Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased
concentration on the part of the driver.
Vehicles with start/stop system
If the connected trailer is not recognised, or when using towing brackets that were not retrofitted by
Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be deactivated manually using the button in the
centre console before starting to tow a trailer, and must remain switched off for as long as the trailer
is being towed ⇒.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm before a trailer is hitched or unhitched or a bicycle
carrier is loaded or unloaded ⇒ Central and manual locking. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger
an alarm unintentionally.
With a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km ⇒ Running in the engine.
Some retro-fitted towing brackets may cover the aperture for fitting the towing eye. If so, the
towing eye cannot be used for towing or tow-starting other vehicles. For this reason, the retro-fitted
towing bracket ball head should be stored in the vehicle at all times.
It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.
DANGER
Improper use of the towing bracket can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and
serious injuries.
•Only use the towing bracket if it is fitted properly and is not damaged.
•Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.
•Wherever possible, swivel in or remove the ball head when a trailer is not being used in
order to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk of injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The
vehicle is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.
WARNING
Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the vehicle handling,
increase the braking distance and lead to accidents.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low
centre of gravity.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. 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 drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mphyf Z K H Q W R Z L Q J D W U D L O H U D O V R N P K P S K \f
in exceptional cases. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted.
Keep to country-specific speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than
for vehicles without trailers.
•Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket on the vehicle.
WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using
towing brackets that have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur
in the brake system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicleyf.
NOTICE
Fig. 192 On the right of the luggage compartment: button for releasing the ball coupling.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing bracket coupling ball is located in the bumper. The electrically adjustable ball couple is
swivelled out mechanically and cannot be removed.
Releasing and swivelling out ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is released electrically and folds out automatically. The indicator lamp in the button
flashes.
•Continue rotating the ball head until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp
in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Swivelling in the ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Uncouple the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the
trailer. If fitted, remove the adapter from the trailer socket.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is electrically unlocked.
•Swivel the ball head under the bumper until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator
lamp in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Meaning of indicator lamp in the button
•If the indicator lamp in the button ⇒ Fig. 192 is lit up permanently when the boot lid is open, the
ball head is correctly engaged in the extended or retracted position.
•If the indicator lamp in the button flashes, the ball head has either not clicked into place properly
or it is damaged ⇒.
•The indicator lamp in the button goes out approximately one minute after the luggage
compartment is closed.
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.
•Only use the ball head if it has clicked into place properly.
•Ensure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball head.
•Never interrupt the ball head, for example with tools, when it is swivelling.
•Never press the button ⇒ Fig. 192 if a trailer is attached or if a luggage rack or other
accessories are fitted to the ball head.
•If the ball coupling does not engage properly or there is a fault in the electrical system
or the towing bracket itself, do not use the towing bracket and have it checked by an
authorised workshop.
•Never use the towing bracket if the diameter of the ball is below 49 mm at the smallest
point.
WARNING
Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the mechanically
positioned ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket. Seals could be damaged or the grease
required for lubrication could be washed off.
NOTICE
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
gearboxyf W R D G G L W L R Q D O O \ P D N H X V H R I H Q J L Q H E U D N L Q J 7 K H E U D N H V \ V W H P F R X O G R W K H U Z L V H
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 (ESCyf .
®
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
Refuelling process
•Unlock the tank flap with the vehicle key or the button in the driver door.
•Open the tank flap.
•Unscrew the tank cap and place it in the holder on the tank flap.
•The fuel tank is full when the properly operated automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first time
⇒.
•Screw the tank cap onto the filler neck.
•Close the tank flap.
Misfuelling prevention device
Fig. 196 In the tank filler neck: misfuelling prevention device.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The tank filler neck in diesel vehicles can be fitted with a misfuelling prevention device ⇒ Fig. 196.
The misfuelling prevention device ensures that the vehicle can be refuelled only using diesel pump
nozzles.
Turn the diesel nozzle to and fro if the misfuelling prevention device gets stuck. This can open the
misfuelling prevention device and make it possible to refuel the vehicle. If the misfuelling prevention
device remains closed, proceed to a qualified workshop to have the system checked.
If it is necessary to refuel the vehicle using a spare fuel canister in the event of an emergency, the
misfuelling prevention device will not open. In order to fill the tank with fuel, pour the diesel into the
tank extremely slowly in very small quantities.
