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
Engine and gearbox code, paint number, interior equipment. In the example, the engine
code is CPTA ⇒ Fig. 253.
Optional extras, PR numbers.
Type plate
The type plate ⇒ Fig. 253 can be seen on the lower part of the door pillar when the door is
open. Vehicles for certain export countries do not have a type plate.
The type plate contains the following data:
Permit
Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross combination weight rating (vehicle plus trailer ⇒ Trailer towing)
Gross axle weight rating, front
Gross axle weight rating, rear
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number can be read from outside the vehicle through a viewer in the
windscreen ⇒ Fig. 254 (arrow). The viewer is located in the lower corner of the windscreen. The
vehicle identification number is also stamped on the right-hand water drainage channel. The water
drainage channel is located between the suspension turret and wing. Open the bonnet ⇒ In the
engine compartment to gain access to the vehicle identification number.
Dimensions
Fig. 255 Dimensions.
The data in the table apply to the most basic German model.
The specified values can vary due to different tyre and wheel sizes, if additional equipment is fitted,
for different equipment packages, for retrofitted accessories, and for special vehicles. They can also
vary in vehicles that have been manufactured for other countries.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 255:Value
ⒶWidth (from one exterior mirror to the other)2,099 mm
Ⓑ
Width1,859 mm
Width with widened wheel housing1,863 mm
Ⓒ
Front track1,589 mm
Rear track1,580 mm
ⒹHeight to the upper edge of the roof at kerb weight1,632 mm
ⒺMaximum height at kerb weight-
ⒻHeight with open bonnet and kerb weight1,868 mm
ⒼHeight with open boot lid and kerb weight2,043 mm
ⒽGround clearance when ready to drive between the
axles201 mm
ⒾWheelbase2,677 mm
Ⓙ
Length with standard front (from bumper to bumper)4,486 mm
Length with off-road front (from bumper to bumper)-
ⓀLength with standard front and fitted towing bracket
(when factory-fitted)-
-
a)
a)b)
a)
a)
c)
b)
b)
b)
