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
Fig. 222 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper
⇒ Fig. 221.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Observe the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.
•Push the area of the cover pointing towards the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 221 in the direction of the arrow
to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye anti-clockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible
⇒ Fig. 222⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it with a suitable object
clockwise.
•Insert the lug on the cover on the opening pointing towards the vehicle side in the bumper and
push on the opposite area of the cover until the lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
Driving notes when towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be
familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
When driving, remember not to pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging
the anchorage points.
It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard
warning lights are switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction
while the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is
being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing automatically as soon as the turn signal
lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
•Leave the ignition of the vehicle being towed switched on to prevent the steering wheel from
locking, to enable the electronic parking brake to be switched off, and to ensure that the turn
signals, wipers and washer system can be used.
•As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than you normally would.
•You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not
working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.
•Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle:
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
•Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.
Checking and refilling
In the engine compartment
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing
eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE
With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure
that the engine oil reading is correct.
Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
Open the bonnet In the engine compartment.
Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dipstick. The engine oil filler opening bears the
symbol on the cap and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle. If you cannot find the cap
and dipstick please contact a qualified workshop.
Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a marking on
the upper end of the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the
top end of the guide tube when inserting.
After reading off the oil level, push the oil dipstick back into the guide tube as far as it will
go.
Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap .
Only the engine oil expressly approved by Volkswagen for this engine should be gradually
refilled in small quantities (no more than 0.5 l).
In order to avoid overfilling, wait for approximately one minute after each refill step to allow
the engine oil to flow into the oil sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
Read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a further small
quantity of engine oil. Never overfill with engine oil .
After refilling, the engine oil level should be in the middle of area Ⓒ. It should not be above
Ⓒ, in area Ⓑ, and must not reach area Ⓐ .
If too much engine oil has been added unintentionally and the engine oil level is in area Ⓐ,
do not start the engine. Inform a qualified workshop and possibly seek expert assistance.
After refilling, close the engine oil filler opening with the cap.
Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube as far as it will go. If there is a marking on the
upper end of the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top
end of the guide tube when inserting.
Close the bonnet In the engine compartment.
Do not refill engine oil.
Engine oil level OK.
Engine oil level too low – refill engine oil.
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order ⇒:
Pull the dipstick out again and read the engine oil level on the dipstick as follows: Ⓐ Engine
oil level too high. Follow any messages that are shown on the instrument cluster display and
go to a qualified workshop . Ⓑ Do not fill the engine oil . Continue to step 16. Ⓒ Engine oil
level OK. Engine oil can, e.g. in the case of high engine loads , be filled up to the upper limit
of this range. Continue to step 8 or 16. Ⓓ Engine oil level is too low. The engine oil must be
refilled. Continue to step 8.
The engine oil level must never be above area ⇒ Fig. 227Ⓑ. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine oil can ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine components. It can cause
fires, burns and other serious injuries.
•If engine oil is spilt on cold engine parts it can heat up and ignite when the engine is
running.
•Always ensure that the engine oil filler cap is securely tightened after refilling, and that
the dipstick is properly inserted back into the guide tube. This will prevent the engine
oil from draining out on to hot engine components when the engine is running.
WARNING
•If too much engine oil has been added unintentionally and the engine oil level is in area
⇒ Fig. 227Ⓐ, do not start the engine. Inform a qualified workshop and possibly seek
expert assistance. The catalytic converter and the engine could otherwise be damaged.
•When topping up service fluids, please ensure that you pour the correct service fluids
into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
•Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the
engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive
on. Seek professional assistance.
•If you can see coolant residue in the coolant expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains
stable.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. Do
not fill above the top edge of the marked area⇒.
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the required specification ⇒ Coolant
specification, do not use any other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water⇒
only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as possible ⇒ Coolant
specification.
Brake fluid
Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of
the engine compartment. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet.
Hot components can burn the skin.
•The following points should be noted before opening the bonnet once the engine has
cooled down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and other injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anti-clockwise while exerting gentle
downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the
engine due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine
failure. If any other type of water than distilled water is refilled, the fluid in the cooling
system should be completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 229. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could
cause damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air
could have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure
to do so can result in engine damage.
•When topping up service fluids, please ensure that you pour the correct service fluids
into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
Tyre damage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Damage to tyres and wheel rims is often hidden ⇒.
•If you suspect that a wheel is damaged, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•If a tyre is damaged, do not drive on. Seek expert assistance.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in order
to have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
•Leave the foreign body in the tyre if it has entered the inner tyre. Foreign bodies that are stuck
between the tyre tread blocks can be removed.
•Replace the damaged wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel or seal the tyre with the breakdown set and
inflate it ⇒ Breakdown set. Seek professional assistance for this if necessary.
•Check and adjust the tyre pressure.
