Allow the engine to cool sufficiently.
Children and other people should be kept well away from the engine compartment.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away unexpectedly.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 223 In the footwell on the driver's side: release lever for the bonnet.
Fig. 224 Above the radiator grille: bonnet control lever.
Opening the bonnet
•Ensure that the wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the bonnet ⇒.
•Open the driver door and pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 223. The
bonnet is released from its lock by a spring mechanism ⇒.
•Lift the bonnet at the opening lever ⇒ Fig. 224 (arrow) and open fully. The bonnet is held in the
open position by the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
•To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure ⇒.
•Let the bonnet drop into the catches from a height of about 30 cm – do not press it down!
If the bonnet has not closed properly, lift it and then close it again.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is closed properly. The bonnet is no
longer highlighted in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Display or the display goes out.
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
Display
Fig. 225 On the instrument cluster display: the bonnet is open or not closed properly (illustration).
A symbol in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 225 indicates if the bonnet is open or is not
closed properly.
Do not drive on! If necessary, lift the bonnet and then close it again.
This symbol is also visible when the ignition is switched off and will go out a few seconds after the
vehicle has been locked when all doors are closed.
The symbol can differ depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
Service fluids and consumables
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. tyres, engine coolant and vehicle batteries, are being
constantly developed. The same applies to toothed belts, engine oils and spark plugs for
combustion engines. For this reason, service fluids and consumables should be replaced at a
qualified workshop. Volkswagen dealerships are kept up to date on all innovations.
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it can open suddenly while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels.
•If you notice that the bonnet is not closed properly while the vehicle is in motion, stop
the vehicle as soon as possible and close the bonnet.
•Therefore the bonnet should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody
is in its path.
WARNING
•The bonnet should only be opened when the wiper arms are flush to the windscreen
and when they are switched off in order to avoid damage to the bonnet and the wiper
arms.
•Always return the wiper arms to the windscreen before starting your journey.
NOTICE
Failure to observe the warning displays could lead to your vehicle breaking down in
traffic, and to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning displays.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Leaking service fluids can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected in
suitable containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Washer fluid
Fig. 226 In the engine compartment: cap of washer fluid reservoir.
The windscreen washer fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary.
A filter can be found in the feed throat of the washer fluid reservoir. The filter keeps large dirt
particles away from the windscreen washer jets when refilling. The filter should only be removed for
cleaning. If the filter is damaged or is not present, dirt particles can enter the system and will block
the washer jets.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•The washer fluid reservoir is identified by the symbol on the cap ⇒ Fig. 226.
•Check whether there is enough windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
•To top up, mix clean water (not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by
Volkswagen ⇒. Observe the dilution instructions on the packaging.
•At low temperatures, add a special anti-freeze agent so that the fluid cannot freeze ⇒.
Capacities
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of between 3 and 5 litres depending on the vehicle
equipment level.
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the incorrect use of these fluids and
consumables, can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Service fluids must be kept in their original sealed container.
•Never store service fluids in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers could drink them.
•Keep children away from all service fluids and consumables.
•Always read and follow the information and warnings on the service fluid packaging.
•When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well-
ventilated area.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for
vehicle care. They are toxic and highly flammable. They could cause fires and
explosions.
WARNING
•Only use suitable service fluids for refilling. Never use the wrong service fluid. Failure
to observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.
•Optional equipment and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling
effect of the coolant. The engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high
engine loads.
NOTICE
Suitable accessories are available from your Volkswagen dealership. Follow the usage
instructions on the packaging.
Washing the vehicle
Also wash the underside of the vehicle on a regular basis to remove road salt or seawater residue.
Automatic car washes
Always observe all the car wash operator's specifications, in particular if your vehicle features add-
on parts ⇒.
•Preferably use car washes without brushes.
•Preclean the vehicle by rinsing with water.
•The steering column must not lock when driving through automatic car washes ⇒ Steering.
•Always switch off the Auto Hold function ⇒ Electronic parking brake, the wipers ⇒ Wipers and
the rain/light sensor before entering the car wash.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•If your vehicle has decorative and protective films, do not select a wash program with hot wax.
High-pressure cleaners
Observe the manufacturer's information for the high-pressure cleaner. Never use rotating nozzles
⇒.
