Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned.
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravity) ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface.
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electric air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the
tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of
similar size: this will help to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a
vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
•Give way to drivers coming uphill or who are overtaking.
Driving tips
Special rules apply when driving off-road:
•Never drive off-road alone. Always drive off-road in a team of at least two other off-road
vehicles. Unexpected situations can always occur. We recommend that you carry equipment
you can use for calling for help.
•Stop your vehicle when you reach difficult sections, and walk along the path ahead to
reconnoitre it.
•Drive slowly over the brows of hills so the vehicle does not lose contact with the ground as this
could cause damage, leaving you unable to manoeuvre.
•Drive slowly when the route is difficult. Shift up a gear when on slippery ground and always
keep the vehicle in motion.
•Always look for flat and firm surfaces. The ground is predominantly soft when driving off-road
meaning the tyres could sink into the ground. This will reduce ground clearance and the wading
depth.
•Even when driving at low speeds, always keep your distance from other vehicles. If the first
vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle can stop without getting stuck.
Useful accessories for off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for off-road driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories you should always take
them with you and consult them as necessary when driving off-road.
Checklist
Useful items when driving off-road:
Changing gear
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The choice of gear depends on the terrain off-road.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After some time driving off-road, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction
with the low range and the differential lock for different types of terrain.
Basic points
•With the correct gear selected, the vehicle will normally not have to be braked so much using
the foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient.
•You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
DSG dual clutch gearbox
•Select position D when driving in normal, flat off-road terrain.
•Adjust your speed when driving on soft or slippery ground, and select the highest suitable
position for the Tiptronic.
•If driving through mud, sand, water or hilly terrain, select the Tiptronic in the positions 3 or
2⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Always ensure that there is enough ground clearance underneath the vehicle. Serious
damage to the underbody could occur if the vehicle is scraped. This damage could
cause the vehicle to break down and thus make it impossible to drive on.
•Do not slip the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch when driving off-road. When
travelling over uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake, and lose control
of the vehicle. A slipped clutch also prevents power being transferred from the engine
to the gearbox. Driving with the clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the
clutch lining.
NOTICE
®
®
•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
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.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster display
Fault in electronic parking brake. Go to a qualified workshop.
Electronic parking brake does not switch off
The electronic parking brake will not switch itself off if the prerequisites for switching off are not met
or the 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Noises of the electronic parking brake
•Noises may be heard when the electronic parking brake is switched on or off.
•If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long period, the system will carry out
occasional automatic and acoustic checks when the vehicle is parked.
Auto Hold function
Fig. 152 In the centre console: button for the Auto Hold function.
Description of the Auto Hold function
The Auto Hold function can hold the vehicle stationary. The vehicle does not have to be held on the
foot brake.
Old: The Auto Hold function is active when the indicator lamp in the button
⇒ Fig. 152 (arrow) lights up yellow and the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display
lights up green.
New: The activated Auto Hold function holds the vehicle stationary when the indicator lamp
lights up green on the instrument cluster display.
The Auto Hold function stops holding the vehicle when it starts to move away.
If any of the conditions for the Auto Hold function change while the vehicle is stationary, the Auto
Hold function will switch off automatically. The green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
display then goes out together with the yellow indicator lamp in the button.
Switching on the Auto Hold function
The Auto Hold function can be switched on when the driver door is closed and the engine has been
started.
•Press the button ⇒. The indicator lamp ⇒ Fig. 152
in the button (arrow) lights up yellow. The Auto Hold function is operational, but the vehicle is
not necessarily held stationary ⇒.
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies.
The braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always
use the foot brake.
•Never activate the accelerator from the engine compartment if a position or gear has
been selected and the engine is running. The vehicle could move, even if the electronic
parking brake is applied.
WARNING
Exiting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the vehicle to roll away. This can cause
accidents, serious injuries and damage to property.
•Always park the vehicle in the specified order ⇒ Parking.
•Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the electronic parking brake is switched on
and that the indicator light lights up red on the instrument cluster display when
the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
•If the system still fails to respond as expected, have the system checked by a qualified
workshop.
Trailer Assist
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Prerequisites
⇒ Operation
⇒ Troubleshooting
Trailer Assist helps the driver when
reversing or manoeuvring the vehicle
when towing a trailer.
