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
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
WARNING
Running in the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Any new engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. All moving parts have to adapt
themselves to each other. The engine is subject to higher internal friction during the first hours of
operation than later on.
•Do not depress the accelerator fully.
•Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the top engine speed.
•Do not drive with a trailer attached ⇒ Trailer towing.
•Increase the driving speed and engine speed gradually.
The style of driving during the first 1,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after
this time – and especially with a cold engine – drive the vehicle at moderate speeds in order to
reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover.
Do not drive at engine speeds that are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running
smoothly.
New tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres and brake pads ⇒ Notes on driving must be run in carefully.
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption reduced.
Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The vehicle has been manufactured specifically for a particular country and complies with the
registration regulations that applied in that country at the time of vehicle production.
If you want to use the vehicle abroad for a short period, all relevant information and instructions
should be followed ⇒ Safety.
If the vehicle is going to be sold in another country or used in another country for an extended
period, the legal requirements applicable in that country must be observed.
In some cases, certain equipment will have to be fitted or removed and functions deactivated. The
service scope and service types could also be affected. This is particularly important if the vehicle is
driven in another climate region for a long period of time.
Because different frequency bands are used in different countries, the factory-fitted Infotainment
system may not work in other countries.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in
winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure
that you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when
doing so.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that
have been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE
•Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel,
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
•Volkswagen cannot be held responsible if the vehicle does not comply with or only
partly complies with the relevant legal requirements in other countries and continents.
NOTICE
DSG dual clutch gearbox
Function of the DSG dual clutch gearbox
Description
The vehicle is equipped with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox is a gearbox which uses dual-clutch technology to change gear
automatically. It uses a dual clutch and two gear train halves to enable very fast gear changes with
no loss of torque. The DSG dual clutch gearbox thus combines the performance and economy of a
manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of a conventional automatic transmission.
Function
When driving, engine power is transferred to the drive axle via the gearbox. In order to change
gears, the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox has to be interrupted. This is
what the clutch is for.
With the DSG dual clutch system with its two gear train halves, the engine power is always
connected to one gear train half when driving. Before a gear change, the next higher or lower gear
is already preselected in the load-free second gear train half. The clutch on the non-driven gear is
closed and the other is opened at the same time. This is what makes very fast gear changes
possible.
Thanks to its design, the DSG dual clutch gearbox is more efficient than an automatic gearbox.
Whereas in an automatic gearbox the torque converter is constantly in use, in the DSG dual clutch
system the clutch can be opened at idling speed, thus saving fuel. Thanks to its efficiency, low
weight and intelligent control system, the DSG dual clutch system usually enables fuel
consumption equal to or lower than a manual gearbox.
However, just like the manual gearbox, the clutch in the DSG dual clutch gearbox is subject to
wear. Regular maintenance is necessary depending on the type of dual clutch gearbox DSG;
further information ⇒ Scope of service. In the event of a fault in one gear train half, the DSG dual
clutch gearbox also allows one gear train half to be deactivated and the journey to be continued
using the other gear train half ⇒ Troubleshooting. If this happens, have the system checked as
soon as possible by a qualified workshop.
DSG dual clutch gearbox: selecting a gear
Fig. 123 Left-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for DSG dual clutch gearbox with lock button
(arrow). The controls are mirrored for right-hand drive vehicles
When the ignition is switched on, the selected position or gearbox programme is displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
Instrument cluster display
Serious damage to the clutch and gearbox can occur if the gear stick on the manual
gearbox is shifted to too low a gear when travelling at high speeds or at high revs. This
also applies if the clutch remains depressed and the gears do not engage.
NOTICE
Please note the following to help avoid damage and premature wear:
•Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure from your hand is
passed onto the selector forks in the gearbox.
•Ensure that the vehicle has come to a full stop before engaging reverse gear.
•Always fully depress the clutch pedal when changing gear.
•Do not hold the vehicle by riding the clutch on a hill with the engine running.
NOTICE
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•Use the Off-road display ⇒ Off-road display.
Up hill and down dale
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Use off-road mode ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
You should drive through rocky terrain at walking pace.
If you are not able to drive around a stone, drive carefully onto the stone with one front wheel and
drive over it slowly ⇒.
