If fuel in the adequate quality available Fuel and emission control?
Are the correct service fluids that comply with Volkswagen specifications available in the
destination country Service fluids and consumables?
Will the navigation function in the factory-fitted Infotainment system and the navigation
data available work in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Is a fire extinguisher prescribed in your destination country?
Which requirements must be observed regarding reflective vests?
Windscreen washer fluid level Wipers.
Engine oil level Engine oil.
Engine coolant level Engine coolant.
Brake fluid level Brake fluid.
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres.
Checklist
Therefore, do not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to
carry out the jobs, are aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct
equipment, service fluids and suitable tools to hand ⇒ In the engine compartment! In any
other case all work must be carried out by a qualified workshop. Make sure that the
following are checked regularly:
Vehicle lighting Lights required for the vehicle to be roadworthy:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light
- Number plate light.
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. You should therefore have your vehicle
serviced according to Volkswagen guidelines. Some work may have to be carried out before the
due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving or driving in areas with high
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or a qualified
workshop.
Sitting position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
⇒ Correct sitting position
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction
times and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving.
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching
your destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel,
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicleyf.
NOTICE
Fig. 30 Illustration: correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel, correct seat belt
routing and correct head restraint adjustment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following details the correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers.
If any vehicle occupants cannot assume a correct sitting position due to their physical build, they
should contact a qualified workshop to find out about possible special modifications. The seat belts
and airbags can only provide a maximum level of protection if a correct sitting position is assumed.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Volkswagen recommends the following seating position for your own safety and to reduce the level
of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident:
The following applies to all vehicle occupants:
•Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but
not lower than eye level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as
possible ⇒ Fig. 30.
•For small people, push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then located
underneath the top edge of the head restraint.
•For taller people, push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
•Keep both feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
•Adjust and fasten seat belts properly ⇒ Seat belts.
Additional points for the driver:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your breastbone
is at least 25 cm ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓐ, and the circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the
sides with both hands and your arms slightly bent ⇒ Steering wheel.
•The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.
•Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the
pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly bent and so that the distance from the dash
panel to your knees is at least 10 cm ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓑ.
•Adjust the height so that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.
•Always leave both feet in the footwell, to help ensure you maintain control of the vehicle at all
times.
Additional points for the front passenger:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible so that the airbag can provide maximum
protection if it is deployed.
Seat belts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Seat belt height adjuster
⇒ Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Fastened seat belts on the front seats may be tensioned automatically by the proactive occupant
protection system in critical situations, for example during emergency braking or as a result of
oversteering or understeering. Both seat belts are slackened if the accident does not happen, or
when the critical situation has passed. The proactive occupant protection system is ready to be
triggered again ⇒ Proactive occupant protection system.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat vehicle occupants, and in some cases those on the outer rear
seats, are equipped with belt tensioners.
The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. Any slack in the seat belt is
retracted, which can reduce the passenger's movement forwards or in the direction of the impact.
The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the vehicle rolls over, the belt
tensioners will not be activated if the side airbags are not triggered.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Reversible belt tensioning (proactive occupant protection systemyf
Reversible belt tensioning may trigger in certain driving situations. For example:
•Heavy braking,
•Oversteer or understeer,
•Minor collisions.
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops
are familiar with these requirements.
Never adjust the seat belt height when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The symbol can differ depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
Information call, breakdown call and Emergency Call Service
Fig. 60 In the roof console: control for voice services.
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, a control may be installed in the roof console. Pressing
the buttons , and ⇒ Fig. 60 enables you to access the following voice services:
information call, breakdown call and Emergency Call Service.
The required connection is established by a factory-fitted control unit. A connection to a telephone
call centre will be established when you trigger one of the voice services.
Indicator lamp
The control is equipped with an indicator lamp ⇒ Fig. 60 (arrowyf 7 K L V G L V S O D \ V W K H I R O O R Z L Q J
statuses:
•Off: all voice services are disabled.
•Flashing red for around 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on: at least one voice service
is disabled.
•Lit up red: system error. Voice service availability is restricted. Volkswagen recommends
consulting a specialist workshop.
The intelligent technology used in the active bonnet pedestrian protection system cannot
overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let
the extra convenience afforded by the active bonnet pedestrian protection system tempt
you into taking any safety risks.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Do not drive faster than up to 80 km/h (50 mphyf Z K H Q W K H D F W L Y H E R Q Q H W K D V E H H Q
triggered.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Incorrect repairs and modifications can cause malfunctions and damage to the vehicle
and impair the effectiveness of the driver assist systems. This can result in accidents and
severe injuries.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop.
