Why does the cooling system switch off automatically or cannot be
switched on?
•The engine is not running.
•The blower is switched off.
•The air conditioning system fuse has blown.
•The ambient temperature is lower than approximately +3°C (+38°F).
•The air conditioning compressor of the cooling system has been temporarily switched off
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•There is a vehicle fault. The air conditioning system should be checked by a qualified workshop.
Settings for optimal road visibility
•Keep the air intake in front of the windscreen free from ice, snow or leaves to improve the
heating and cooling performance and prevent condensation on the windows ⇒ Vehicle care.
•Do not cover the air vents in the rear of the luggage compartment to allow air to flow through
the vehicle from the front to the rear.
•The maximum heating output and the fastest window defrosting results are achieved when the
coolant has reached its operating temperature.
Recommended settings for the heating and fresh air system or manual air
conditioning system
•Switch off air recirculation mode.
•Set blower to setting or .
•Set the temperature selector to the middle position.
•Open and position all vents on the dash panel.
•Turn the air distribution regulator to the desired position.
•Manual air conditioning system: press the button on the control panel to switch the
cooling system on.
Recommended Climatronic setup
•Press the button.
•Set the temperature to +22°C (+72°F).
•Open and position the vents on the dash panel.
Air Care Climatronic
The allergen filter of Air Care Climatronic can additionally reduce the amount of pollutants and also
allergens that enter the vehicle interior.
The filters must be changed regularly to avoid impairing the performance of the air conditioning
system. If the vehicle is frequently used in severely polluted air, the filter must be replaced between
service events.
•Press the button on the control panel.
•Touch the Air Care function button.
•Touch the Active function button to switch the Air Care function on or off.
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter must be replaced regularly to prevent impaired performance of the manual
air conditioning system. If the vehicle is frequently used in severely polluted air, the filter must be
replaced between service events.
Water under the vehicle
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the
evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does
not indicate a leak.
If the outside humidity is high and the outside temperature low, condensation may evaporate when
the auxiliary heater is running ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation. If this is the case, steam may
appear underneath the vehicle. This is not a sign that the vehicle is damaged.
Auxiliary heater and ventilation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Switching the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation on and off
⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation
⇒ Remote control
•Press the button in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the Selection function button.
•Touch the Off-road function button.
Selecting instruments and setting units
The display shows various instruments ⇒ Fig. 130.
To change instruments, swipe vertically over the display.
The units can be adjusted for some instruments in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and
display in the Infotainment system.
Instruments in the off-road display (depends on the vehicle's equipment):
•Altitude: The altitude function shows the current height above sea level.
•Steering angle display: the steering angle of the vehicle is displayed in the range between -
49° and 49°. The value is positive for a left steering angle and negative for a right steering
angle.
•Compass: the compass shows the current driving direction.
•Coolant temperature display: the display corresponds to the temperature display on the
instrument cluster ⇒ Coolant temperature display. At high engine loads and with high outside
temperatures, the needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing.
•Oil temperature display: the needle is in the middle when the engine has reached operating
temperature. If the needle is in the bottom left area, this means that the engine has not yet
reached its operating temperature. At high engine loads and with high outside temperatures, the
needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing ⇒ Engine oil.
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected depending on the driving situation, the ambient
conditions and the off-road conditions:
•Sandy terrain: oil, steering angle and coolant temperature display
•Inclines: steering angle and coolant temperature display, altimeter
•Alpine terrain: steering angle display, altimeter, compass
Off-road driving situations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Safety notes for driving off-road
⇒ Explanation of some technical terms
⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road
⇒ General rules and driving tips
⇒ Useful accessories for off-road driving
⇒ Changing gear
⇒ Up hill and down dale
⇒ Driving through water
⇒ Off-road driving in snow
⇒ Driving in sand and mud
⇒ Driving in steep terrain
⇒ Traversing a slope
⇒ Driving through ditches
⇒ If your vehicle gets stuck
⇒ After off-road driving
You can also drive four-wheel drive vehicles off-road in addition to normal roads. It is very important
to read the contents of this section before driving off-road.
The vehicle is not built for expeditions.
The examples given in this chapter are an aid for safe off-road driving. However, we cannot predict
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The large variety of landscapes and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines designed to help
you drive off-road safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into off-road
terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential danger in advance.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING
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
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
Display
Fig. 225 On the instrument cluster display: the bonnet is open or not closed properly (illustration).
A symbol in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 225 indicates if the bonnet is open or is not
closed properly.
Do not drive on! If necessary, lift the bonnet and then close it again.
This symbol is also visible when the ignition is switched off and will go out a few seconds after the
vehicle has been locked when all doors are closed.
The symbol can differ depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
Service fluids and consumables
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. tyres, engine coolant and vehicle batteries, are being
constantly developed. The same applies to toothed belts, engine oils and spark plugs for
combustion engines. For this reason, service fluids and consumables should be replaced at a
qualified workshop. Volkswagen dealerships are kept up to date on all innovations.
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it can open suddenly while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels.
•If you notice that the bonnet is not closed properly while the vehicle is in motion, stop
the vehicle as soon as possible and close the bonnet.
•Therefore the bonnet should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody
is in its path.
