The exterior mirrors cannot be adjusted while Trailer Assist is active. The stored exterior
mirror setting can be activated ⇒ Mirrors.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
No camera visibility, error message, system switches itself off
•Clean the camera or remove stickers or accessories from the camera ⇒ Caring for and cleaning
the vehicle exterior.
•Check whether any damage is visible.
The system is not responding as expected
•The camera is dirty ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior. The camera visibility may be
impaired by dirt and snow or also residue from cleaning agents or coatings.
•The system requirements must be met ⇒ Prerequisites.
•The camera is covered by water.
•The vehicle is damaged in the area around the camera, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
•The detection range of the camera is blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
•Changes have been made to the paintwork around the camera or the construction has been
modified, e.g. vehicle front end or the running gear.
Response to all circumstances
•Switch off the system temporarily.
•Check whether any of the causes described below apply.
•You can switch the system back on again once you have rectified the cause of the problem.
•If the system still fails to respond as expected, have the system checked by a qualified
workshop.
Brake support systems
Information on brake support systems
The vehicle is fitted with brake support systems. The systems can support the driver in critical
driving or braking situations. Brake support systems cannot overcome the limits of physics and
cannot always keep the vehicle under control in every single critical driving or braking situation. The
driver is responsible for driving safety ⇒.
Driving with brake support systems
The brake support systems work when the engine is running. They do not need to be operated
separately.
The brake pedal may pulsate or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating.
Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure. Apply the necessary pressure to the
brake pedal consistently. If necessary, steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is depressed.
Fast steering wheel movements can cause serious injury.
•During the manoeuvring operation, do not reach for the steering wheel until prompted
to do so by the system.
•Exception: if a dangerous situation occurs, intervene and take over the steering.
WARNING
Do not let the automatic braking intervention tempt you to take any risks while driving, as
this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.
•Trailer Assist has system-related limitations. In some situations, the automatic braking
intervention function is only able to intervene in a limited way or not at all.
•You should always be prepared to brake the vehicle yourself.
•The automatic braking intervention is ended after approximately 1.5 seconds at vehicle
standstill. Depress the brake pedal of the vehicle yourself following the automatic
braking intervention.
WARNING
Always ensure that the ventilation openings between the rear window and the stowage area
are uncovered to allow stale air to escape from the vehicle.
Stowage compartment on the driver side
Fig. 163 On the driver side: stowage compartment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
To open: pull the handle ⇒ Fig. 163.
To close: press the cover upwards until it engages.
There is a memory card holder on the inside of the cover.
Stowage compartment on the front passenger side
Loose objects may be flung through the vehicle interior in the event of a sudden driving or
braking manoeuvre. This can cause serious injury and can also lead to loss of control of
the vehicle.
•Do not stow any pets or any hard, heavy or sharp objects in the vehicle's open stowage
areas, on the dash panel, on the shelf behind the rear seats, or in items of clothing and
bags in the vehicle interior.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Objects in the driver footwell can hinder pedal operation. This can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle and increase the risk of serious injury.
•Please ensure that all pedals can always be operated without any hindrance.
•The floor mats must always be properly secured in the footwell.
•No additional floor mats or other floor coverings should be placed over the fitted floor
mat.
•Ensure that no objects can enter the driver footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
•If there are any objects in the footwell, remove them when the vehicle is parked.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters in the vehicle could be damaged or accidentally lit. This could lead to
serious burns and other injuries.
•Before adjusting the seats, always ensure that there is no lighter on or near the
moveable parts of the seat.
•Before closing stowage areas or compartments always ensure that there is no lighter
in the way.
•Never stow lighters in stowage areas, compartments or on other surfaces in the
vehicle. High surface temperatures, especially in summer, may cause cigarette lighters
to self-ignite.
WARNING
•Hard objects could rub against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and
cause damage.
•Do not stow any temperature-sensitive objects, food or medicines inside the vehicle.
Hot and cold temperatures could damage them or render them unusable.
•Objects stored in the vehicle that are made from transparent materials, such as
glasses, magnifying glasses or transparent suction cups on the windows, can
concentrate the sun's rays and thus cause damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Legal requirements
Fig. 179 Symbol for vehicles that send tracking information
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
By concluding a Volkswagen Car-Net contract for your Car-Net-enabled vehicle, you as the
contracting party undertake within the meaning of data protection law to inform each driver that the
vehicle can transmit and receive data online. This also applies if you sell or lend your vehicle.
Failure to observe this obligation to inform can infringe certain rights of vehicle occupants.
GPS tracking: check with all occupants
Some Volkswagen Car-Net services require vehicle data to determine whether the vehicle is
complying with set speed limits, where the vehicle is parked, or whether the vehicle is located within
a selected area. This information can be displayed in the Car-Net portal and in the Volkswagen
Car-Net app.
