•Switch off TCS: press the button for around one second.
•Switch on ESC Sport: press the button for longer than three seconds.
•Switch on TCS: press the button again. ESC Sport is switched off.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the event of faults
Do not drive on! Brake system fault. Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒.Lit
up: ABS failure or defect. Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Lit up: ESC switched off by the system. Switch the ignition on and off. Drive a short distance at a
speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph) if necessary. If still lights up, seek expert assistance.
Notes on the brake support systems
If you suspect that there is a malfunction in the systems, read and observe the following notes:
•The ESC and TCS can function properly only if all four wheels are fitted with the same tyres.
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power
unexpectedly.
•If there is a fault in the anti-lock brake system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also stop working.
•Operating noises may be heard during the self-regulation processes of the systems explained
above.
Practical equipment
Stowage areas
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowage compartment on the driver side
⇒ Stowage compartment on the front passenger side
⇒ Stowage compartment in the dash panel
⇒ Stowage compartment in the front centre armrest
⇒ Stowage compartment in the roof console (glasses compartment)
⇒ Folding table
⇒ Drawers
⇒ Coat and bag hooks
Use stowage compartments only to stow light or relatively small objects.
A factory-fitted CD changer, Apple iPod adapter, USB connection or multimedia socket
(MEDIA-IN) may be located in the stowage compartment in the centre armrest.
•If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the
control function of the anti-lock brake system may have failed. This can cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of
control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed
to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid
sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.
•The anti-lock brake system is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp
does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped
using the normal brakes only (without the anti-lock brake system). The protection
provided by the anti-lock brake system is no longer available. Go to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
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•If necessary, fold back the rear seat backrest and allow it to engage securely.
•If necessary, adjust the headlight range ⇒ Headlights.
•Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the tyre pressure sticker ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, set the new vehicle load level as necessary ⇒ Tyre
monitoring systems.
Do not cover the ventilation openings in the area around the rear window as this prevents
stale air escaping from the vehicle.
Luggage compartment cover
Fig. 181 In the luggage compartment: removing and installing the luggage compartment cover.
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if
objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle
interior. To reduce the risk of accidents, please observe the following guidelines:
•Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely.
•Small and light objects should also be secured.
•Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never
enter the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
•If an item is being stowed on a seat, this seat must not be used by any passengers.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp objects loose in any of the vehicle's open
stowage areas, on the surface behind the rear seat backrest or on the dash panel.
•Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags inside the
vehicle and stow them securely.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and increases the braking
distance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a
loss of vehicle control and can cause serious injury.
•Never exceed the vehicle's maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of
the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance
of the vehicle.
•Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
•The payload should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
•Always secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle
as possible.
•Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and change the way the
vehicle handles.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
WARNING
Objects rubbing against the rear windows may damage or destroy the heating wires or,
depending on the vehicle equipment, also the aerial.
NOTICE
Technical requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the engine cooling system when trailer towing. The
engine cooling system must contain sufficient engine coolant and be able to cope with the extra
load added by the trailer.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations.
Trailer tail light clusters
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors,
additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations.
Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights84 watts
Turn signal per side42 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights42 watts
Rear fog light42 watts
Australia
All brake lights108 watts
Turn signal per side54 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights54 watts
Rear fog light54 watts
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends
additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for
towing a trailer.
Electrically adjustable ball coupling
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached
from the towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or to its fastenings. The towing bracket
must not prevent the rear bumper from functioning correctly.
•Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.
WARNING
•The vehicle electronics may be damaged if the trailer's power consumption is too high.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or to other sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide
power to the trailer.
NOTICE
Fig. 192 On the right of the luggage compartment: button for releasing the ball coupling.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing bracket coupling ball is located in the bumper. The electrically adjustable ball couple is
swivelled out mechanically and cannot be removed.
Releasing and swivelling out ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is released electrically and folds out automatically. The indicator lamp in the button
flashes.
•Continue rotating the ball head until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp
in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Swivelling in the ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Uncouple the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the
trailer. If fitted, remove the adapter from the trailer socket.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is electrically unlocked.
•Swivel the ball head under the bumper until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator
lamp in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Meaning of indicator lamp in the button
•If the indicator lamp in the button ⇒ Fig. 192 is lit up permanently when the boot lid is open, the
ball head is correctly engaged in the extended or retracted position.
•If the indicator lamp in the button flashes, the ball head has either not clicked into place properly
or it is damaged ⇒.
•The indicator lamp in the button goes out approximately one minute after the luggage
compartment is closed.
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.
•Only use the ball head if it has clicked into place properly.
•Ensure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball head.
•Never interrupt the ball head, for example with tools, when it is swivelling.
•Never press the button ⇒ Fig. 192 if a trailer is attached or if a luggage rack or other
accessories are fitted to the ball head.
•If the ball coupling does not engage properly or there is a fault in the electrical system
or the towing bracket itself, do not use the towing bracket and have it checked by an
authorised workshop.
•Never use the towing bracket if the diameter of the ball is below 49 mm at the smallest
point.
WARNING
Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the mechanically
positioned ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket. Seals could be damaged or the grease
required for lubrication could be washed off.
NOTICE
Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Turn the light switch to position 0 Lights.
Move the turn signal lever to neutral position Lights.
Move the automatic gearbox 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.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
Switch off the orientation lighting Lights.
Leave the defective bulbs to cool down.