WARNING
•The bonnet should only be opened when the wiper arms are flush to the windscreen
and when they are switched off in order to avoid damage to the bonnet and the wiper
arms.
•Always return the wiper arms to the windscreen before starting your journey.
NOTICE
Failure to observe the warning displays could lead to your vehicle breaking down in
traffic, and to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning displays.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Leaking service fluids can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected in
suitable containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Washer fluid
Fig. 226 In the engine compartment: cap of washer fluid reservoir.
The windscreen washer fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary.
A filter can be found in the feed throat of the washer fluid reservoir. The filter keeps large dirt
particles away from the windscreen washer jets when refilling. The filter should only be removed for
cleaning. If the filter is damaged or is not present, dirt particles can enter the system and will block
the washer jets.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•The washer fluid reservoir is identified by the symbol on the cap ⇒ Fig. 226.
•Check whether there is enough windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
•To top up, mix clean water (not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by
Volkswagen ⇒. Observe the dilution instructions on the packaging.
•At low temperatures, add a special anti-freeze agent so that the fluid cannot freeze ⇒.
Capacities
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of between 3 and 5 litres depending on the vehicle
equipment level.
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the incorrect use of these fluids and
consumables, can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Service fluids must be kept in their original sealed container.
•Never store service fluids in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers could drink them.
•Keep children away from all service fluids and consumables.
•Always read and follow the information and warnings on the service fluid packaging.
•When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well-
ventilated area.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for
vehicle care. They are toxic and highly flammable. They could cause fires and
explosions.
WARNING
•Only use suitable service fluids for refilling. Never use the wrong service fluid. Failure
to observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.
•Optional equipment and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling
effect of the coolant. The engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high
engine loads.
NOTICE
Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Engine oil specification
⇒ Changing the engine oil
⇒ Engine oil consumption
⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
⇒ Troubleshooting
Leaking or spilt engine oil can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Engine oil specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The correct engine oil is important for the function and service life of the engine. A special high
quality multigrade oil has been filled at the factory and this can normally be used as an all-season
oil.
If possible, use only Volkswagen-approved engine oil ⇒. To comply with flexible oil change
service requirements, refill only with approved flexible service engine oil that meets the
corresponding VW standard. The engine oils listed are multigrade high-lubricity oils.
Engine oils are constantly being developed and improved. Volkswagen dealerships are kept up to
date on all innovations. Volkswagen therefore recommends having engine oil changes done by a
Volkswagen dealership.
The quality of the engine oil is not only tailored to the requirements of engines and exhaust gas
treatment systems, but also to fuel quality. Due to the way in which a combustion engine works,
engine oil always comes into contact with combustion residues and fuel, which has a knock-on
effect on the ageing process of the oil.
The quality of fuels can vary greatly between individual markets and this must be taken into account
when selecting the correct engine oil.
Never mix coolant additive or other unsuitable additives into the windscreen washer fluid.
These may leave an oily film on the screen, restricting the field of vision.
•Use clean, clear water (not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by
Volkswagen.
•A suitable anti-freeze agent should be added to the windscreen washer fluid if
necessary.
WARNING
•Never mix other cleaning agents with the cleaning agents recommended by
Volkswagen. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the windscreen
washer jets.
•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
Incorrect handling of engine oil can cause serious burns and other injuries.
•Always wear eye protection when handling engine oil.
•Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Engine oil must be kept in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil
until it is disposed of.
•Never use empty food containers, bottles or other containers to store engine oil as
other people may then drink the engine oil.
•Regular contact with engine oil can damage the skin. Skin that has been in contact with
engine oil should be washed thoroughly with water and soap.
•Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can scald skin
severely. Always allow the engine to cool down.
WARNING
Warning lamps and text messages may be shown in the instrument cluster display. These warnings
may also be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Engine oil
Lit up: engine oil level too low. Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level ⇒ Checking
the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil.Flashing: engine oil system fault. Go to a
qualified workshop and have the engine oil sensor checked.Flashing: engine oil pressure
is too low. Do not drive on!
Switch off the engine and check the engine oil level ⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling the
engine oil - Do not drive on or remain at idling speed if the warning lamp is flashing even if the
engine oil level is correct. The engine could otherwise be damaged. You should obtain professional
assistance.
Engine coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Coolant specification
⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
You should only carry out work on the cooling 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 ⇒. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be
collected then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Coolant specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least
40% coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J). The coolant additive is dyed purple. This mixture of
water and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°F) and protects
the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. The mixture also prevents scaling and
raises the boiling point of the coolant.
In order to protect the coolant system, the proportion of coolant additive must always be at least
40%, even if anti-freeze is not required in warm weather and warm climates.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can
be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60%, as this would
reduce the frost protection and the cooling effect.
When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive - G 13 - or
- G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain
the optimum corrosion protection ⇒. Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-
VW 774 F), - G 12 - (dyed red) or - G 11 - (dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of
corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided ⇒.
Engine coolant is toxic.
•Engine coolant should only be kept in sealed original containers in a safe place.
•Never store engine coolant in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers may then drink the engine coolant.
•The engine coolant must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the
lowest ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
•Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to
break down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to
death as the heating will also no longer function.
WARNING