Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their
movement in the direction of the collision.
When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to
break, and the airbags inflate forcefully to cover their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a
vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the airbag
starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow down their movement. This can reduce the risk
of severe and fatal injuries. A triggered airbag will not always prevent other injuries from occurring,
such as swelling, bruising, burning and grazing. The deployment of the airbag can also produce
frictional heat.
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body. Exception: in vehicles with a knee airbag,
the knee area of the driver will be protected.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact,
the vehicle speed and the type of object with which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage
to the vehicle does not always mean that the airbag should have been triggered.
Whether or not the airbag triggers is determined by the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the
collision and registered by the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value
programmed into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be
badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle
damage in an accident do not necessarily give an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or
not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to
cover every possible kind and angle of impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in
the triggering of the airbag include the nature (hard or soft) of the object that the vehicle hits, the
angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when
the vehicle braking is sufficient to trigger the airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only
in certain situations. The seat belts are always there to provide protection in situations in which the
airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered. For example, if the vehicle collides with a
further vehicle following the initial collision, or is hit by another vehicle.
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can
only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a
proper sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
Components of the vehicle safety concept
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of
severe and fatal injuries. Some of this equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may
not be available at all in some countries.
•Optimised seat belts for all seats.
•Belt tensioners for the driver and front passenger and also on the rear outer seats if in
conjunction with side airbags.
•Belt tension limiter for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Belt height adjuster for the front seats.
•Warning lamp and belt status display.
•Front airbags for driver and front passenger.
•Side airbags for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Curtain airbags on the left and right.
•If applicable, knee airbag for the driver.
•Airbag indicator lamp .
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Control units and sensors.
•Whiplash-optimised and height-adjustable head restraints.
•Adjustable steering column.
•If applicable, anchor points for child seats on the rear outer seats and on the front passenger
seat.
•If applicable, securing points for the top tether for child seats.
Situations when the front, knee, side and curtain airbags will not be
triggered:
•If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
•If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front
of the vehicle.
•During a minor side collision.
•During rear collisions.
The auxiliary heater and ventilation
system allows the vehicle interior to be
heated in winter and ventilated in
summer. Operation of the system
allows ice, condensation and a thin
covering of snow to be cleared from the
windscreen. The auxiliary heater is
supplied with fuel from the vehicle fuel
tank and can be operated when the
vehicle is stationary with the ignition
switched off. The auxiliary ventilation
system is supplied with power by the
12-volt vehicle battery.
Auxiliary heater exhaust system
The emissions produced by the auxiliary heater are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath
the vehicle. The exhaust pipe must not be blocked by snow, mud or other objects.
Switching the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation on and off
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The auxiliary heating can be operated only when the ignition is switched off. If the ignition is
switched on while the auxiliary heater is working, the auxiliary heater continues to run to provide
additional heat.
Switching on the auxiliary heater
•Press the immediate heat button on the control panel ⇒ Front controls.
•Press the button on the remote control ⇒ Remote control.
•Program a departure time ⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation.
The auxiliary heater heats up the vehicle interior to a temperature of at least 22°C.
The auxiliary heater will not switch on if the 12-volt vehicle battery has a low charge level or the fuel
tank is empty.
Switching off the auxiliary heater manually
•Press the immediate heat button on the control panel ⇒ Front controls.
•Press the button on the remote control ⇒ Remote control.
•Touch the function button in the Infotainment system ⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater
and auxiliary ventilation.
Auxiliary heater switches off automatically
•When the programmed departure time is reached, or after the programmed operating period
has elapsed ⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation.
•If the indicator lamp or lights up (fuel gauge) ⇒ Fuel gauge.
•If the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low ⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
The fumes from the auxiliary heater contain among other things carbon monoxide, which
is an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to
lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never start or run the auxiliary heater in unventilated or closed rooms.
•Never programme the auxiliary heater so that it is switched on and run in unventilated
or enclosed spaces.
WARNING
Parts of the auxiliary heater 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.
WARNING
Do not place any food, medicine or any other temperature-sensitive items in front of the
vents. Heat-sensitive food, medicine and other items could be either damaged or rendered
useless.