You can change the following bulbs yourself:
•Bulbs in the halogen headlight: dipped beam, main beam, daytime running light, side light, turn
signal.
•Bulbs in front bumper: fog lights, static cornering light.
•Bulbs in the tail light clusters: rear turn signal, if it does not feature LED technology (depending
on vehicle equipment level).
All other bulbs and lamps in the vehicle should always be changed by an expert.
Additional bulb specifications
Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different
to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
LED bulbs on the vehicle
•Brake light, rear fog light, tail light, turn signal and reversing light in the tail light clusters.
•Dipped beam, main beam, daytime running lights, static cornering light, side lights and turn
signal.
•Number plate light.
Owners cannot replace the LEDs themselves. If some LEDs fail, this may be an indication that
more elements are on the point of failure. If this happens, have the bulbs checked and replaced if
necessary at a qualified workshop.
Checklist Information on changing bulbs
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order ⇒:
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have
difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
WARNING
Changing the bulb incorrectly can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•When working in the engine compartment, always read and observe the safety
warnings ⇒ In the engine compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
•H7/H15 bulbs are pressurised and could explode when they are being changed.
•Only change the defective bulb once it has had time to cool down completely.
•Never change a bulb unless you are familiar with the procedure. If you are uncertain of
what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. When the light is
switched on, heat will cause fingerprints to evaporate on the bulb, which in turn will
cause the reflector to dim.
•There are sharp-edged parts in the headlight housing in the engine compartment and
on the tail light cluster housing. Protect your hands when changing bulbs.
WARNING
Damage to the electrical system can be caused by water entering the system if the rubber
covers or plastic caps on the headlight housing are not properly mounted after a bulb has
been changed.
NOTICE
Fig. 211 In the dash panel: fuse layout.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The table shows the fuse locations of the electrical equipment relevant for the driver. The first
column in the table contains the location. The other columns contain the fuse designs, the amp
rating and the consumer protected by the fuse.
Depending on the market and specification of your vehicle, the fuse numbers and positions may
differ to those given in the table. If necessary ask your Volkswagen dealership for the exact fuse
layout.
Fuse
location
⇒ Fig. 211
Fuse
design
Amp
rating
Electrical consumers
F4MINI10Anti-theft alarm.
F6MINI10Selector mechanism for the automatic gearbox
F7MINI10Control unit for air conditioning system or heating and
fresh air system, rear window heating relay
F8MINI10Light switch (dipped headlights), rain/light sensor,
electronic parking brake
F10MINI7,5Display, Infotainment controls
F11ATO40Exterior lights, left
F12ATO20Infotainment services
F14ATO40Blower control
F16MINI7,5Telephone
F22ATO15Charging cable for the trailer
F23JCASE30Electric glass roof
F24ATO40Exterior lights, right
F26ATO30Seat heating
F27ATO30Interior lighting
F28ATO25Left trailer controller unit
F38ATO25Right trailer controller unit
F40ATO20Cigarette lighter, electrical socket
F42ATO40Central locking
F44ATO15Trailer controller unit
F47ATO15Rear wiper
F51ATO25Seat heating at rear
F53ATO30Rear window heating
The electric windows and the electrically adjustable seats may be secured with circuit
breakers which switch on again automatically a few seconds after the overload, e.g. frozen
windows, has been rectified.
Observe the installation position. Factory-fitted fuse location as shown in illustration ⇒ Fig. 211.
Fuse tables for fuses in the engine compartment
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Tow-starting or towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing
⇒ Fitting the rear towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye (R-Line)
⇒ Driving notes when towing
Tow-starting is where a vehicle is started from it being set in motion by a vehicle that is hitched up
to it.
Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled away with the aid of another vehicle.
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged 12-volt battery must not be towed.⇒ Jump
starting
Vehicles with Keyless Access must only be towed with the ignition switched on.
Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the 12-
volt vehicle battery. Depending on the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery, the drop in voltage
can be large enough after just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer
function, e.g. the hazard warning lights.
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode,
which can lead to serious injuries. Please observe the following in order to reduce the risk
of the 12-volt vehicle battery exploding:
•All work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ 12-
volt vehicle battery.
•Always wear suitable eye protection and gloves and never lean over the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by
the negative.
•Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump
lead attached to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery must not touch
electrically conductive parts of the vehicle.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with battery in the engine compartment: check the battery
window on the 12-volt vehicle battery. Use a torch for this if necessary. If the display is
light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the 12-volt vehicle battery. The explosive
gas emitted from the 12-volt vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
•Do not carry out jump starting if the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has
ever been frozen.
WARNING
Once the vehicle has been successfully jump-started, go to a qualified workshop and have
the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
NOTICE
Notes on tow-starting and towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope, tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must only use tow bars that are specially designed
to fit a ball head ⇒ Trailer towing.
Tow-starting
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Instead have the vehicle jump-started
⇒ Jump starting or collected by a recovery vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started:
•Engage second or third gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•The vehicle gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.
•The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. The steering system is still locked and the electronic
parking brake and electronic steering column lock, if applied, cannot be released.
•The distance to be towed is further than 50 km.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition or switch off the ignition using the
starter button during towing. This could cause the mechanical steering column lock
(steering lock) or the electronic steering column lock to engage suddenly. You will no
longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change
significantly. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious
injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the
brake servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is
pulling your vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE