Trailer towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to blind other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
automatic headlight range adjustment are adjusted automatically.
Things to note when driving with a trailer
•If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
•The combination weight causes the braking distance to increase.
•Engage a lower gear prior to inclines (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the automatic
gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
•The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
•The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable.
When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope,
depending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Press button once to switch off the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
•Select first gear ⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or selector lever position D/S⇒ DSG dual
clutch gearbox.
•Pull on the button and hold it in this position to hold the vehicle and trailer with the
electronic parking brake.
•Release the brake pedal.
•Pull away slowly. To do this, slowly release the clutch pedal for a manual gearbox.
•Only let go of the button when the engine has sufficient power to move off.
Trailer stabilisation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to lurch from side to side
and can provide countersteer.
Trailer stabilisation is a subsidiary function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
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Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
•Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle
handles and increase the braking distance.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking
manoeuvres.
•Take special care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows
even the slightest sign of snaking.
•Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Keep to speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than for vehicles
without trailers.
WARNING
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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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
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In vehicles with a 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, there is a jump lead
connection point (positive terminal) ⇒ Fig. 216⊕ under a cover in the engine compartment for
connecting the red jump lead.
The vehicle can be jump-started or be used to jump-start another vehicle only via this jump lead
connection point.
Jump starting the vehicle
Fig. 217 Diagram for connecting the jump leads (12-volt vehicle battery in the engine
compartment).
Fig. 218 Diagram showing how to connect jump leads on the vehicle providing the jump start (12-
volt battery in luggage compartment).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 217 and ⇒ Fig. 218:
Vehicle with discharged 12-volt vehicle battery that is being jump-started.
Vehicle with 12-volt vehicle battery that is supplying power and jump-starting the other
vehicle.
Suitable earth connection: preferably the jump lead connection point (earth connection), a
solid metal part which is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or the cylinder block itself.
The discharged 12-volt vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical
system.
The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are
connected.
Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again
after about a minute.
If the engine still does not start, seek expert assistance.
Connecting jump leads (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the engine
compartment)
The jump leads should only be connected in the order A – B – C – D⇒ Fig. 217.
The black jump lead should never be connected to the negative terminal (–) on the 12-volt vehicle
battery. Connecting the lead to the negative terminal can cause incorrect condition evaluation of the
12-volt vehicle battery in the vehicle electronics.
•Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
•Open the cover on the 12-volt vehicle battery in the engine compartment, if a cover is installed
⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
•Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal (+) of the vehicle with the
discharged 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 217①⇒.
•Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal (+) of the vehicle battery
providing assistance ⇒ Fig. 217②.
•On the vehicle with the flat 12-volt battery, connect the other end of the black jump lead
⇒ Fig. 217③ preferably to the jump lead connection point (earth connection), or otherwise to a
solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder block itself ⇒
.
•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
Connecting jump leads (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the luggage
compartment)
The jump leads should only be connected in the order A – B – C – D⇒ Fig. 218.
•Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
•Fold open the cover of the jump lead connection point in the engine compartment ⇒ Jump lead
connection point (positive terminal).
•Connect one end of the red jump lead to the jump lead connection point (positive terminal) (+)
of the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 218①⇒.
•Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal (+) of the vehicle battery
providing assistance ⇒ Fig. 218②.
•On the vehicle with the 12-volt battery providing assistance, connect one end of the black jump
lead ⇒ Fig. 218③ preferably to the jump lead connection point (earth connection), or
otherwise to a solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder
block itself.
•On the vehicle with the flat 12-volt battery, connect the other end of the black jump lead
⇒ Fig. 218③ preferably to the jump lead connection point (earth connection), or otherwise to a
solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder block itself ⇒
.
•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
Starting the engine
•Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.
•Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery and wait two or three
minutes until the engine is running smoothly.
Removing the jump leads
•Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights if they are switched
on.
•Turn on the blower of the air conditioning system or the heating and fresh air system and the
rear window heating in the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery. This helps to
minimise voltage peaks which are generated when the leads are disconnected.
•When the engine is running, the jump leads should be removed only in the order
D – C – B – A⇒ Fig. 217 or ⇒ Fig. 218.
•Close the battery cover or fold back the cover of the jump lead connection point ⇒ Jump lead
connection point (positive terminal).
•Go to a qualified workshop and have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
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
Safety notes for working in the engine compartment
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine
compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. You should only carry out work on
the engine, and in the engine compartment, if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks,
are aware of the general safety procedures and have access to the correct equipment, service
fluids and suitable tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious injuries ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must
be on a level, the wheels chocked, and the vehicle key removed from the ignition lock
as required.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra
support for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail,
which can lead to serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be
carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not
been carried out properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Hot steam or hot coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you
can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Observe the following points 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.
- Slowly and carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank anticlockwise
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.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries
and death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The 12-volt battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
- Never touch the electrical wiring and connections of gas discharge bulbs.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the 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.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other service fluids on the ground, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of
properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in
the engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the
rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can
start automatically, even if the ignition has been switched off and the vehicle key has
been removed from the ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
poly V-belts, alternator, radiator fan etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Always be particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long
hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work,
remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid
them getting caught in the engine compartment.
- Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and
fires.
WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and
hence cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the
electrical system:
- Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When topping up or changing service fluids, 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