•Only use water with a maximum temperature of +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
•Move the jet of water uniformly so that the nozzle is at least 50 cm away from the side windows
and other vehicle components.
•Do not point the water jet at the same location for too long. Instead, leave stubborn dirt to soak.
•If possible, do not direct the water jet at seals, e.g. side windows, decorative trim, tyres, rubber
hoses, insulation materials or any other sensitive components, e.g. door locks.
•Sensors, camera lenses, and decorative and protective films should be sprayed directly only for
brief periods of time.
Washing the car by hand
Washing the car by hand is always the more gentle way to clean it. However, there are also some
things to note for this ⇒.
•Before washing the vehicle, soak the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse it off thoroughly.
•Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a wash mitt or a brush applying only light pressure. Start
with the roof and work from the top to the bottom.
•Rinse the sponge, wash mitt or brush thoroughly at regular short intervals.
•Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a second sponge for this.
Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect use
of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Care products must be kept in the original, sealed container only.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never use empty food cans, bottles or other containers for storing care products.
•Keep children away from care products.
•The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be
used outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to
wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly
inflammable.
WARNING
Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based ingredients attack
the material and may cause irreparable damage, even if only left for a short time.
•Stains, dirt and other deposits should always be removed as quickly as possible and
not allowed to dry in.
•Have stubborn stains removed by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
1)
Waxing
Waxing protects the paintwork. At the latest when water no longer clearly forms small drops and
runs off the paintwork when the vehicle is clean, you should re-wax the vehicle with a good wax
solution.
Even if a preservative wax is applied regularly in the automatic car wash, Volkswagen recommends
protecting the vehicle paintwork at least twice a year using Volkswagen Genuine hard wax (-
000 096 317 -).
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by
applying wax.
Wash the vehicle only in specially provided wash bays This prevents waste water
contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering the sewerage system.
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Fig. 251 Between the engine compartment and the windscreen: plenum chamber (illustration).
Fig. 252 In the rear of the vehicle: rear view camera in the Volkswagen badge or in the number
plate lighting.
The following overview contains recommendations for cleaning and care of individual vehicle
components ⇒.
Windows, glass surfaces: remove wax residue, e.g. from care products, using the Volkswagen
Genuine cleaning cloth - 000 096 166 A - or a suitable glass cleaner.
Use a hand brush to remove snow and ice. If you use a plastic scraper, move it in one direction
only.
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure
that you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when
doing so.
WARNING
Incorrectly washing the vehicle can cause serious damage to the vehicle.
•Always follow the instructions exactly.
•Never wash the vehicle in direct sunshine.
•Never aim a water jet directly at locks, doors or the boot lid in cold weather. The locks
and seals could freeze.
NOTICE
Painted parts and surfaces with a matt finish, unpainted plastic parts, headlight lenses and
tail light clusters can be damaged if the vehicle is not washed correctly.
•Use only brushless car washes for matt-painted surfaces.
•Do not use hard or abrasive brushes.
NOTICE
Use the Volkswagen Genuine de-icing agent (- 000 096 322 -) to remove ice.
Wiper blades:⇒ Wiper blades.
Paintwork: always treat surfaces carefully in order to prevent damage to the paint coat. Use a
clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution or cleaning clay to remove any light dirt immediately, e.g.
deposits, insect residue, or cosmetics.
Repair minor paint damage with a touch-up pen. Refer to the vehicle data sticker for the paint code
⇒ Technical data. Consult a qualified workshop in the event of damage to surfaces with matt paint.
•Overflowing fuel or service fluids: clean immediately.
•Flash rust deposits: moisten deposits with a soap solution. Then remove any deposits with
cleaning clay.
•Corrosion: have removed by a qualified workshop.
•Water no longer forms beads on clean paint: preserve paintwork at least twice a year using
Volkswagen Genuine hard wax (- 000 096 317 -).
•No gloss in spite of preservation/paint unattractive: treat the vehicle with suitable polish after
cleaning to remove dirt and dust.
Plenum chamber, engine compartment: remove leaves and other loose objects with a vacuum
cleaner or by hand ⇒ Fig. 251⇒. Cleaning of the engine compartment should always be
performed by a qualified workshop ⇒.
Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure
cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
Sensors, camera lenses: clean the area in front of the sensors or camera with a soft cloth and
solvent-free cleaning agent. Observe the installation locations ⇒ Vehicle overviews.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Move the selector lever to position R.
