Fig. 122 Gear shift pattern of a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Select a forward gear
The positions of the individual driving gears are shown on the gearshift lever ⇒ Fig. 122.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
•Move the gear lever to the required position ⇒.
•Release the clutch to engage.
In some countries, the clutch pedal will have to be depressed fully in order to start the engine.
Selecting reverse gear
•Reverse gear should only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal ⇒.
•Move the gear lever to the neutral position and push down.
•Push the gearshift lever fully to the left and then to the front in the reverse gear position
⇒ Fig. 122Ⓡ.
•Release the clutch to engage.
Shifting down
You should always select the next immediate gear when shifting down a gear whilst the vehicle is in
motion. The engine revs should not be too high when doing this ⇒. Damage to the clutch and
the gearbox could occur if at high speeds or high engine revs one or more gears are skipped when
shifting down gear, even if the clutch is not released when doing this ⇒.
Kickdown
On vehicles with speed limiter ⇒ Speed limiter, the kickdown function allows the stored speed limit
to be intentionally exceeded, e.g. when overtaking.
When the accelerator is fully depressed, the speed limiter regulator is temporarily switched off when
the vehicle exceeds the stored speed.
Once the vehicle returns to a speed below the stored speed and the accelerator is no longer fully
depressed, speed limiter regulation becomes active again.
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile
selection and 4MOTION Active Control and the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.
Troubleshooting
Clutch does not transmit the entire engine torque. If necessary, remove foot from clutch pedal.
The clutch can overheat, for example if the vehicle pulls off regularly, travels at a crawl for long
periods, or in stop and go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases
by additional warning lamps and a text message in the instrument cluster display. An acoustic
warning may also be given ⇒.Clutch is defective. Drive on carefully! Seek expert
assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the clutch.
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. This also applies when the electronic park brake has been
switched on.
•Never engage reverse gear while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Shifting gears incorrectly to a lower gear can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, which
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
Fig. 126 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate.
Fig. 127 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Brake pedal not depressed. Fully depress the brake pedal. Also see Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).Do not drive on! Gearbox fault. Allow the gearbox
to cool down in selector lever position P. If the warning lamp does not go out, do not drive on. Seek
professional assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the gearbox.
Brake pedal not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever. To
select a position, press the brake pedal. See also electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
The indicator lamps flash.
The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged. The vehicle cannot drive off. Engage the
selector lever lock ⇒ Selector lever lock.
Troubleshooting for the selector lever lock
In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch
gearbox. The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away. The
indicator lamp flashes and an information message is also displayed. Use the following procedure
to engage the selector lever lock:
•Depress the foot brake and then release it again.
Unlocking the selector lever lock manually
If the power fails in the vehicle (e.g. if the 12-volt battery is flat) and the vehicle has to be pushed or
towed, the selector lever lock must be released manually. Seek professional assistance.
The manual release mechanism is located under the cover of the gearshift gate.
Removing the cover of the gearshift gate
•Switch on the electronic parking brake. If the electronic parking brake cannot be switched on,
the vehicle will have to be prevented from rolling off using other means.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Carefully pull the cover upwards in the area around the selector lever gaiter with connected
electrical wiring ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Pull the cover up and over the selector lever ⇒.
Releasing the selector lever lock manually
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there are two possible manual release mechanism variants.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 127.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
®
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
The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel
drive vehicle as required ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
Checklist
Before driving for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the
vehicle safely off-road:
Observe the basic safety notes Safety notes for driving off-road.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls.
Check and adjust the seat position Sitting position and fasten the seat belts Seat belts.
Check distance to steering wheel and adjust Steering.
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the
pedals.
Safety notes for driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions
only within the limits of the system. Despite input from the ABS, adverse terrain can cause
instability through locked wheels – e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel
road. The ESC system will have difficulty stabilising the vehicle in these circumstances.
WARNING
Driving off-road can be dangerous and could cause accidents, serious injury, damage to
the vehicle and also a vehicle breakdown far from any assistance.
•Never select a dangerous route and never take risks that could endanger you and your
passengers. If you cannot drive on or if you are in any doubt about the safety of the
route, turn round and choose another route.
•Even terrain that looks harmless can be difficult and dangerous, and could get you and
your passengers into difficulties. It is preferable to walk over the terrain before driving
over it.
•You should drive particularly carefully and think ahead when driving off-road. If you
drive too fast or if a driving manoeuvre is unsuccessful this could result in serious
injuries and vehicle damage.
