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
If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical systems or in the anti-theft alarm or if there
is a fault in the anti-theft alarm, have the vehicle checked by a qualified workshop.
If the engine is not running and electrical equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer
socket, the 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be
interrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull ⇒. The drawbar load is the load that is
exerted vertically from above onto the ball head of the towing bracket ⇒ Information on technical
data.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing
bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official
vehicle documents take precedence over these data.
The maximum permitted drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball head of the towing
bracket must not exceed 100 kg.
In the interest of driving safety, Volkswagen recommends that you always use the maximum
drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a
result.
Gross combination weight rating
The combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the loaded
trailer.
In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. Volkswagen recommends that you
contact a qualified workshop to find out about suitable trailers.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed evenly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should
be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:
•Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are either over or as near to the axle as
possible.
•Secure all loads on the trailer properly.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure ⇒ Tyre pressure.
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted
gross axle weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination
weight rating.
•Never exceed the specified values.
•Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the gross axle weight
ratings. Never exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight
at the front and rear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause
accidents and severe injuries.
•Always load trailers correctly.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
WARNING
Diesel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles with a diesel engine must be run on diesel ⇒. If you use diesel with a high sulphur
content, the service intervals are shorter ⇒ Service. Information on countries that use diesel with a
high sulphur content is available from your Volkswagen dealership.
The fuel quality affects the running properties, performance and service life of the engine. You
should therefore use fuel that already contains suitable service additives if possible ⇒.
Information on the fuel standards can be found in the chapter on fuel standards ⇒ Fuel standards.
Winter-grade diesel fuel and filter preheater system
Winter-grade diesel fuel, which can be used at temperatures below -20°C (-4°F), is available during
the cold months. In countries with different climates, diesel for other temperature conditions is
usually available. Information is available from your Volkswagen dealership and filling stations in
the respective country.
Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter pre-heater system. When using winter-grade diesel fuel,
the fuel system is safe for operation at temperatures down to around -24°C (-11°F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start at temperatures
below -24°C (-11°F), place the vehicle in a heated garage or workshop for a while ⇒.
At cold temperatures, louder noises may occur in the diesel engine and the exhaust gas may
be tinged blue.
Refuelling
Fig. 195 Behind the tank flap: tank cap.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
See the chapter on technical data for information on filling capacities ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Incorrect refuelling or unsuitable fuel additives may cause damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
•If, in an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the
recommended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible.
NOTICE
Start boosters may explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs. This can
cause injuries or damage to the engine.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
Incorrect refuelling can lead to damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Do not refuel with RME fuel, petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
NOTICE
Refuelling process
•Unlock the tank flap with the vehicle key or the button in the driver door.
•Open the tank flap.
•Unscrew the tank cap and place it in the holder on the tank flap.
•The fuel tank is full when the properly operated automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first time
⇒.
•Screw the tank cap onto the filler neck.
•Close the tank flap.
Misfuelling prevention device
Fig. 196 In the tank filler neck: misfuelling prevention device.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The tank filler neck in diesel vehicles can be fitted with a misfuelling prevention device ⇒ Fig. 196.
The misfuelling prevention device ensures that the vehicle can be refuelled only using diesel pump
nozzles.
Turn the diesel nozzle to and fro if the misfuelling prevention device gets stuck. This can open the
misfuelling prevention device and make it possible to refuel the vehicle. If the misfuelling prevention
device remains closed, proceed to a qualified workshop to have the system checked.
If it is necessary to refuel the vehicle using a spare fuel canister in the event of an emergency, the
misfuelling prevention device will not open. In order to fill the tank with fuel, pour the diesel into the
tank extremely slowly in very small quantities.
Components relevant to emission control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
⇒ Catalytic converter
⇒ Particulate filter
⇒ Troubleshooting
•Emission control with AdBlue⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
•Catalytic converter ⇒ Catalytic converter
•Particulate filter ⇒ Particulate filter
Information on indicator and warning lamps can be found in the troubleshooting section at the end
of the chapter ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Overfilling the fuel tank may cause the fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause
fires, explosions and serious injuries.
•Do not continue refuelling when the petrol nozzle switches off for the first time.
WARNING
Do not fill up with fuel that has a lower Research Octane Number (RON) than specified. The
engine could otherwise be damaged.
NOTICE
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Emission control with AdBlue
Fig. 197 Behind the tank flap: tank cap for AdBlue.
Fig. 198 Behind the tank flap: refilling AdBlue with the refill bottle or nozzle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 197 and ⇒ Fig. 198:
Tank filler neck cap.
Refill bottle.
Filler nozzle.
AdBlue is a registered trademark and is also known as AUS32 or DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid).