NOTICE
Programming check
If a departure time has been activated, the LED in the immediate heat button will light up on
the Climatronic control panel for approximately ten seconds after the ignition is switched off.
Remote control
Fig. 112 Auxiliary heater: remote control (left) with battery compartment (right).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Switching the auxiliary heater on and off using the remote control
•m/k/a995MK Switch on: press the button ⇒ Fig. 112.
The auxiliary heater is switched on when the LED on the remote control lights up green.
•m/k/a995MKSwitch off: press the button ⇒ Fig. 112.
The auxiliary heater is switched off when the LED on the remote control lights up red.
LED in the remote control
The LED ⇒ Fig. 112② indicates various operating states after you press a button.
Lit up
GreenAuxiliary heater is switched on.RedAuxiliary heater is switched off.
Flashes irregularly
GreenAuxiliary heater disabled: the fuel tank is almost empty, the voltage of the 12-volt vehicle
battery is too low or a malfunction has occurred. Refuel and drive for a sufficiently long time in order
to charge the 12-volt vehicle battery or go to a qualified workshop.
Flashes regularly
Red or greenSwitch-on or switch-off signal not received. Reduce your distance from the vehicle.
Lights up or flashes
OrangeThe button cell (battery) in the remote control is weak. Replace the button cell.
Range
The remote control has a range of several hundred metres when the button cell is fully charged.
•Keep a distance of at least two metres between the remote control and vehicle.
•Avoid obstacles between the remote control and vehicle.
•Hold the remote control with the aerial⇒ Fig. 112① pointing vertically upwards.
•Do not cover the aerial.
Poor weather conditions or a weak button cell will significantly reduce the range.
Replacing the button cell in the remote control
The button cell in the remote control must be replaced if the indicator lamp no longer lights up.
•Insert a suitable object, e.g. a screwdriver, in the recess on the side ⇒ Fig. 112 in the direction
of the arrow.
Never programme the auxiliary heating system so that is switched on and run in
unventilated or enclosed spaces. The fumes from the auxiliary heater contain among other
things carbon monoxide, which is an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Carbon
monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
WARNING
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such
an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water ⇒ Start/stop
system .
Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the boot lid closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the
open boot lid to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that
they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the boot lid to wedge
them into place or hold them in position.
•If you drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the
boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the boot lid is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and
accidents.
•You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous gases
from entering the vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do
the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into
the vehicle:
- Close all windows and the glass roof.
- Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or
switch off the air conditioning system.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers for the heating and fresh air system, or for the air
conditioning system, to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
NOTICE
Warning lights and text messages are shown on the instrument cluster display. These warnings
may be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be
checked and renewed as necessary.
Malfunction in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as
normal (sudden increase in braking distance). This is indicated by the warning lamp and in
some cases by a text message. Go to the nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault
corrected. Drive at low speed when doing this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an
increase in the pressure required on the pedal.
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starter button
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobiliser
⇒ Troubleshooting
Push-starting or tow-starting
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead ⇒ Jump starting.
Ignition lock
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the
vehicle. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the
engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under
or near the vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or
position has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something
unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to
suddenly run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt
fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converters, heat shields or particulate filter.
WARNING
Diesel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles with a diesel engine must be run on diesel ⇒. If you use diesel with a high sulphur
content, the service intervals are shorter ⇒ Service. Information on countries that use diesel with a
high sulphur content is available from your Volkswagen dealership.
The fuel quality affects the running properties, performance and service life of the engine. You
should therefore use fuel that already contains suitable service additives if possible ⇒.
Information on the fuel standards can be found in the chapter on fuel standards ⇒ Fuel standards.
Winter-grade diesel fuel and filter preheater system
Winter-grade diesel fuel, which can be used at temperatures below -20°C (-4°F), is available during
the cold months. In countries with different climates, diesel for other temperature conditions is
usually available. Information is available from your Volkswagen dealership and filling stations in
the respective country.
Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter pre-heater system. When using winter-grade diesel fuel,
the fuel system is safe for operation at temperatures down to around -24°C (-11°F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start at temperatures
below -24°C (-11°F), place the vehicle in a heated garage or workshop for a while ⇒.