Therefore, before driving, ask all vehicle occupants if they agree to use of the activated services. If
an occupant does not agree, deactivate the service (if possibleyf R U H [ F O X G H W K H R F F X S D Q W I U R P X V H
of the vehicle. If you do not observe this, you may violate certain rights of the occupant.
GPS tracking: symbol
If a factory-fitted control unit is used to detect the vehicle's current location and speed, this symbol
⇒ Fig. 179 will be located in the vehicle (e.g. on the roof consoleyf + R Z H Y H U L I W K L V V \ P E R O
⇒ Fig. 179 is not present in the vehicle, this does not mean that the control unit is not tracking the
current position or speed of the vehicle.
Personal data
Volkswagen collects, processes and uses the user's personal data in accordance with statutory
requirements. You can access the current data protection policy on the Volkswagen homepage.
The following conditions can make it impossible to make a telephone call, run a
Volkswagen Car-Net service or transfer data:
•If your current location is in an area with no or insufficient mobile communications and
GPS reception. This can also include tunnels, streets with tall buildings, garages,
multi-storey car parks, underpasses, mountains and valleys.
•If you are in an area with sufficient mobile communications and GPS reception but the
telecommunications provider's mobile network is overloaded, out of order or
unavailable.
•If the components in the vehicle required for the services and data transmission are
damaged, not working or do not have sufficient electrical power.
•The battery for the mobile device is empty, does not have a sufficient charge level or
has no more call credit.
WARNING
Using computers and mobile devices in public or non-secured LAN and WLAN networks
can lead to a loss of control over your Volkswagen Car-Net services.
•In addition to the usual precautionary measures to be taken when using the Internet,
you should protect your computer and mobile device with suitable anti-virus software
and regularly update its signatures.
•Protect your login data for the Car-Net portal, your computer and mobile device against
misuse.
WARNING
Applications and Volkswagen Car-Net services which are unsuitable or faulty or that are
used incorrectly can cause damage to the vehicle, accidents or serious injury.
•Never make changes to applications or Volkswagen Car-Net services.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for damage to the vehicle caused by poor quality or faulty
applications, insufficient programming of applications, insufficient network strength, loss
of data during transmission or by misuse of your computers, tablets or mobile devices.
NOTICE
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
Rear light, left
Reversing light
Permanent positive
Permanent positive
Earth for pin 10
Not assigned
Earth for pin 9
Trailer socket
A 13-pin trailer socket makes the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
When the vehicle detects a trailer through the electrics, the consumers in the trailer are supplied
with electrical current via the electrical connection (pins 9 and 10yf 3 L Q L V D V V L J Q H G D V W K H
permanent live, enabling operation of e.g. interior trailer lighting.
Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with power only when the engine
is running (pin 10yf .
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not inter-connect the three earth wires (pins 3, 11
and 13yf .
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. Pin 10 is then without
function.
If you are uncertain whether the electrical connection of the trailer with the vehicle is correct, please
contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm
The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:
•When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.
•When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
•When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer is interrupted.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm (trailer with LED tail light clustersyf
For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm
system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer with LED rear lights is interrupted.
Any electrical accessories which are not connected properly could cause a power surge to
the trailer. This could lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system and
could also cause accidents and serious injuries.
•All work on the electrical system should only be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
towing vehicle's tail light clusters or to other power sources.
WARNING
Contact between the pins in the trailer socket can lead to short circuits, overloading of the
electrical system and failure of the lighting system, thereby causing accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.
•Have bent pins repaired by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the
trailer from the vehicle. The vehicle could rock up and down if the load changes or if there
is damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on
the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.
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 .
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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
Emission control with AdBlue
Fig. 197 Behind the tank flap: tank cap for AdBlue.
Fig. 198 Behind the tank flap: refilling AdBlue with the refill bottle or nozzle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 197 and ⇒ Fig. 198:
Tank filler neck cap.
Refill bottle.
Filler nozzle.
AdBlue is a registered trademark and is also known as AUS32 or DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluidyf .
The AdBlue consumption figures depend on the driving style, the operating temperature and the
ambient temperature. The remaining range and refill quantity can be checked on the instrument
cluster display.
The AdBlue tank must never run empty. As of a remaining distance of approximately 2,400 km,
the instrument cluster display will indicate that the AdBlue must be refilled ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Preparing to refill
•Stop vehicle on a level surface.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1 ⇒.
Opening the tank filler neck
•Open the tank flap.
Engine emissions contain carbon monoxide that can cause people to lose consciousness
and can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine in closed spaces.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended.
WARNING
The components of the 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.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converters, particulate filter or heat shields.
WARNING
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