•Never drive faster than the current terrain, road conditions, traffic and weather allow.
•Never drive too fast along embankments, ramps or slopes. This could cause the
vehicle to lose contact with the ground. If this happens, you will be unable to steer and
will lose control of the vehicle.
•If the vehicle does lose contact with the ground, always point the front wheels straight
ahead. If the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll
over.
•Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows,
ditches, precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not
recognisable as such and can be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or
branches lying on the ground. Inspect terrain on foot.
WARNING
Sporty SUVs are subject to a considerably higher risk of rolling over than normal road
passenger vehicles ⇒ Explanation of some technical terms.
•In the event of an accident, vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are subjected to a
considerably higher risk of fatal injury than those wearing seat belts.
•The vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and is more prone to rolling over than a
normal on-road vehicle which is unsuited for off-road driving.
•Never drive too fast, especially when driving through bends, or carry out any extreme
driving manoeuvres.
•Always adjust your speed and driving style to the terrain.
•Luggage and other items transported on the roof of the vehicle raise the centre of
gravity and will make the vehicle more likely to roll over.
WARNING
Explanation of some technical terms
Fig. 131 Illustration: angle of gradient.
The terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows,
ditches, precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not
recognisable as such and can be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or
branches lying on the ground. Driving off-road over such terrain could cause accidents,
serious injury and also a vehicle breakdown.
•Check any unknown sections of the route on foot carefully before driving.
•Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your
passengers. If you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn back and choose
another route.
•Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and off-road,
visibility and weather conditions.
WARNING
•Always avoid traversing a slope ⇒ Traversing a slope.
•Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill
when parked sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle
and its payload (vehicle occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll
over and roll down the incline. Always leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which
open up the incline ⇒ Traversing a slope.
WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise
control system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If you use the
cruise control system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the vehicle and
sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the cruise control system when driving off-road.
WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on paved roads only.
The area monitoring system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If
you use the area monitoring system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the
vehicle and sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the area monitoring system when driving off-road.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down
off-road, accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular,
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel
and breaking down.
WARNING
Any rain entering the vehicle when the windows or glass roof are open can soak the
interior equipment and cause damage to the vehicle. Always keep the windows and glass
roof closed when driving off-road.
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.
Functions included in the system
The City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring (depending on vehicle equipment)
are part of Front Assist and are automatically active when Front Assist is switched on.
Warning levels and braking intervention
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Distance warning
The system detects when safety is endangered by driving too close to the vehicle in front. The
warning lamp Lit up Increase the distance.
Speed range: around 65 km/h (40 mph) to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Advance warning
The system detects a possible collision with a vehicle in front or a pedestrian crossing in front of the
vehicle and prepares the vehicle for possible emergency braking.
A warning tone sounds and the warning lamp Lit up Brake or take evasive action.
Speed range: around 30 km/h (20 mph) to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Urgent warning
If the driver does not react to the advance warning, the system may initiate a short braking jolt in
order to draw attention to the increasing collision risk. Brake or take evasive action.
Speed range: around 30 km/h (20 mph) to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Automatic braking
If the driver also does not react to the urgent warning, the vehicle can be braked automatically with
braking force that increases in several stages. The reduced speed means that it is possible to
minimise the consequences of an accident.
Speed range: around 5 km/h (3 mph) to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Braking intervention
If the system detects that the driver is braking insufficiently when there is a risk of collision, the
system can increase the braking force and help prevent a collision. The braking intervention takes
place only for as long as the brake pedal is pressed hard.
Speed range: around 5 km/h (3 mph) to 250 km/h (155 mph).
The intelligent technology of Front Assist cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra convenience afforded by
Front Assist tempt you into taking risks when driving. The driver is always responsible for
braking in time.
•If Front Assist issues a warning, brake your vehicle immediately depending on the
traffic situation or avoid the obstacle.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•Front Assist cannot prevent accidents and serious injuries on its own.
•Front Assist can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out unwanted braking
interventions in certain complex driving situations, e.g. at traffic islands.
•Front Assist can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out unwanted braking
interventions when its function is impaired, e.g. if the radar sensor is dirty or its
position has been changed.
•Front Assist without Pedestrian Monitoring does not react to persons. In addition, the
system does not react to animals or crossing vehicles or to vehicles that are
approaching in the same lane.
•If you are unsure whether the vehicle possesses Pedestrian Monitoring, please enquire
about this at a qualified workshop before starting your journey.
•Be prepared to take over control of the vehicle yourself at all times.
WARNING