WARNING
Incorrect closing of the triggered active bonnet can cause accidents and serious injuries,
particularly to the hands.
•A triggered active bonnet must be repaired only by a qualified workshop. Never
attempt to close the bonnet yourself.
WARNING
Incorrect closing of the triggered active bonnet can damage the vehicle.
•Do not press the active bonnet closed under any circumstances, e.g. by pressing down
on the bonnet with your hand. The bonnet and its hinges could be damaged as a result.
NOTICE
•Lit up green: voice services are available. System is OK.
•Flashing green: active connection to a voice service.
Information call
•The information call enables you to call the Volkswagen AG hotline.
•The information call function is available only in some sales regions.
•The telephone call centre communicates in the language registered for the vehicle in Car-Net.
Breakdown call
•The breakdown call allows you to seek professional assistance should your vehicle break down.
•Some vehicle data, e.g. the current location, is transmitted parallel to the voice call.
•The telephone call centre communicates in the language registered for the vehicle in Car-Net.
Emergency Call Service
•If an emergency call is placed manually or automatically after an accident where an airbag was
triggered, data relevant for the emergency call, e.g. the current vehicle location, will be
transmitted automatically ⇒ Customer information.
•The telephone call centre communicates in the language set up in the vehicle's Infotainment
system. English is used if this language is not available at the location of the emergency.
Back-up 112 emergency call service
In some cases, the Emergency call service may be restricted or unavailable so the general
emergency call number 112 is used to conduct an emergency call. In this case, only a voice-based
connection is established. No data will be transmitted, e.g. regarding the vehicle or its location.
The following circumstances may restrict access to the Emergency call service and lead to the call
being forwarded to the 112 emergency number:
•Your current emergency call location is in an area with no or insufficient mobile communications
and GPS reception. This can also include tunnels, streets with tall buildings, garages,
underpasses, mountains and valleys.
•You are in an area with sufficient mobile communications and GPS reception but the
telecommunications provider's mobile network is not available.
•The Emergency call service is prohibited by law in some countries.
•There is no valid licence for using the Emergency call service.
•The components in the vehicle required for the Emergency call service are damaged or do not
have a sufficient power supply.
Please also observe the other information on Volkswagen Car-Net ⇒ Mobile online services.
Opening and closing
Vehicle key set
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Vehicle key
⇒ Changing the button cell
⇒ Troubleshooting
Depending on the mirror function set in the Infotainment system, the exterior mirrors fold out
when the vehicle is unlocked using the sensor on the door handle of the driver of passenger door
and surround lighting is switched on.
If there is no valid vehicle key in the vehicle or if it is not detected, a corresponding display
will be shown on the instrument cluster display. This may occur if the vehicle key is obstructed by
another radio signal or is covered by another item, e.g. a mobile telephone accessory or an
aluminium suitcase ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
The sensors may have limited functionality if they become very dirty.
If the vehicle has a DSG dual clutch gearbox, it can be locked only if the selector lever is in
position P.
The entire vehicle will be unlocked if the sensor is touched twice, even if a single door has
already been unlocked.
SAFELOCK
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the vehicle may have an anti-theft alarm and SAFELOCK
⇒ Anti-theft alarm.
The SAFELOCK deactivates the door release levers if the vehicle has been locked. This makes it
more difficult to break into the vehicle. The doors can no longer be opened from the inside ⇒.
•Press the button on the vehicle key once⇒ Central locking system.
•Press the button on the vehicle key twice in quick succession ⇒ Central locking system.
•Vehicles with the keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access: touch the sensor on the
outside of the door handle twice⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle with keyless access.
•Press the central locking button in the driver door once ⇒ Central locking system.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, there may be an indication of the activated SAFELOCK
in the display of the instrument cluster (Check SAFELOCK! or SAFELOCKyf .
Deactivating SAFELOCK
The SAFELOCK can be deactivated in one of the following ways:
•Switch on the ignition.
•OR: deactivate interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, temporarily deactivate interior monitoring and the anti-tow
alarm using the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system before
locking the vehicle.
The following applies when SAFELOCK is deactivated:
•The vehicle can be unlocked and opened from the inside using the door release lever.
•The anti-theft alarm ⇒ Anti-theft alarm is active.
Depending on the equipment, the interior monitoring and anti-tow alarm will be activated or
deactivated via the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Anti-theft alarm
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the vehicle may have an anti-theft alarm and
SAFELOCK ⇒ SAFELOCK.
Always take care when using the SAFELOCK as you could cause serious injuries.
•Never leave anybody in the vehicle if the vehicle has been locked using the vehicle key.