•Go to a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Tyre wear
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Wheel imbalance may develop when the vehicle is driven; you will notice this by nervous steering
response. Unbalanced wheels will affect the level of tyre wear. In this case the wheels should be
balanced again.
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of the vehicle. The
wheel alignment should be checked by a qualified workshop if tyres show excessive wear.
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
Fig. 239 In the luggage compartment: handwheel for securing the spare wheel.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause
serious injury.
•Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear
indicators.
•Worn tyres have considerably less grip, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the
vehicle to glide along the road surface (aquaplaning).
•Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult
driving situations and increase braking distance and the risk of skidding.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion,
this may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
•Reduce speed immediately and park the vehicle without obstructing traffic.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•Never drive on if wheels or tyres are damaged. Seek expert assistance instead.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified
workshop in order to have the vehicle checked.
WARNING
If your vehicle has a flat tyre, park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance
from moving traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch
gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be placed fully back in position after changing the
wheel.
Removing and fitting the caps
•Removing: take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook through the opening in the cap ⇒ Fig. 243 and pull off in the direction of
the arrow.
•Fitting: press the caps on the bolts as far as they will go.
The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. It only fits onto the anti-theft wheel bolts and not
onto conventional wheel bolts.
Changing a wheel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel
⇒ Wheel bolts
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered from the factory without a jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the
wheel should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. If both tyres on one side of the vehicle, both tyres on one
axle, or all tyres are damaged, seek expert assistance.
Preparations for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for
changing the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road.
Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from
your area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm. If necessary use a
large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not,
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
•In the case of vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system must be re-
synchronised immediately after new tyres are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
WARNING
After changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Clean the tools from the vehicle tool kit and place them back in the foam rubber holder in the
luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Stow the changed wheel securely in the luggage compartment.
•Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked immediately ⇒ Tightening torque for the
wheel bolts.
•The damaged wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system has to re-synchronise after
wheels are changed ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Breakdown set
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Contents of the breakdown set
⇒ Preparation
⇒ Sealing and inflating tyres
⇒ Test after driving for 10 minutes
The breakdown set can be used to temporarily and reliably seal any tyre damage caused by foreign
bodies or punctures (up to approx. 4 mm in diameter). Do not remove foreign objects (e.g.
screws or nails) from the tyre!
Once the sealant has been added to the tyre, the tyre pressure must be checked and adjusted
again after approximately ten minutes of driving.
Seek expert assistance if more than one of the vehicle's tyres is damaged. The breakdown set is
designed to fill only one tyre.
Use the breakdown set only when the vehicle has been safely parked and if you are familiar with
the work and safety precautions needed. Seek expert assistance if this is not the case.
The tyre sealant must not be used:
•If the rim is damaged.
•If the outside temperature is below -20°C (-4°F).
•If there are cuts or punctures in the tyre that are larger than 4 mm.
•If the vehicle was driven with very low tyre pressure or a flat tyre.
•If the use-by date on the tyre filler bottle has expired.
•In conjunction with AirStop tyres. You can tell if your vehicle is equipped with AirStop tyres if
there is the word Seal on the outside of the tyres.
Incorrect torque or incorrect use of wheel bolts can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always keep all wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hubs clean and free from oil and
grease. The wheel bolts must be easy to turn and be tightened to the specified torque.
•The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle should only be used for turning wheel
bolts, not use for loosening or tightening them.
WARNING
®®
Dispose of used or out-of-date sealant in accordance with legal requirements.
You can get a new tyre filler bottle from a Volkswagen dealership.
Observe the separate instructions from the manufacturer of the breakdown set.
Contents of the breakdown set
Fig. 249 The breakdown set.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The breakdown set is located underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment. It
includes the following components ⇒ Fig. 249:
Valve core extractor.
Sticker with the maximum permitted speed max. 80 km/h or max. 50 mph.
Filler hose with plug.
Air compressor.
On/off switch
Air bleed screw.
Tyre pressure display.
Using the breakdown set can be dangerous, especially if the tyres are inflated at the
roadside. Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to fill the tyre.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm.
•All passengers, and children in particular, must be at a safe distance and away from
your area of work.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•The breakdown set should only be used if you feel confident with carrying out the
procedure. If not, seek expert assistance.
•Tyres repaired with the breakdown set are intended for temporary, emergency use
only. They should only be used until you can reach the nearest qualified workshop.
•Tyres that have been repaired using the breakdown set should be replaced as soon as
possible.
•Sealant is hazardous to health and must be washed off immediately if it gets onto the
skin.
•The breakdown set must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Never use a vehicle jack, even if it is approved for the vehicle.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
WARNING
Tyres that have been filled with sealant will not handle in the same way as a standard tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Drive for just 10 minutes at no more than 80 km/h (50 mph) and then check the tyre.
WARNING
1)
1)