First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps light up
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Risk of engine overheating. The engine speed will be automatically
restricted. The engine speed is shown on the instrument cluster display. The engine speed control
is lifted when the engine is no longer in a critical temperature range and the foot is taken off the
accelerator. and Engine speed limitation is initiated due to a fault in the engine
management system. Make sure that you do not exceed the displayed engine speed. The engine
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Exhaust system fault. Have
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Particulate filter has become saturated with
soot. Drive in fourth gear (manual gearbox) or in selector lever position D (DSG dual clutch
gearbox) at a speed of at least 70 km/h (44 mph) for approximately 15 minutes. Observe the valid
speed limits. Go to the nearest qualified workshop if the indicator lamp still does not go out.
m/k/a997MKVehicles with diesel engine
Indicator lamps flash.
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Engine management system has detected misfiring, which damages the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed immediately and drive carefully to the nearest qualified
workshop. Have the engine checked.
Unauthorised vehicle keys
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been inserted in the ignition lock it can be removed as follows:
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: press the lock button in the
selector lever and release. Pull the vehicle key out of the ignition lock.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a manual gearbox: remove the vehicle key from the ignition
lock.
Emergency start function
Use the emergency start function if no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior. A
corresponding display will appear in the instrument cluster. This could be the case, for example, if
the button cell in the vehicle key is weak or discharged:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Hold the vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim directly after pressing the starter
button ⇒ Fig. 120.
•The ignition is switched on automatically, and in some cases the engine is started.
Emergency deactivation
If the engine cannot be switched off by pressing the starter button briefly, an emergency switch-off
procedure is required:
•Press the starter button twice within a few seconds or press and hold once.
•The engine switches off automatically ⇒.
Immobiliser malfunction
A message will be displayed in the instrument cluster if an unauthorised vehicle key is used or there
is a fault in the system. The engine cannot be started. Use an authorised vehicle key or seek expert
assistance.
Start/stop system
Fig. 121 In the lower part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system.
The start/stop system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is coming to a stop
and when stationary. When required, the engine restarts automatically.
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•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever
positions have a light background. The DSG dual clutch gearbox is running in an emergency
programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced
speed and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.
In all cases you should have the DSG dual clutch gearbox checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating of the DSG dual clutch gearbox
The DSG dual clutch gearbox can become too hot, for example, if the vehicle pulls off
frequently, drives at crawling speed for long periods, or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is
indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases by a text message in the instrument cluster
display. A signal tone may also be given. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down ⇒
.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Downhill speed control
If the vehicle is being held on the Auto Hold function, the green indicator lamp lights up.
Switch off Auto Hold if necessary ⇒ Auto Hold function.
The Hill Descent Control system in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox helps when braking
and travelling downhill ⇒. This system uses the braking power of the engine, rather than the
brakes directly.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox selects the best gear for the circumstances, depending on the
steepness of the hill and the current speed. The selector lever must be in position D/S. The downhill
speed control is not active in Tiptronic mode.
As the downhill speed control system can shift down only as far as third gear, it may be necessary
to activate the Tiptronic mode when driving down particularly steep inclines. When in Tiptronic
mode, select second or first gear manually in order to make use of the braking effect of the engine
and to relieve the load on the brakes.
The start/stop system is automatically deactivated as long as downhill speed control is active.
Activating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient is greater than approximately 6%.
•AND: if the selector lever is in position D/S.
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Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the electronic parking brake is not
switched on. Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an incline,
which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will become damaged if the vehicle is allowed to roll for a
long period of time or at a high speed (for example while being towed) with the selector
lever in position N and the engine switched off.
NOTICE
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•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the text message and signal tone are repeated every ten seconds, the vehicle must be
parked safely immediately and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the acoustic
warning stops. You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while
the gearbox is overheated.
NOTICE
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Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering
movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only functions when the engine is running.
In urban driving, smaller steering movements are required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning
sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Do not drive on! Electromechanical steering not functioning. The steering must be
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Electromechanical steering function
reduced. The steering must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. If the yellow
warning lamp remains off after the engine has been restarted and you have driven a short distance,
you do not need to consult a qualified workshop.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
and reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
The indicator lamps flash.
