Data storage and services
Your vehicle is fitted with electronic control units. Some of these are required to make sure your
vehicle remains safe while others provide support while driving (driver assist systems).
Furthermore, your vehicle is equipped with convenience and Infotainment functions, which are also
made possible using electronic control units.
Electronic control units contain data memories that can store information regarding the vehicle
status, component load levels, maintenance requirements, technical events and faults on a
temporary or permanent basis. This information generally documents the status of a component, a
module, a system or the environment, e.g.:
•Operating states of system components, e.g. filling levels, tyre pressure, battery status.
•Status messages from the vehicle or its individual components, e.g. wheel revolutions or speed,
deceleration, lateral acceleration, display of fastened seat belts.
•Faults or malfunctions in important system components, e.g. lights, brakes.
•Information on events which damaged the vehicle.
•System reactions to specific driving situations, triggering of an airbag, intervention the stability
control systems.
•Ambient conditions, e.g. temperature, rain.
As well as performing the actual control unit functions, these data are also used to detect and
rectify faults and help Volkswagen to improve vehicle functions. The majority of these data are
temporary are processed only within the vehicle itself. Only a very small amount of data is stored in
the event memories or possibly on the vehicle key.
Reading out the vehicle's event memory
There is a diagnostic interface in the vehicle interior for reading out the event memories (on-board
diagnostic system) ⇒.
If you have service work performed on your vehicle, the technical data can be read out of the
vehicle together with the vehicle identification number by service employees, e.g. workshops, or
third parties such as breakdown services. Service work includes, for example, repairs,
maintenance, warranty work or quality assurance measures. The service workshop or third party
collects, processes and uses the data. The data document the vehicle's technical status, help in
troubleshooting and in improving quality and may be sent to Volkswagen in some cases.
Furthermore, the manufacturer is subject to legal product safety requirements. To make sure it
complies with these requirements, the manufacturer requires technical data from the vehicles.
Event memories in the vehicle can be reset by a service workshop as part of repair or service work.
The event memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop. Additional information on
the stored data is available from qualified workshops.
After a fault has been rectified, the information in the memory pertaining to the fault is deleted.
Other memory content is overwritten on an ongoing basis.
Event data recorder
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder. The main task of an event data recorder is to
record data in particular accident scenarios or accident-like situations, e.g. in the event of airbags
being triggered or a collision with an obstacle on the road. These data help in analysis of how a
vehicle system behaved in these situations. The event data recorder records data relating to driving
dynamics and the restraint system for a short period of 10 s or less. This information includes, for
example:
•how various systems in your vehicle have functioned.
•whether the seat belts of the driver and front passenger were fastened.
•the extent to which the driver pressed the brake or accelerator pedal.
•how fast the vehicle was travelling.
These data help to obtain a better understanding of the circumstances in the situations where
accidents and injuries have occurred.
Data from driver assist systems are also recorded. In addition to information about whether the
systems were switched on or off, available only to a restricted extent or inactive, it is also possible
to determine whether these functions steered, accelerated or braked the vehicle in the above-
described situations. Depending on the vehicle equipment, these systems include the following:
•Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
•Lane keeping system (Lane Assist).
•Park Assist.
•Park Distance Control.
•Emergency braking functions (Front Assist).
The data of the event data recorder are recorded only if a particular accident-like situation occurs.
No recordings occur under normal driving conditions. Audio or video data from the vehicle interior
or vehicle surroundings are not stored. Personal data such as name, gender age or accident
location are also not recorded at any time. However, third parties such as law enforcement
agencies can use corresponding means to link the content of the event data recorder with other
sources of data and thus establish a reference to persons as part of an accident investigation.
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.
Third-party services
If you are able to use online services provided by a party other than the manufacturer, these
services are the sole responsibility of the provider in question and are subject to this provider's data
protection policy and terms and conditions of use. Volkswagen has no influence over the content
exchanged in these services.
Please refer to the provider in question for information about the type, scope and purpose of the
collection and use of personal data related to third-party services.