Escaping engine oil and brake fluid can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be
collected and then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Driving through water
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving through flooded terrain could damage the vehicle ⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road.
You can drive the vehicle carefully through water with a depth reaching to the bottom edge of the
body, for example puddles or shallow water. Never stop in the water, do not drive in reverse, and
never switch off the engine.
Off-road driving in snow
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fit snow chains to the front wheels only before driving on snow-covered terrain.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. This is particularly true of sections
where there are no tyre tracks.
•You should never drive straight over large obstacles, e.g. boulders or tree stumps, or
drive over such obstacles with one side of the vehicle. Obstacles which require more
ground clearance than is available could damage vehicle components when you drive
over them and thus cause the vehicle to break down.
•Even obstacles that are smaller than the ground clearance selected could come into
contact with the vehicle underbody and thus cause damage which could lead to a
vehicle breakdown. This applies in particular if there is a ditch or soft ground either in
front of or behind the obstacle. This also applies in cases when you drive too quickly
over the obstacle causing the vehicle to bounce.
NOTICE
Strong flowing water can develop enormous power and sweep the vehicle away. This can
lead to very dangerous situations which can cause accidents and serious or even fatal
accidents.
•Never allow the vehicle to stand still in water.
•Water in the engine compartment can cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water.
•Soft ground surface, underwater obstacles and shallows can cause accidents and can
cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water. This could lead to critical situations.
WARNING
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•When driving through water, always select a section where the ground is solid and
where the depth of the water does not exceed the maximum permitted wading depth of
the vehicle.
•Never drive through salt, salty surfaces or salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse
all components that have been exposed to salt or salt water thoroughly with fresh
water.
NOTICE
Switching TCS on and off
Fig. 162 In the centre console: button for switching TCS on and off manually.
If the vehicle does not have sufficient traction, you can switch off TCS in the following situations:
•When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
•When rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud.
Then switch the TCS function back on.
Switching TCS or ESC Sport on and off
Depending on the vehicle equipment, TCS and ESC Sport can be switched off via the Infotainment
system or using the button ⇒ Fig. 162.
When the TCS is switched off, ESC Sport is switched on, or the Off-road or Off-road Individual
driving profiles are active, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster display.
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Driving fast on icy, slippery or
wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the
driver and passengers.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems anti-lock
brake system, brake assist system, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you into taking any risks
when driving.
•The brake support systems cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery and wet roads will
remain dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.
•Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road
surface and aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has
lost contact with the road surface.
•Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if e.g. you are driving too close to
the vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the specific driving situation.
•Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the
vehicle in difficult driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability
of the vehicle depends on the tyre grip.
•When accelerating on a slippery surface, e.g. on ice and snow, press the accelerator
carefully. The wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active, and this
can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.
WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems
which affect driving dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly.
This also applies, but not exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other systems named
above.
•Please always note that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the
function of the anti-lock brake system, brake assist system, TCS, EDL and ESC.
•Alterations to the suspension system or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre
combinations can affect the function of the anti-lock brake system, brake assist
system, EDL, TCS and ESC and reduce their effectiveness.
•Suitable tyres are also crucial if ESC is to function optimally ⇒ Wheels and tyres.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will
have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to
the lack of assistance for the brake system.
WARNING
Functional problems may occur with some devices when they are connected to the 230-,
115- or 100-volt socket due to the lower power output (wattage).
Mobile online services
Volkswagen Car-Net⇒
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Legal requirements
⇒ Deactivating Car-Net services
⇒ Interferences
⇒ Volkswagen Car-Net services
⇒ Apps
Volkswagen Car-Net allows you to communicate with your vehicle online or via an app in a very
simple way in order to exchange data, request information or control functions.
In order to use Volkswagen Car-Net, the vehicle needs to have been ordered with Car-Net and
factory-fitted with the system. Depending on the service portfolio, Volkswagen Car-Net can be
operated via the factory-fitted Infotainment system, via a Car-Net portal on the internet or using a
mobile device.
