Fig. 231 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged
if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably
reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake
system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably
increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety
and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times
⇒.
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the
vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends the
use of brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container
correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead,
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can
be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116
DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals
that can damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with
VW standard 501 14 to ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
Brake fluid level is too low. Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid
reservoir or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go
to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and
disposed of properly.
12-volt vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Troubleshooting
The 12-volt vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system and serves to supply power in
the vehicle.
You should only carry out work on the electrical system 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 ⇒. All work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Location of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the 12-volt vehicle battery may be located in the engine
compartment or in the luggage compartment under the luggage compartment floor.
Explanation of the warnings on the 12-volt vehicle battery
m/k/n948MKAlways wear eye protection!m/k/n947MKElectrolyte is very corrosive
and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!m/k/n944MKNo fires,
sparks, naked lights or smoking!m/k/n946MKA highly explosive mixture of gases is given
off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is charging!m/k/n945MKAlways keep children away
from battery acid and the 12-volt vehicle battery!m/k/n949MKAlways observe the owner's
manual!
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too
low or by brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
•The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
•The brake fluid should be changed regularly.
•Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system
for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase
braking distance and can cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Please ensure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that is explicitly
compliant with VW standard 501 14.
•Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and
reduce their effectiveness.
•If a brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14 is not available, use a high-quality
brake fluid compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT
4, but only in exceptional circumstances.
•The refilled brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
•In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store
brake fluid. There is always a risk of someone drinking from such containers, even if
they are labelled appropriately.
•Brake fluid must always be stored in its original sealed container and kept out of the
reach of children.
WARNING
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts
and tyres. Wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled immediately from all parts of
the vehicle.
NOTICE
•Open the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Tyres function button.
•Touch the SET function button.
•When all four tyre pressures correspond to the required values, touch the Confirm function
button.
After an extended driving time with driving at different speeds, the system will automatically learn
the new values and monitor them.
•If the tyre pressures have been changed.
•If one or more wheels have been changed.
•If the wheels have been swapped round, e.g. from front to rear ⇒ Rotating wheels front to rear.
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator stops working if there is a fault in the ESC or ABS ⇒ Brake
support systems.
After a warning about the tyre pressure being too low, switch the ignition off and then back
on again. The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator can only then be re-synchronised.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Fig. 234 Typical display in the instrument cluster: current tyre pressures.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 234:
Target pressure in bar.
Actual pressure in bar.
Loss in pressure in front left.
System fault for rear right tyre.
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the tyre pressure of the four wheels while
the vehicle is in motion using pressure sensors on the tyres. The system warns the driver in the
event of a pressure loss.
Display of tyre pressures on the instrument cluster
Open the menu Vehicle status in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Instrument cluster. The vehicle
is displayed with the target and actual pressures of all the wheels ⇒ Fig. 234.
When the ignition is switched on, the last measured tyre pressures will be displayed first; these
values will be updated when the journey is started. If the tyre pressure is too low, the respective
actual values and the affected tyres will be marked ⇒ Fig. 234.
If the tyres are in rest state, the sensors will not transmit any tyre pressures. This stops the sensor
batteries discharging.
If no tyre pressures are transmitted, the last received values are shown in grey.
Switching the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System on and off
Observe any country-specific legal requirements for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
If a set of tyres is fitted to the vehicle where the tyres either do not have wheel sensors or have
wheel sensors that are not compatible with the vehicle, the indicator lamp will flash for
approximately one minute and then light up steadily. The tyre pressures will not be monitored. The
system cannot be switched off.
Adjusting the tyre pressure
Following any relevant change in the vehicle load, the tyre pressure must be checked and altered
as necessary. The tyre pressures recommended for the vehicle are on a sticker on the driver door
pillar or on the inside of the tank flap ⇒ Tyre pressure.
1)
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
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)
If you get a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from
the flow of 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.
Ask all vehicle occupants to leave the vehicle and stand at a safe distance away from
moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and position the warning triangle In an emergency.
Observe any legal requirements.
Check whether the puncture can be repaired with the breakdown set The tyre sealant must
not be used:.
When towing a trailer: unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park it properly .
Remove any items of luggage from the luggage compartment.
Take the breakdown set out of the luggage compartment.
Take the sticker ② from the breakdown set and stick it on the dash panel within the
driver's field of vision.
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails) from the tyre.
Tyre filler hose.
12-volt plug.
Tyre filler bottle with sealant.
Spare valve core.
There is a slot on the lower end of the valve insert extractor① for the valve insert. This is
required for extracting and fitting the tyre valve. This also applies to the spare valve core ⑪.
Could also be integrated in the tyre filler hose.
Preparation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions in the given order ⇒:
Sealing and inflating tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Sealing a tyre
•Unscrew the cap from the tyre valve.
•Use the valve core extractor ⇒ Fig. 249① to screw the valve core out of the tyre valve. Place
the core on a clean surface.
•Shake the tyre filler bottle ⇒ Fig. 249⑩ vigorously up and down several times.
•Screw the filler hose ⇒ Fig. 249③ tightly onto the tyre filler bottle in a clockwise direction. The
plastic foil on the plug is pierced automatically.
•Remove the plug from the filler hose ⇒ Fig. 249③ and place the open end fully on the tyre
valve.
•Hold the bottle upside down and inject the entire contents of the tyre filler bottle into the tyre.
•Remove the empty tyre filler bottle from the valve.
•Use the valve core extractor ⇒ Fig. 249① to screw the valve core back onto the tyre valve.
Inflating the tyre
•Screw the tyre filler hose ⇒ Fig. 249⑧ of the air compressor tightly onto the tyre valve.
•Check that the bleed screw ⇒ Fig. 249⑥ is closed.
•Start the engine and let it run.
1)
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
Scope of service
The scope of service includes all maintenance work that is necessary in order to keep your vehicle
roadworthy (depending on the operating conditions and vehicle equipment, e.g. engine, gearbox or
service fluids). The maintenance work is divided into inspection work and servicing work. You can
find out what work is required in detail for your vehicle:
•From your Volkswagen dealership.
•From your qualified workshop.
•In the electronic repair and workshop information system erWin at https://erwin.volkswagen.de.
Inspection work
Electrics
•12-volt vehicle battery: check and replace if necessary.
•Lighting: check.
•High-voltage components: check.
•Horn: check.
•Headlight setting: check.
•Service interval display: reset.
Engine/gearbox
•Exhaust system: check.
•Gearbox and final drive: check.
•Gas system: check.
•Poly V-belt: check.
•Cooling system: check.
•Engine and components in engine compartment: check.
•Engine oil level: check.
Running gear
•Swivel joints/track rods: check.
•Tyres: check.
•Brake system: check.
•Brake pads/discs: check.
•Brake fluid level: check.
•Boots: check.
•Coupling rod and stabiliser bearings: check.
•Pneumatic suspension: check.
•Breakdown set: check.
•Tyre pressure on all wheels: check.
•Power steering: check.
•Shock absorbers/coil springs: check.
Body
•Roof systems: check.
•Windscreen: check.
•Body: check for corrosion.
•Wiper blades: check.
•Window wiper and washer system: check.
•Door arresters: lubricate.
•Underbody: check.
Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals can result
in breakdowns, accidents or serious injury.
•Have your service work carried out by an authorised Volkswagen dealership or
workshop.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate service work
or the lack of part availability.
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)