Steering column twisted. Turn the steering wheel back and forth.Steering column not
locked or unlocked. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock and switch the ignition back on
again. Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display. Do not continue your
journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched on. Seek expert
assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD)
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control)
⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
⇒ Troubleshooting
The driving profile selection contains
factory-defined driving profiles which
have different effects on the vehicle
setup. You can also set your own
vehicle setup by means of an individual
driving profile.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles depends on the vehicle equipment.
The settings available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with a front-wheel drive come with
ONROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD), while vehicles with all-wheel
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering column lock may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the
vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with
assistance when steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at
all times. Counter steering assistance does not steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be
used.
NOTICE
Clean the turn signals, headlight system, the number plate and all windows.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system,
on the wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as
branches, leaves or pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a
qualified workshop.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting the engine operation In the
engine compartment.
Switch off OFF-ROAD mode Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
If your vehicle gets stuck
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Rocking out a vehicle requires a great deal of training and feeling for the vehicle.
If you make a mistake when rocking the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance to
get out of the mud.
When you cannot proceed ...
•Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the
sand.
•Engage reverse gear.
•Reverse over your own tracks, accelerating gently.
If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to
increase grip ⇒.
Rocking the vehicle
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
•Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
•Quickly select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
•Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
•Switch the TCS on after the rocking procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Use the Off-road driving profile.
After off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never drive through a ditch if the entry/exit angle is too steep for the vehicle and the ditch
is too deep. The vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll.
WARNING
If you drive into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The underbody of
your vehicle could get stuck and damaged which means that the vehicle could break
down. It is then almost impossible to get out of the ditch despite having all-wheel drive.
NOTICE
Nobody may stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting
to free a stuck vehicle.
•Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that
are in front or behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
•People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle
starts to move suddenly.
WARNING
The warning lamp and a message are displayed on the instrument cluster display in the event
of malfunctions.
If the malfunction cannot be rectified by one of the listed measures, switch off ACC and go to a
qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
ACC is not available, the radar sensor does not have sufficient visibility
•The radar sensor is dirty. Clean the radar sensor ⇒ Vehicle care.
•The visibility of the radar sensor is impaired by add-on parts, the trim frames of number plate
holders or stickers. Keep the area around the radar sensor free.
•The radar sensor has been displaced or damaged, e.g. due to damage to the front of the
vehicle. Check whether damage is visible ⇒ Repairs and technical modifications.
•Fault or malfunction. Switch off and restart the engine.
•Structural modifications have been made to the front of the vehicle.
•The genuine Volkswagen badge is not used.
ACC does not function as expected
•The radar sensor is dirty. Clean the radar sensor ⇒ Vehicle care.
•The visibility of the radar sensor is impaired due to the weather conditions, e.g. snow, or due to
detergent deposits or coatings. Clean the radar sensor ⇒ Vehicle care.
•The system limits are not met ⇒ System limits.
•The brakes have overheated, control was interrupted automatically. Allow the brakes to cool
down and check functioning again.
Control cannot be started
•A forward gear other than first gear is selected (manual gearbox) or the selector lever is in
selector lever position D or the Tiptronic gate.
•The speed is at least 25 km/h (16 mph) in the case of vehicles with manual gearbox.
•The brake lights on the vehicle and trailer ⇒ are working.
•ESC is not regulating.
•The brake pedal is not depressed.
Unusual noises during the automatic braking operation are normal and not a sign that there
is a fault.
Area monitoring system (Front Assist)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning levels and braking intervention
⇒ Operating the area monitoring system (Front Assist)
⇒ Pedestrian Monitoring
⇒ System limits
⇒ Troubleshooting
The area monitoring system (Front
Assist) with City Emergency Braking
System can help to avoid accidents.
Within the limits of the system, Front Assist can warn the driver about imminent collisions, prepare
the vehicle for emergency braking, assist with braking, and initiate automatic braking. The warning
time varies depending on the traffic situation and driver behaviour.
Front Assist is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
Driving with Front Assist
You can cancel the automatic braking interventions of Front Assist by steering or pressing the
accelerator.
Automatic braking
Front Assist can decelerate the vehicle to a standstill. The vehicle will then not be held
permanently. Depress the brake pedal.
The brake pedal will feel harder during an automatic braking operation.