•Clean the camera lens.
Clean sensitive surfaces on the rain/light sensor and the camera window on the windscreen in the
same way as windows and glass surfaces (depending on vehicle equipment).
Remove snow with a brush. Do not use warm or hot water.
Use the Volkswagen Genuine de-icing agent (- 000 096 322 -) to remove ice.
Decorative films, protective films: remove soiling in the same way as for paint. Always use
Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner (- 000 096 314 -) for matt decorative films.
Treat the vehicle with liquid hard wax every three months after washing and removing dust. Only
use clean, soft microfibre clothes to apply it. Do not use hot wax, also not in car washes!
•Stubborn dirt: remove carefully using white spirits, and then rinse using warm water.
Trim parts, trim strips, exhaust pipes made of chrome, aluminium or stainless steel: clean
only in a dust-free environment using a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution.
Chrome parts can be protected using Volkswagen Genuine hard wax (- 000 096 317 -).
Anodised surfaces: do not use chrome cleaning products.
Headlights, tail light clusters: use a soft sponge soaked with a mild soap solution. Do not use
any cleaning agents that contain alcohol or solvents.
•Stubborn dirt: remove with Volkswagen Genuine chrome and aluminium care product (-
000 096 319 D -).
Wheels: remove dirt and gritting salt deposits with plenty of water.
Alloy wheels: treat dirty aluminium wheels with Volkswagen Genuine wheel cleaner (- 000 096 304
-). Volkswagen recommends treating the wheel rims with Volkswagen Genuine hard wax (-
000 096 317 -) every three months.
•Damage protective paint coating: repair immediately with a touch-up pen. Go to a qualified
workshop if necessary.
•Brake dust: use Volkswagen Genuine wheel rim cleaner (- 000 096 304 -).
Door lock cylinders: Volkswagen recommends using Volkswagen Genuine de-icing agent (-
000 096 322 -) for de-icing. Do not use door lock de-icers containing substances that dissolve
grease.
1)
1)
1)
The durability and colourfastness of decorative and protective films can be affected by
environmental influences such as direct sunlight, moisture, air pollution, stone impact etc.
Decorative films may show signs of wear or ageing after about one to three years, protective films
after about two to three years. In very warm environments, decorative films may fade slightly after
one year and protective films after two.
Mild soap solution: a maximum of two tablespoons of neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.
Vehicle interior care and cleaning
The following overview contains recommendations for cleaning and care of individual vehicle
components ⇒.
Windows: clean with a glass cleaner, then wipe dry with a clean chamois leather or with a lint-free
cloth.
Textiles, microfibre cloth, artificial leather: remove any dirt with Volkswagen Genuine interior
cleaning agent (- 000 096 301 -). Never treat materials with leather care agents, solvents, wax
polish, shoe cream, stain removers or similar substances.
•Dirt particles adhering to surfaces: remove with a vacuum cleaner on a regular basis so that the
material is not permanently damaged by abrasion.
•Grease stains, e.g. oil: use Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaning agent (- 000 096 301 -). Dab
off dissolved grease and colour particles with an absorbent cloth and then treat with water if
necessary.
•Special soiling, e.g. ballpoint pen, nail varnish: use Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaning agent
(- 000 096 301 -) and then treat afterwards with a mild soap solution if necessary.
Natural leather: remove fresh soiling with a cotton cloth and mild soap solution. Do not allow
fluids to seep into the seams.
Treat any dried spots with Volkswagen Genuine leather cleaner (- 000 096 323 -).
Regularly and each time after having finished cleaning, apply care cream with light protection and
impregnating properties. Use a special coloured leather cream if necessary. If the vehicle is parked
outdoors for long periods, you should cover the leather to protect it from direct sunlight.
Never treat leather with solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or similar.
•Grease-based soiling, e.g. oil: remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
•Special soiling, e.g. ballpoint pen, nail varnish and dried stains: treat with Volkswagen Genuine
leather cleaner (- 000 096 323 -).
Plastic parts: use a soft, moist cloth.
Remove stubborn stains with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. If necessary, use a solvent-free
plastic cleaning agent, e.g. Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner (- 000 096 314 -).
Trim parts, trim strips made of chrome, aluminium or stainless steel: clean in a dust-free
environment using a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution.