The doors can no longer be opened from the inside once the SAFELOCK is activated.
•Locked doors make it more difficult for emergency service personnel to gain access to
the vehicle and provide assistance when needed. In an emergency, people locked
inside the vehicle would not be able to leave the vehicle by unlocking the doors.
WARNING
When parking the vehicle in cold weather, it may be helpful to leave the windscreen wipers in
the service position to make it easier to loosen the wiper blades ⇒ Wiper blades.
Wiper functions
Automatic activation of the rear window wiper
The rear window wiper is switched on automatically if the front windscreen wipers are switched on
and reverse gear is engaged. The automatic wipe function can be activated and deactivated in the
Infotainment system in the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the
Infotainment system:
Heated washer jets
The heating defrosts frozen washer jets. The heating output is regulated automatically when the
ignition is switched on depending on the ambient temperature. Only the jets are heated and not the
hoses carrying the washer fluid.
Headlight washer system
The headlight washer system cleans the headlight lenses and only works when the vehicle lighting
is switched on.
Once the ignition has been switched on, the headlights will also be washed the first time the wash
and wipe system for the windscreen is used, and every tenth time thereafter. Hardened dirt, such
as insect remains, should be removed from the headlight lens at regular intervals.
In winter, you should remove any snow from the headlight washer system covers in the bumper
prior to use to keep the system in working order. Remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
Rain/light sensor
Fig. 103 On the right of the steering column: wiper lever.
When the rain/light sensor is activated, it automatically controls the frequency of the wiper intervals,
depending on the intensity of the rain.
Activating and deactivating the rain/light sensor
•Position Ⓐ - the rain/light sensor is deactivated.
•Position Ⓑ - the rain/light sensor is activated, automatic wipe when necessary.
The automatic wipe function can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system in
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system:
If the automatic wipe function is deactivated in the Infotainment system, the intervals are set at fixed
levels.
Setting the sensitivity of the rain/light sensor
The sensitivity of the rain/light sensor can be adjusted manually using the switch in the wiper lever
⇒ Fig. 103①⇒.
•Switch to the right – high sensitivity.
•Switch to the left – low sensitivity.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
The rain/light sensor cannot always detect every rain shower and activate the windscreen
wipers.
•If necessary, switch on the windscreen wipers manually if the water on the windscreen
restricts the field of vision.
WARNING
Why does the cooling system switch off automatically or cannot be
switched on?
•The engine is not running.
•The blower is switched off.
•The air conditioning system fuse has blown.
•The ambient temperature is lower than approximately +3°C (+38°Fyf .
•The air conditioning compressor of the cooling system has been temporarily switched off
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•There is a vehicle fault. The air conditioning system should be checked by a qualified workshop.
Settings for optimal road visibility
•Keep the air intake in front of the windscreen free from ice, snow or leaves to improve the
heating and cooling performance and prevent condensation on the windows ⇒ Vehicle care.
•Do not cover the air vents in the rear of the luggage compartment to allow air to flow through
the vehicle from the front to the rear.
•The maximum heating output and the fastest window defrosting results are achieved when the
coolant has reached its operating temperature.
Recommended settings for the heating and fresh air system or manual air
conditioning system
•Switch off air recirculation mode.
•Set blower to setting or .
•Set the temperature selector to the middle position.
•Open and position all vents on the dash panel.
•Turn the air distribution regulator to the desired position.
•Manual air conditioning system: press the button on the control panel to switch the
cooling system on.
Recommended Climatronic setup
•Press the button.
•Set the temperature to +22°C (+72°Fyf .
•Open and position the vents on the dash panel.
Air Care Climatronic
The allergen filter of Air Care Climatronic can additionally reduce the amount of pollutants and also
allergens that enter the vehicle interior.
The filters must be changed regularly to avoid impairing the performance of the air conditioning
system. If the vehicle is frequently used in severely polluted air, the filter must be replaced between
service events.
•Press the button on the control panel.
•Touch the Air Care function button.
•Touch the Active function button to switch the Air Care function on or off.
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter must be replaced regularly to prevent impaired performance of the manual
air conditioning system. If the vehicle is frequently used in severely polluted air, the filter must be
replaced between service events.
Water under the vehicle
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the
evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does
not indicate a leak.
If the outside humidity is high and the outside temperature low, condensation may evaporate when
the auxiliary heater is running ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation. If this is the case, steam may
appear underneath the vehicle. This is not a sign that the vehicle is damaged.
Auxiliary heater and ventilation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Switching the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation on and off
⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation
⇒ Remote control