Please note the further information on Volkswagen Car-Net services ⇒ Mobile online
services.
Information stickers and plates
Safety certificates, stickers and plates showing important vehicle operation information are factory-
fitted in the engine compartment and on certain vehicle parts, such as the tank flap, front passenger
sun visor, driver door pillar or under/on the luggage compartment floor.
•Never remove or damage the safety certificates, stickers and plates. They must remain legible
at all times.
•If vehicle parts bearing safety certificates, stickers or plates are removed from the vehicle,
replacement safety certificates, stickers or plates with the same information must be applied
properly to the new parts by the qualified workshop.
Safety certificate
There is a safety certificate on the door pillar of the driver door which states that all necessary
safety standards and specifications from the transport safety authorities of the particular country
were met at the time of production. The month and year of production and the chassis number may
also be listed. Observe notes in the owner's manual.
Fluids in the air conditioning system
Refrigerant in the air conditioning system
The sticker in the engine compartment contains information regarding the type and quantity of
refrigerant used in the vehicle's air conditioning system. The sticker is located at the front of the
engine compartment, close to the coolant filler neck.
SymbolDescription
Warning: the air conditioning system must be serviced by trained specialists.
Type of refrigerant.
Type of lubricating oil.
See workshop information (available only for Volkswagen dealerships).
The air conditioning system must be serviced by trained specialists.
Flammable refrigerant.
Make sure that all components are disposed of correctly. Never install components
that have been taken from old vehicles or recycling facilities.
Incorrect use of the diagnostic interface can cause malfunctions, which can result in
accidents and serious injuries.
•Never read the event memory using the diagnostic interface yourself.
•The event memory should only be read out via the diagnostic interface by a qualified
workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING
Handling the vehicle incorrectly will increase the risk of accident and injuries.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Observe the owner's manual.
WARNING
Handling the vehicle incorrectly could lead to the vehicle becoming damaged.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Carry out service jobs in accordance with the specifications.
NOTICE
Lubricant in the air conditioning system
The air conditioning system contains up to 210 ml of lubricating oil. The exact specification and
information about the lubricating oil quantity in the air conditioning system are available from the
following website:
https://erwin.volkswagen.de
Radio reception and aerials
In vehicles with a factory-fitted Infotainment system, the aerial for radio reception can be installed at
various locations in the vehicle:
•On the inside of the rear window, together with the rear window heating.
•On the inside of the rear side windows.
•On the inside of the windscreen.
•On the roof of the vehicle.
Aerials on the interior of the windows can be identified by thin wires.
Component protection
Some electronic components and
control units are fitted with component
protection as standard, e.g. the
Infotainment system.
Component protection was developed as a protective mechanism in order to:
•Prevent any factory-fitted parts delivered with a vehicle from functioning fully if they have been
installed into other vehicles (e.g. after theft),
•Prevent full function of components outside of the vehicle,
•Allow for legitimate installation or exchange of parts and control units by a professional in the
case of service.
WhereWhat appears:Remedy
Instrument cluster
displaySAFE CPGo to a qualified workshop.
Infotainment system
display
Component theft protection:
the Infotainment system is not
fully available at present.
Switch on the ignition.
Switch on the ignition.
If this does not deactivate component
protection, seek professional
assistance.
In order to guarantee safe and hazard-free operation, always have the air conditioning
system serviced by trained specialists.
WARNING
•Never repair the evaporator in the air conditioning system using components taken
from older vehicles or recycling facilities.
•Never repair the evaporator in the air conditioning system with used evaporators taken
from older vehicles or recycling facilities.
NOTICE
Aerials located on the inside of the windows can be damaged by corrosive or acidic
detergents, any other chemicals or if hard objects chafe against the window. Never apply
stickers over the window aerials and never clean the aerials with corrosive or acidic
detergents or any other chemicals.
NOTICE
When retrofitting an Infotainment system, ensure that the vehicle's standard integral aerial
amplifier is compatible or else use an additional aerial adapter. Otherwise the aerial
amplifier could be subjected to overvoltage damage.
NOTICE