Anodised surfaces: do not use chrome cleaning products.
Controls: remove coarse dirt and other dirt that is difficult to reach using a soft brush. Then use a
clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Do not allow liquids to come into contact with control
elements.
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area. All work in the engine
compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
•Before carrying out any work, ensure that you are familiar with the requisite
procedures and general safety regulations ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Incorrect cleaning and care may cause vehicle damage.
•Always heed the instructions precisely.
•Do not use any excessively harsh, abrasive cleaning products.
NOTICE
The drains of the plenum chamber may become blocked by leaves and dirt. Water that
does not drain away can enter the vehicle interior.
•Have the area under the perforated cover cleaned by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
1)
1)
1)
1)
1)
1)
Special equipment, access to the legally prescribed diagnostic interface (on-board diagnostics) and
switched-on ignition are required in order to read data out of the event data recorder.
Volkswagen will not access, read out or process data from the event data recorder unless the
vehicle owner (or lessee in the case of leasing) grants their permission. Exceptions to this are
contractual or legal provisions.
Due to its legal product monitoring obligations, Volkswagen is entitled to use the data for field
monitoring and also for research purposes and quality improvements. For research purposes,
Volkswagen makes the data available to third parties in anonymous form, in other words without
any reference to the individual vehicle, vehicle owner or lessee.
Reprogramming control units
All data for the control of components are stored in the control units. Some convenience functions,
such as lane change flash, single door unlocking and displays, can be reprogrammed using special
workshop equipment. If the convenience functions are reprogrammed, the descriptions in your
vehicle wallet will no longer match the original functions. Volkswagen recommends having any
reprogramming entered into the digital service schedule by a Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop.
Information about possible reprogramming can be obtained from the Volkswagen dealership.
Convenience and Infotainment functions
Depending on the equipment selected, you can store your own data in the vehicle's Infotainment
functions. This includes, for example:
•Media files for playing music, films or photos in the Infotainment system.
•Address book data for use with a hands-free system or navigation system.
•Entered navigation destinations.
•Data on the use of online services.
These data can be stored locally in the vehicle or located on a device that you have connected to
the vehicle, e.g. mobile device, USB stick or MP3 player. If these data are stored in the vehicle, you
can delete them at any time. These data are transmitted to third parties only at your request, in
particular in relation to the use of online services and in accordance with your personal settings.
You can store convenience settings (personalisation) in the vehicle and change them at any time.
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, this includes, for example:
•Seat position settings.
•Running gear and air conditioning system settings.
•Personalised settings such as mirror adjustment or background lighting.
Integration of mobile devices
If your vehicle contains the necessary equipment, you can connect your mobile device or any other
mobile end device to your vehicle so that you can control this device via the controls integrated in
the vehicle when the corresponding functions are available. For example, images and sounds from
the mobile device can be output through the Infotainment system. At the same time, certain
information is sent to your mobile device. This includes location data and further general vehicle
information, depending on the type of integration. For more details, refer to the information about
display of apps in the Infotainment system ⇒ Mobile online services.
This enables selected apps on the mobile device to be used in the vehicle, e.g. navigation or music
player. The mobile device and vehicle do not interact in any other ways than those described here,
in particular the device does not actively access vehicle data. The type of further data processing
depends on the app provider. The settings that you can make here depend on the app in question
and the operating system on your mobile device.
Third party providers
If your vehicle is equipped with a connection to a mobile network, your vehicle will be able to
exchange data with other systems. The vehicle can be connected to a mobile network using a
transmitter and receiver unit in the vehicle or using your own mobile device. This mobile network
connection enables you to use online functions. This includes online services and apps provided by
Volkswagen or other third-party providers.
Manufacturer services
In the case of online services provided by Volkswagen, the respective functions are described by
Volkswagen in a suitable location, e.g. in a separate service description or on a website ⇒ Mobile
online services along with the relevant data protection policies. Personal data may be required to
provide online services. For this, data are exchanged over a secure connection, e.g. using the
designated IT systems of the manufacturer. Any collection, processing and use of personal data
that goes beyond the provision of the service takes place exclusively according to legal regulations,
contractual agreements or the necessary permission.
You can activate and deactivate the services and functions, some of which are subject to a fee, and
in some cases also disable the vehicle's entire data connection. This does not apply to any
functions and services required by law, e.g. emergency call systems.