Information about the Volkswagen Car-Net services, applications, availability, compatible mobile
devices and service portfolio, as well as service descriptions, are available on the Volkswagen
website:
•In Europe and Japan: www.Volkswagen.com/car-net
•In China: www.vwcarnet.com.cn
Before using the Volkswagen Car-Net services for the first time, please read and observe the
information in the relevant service description. This will quickly help you to become familiar
with the services and make you aware of potential risks to yourself and others, and how to
avoid them.
High voltage in the electrical system!
•Never spill any liquids over the socket.
•Do not plug any adapters or extension cables into the 230-, 115- or 100-volt socket.
Otherwise the built-in child lock will disengage and power will be supplied to the
socket.
•Do not insert any items which will conduct electricity, such as knitting needles, into the
contacts of the 230-, 115- or 100-volt socket.
DANGER
•230-, 115- or 100-volt socket:
- Do not plug any heavy devices or connections, such as mains adapters, directly
into the socket.
- Do not connect any lights which use neon tubes.
- Only connect devices to the socket with a voltage that matches the voltage of the
socket.
- In the case of electrical devices with a high starting current, the built-in excess
current switch will prevent the device from being switched on. If this happens,
disconnect the electrical device from the power supply and reconnect after waiting
approximately ten seconds.
NOTICE
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING
Failure to observe the information in the service description can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always use the most up-to-date edition of the relevant service descriptions which is
available on the Volkswagen website.
WARNING
Legal requirements
Fig. 179 Symbol for vehicles that send tracking information
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
By concluding a Volkswagen Car-Net contract for your Car-Net-enabled vehicle, you as the
contracting party undertake within the meaning of data protection law to inform each driver that the
vehicle can transmit and receive data online. This also applies if you sell or lend your vehicle.
Failure to observe this obligation to inform can infringe certain rights of vehicle occupants.
GPS tracking: check with all occupants
Some Volkswagen Car-Net services require vehicle data to determine whether the vehicle is
complying with set speed limits, where the vehicle is parked, or whether the vehicle is located within
a selected area. This information can be displayed in the Car-Net portal and in the Volkswagen
Car-Net app.
Therefore, before driving, ask all vehicle occupants if they agree to use of the activated services. If
an occupant does not agree, deactivate the service (if possible) or exclude the occupant from use
of the vehicle. If you do not observe this, you may violate certain rights of the occupant.
GPS tracking: symbol
If a factory-fitted control unit is used to detect the vehicle's current location and speed, this symbol
⇒ Fig. 179 will be located in the vehicle (e.g. on the roof console). However, if this symbol
⇒ Fig. 179 is not present in the vehicle, this does not mean that the control unit is not tracking the
current position or speed of the vehicle.
Personal data
Volkswagen collects, processes and uses the user's personal data in accordance with statutory
requirements. You can access the current data protection policy on the Volkswagen homepage.
The following conditions can make it impossible to make a telephone call, run a
Volkswagen Car-Net service or transfer data:
•If your current location is in an area with no or insufficient mobile communications and
GPS reception. This can also include tunnels, streets with tall buildings, garages,
multi-storey car parks, underpasses, mountains and valleys.
•If you are in an area with sufficient mobile communications and GPS reception but the
telecommunications provider's mobile network is overloaded, out of order or
unavailable.
•If the components in the vehicle required for the services and data transmission are
damaged, not working or do not have sufficient electrical power.
•The battery for the mobile device is empty, does not have a sufficient charge level or
has no more call credit.
WARNING
Using computers and mobile devices in public or non-secured LAN and WLAN networks
can lead to a loss of control over your Volkswagen Car-Net services.
•In addition to the usual precautionary measures to be taken when using the Internet,
you should protect your computer and mobile device with suitable anti-virus software
and regularly update its signatures.
•Protect your login data for the Car-Net portal, your computer and mobile device against
misuse.
WARNING
Applications and Volkswagen Car-Net services which are unsuitable or faulty or that are
used incorrectly can cause damage to the vehicle, accidents or serious injury.
•Never make changes to applications or Volkswagen Car-Net services.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for damage to the vehicle caused by poor quality or faulty
applications, insufficient programming of applications, insufficient network strength, loss
of data during transmission or by misuse of your computers, tablets or mobile devices.
NOTICE