Components relevant to emission control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
⇒ Catalytic converter
⇒ Particulate filter
⇒ Troubleshooting
•Emission control with AdBlue⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
•Catalytic converter ⇒ Catalytic converter
•Particulate filter ⇒ Particulate filter
Information on indicator and warning lamps can be found in the troubleshooting section at the end
of the chapter ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Overfilling the fuel tank may cause the fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause
fires, explosions and serious injuries.
•Do not continue refuelling when the petrol nozzle switches off for the first time.
WARNING
Do not fill up with fuel that has a lower Research Octane Number (RONyf W K D Q V S H F L I L H G 7 K H
engine could otherwise be damaged.
NOTICE
®®
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Note for the windscreen wipers: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting them
⇒ Wipers.
•When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Clean the wiper blades carefully using a damp sponge ⇒.
•Carefully place the wiper arms on the windscreen.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
•Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒ Wipers.
•When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 202① and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in
the direction of the arrow.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until
it engages.
•Carefully place the wiper arms on the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blade for the rear window
•When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Lift and fold back the wiper arm.
•Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 203①.
•Tilt the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 203 (arrow Ⓐyf D Q G S X O O L W R I I L Q W K H
direction of the arrow Ⓑ at the same time. You may need to use some force to do this.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm in the opposite
direction of the arrow. Push it on until it engages ⇒ Fig. 203Ⓑ. The wiper blade must be in the
folded back position ⇒ Fig. 203 (arrow Ⓐyf .
•Carefully place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.
Wax deposits on the windscreen and rear window could cause the wiper blades to rub.
Remove wax residue using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths.
Changing bulbs
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Checklist
⇒ Changing bulbs in the headlights (halogen bulbsyf
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front bumper
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front bumper (R-Lineyf
⇒ Changing the bulbs in the tail light cluster in the body
⇒ Troubleshooting
Changing the vehicle bulbs requires considerable technical skill. Volkswagen therefore
recommends having bulbs replaced by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. The work must
always be performed by an expert if other vehicle parts around the affected bulbs need to be
removed. Volkswagen recommends having bulbs replaced by a Volkswagen dealership.
You should keep a box with spare light bulbs for the lights that ensure the vehicle is roadworthy in
the vehicle at all times. Spare bulbs are available from Volkswagen dealerships. In some countries
it is a legal requirement to have these spare bulbs in the vehicle.
It may be illegal to drive with a defective bulb in the exterior lighting.
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents
and severe injuries.
•Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no longer clean the
window properly.
WARNING
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers can scratch the windscreen.
•Do not use any cleaning agents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp
objects, as they can damage the graphite coating of the wiper blades during cleaning.
•Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the
windows.
NOTICE
•Push the retaining lugs ⇒ Fig. 208① upwards in the direction of the arrow whilst opening the
stowage compartment until the fuse carrier can be accessed.
•To install, press the stowage compartment into the mounts on the dash panel until it audibly
clicks into place on both sides and then close the compartment.
Right-hand drive: opening the fuse box in the dash panel
•Open the stowage compartment on the front passenger side and remove the contents if
necessary ⇒ Fig. 209.
•Slide the braking element ⇒ Fig. 209① downwards into the opening in the holder and pull it
out sideways.
•Push catches ⇒ Fig. 209② upwards in the direction of the arrow whilst opening the stowage
compartment further.
•To install: bring storage compartment into position. Insert the brake element in the holder
opening and push upwards until it audibly engages. Carefully push the stowage compartment
forwards beyond the resistance of the catches ⇒ Fig. 209②.
Fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 210 In the engine compartment: cover ① of fuse box with plastic pliers ②.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening the fuse box in the engine compartment
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Press the release buttons in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 210① to release the fuse box
cover.
•Lift off the cover.
•To install, position the cover on the fuse box and press it downwards until the cover audibly
clicks into place on both sides.
In some vehicles, there is a pair of plastic pliers ⇒ Fig. 210② for removing fuses on the inside of
the cover of the fuse box in the engine compartment.
Fuse table for fuses in the dash panel
•Remove the covers for the fuse boxes carefully and install them again properly so as to
avoid damage to the vehicle.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture
in the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE
•Remove the covers for the fuse boxes carefully and install them again properly so as to
avoid damage to the vehicle.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture
in the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE
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 lockyf R U W K H H O H F W U R Q L F V W H H U L Q J F R O X P Q O R F N W R H Q J D J H V X G G H Q O \ <