The AdBlue consumption figures depend on the driving style, the operating temperature and the
ambient temperature. The remaining range and refill quantity can be checked on the instrument
cluster display.
The AdBlue tank must never run empty. As of a remaining distance of approximately 2,400 km,
the instrument cluster display will indicate that the AdBlue must be refilled ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Preparing to refill
•Stop vehicle on a level surface.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1 ⇒.
Opening the tank filler neck
•Open the tank flap.
Engine emissions contain carbon monoxide that can cause people to lose consciousness
and can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine in closed spaces.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.
•Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converters, particulate filter or heat shields.
WARNING
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•Only refuel with fuels that are suitable for the vehicle ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Use only suitable engine oil for the vehicle and do not overfill ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Periodic regeneration
The soot in the particulate filter is burnt off at high temperatures on a periodic basis.
To assist the regeneration of the particulate filter, Volkswagen recommends that you avoid making
only short journeys.
Noises, slight smells and increased engine speeds may occur during regeneration. The radiator fan
may run on while the vehicle is moving or when the engine has been switched off.
During the periodic regeneration process, the yellow indicator lamp does not light
up.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Irregular engine running and malfunctions
If the engine shows signs of irregular running or malfunctions while you are driving, this may mean
that the fuel is of poor quality. Reduce speed immediately. Drive to nearest qualified workshop at
medium engine speeds and low loads on the engine.
If these symptoms occur directly after refuelling, switch off the engine immediately to avoid any
subsequent damage. You should obtain professional assistance.
Warning and indicator lamps
Lights up together with the red warning lamp : fault in the selective catalytic reduction
system. The engine cannot be restarted! Drive straight to a qualified workshop without switching
off the engine and have the system checked ⇒.AdBlue level too low. The engine cannot
be restarted! Switch off the vehicle and refill the AdBlue minimum quantity according to
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue⇒.Lights up together with the yellow warning lamp
: the selective catalytic reduction system is faulty or not filled with standard-compliant
AdBlue. Drive immediately to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.AdBlue
level too low. Refill AdBlue within the displayed remaining range in accordance with ⇒ Emission
control with AdBlue⇒.The particulate filter is saturated with soot and requires
regeneration. Driving at speeds between 50 - 120 km/h (31 - 75 mph) will support regeneration.
Observe the relevant speed limits and the gear recommendation. The indicator lamp goes out
automatically when the particulate filter has been regenerated. If the indicator lamp is still lit up after
driving for around 30 minutes, seek expert assistance immediately.Lit up: malfunction. Have
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic
converter. Drive immediately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the engine checked.
There may be engine faults and fuel consumption may be higher if the indicator lamps are lit
up or flashing.
Colour display only on an instrument cluster with colour display.
Fuel standards
Petrol
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on petrol in compliance with the European standard
EN 228 or the German standard DIN 51626-1 ⇒.
Where petrol complying with the specified standard is not available, Volkswagen dealerships will
have information on what fuels are suitable for the vehicle.
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If the AdBlue level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition has been
switched off. Starting with jump leads is also not possible.
•Refill AdBlue at the latest when the remaining distance reaches approximately
1,000 km.
•Never allow the AdBlue tank to run empty.
NOTICE
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Diesel
Vehicles with a diesel engine must be run on diesel in compliance with the European standard
EN 590 or the German standard DIN 590 ⇒.
Where diesel complying with the specified standard is not available, Volkswagen dealerships will
have information on what kind of diesel is suitable for the vehicle.
If and when
Vehicle toolkit
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowage
⇒ Contents
⇒ Collapsible chock
Observe any country-specific legislation when securing your vehicle in the event of a breakdown.
Stowage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The vehicle tool kit may be located in various positions in the luggage compartment:
•In a bag on the left or right in the stowage areas of the luggage compartment ⇒ Luggage
compartment equipment.
•In a foam rubber holder under the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment
equipment.
In some models, the luggage compartment may contain a loose box with a vehicle tool kit. This
supplied vehicle tool kit is intended for a possible switch of winter tyres and does not need to be
carried in the vehicle at all times.
After using the vehicle jack, crank it back to its original position so that it can be stored
safely.
Contents
Using fuel that does not comply with these standards may reduce performance and cause
damage to the engine and fuel system.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard on the pump meets the vehicle's
requirements.
•Use only fuels that meet the required standards in order to prevent damage to the fuel
system and engine failure.
NOTICE
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, a loose vehicle tool kit,
breakdown set and spare wheel or temporary spare wheel could be flung though the
vehicle and cause severe injuries.
•Ensure that the vehicle toolkit, breakdown set and spare wheel or temporary spare
wheel are always secured in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged tools in the vehicle toolkit can lead to accidents and injuries.
•Never work with unsuitable or damaged tools from the vehicle toolkit.
WARNING