The trailer manoeuvring system steers a trailer by adjustment of the rotary knob for the exterior
mirrors. The driver must control the accelerator, gear changes and brake!
System limits
The camera may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer drawbars, thin rails, fences,
posts, trees and open or opening boot lids. This can result in damage to your vehicle.
The camera must be kept clean and free of ice and snow, and must not be covered up by stickers
or other objects, as this will prevent the system from working properly. The drawbar must not be
covered.
Trailer Assist should only be used when the boot lid is fully closed.
The trailer manoeuvring system will be automatically ended around ten minutes after
activation. The function will also be ended if no driver interaction is detected within a period of
approximately three minutes.
Prerequisites
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following prerequisites must be met for the trailer manoeuvring system to function:
•Engine running.
•ESC is switched on.
•Driver door and boot lid are closed.
•Exterior mirrors are not folded in.
•A single- or- two-axle trailer without steered axles is hitched to the vehicle and electrically
connected.
•Vehicle and trailer are stationary.
•Do not exceed the maximum jack-knifing angle.
•The drawbar length has been determined.
Determining the drawbar length
Trailer Assist requires a few turning and cornering manoeuvres to enable it to determine the length
of the drawbar. The more accurately it can determine the length of the drawbar, the bigger the
angles available when manoeuvring. The trailer manoeuvring system divides the available
maximum limit positions on the angle display into four steps: approx. 30°, 45°, 60° and 75°.
For technical reasons, the trailer manoeuvring system cannot always detect trailers with LED
rear lights correctly.
The trailer manoeuvring system does not use the area around the vehicle for orientation.
No obstacle detection takes place. Drivers must judge for themselves whether the trailer
can be manoeuvred safely.
•Always pay close attention to the movements of the trailer and, if required, stop the
manoeuvre to avoid causing any damage. On rare occasions the trailer may behave
differently, even when Trailer Assist is operated correctly.
•Do not rely only on the displays in the instrument cluster.
NOTICE
The exterior mirrors cannot be adjusted while Trailer Assist is active. The stored exterior
mirror setting can be activated ⇒ Mirrors.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
No camera visibility, error message, system switches itself off
•Clean the camera or remove stickers or accessories from the camera ⇒ Caring for and cleaning
the vehicle exterior.
•Check whether any damage is visible.
The system is not responding as expected
•The camera is dirty ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior. The camera visibility may be
impaired by dirt and snow or also residue from cleaning agents or coatings.
•The system requirements must be met ⇒ Prerequisites.
•The camera is covered by water.
•The vehicle is damaged in the area around the camera, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
•The detection range of the camera is blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
•Changes have been made to the paintwork around the camera or the construction has been
modified, e.g. vehicle front end or the running gear.
Response to all circumstances
•Switch off the system temporarily.
•Check whether any of the causes described below apply.
•You can switch the system back on again once you have rectified the cause of the problem.
•If the system still fails to respond as expected, have the system checked by a qualified
workshop.
Brake support systems
Information on brake support systems
The vehicle is fitted with brake support systems. The systems can support the driver in critical
driving or braking situations. Brake support systems cannot overcome the limits of physics and
cannot always keep the vehicle under control in every single critical driving or braking situation. The
driver is responsible for driving safety ⇒.
Driving with brake support systems
The brake support systems work when the engine is running. They do not need to be operated
separately.
The brake pedal may pulsate or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating.
Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure. Apply the necessary pressure to the
brake pedal consistently. If necessary, steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is depressed.
Fast steering wheel movements can cause serious injury.
•During the manoeuvring operation, do not reach for the steering wheel until prompted
to do so by the system.
•Exception: if a dangerous situation occurs, intervene and take over the steering.
WARNING
Do not let the automatic braking intervention tempt you to take any risks while driving, as
this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.
•Trailer Assist has system-related limitations. In some situations, the automatic braking
intervention function is only able to intervene in a limited way or not at all.
•You should always be prepared to brake the vehicle yourself.
•The automatic braking intervention is ended after approximately 1.5 seconds at vehicle
standstill. Depress the brake pedal of the vehicle yourself following the automatic
braking intervention.
WARNING