodies that have entered the tyres.
•Check the tyre pressure for all tyres ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Change the wheel or drive at a low speed to the nearest qualified workshop.
•Check and adjust the tyre pressure for all tyres ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Change the wheel or drive at a low speed to the nearest qualified workshop.
•Avoid long journeys and high speeds as long as the warning is displayed.
•Check ⇒ Tyre pressure and adjust the tyre pressure for all tyres.
Flashes
•Switch off or avoid any disruptive sources, e.g. two-way radios, remote controls or children's
toys.
•Switch the ignition off and then back on again. If the problem persists, seek expert assistance.
Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyre damage, tyre
failure, loss of vehicle control, accidents, serious injury and death.
•If the indicator lamp lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and check all
the tyres ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
•Different tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can increase wear on the
tyres, reduce vehicle stability and increase the braking distance.
•Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause sudden tyre
failure and lead to a tyre bursting and the loss of control over the vehicle.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre pressure of all tyres on the vehicle. The
recommended tyre pressure can be found on a sticker ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•The tyre monitoring system cannot function correctly until all cold tyres have the
correct tyre pressure.
•The pressure in all tyres must always be appropriate to the vehicle load ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•Always inflate all tyres to the correct tyre pressure before every journey ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•If the vehicle is driven with insufficient tyre pressure, this results in greater tyre flexing.
This could warm up the tyre to such an extent that the tread may separate and the tyre
could burst. This could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
•High speeds and overloading of the vehicle may cause the tyres to heat up to such an
extent that the tyre bursts, leading you to lose control of the vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the
vehicle will not handle well.
•If the tyre is not flat and it is not necessary to change the wheel immediately, drive at
low speed to the nearest qualified workshop and check and correct the tyre pressure
⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
WARNING
Removing the spare wheel
•Open the boot lid.
•Raise or fold forward the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Boot lid.
•Pull the wedge of the locating element ⇒ Fig. 239① upwards and out.
•Unscrew the handwheel in the middle of the spare wheel ② anticlockwise fully and remove the
spare wheel.
Storing the removed wheel
•Open the boot lid and raise the luggage compartment floor or fold it forwards.
•Place the removed wheel into the spare wheel well with the rim facing downwards so that the
central hole in the rim positioned exactly above the threaded pin.
•Screw the handwheel ⇒ Fig. 239② clockwise onto the threaded pin until the replaced wheel is
firmly secured.
•Insert the locating element wedge ① into the slot of the threaded pin so that the handwheel can
no longer be turned.
If the spare wheel tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on
the vehicle
If the spare wheel tyre differs from the other tyres on the vehicle, the spare wheel must be used
only in the event of a tyre failure and for a short time ⇒.
Follow these guidelines:
•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Snow chains.
•The tyre pressure must be checked as soon as possible after fitting the spare wheel or
temporary spare wheel ⇒ Tyre pressure.
Tyre lettering and tyre type
Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control of
the vehicle, to collisions or other accidents and cause serious injuries.
•Never use a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the
tread wear indicators.
•Some vehicles may be equipped with a temporary spare wheel instead of a spare
wheel. The temporary spare wheel can be recognised by a sticker and the text 80 km/h
or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive with this
tyre. The sticker must remain in place throughout the wheel's service life.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Do not accelerate quickly, brake suddenly or
drive at high speed through bends.
•Never drive further than 200 km with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive
axle.
•The temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as
possible. The temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only.
•The temporary spare wheel must always be secured firmly with the wheel bolts
supplied by the factory.
•Never drive using more than one spare wheel that is a different size than the original
tyres.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel.
•Do not fit a temporary spare wheel to the rear axle when towing a trailer ⇒.
WARNING
The spare wheel is not fitted with a tyre pressure sensor. If the spare wheel is used with
tyre pressure sensor, the tyre monitoring system indicator lamp will flash in the instrument
cluster display after approximately ten minutes ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
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
Dispose of used or out-of-date sealant in accordance with legal requirements.
You can get a new tyre filler bottle from a Volkswagen dealership.
Observe the separate instructions from the manufacturer of the breakdown set.
Contents of the breakdown set
Fig. 249 The breakdown set.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The breakdown set is located underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment. It
includes the following components ⇒ Fig. 249:
Valve core extractor.
Sticker with the maximum permitted speed max. 80 km/h or max. 50 mph.
Filler hose with plug.
Air compressor.
On/off switch
Air bleed screw.
Tyre pressure display.
Using the breakdown set can be dangerous, especially if the tyres are inflated at the
roadside. 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 fill the tyre.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm.
•All passengers, and children in particular, must be at a safe distance and away from
your area of work.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•The breakdown set should only be used if you feel confident with carrying out the
procedure. If not, seek expert assistance.
•Tyres repaired with the breakdown set are intended for temporary, emergency use
only. They should only be used until you can reach the nearest qualified workshop.
•Tyres that have been repaired using the breakdown set should be replaced as soon as
possible.
•Sealant is hazardous to health and must be washed off immediately if it gets onto the
skin.
•The breakdown set must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Never use a vehicle jack, even if it is approved for the vehicle.
•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.
WARNING
Tyres that have been filled with sealant will not handle in the same way as a standard tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Drive for just 10 minutes at no more than 80 km/h (50 mph) and then check the tyre.
WARNING
1)
1)