Diesel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles with a diesel engine must be run on diesel ⇒. If you use diesel with a high sulphur
content, the service intervals are shorter ⇒ Service. Information on countries that use diesel with a
high sulphur content is available from your Volkswagen dealership.
The fuel quality affects the running properties, performance and service life of the engine. You
should therefore use fuel that already contains suitable service additives if possible ⇒.
Information on the fuel standards can be found in the chapter on fuel standards ⇒ Fuel standards.
Winter-grade diesel fuel and filter preheater system
Winter-grade diesel fuel, which can be used at temperatures below -20°C (-4°F), is available during
the cold months. In countries with different climates, diesel for other temperature conditions is
usually available. Information is available from your Volkswagen dealership and filling stations in
the respective country.
Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter pre-heater system. When using winter-grade diesel fuel,
the fuel system is safe for operation at temperatures down to around -24°C (-11°F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start at temperatures
below -24°C (-11°F), place the vehicle in a heated garage or workshop for a while ⇒.
At cold temperatures, louder noises may occur in the diesel engine and the exhaust gas may
be tinged blue.
Refuelling
Fig. 195 Behind the tank flap: tank cap.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
See the chapter on technical data for information on filling capacities ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Incorrect refuelling or unsuitable fuel additives may cause damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
•If, in an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the
recommended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible.
NOTICE
Start boosters may explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs. This can
cause injuries or damage to the engine.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
Incorrect refuelling can lead to damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Do not refuel with RME fuel, petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
NOTICE
The refill bottle must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection
of the environment.
Catalytic converter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
To help ensure long-term functionality in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter:
•Use unleaded petrol only ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Do not overfill engine oil ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is moving, reduce speed
immediately. The vehicle should be inspected at the nearest qualified workshop
⇒ Troubleshooting. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
The emissions may have a sulphur-like smell even if the emission purification system is
working properly.
Particulate filter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Function
The particulate filter filters out soot particles in the exhaust gas. Observe the following points to
ensure that the exhaust purification system will work properly for a long time:
AdBlue is an irritant and corrosive fluid that can damage the skin, eyes and breathing
passages upon contact.
•Always observe the instructions for use when using AdBlue. If containers are used
according to the instructions, it is unlikely that a user will come into contact with
AdBlue.
•AdBlue must be kept in the closed original container. Never use empty food
containers, bottles or other containers for this purpose.
•Always store in a safe place out of reach of children.
•If AdBlue gets into the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
•If AdBlue gets onto the skin, immediately wash the area with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor if the skin becomes irritated.
•If AdBlue is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth out with lots of water for at least
15 minutes. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Seek
medical assistance immediately.
CAUTION
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Overfilling AdBlue may damage the tank system and the vehicle.
•Do not fill with more than the maximum refill quantity indicated on the instrument
cluster display.
•Remove any spilt AdBlue as quickly as possible with a damp cloth and plenty of cold
water.
•If the AdBlue has already formed crystals, use warm water and a sponge to remove.
NOTICE
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Improper use of AdBlue may cause damage to the vehicle that is not covered by the
warranty.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1.
•Do not mix with water, fuel or additives.
•Never fill AdBlue in the diesel tank.
•Do not transport the refill bottle in the vehicle habitually. The bottle may develop a leak
following changes in temperature and damage and the AdBlue may damage the
vehicle interior.
NOTICE
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•Only refuel with fuels that are suitable for the vehicle ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Use only suitable engine oil for the vehicle and do not overfill ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Periodic regeneration
The soot in the particulate filter is burnt off at high temperatures on a periodic basis.
To assist the regeneration of the particulate filter, Volkswagen recommends that you avoid making
only short journeys.
Noises, slight smells and increased engine speeds may occur during regeneration. The radiator fan
may run on while the vehicle is moving or when the engine has been switched off.
During the periodic regeneration process, the yellow indicator lamp does not light
up.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Irregular engine running and malfunctions
If the engine shows signs of irregular running or malfunctions while you are driving, this may mean
that the fuel is of poor quality. Reduce speed immediately. Drive to nearest qualified workshop at
medium engine speeds and low loads on the engine.
If these symptoms occur directly after refuelling, switch off the engine immediately to avoid any
subsequent damage. You should obtain professional assistance.
Warning and indicator lamps
Lights up together with the red warning lamp : fault in the selective catalytic reduction
system. The engine cannot be restarted! Drive straight to a qualified workshop without switching
off the engine and have the system checked ⇒.AdBlue level too low. The engine cannot
be restarted! Switch off the vehicle and refill the AdBlue minimum quantity according to
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue⇒.Lights up together with the yellow warning lamp
: the selective catalytic reduction system is faulty or not filled with standard-compliant
AdBlue. Drive immediately to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.AdBlue
level too low. Refill AdBlue within the displayed remaining range in accordance with ⇒ Emission
control with AdBlue⇒.The particulate filter is saturated with soot and requires
regeneration. Driving at speeds between 50 - 120 km/h (31 - 75 mph) will support regeneration.
Observe the relevant speed limits and the gear recommendation. The indicator lamp goes out
automatically when the particulate filter has been regenerated. If the indicator lamp is still lit up after
driving for around 30 minutes, seek expert assistance immediately.Lit up: malfunction. Have
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic
converter. Drive immediately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the engine checked.
There may be engine faults and fuel consumption may be higher if the indicator lamps are lit
up or flashing.
Colour display only on an instrument cluster with colour display.
Fuel standards
Petrol
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on petrol in compliance with the European standard
EN 228 or the German standard DIN 51626-1 ⇒.
Where petrol complying with the specified standard is not available, Volkswagen dealerships will
have information on what fuels are suitable for the vehicle.
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If the AdBlue level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition has been
switched off. Starting with jump leads is also not possible.
•Refill AdBlue at the latest when the remaining distance reaches approximately
1,000 km.
•Never allow the AdBlue tank to run empty.
NOTICE
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•The steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION) may be towed with a tow bar or tow rope. If the vehicle
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrow) to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
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When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE
Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the selector lever to
position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and
stopping the engine.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other service fluids on the ground, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of
properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in
the engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the
rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can
start automatically, even if the ignition has been switched off and the vehicle key has
been removed from the ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
poly V-belts, alternator, radiator fan etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Always be particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long
hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work,
remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid
them getting caught in the engine compartment.
- Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and
fires.
WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and
hence cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the
electrical system:
- Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When topping up or changing service fluids, 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
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