At cold temperatures, louder noises may occur in the diesel engine and the exhaust gas may
be tinged blue.
Refuelling
Fig. 195 Behind the tank flap: tank cap.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
See the chapter on technical data for information on filling capacities ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Incorrect refuelling or unsuitable fuel additives may cause damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
•If, in an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the
recommended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible.
NOTICE
Start boosters may explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs. This can
cause injuries or damage to the engine.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
Incorrect refuelling can lead to damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Do not refuel with RME fuel, petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
NOTICE
The refill bottle must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection
of the environment.
Catalytic converter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
To help ensure long-term functionality in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter:
•Use unleaded petrol only ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Do not overfill engine oil ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is moving, reduce speed
immediately. The vehicle should be inspected at the nearest qualified workshop
⇒ Troubleshooting. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
The emissions may have a sulphur-like smell even if the emission purification system is
working properly.
Particulate filter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Function
The particulate filter filters out soot particles in the exhaust gas. Observe the following points to
ensure that the exhaust purification system will work properly for a long time:
AdBlue is an irritant and corrosive fluid that can damage the skin, eyes and breathing
passages upon contact.
•Always observe the instructions for use when using AdBlue. If containers are used
according to the instructions, it is unlikely that a user will come into contact with
AdBlue.
•AdBlue must be kept in the closed original container. Never use empty food
containers, bottles or other containers for this purpose.
•Always store in a safe place out of reach of children.
•If AdBlue gets into the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
•If AdBlue gets onto the skin, immediately wash the area with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor if the skin becomes irritated.
•If AdBlue is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth out with lots of water for at least
15 minutes. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Seek
medical assistance immediately.
CAUTION
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Overfilling AdBlue may damage the tank system and the vehicle.
•Do not fill with more than the maximum refill quantity indicated on the instrument
cluster display.
•Remove any spilt AdBlue as quickly as possible with a damp cloth and plenty of cold
water.
•If the AdBlue has already formed crystals, use warm water and a sponge to remove.
NOTICE
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Improper use of AdBlue may cause damage to the vehicle that is not covered by the
warranty.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1.
•Do not mix with water, fuel or additives.
•Never fill AdBlue in the diesel tank.
•Do not transport the refill bottle in the vehicle habitually. The bottle may develop a leak
following changes in temperature and damage and the AdBlue may damage the
vehicle interior.
NOTICE
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Jump lead connection point (earth connection)
Fig. 215 In the engine compartment: jump start connection point (earth connection).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
There is a jump lead connection point (earth connection) in the engine compartment for connecting
the black jump lead ⇒ Fig. 215㊀.
The vehicle can be jump-started or be used to jump-start another vehicle only via this jump lead
connection point.
Jump lead connection point (positive terminal)
Fig. 216 In the engine compartment underneath a cover: jump lead connection point (positive
terminal).
Using the jump leads incorrectly or completing the jump start procedure incorrectly can
cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode, which can lead to severe injuries. Please
observe the following in order to reduce the risk of the 12-volt vehicle battery exploding:
•All work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ 12-
volt vehicle battery.
•The vehicle battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the flat vehicle
battery (12 volts) and approximately the same capacity (see label on battery).
•Never charge a 12-volt vehicle battery that is frozen or that has thawed. Discharged 12-
volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
•The 12-volt vehicle battery should be replaced if it is frozen or has thawed.
•A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is
jump started. Always keep fire, sparks, naked flames and lit cigarettes away from the
12-volt vehicle battery. Never use a mobile telephone when the jump leads are being
connected or disconnected.
•Position the jump leads so that they never come into contact with any moving parts in
the engine compartment.
•Never confuse the negative and positive terminals or connect the jump leads
incorrectly.
•Observe the jump lead manufacturer's instructions.
WARNING
Please note the following in order to avoid considerable damage to the vehicle electrical
system:
•A short circuit can be caused if the jump leads are wrongly connected.
•The vehicles must not touch each other, as any contact could mean that electricity
could flow as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
NOTICE