Radar sensor
Front Assist detects driving situations by means of the radar sensor at the front of the vehicle
⇒ Front view. The range of the radar sensor is up to approximately 120 m.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster display
Fault in electronic parking brake. Go to a qualified workshop.
Electronic parking brake does not switch off
The electronic parking brake will not switch itself off if the prerequisites for switching off are not met
or the 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Noises of the electronic parking brake
•Noises may be heard when the electronic parking brake is switched on or off.
•If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long period, the system will carry out
occasional automatic and acoustic checks when the vehicle is parked.
Auto Hold function
Fig. 152 In the centre console: button for the Auto Hold function.
Description of the Auto Hold function
The Auto Hold function can hold the vehicle stationary. The vehicle does not have to be held on the
foot brake.
Old: The Auto Hold function is active when the indicator lamp in the button
⇒ Fig. 152 (arrow) lights up yellow and the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display
lights up green.
New: The activated Auto Hold function holds the vehicle stationary when the indicator lamp
lights up green on the instrument cluster display.
The Auto Hold function stops holding the vehicle when it starts to move away.
If any of the conditions for the Auto Hold function change while the vehicle is stationary, the Auto
Hold function will switch off automatically. The green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
display then goes out together with the yellow indicator lamp in the button.
Switching on the Auto Hold function
The Auto Hold function can be switched on when the driver door is closed and the engine has been
started.
•Press the button ⇒. The indicator lamp ⇒ Fig. 152
in the button (arrow) lights up yellow. The Auto Hold function is operational, but the vehicle is
not necessarily held stationary ⇒.
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies.
The braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always
use the foot brake.
•Never activate the accelerator from the engine compartment if a position or gear has
been selected and the engine is running. The vehicle could move, even if the electronic
parking brake is applied.
WARNING
Exiting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the vehicle to roll away. This can cause
accidents, serious injuries and damage to property.
•Always park the vehicle in the specified order ⇒ Parking.
•Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the electronic parking brake is switched on
and that the indicator light lights up red on the instrument cluster display when
the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
•If the system still fails to respond as expected, have the system checked by a qualified
workshop.
Trailer Assist
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Prerequisites
⇒ Operation
⇒ Troubleshooting
Trailer Assist helps the driver when
reversing or manoeuvring the vehicle
when towing a trailer.
The trailer manoeuvring system steers a trailer by adjustment of the rotary knob for the exterior
mirrors. The driver must control the accelerator, gear changes and brake!
System limits
The camera may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer drawbars, thin rails, fences,
posts, trees and open or opening boot lids. This can result in damage to your vehicle.
The camera must be kept clean and free of ice and snow, and must not be covered up by stickers
or other objects, as this will prevent the system from working properly. The drawbar must not be
covered.
Trailer Assist should only be used when the boot lid is fully closed.
The trailer manoeuvring system will be automatically ended around ten minutes after
activation. The function will also be ended if no driver interaction is detected within a period of
approximately three minutes.
Prerequisites
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following prerequisites must be met for the trailer manoeuvring system to function:
•Engine running.
•ESC is switched on.
•Driver door and boot lid are closed.
•Exterior mirrors are not folded in.
•A single- or- two-axle trailer without steered axles is hitched to the vehicle and electrically
connected.
•Vehicle and trailer are stationary.
•Do not exceed the maximum jack-knifing angle.
•The drawbar length has been determined.
Determining the drawbar length
Trailer Assist requires a few turning and cornering manoeuvres to enable it to determine the length
of the drawbar. The more accurately it can determine the length of the drawbar, the bigger the
angles available when manoeuvring. The trailer manoeuvring system divides the available
maximum limit positions on the angle display into four steps: approx. 30°, 45°, 60° and 75°.
For technical reasons, the trailer manoeuvring system cannot always detect trailers with LED
rear lights correctly.
The trailer manoeuvring system does not use the area around the vehicle for orientation.
No obstacle detection takes place. Drivers must judge for themselves whether the trailer
can be manoeuvred safely.
•Always pay close attention to the movements of the trailer and, if required, stop the
manoeuvre to avoid causing any damage. On rare occasions the trailer may behave
differently, even when Trailer Assist is operated correctly.
•Do not rely only on the displays in the instrument cluster.
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