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The steering should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
If the yellow warning lamp remains off after the engine has been restarted and you have driven a
short distance, you do not need to consult a qualified workshop.
Fault in steering
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 20 km/h (9 12 mph).
If the yellow warning lamp is still lit after the engine has been restarted, have the steering checked
by a qualified workshop immediately.
Fault in steering
The indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Turn the steering wheel back and forth.
Switch the ignition off and then on again.
Observe the messages on the instrument cluster display.
Do not continue your journey if the indicator lamp still flashes when the ignition is switched on.
Seek expert assistance.
Steering column is not unlocked or locked
The indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display.
Switch the ignition off and then on again.
Do not continue your journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched
on.
Seek expert assistance.
Steering requires increased force
The warning lamp lights up red.
The electromechanical steering has failed.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control
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Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Setting a driving profile
Individually adapting a driving profile
Troubleshooting
By selecting different driving profiles, the driver can adapt the characteristics of the vehicle systems
to the current driving situation, the desired ride comfort and an economical driving style. The
adaptable vehicle systems include the running gear, engine management system or the air
conditioning system.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles varies according to the vehicle equipment.
The Comfort driving profile is available only for vehicles with adaptive chassis control (DCC).
The setting options available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with front-wheel drive have
onroad driving profiles, while vehicles with all-wheel drive have additional offroad driving profiles
Setting a driving profile
The driving profile can be changed when the vehicle is stationary or while driving
selecting a driving profile, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settings) are switched to the new
driving profile immediately. When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator
to activate the newly selected driving profile for the engine also.
WARNING
Selecting a driving profile while the vehicle is in motion can distract you from the road and cause
accidents.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and therefore
change automatically when the user account changes Personalisation
Setting a driving profile
Fig. 110 In the lower section of the centre console: driving profile selection button.
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splay on the instrument
cluster Coolant temperature display
Oil temperature display: the display corresponds with the oil temperature display on the instrument
cluster Engine oil
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected according to the driving situation, the ambient conditions
and the offroad conditions:
Sandy terrain: oil, steering angle and coolant temperature display
Inclines: steering angle and coolant temperature display, altimeter
Alpine terrain: steering angle display, altimeter, compass
Offroad driving situations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Safety instructions for offroad driving
Explanation of some technical terms
Checklist
General rules and driving tips
Useful accessories for offroad driving
Changing gear correctly
Driving on rough terrain
Driving through water
Offroad driving in snow
Driving on sand an
Driving on steep terrain
Traversing a slope
Driving through ditches
Stuck vehicle
After offroad driving
You can also drive vehicles with all-wheel drive offroad in addition to on normal roads. It is very
important to read the contents of this section before driving offroad.
The vehicle is not built for expedition-type journeys.
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WARNING
Always avoid traversing a slope Traversing a slope
Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill when stopped
sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle and its payload (vehicle
occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll over and roll down the incline. Always
leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which open up the incline Traversing a slope
WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise control
system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the cruise control
system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious injuries.
Never use the cruise control system when driving offroad.
WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on surfaced roads only. The area
monitoring system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the area
monitoring system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious
injuries.
Never use the area monitoring system when driving offroad.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down offroad,
accidents and serious injuries.
When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially when
driving up or down hills and inclines.
The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if the engine
sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and breaking
down.
NOTICE
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equipment and cause damage to the vehicle. Always keep the windows and glass roof closed when
driving offroad.
Explanation of some technical terms
Fig. 113 Illustration: angle of gradient.
Fig. 114 Illustration: tilt angle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for offroad driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest
item on the vehicle underbody.Angle of gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m is given as a percentage or degree Fig. 113
vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface and
engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope without
the vehicle tipping over (determined by centre of gravity) Fig. 114
permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a ramp without the
underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the horizontal level surface
to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface. Angle up to which the
vehicle bottoms with the underbody on the ramp edge.Fall lineThis is the vertical drop
route.ArticulationThe articulation capability of the vehicle when driving over objects with just one
side of the vehicle.
Checklist before driving offroad
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
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To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points before
driving offroad:
Obtain sufficient information before driving into offroad terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day stages that are too long. Take increased fuel consumption for offroad driving into
account.
Fill up the tank. Fuel consumption is considerably higher offroad.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the offroad journey you have planned. Recommendation for
difficult offroad terrain: always have offroad tyres fitted to your vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct if necessary. This includes the temporary spare
wheel, if present.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will be supplied with engine oil
when it is driven on or across a slope only if the engine oil level is sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front or rear. It is not always possible to fit the towing eye when the vehicle
is stuck.
Check the vehicle toolkit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful accessories for
offroad driving.
Stow luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Before driving offroad, Volkswagen recommends attending an offroad driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
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ot on the clutch when driving offroad. When travelling over
uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake and lose control of the vehicle. This also
prevents power being transferred between the engine and the gearbox. In addition, driving with the
clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the clutch lining.
Useful accessories for offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for offroad driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories, you should always take
them with you and observe them as necessary when driving offroad.
Checklist
Useful items when driving offroad:
Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electrical air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of similar size:
this can be used to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
Changing gear correctly
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The correct choice of gear depends on the offroad terrain.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After several trips offroad, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction with
the step-down ratio and differential locks for different types of terrain.
General rules
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foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient.
You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
DSG
