A WARNING (Continued)
• If the brake warning lamp ID does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehi-cle Immediately and seek expert assistance 277, Brake fluid.
• If the brake warning lamp@ lights up to-gether with the ABS indicator lamp S, the control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quick-ly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If pos-sible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified work-shop in order to have the brake system tes-ted. Avoid sudden braking and driving ma-noeuvres on the way.
• The ABS Is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lampS does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The
Handbrake
Fig. 223 Handbrake between the front seats.
r--fl1 First read and observe the introductory L-J,::.IJ information and safety warnings & on page 269.
Applying the handbrake
• Lift the handbrake lever up fully.
• The handbrake is applied when the indicator lamp ID lights up in the instrument cluster =-page 270.
Releasing the handbrake
• Lift the handbrake lever up slightly and press the lock button ::.Fig. 223 (arrow).
• Guide the handbrake lever down whilst the lock button is pressed.
A WARNING (Continued)
vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available. Go to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
• If the warning lamp 0 lights up either indi-vidually or together with a text message in the display of the instrument cluster, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads checked or any worn brake pads replaced.
CD
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-Ing damaged.
Incorrect use of the handbrake can cause ac-cidents and serious Injuries.
• The handbrake should never be used to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use the foot brake.
• Never drive the vehicle with the handbrake lightly applied. This can overheat the brakes and adversely affect the brake system. lt can also cause premature wear to the rear brake pads.
• Never activate the accelerator from the en-gine compartment if a position or gear has been selected and the engine is running. The vehicle can start to move even if the hand-brake Is applied.
CD
To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
r::l An acoustic warning is given if the car is driv-L.!:.J en faster than approximately 6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake applied.
Parking
r--f"n First read and observe the Introductory L-J.:.lJ information and safety warnings & on page 269.
Please adhere to relevant legislation when stop-ping and parking your vehicle.
Stopping the vehicle
The steps should only be carried out in the speci-fied order.
• Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface &.
• Depress and hold the brake pedal until the en-gine has stopped.
• Apply the handbrake.
• With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the se-lector lever to position P.
• Switch off the engine and take your foot off the brake pedal.
• Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
• Turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary to engage the steering lock mechanism.
• With a manual gearbox, select the first gear for flat ground and uphill inclines, or the reverse gear for downhill inclines, and then release the clutch pedal 263.
• Please ensure that all occupants, in particular children, leave the vehicle.
• Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
• Lock the vehicle.
Additional points for ascending and descending inclines
Before switching off the engine, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels will roll against the kerb if the parked vehicle starts to move.
• When facing downhill, turn the wheels so that they face the kerb.
• When facing uphill, turn the wheels so that they face the centre of the road.
Information on the brakes
r--f"n First read and observe the Introductory L-J.:.lJ information and safety warnings & on page 269.
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first be "run in" &. However, you can compensate for
2721 While driv1ng
A WARNING
The components of the exhaust system be-come very hot. This can cause fires and seri-ous Injuries.
• Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come Into contact with any Inflammable material underneath the ve-hicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, split fuel.
CD
• To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
• Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels can touch the bollards or kerbs.
• Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the running gear, engine or exhaust system could be dam-aged.
• If the handbrake Is not applied fully when the vehicle Is stationary and the brake pedal Is released when then selector lever Is in posi-tion P, the vehicle may move a few centimetres forwards or backwards.
heavy load on the brakes should be avoided. For example, when driving too close to the vehicle ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the ve-hicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. With regular urban trips, short journeys and a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be checked by a qualified workshop more regularly than stated in the service schedule.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be de-layed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly ic-ed up (in winter). The brakes must be "dried" as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher speed. Ensure that no vehicle behind you or no other road user is put at risk as a result of this ac-
Any salt layer accumulating on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be re-duced through careful braking &.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of inactivi-ty, low mileage and low load levels. With inactivity or low use levels for the brake pads as well as cor-rosion, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking strongly several times from high speed. Ensure that no vehicle behind you or no other road user is put at risk as a result of this
Fault in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to re-duce speed and the vehicle does not brake as nor-mal (sudden increase in braking distance). This will be indicated by the warning lamp m and in some cases 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.
Brake servo
The brake serve will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake serve is not functioning or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be de-pressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system &.
A WARNING
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
• New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km and must first be run In. A reduced braking effect can be Increased by applying more pressure to the brake pedal.
• You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads In order to re-duce the risk of accidents, serious Injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
• Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never create a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
A WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably Increase the braking dis-tance.
• When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very quickly.
• Before driving down a long, steep gradi-ent, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking ef-fect and relieve the load on the brakes.
• Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause them to overheat.
A WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer braking distances.
• Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
• Always dry brakes and clean off any coat-Ing of Ice and salt with a few cautious appli-cations of the brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
A WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can consider-ably Increase the braking distance and thus cause accidents and serious Injuries.
• Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine Is switched off.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking 273
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System only functions in frontal, side and rear collisions if the airbag control unit registers the corresponding trig-gering threshold during the accident, and the acci-dent occurs at a speed greater than 10 km/h (6 m ph).
The ESC brakes the vehicle automatically, provi-ded that the hydraulic braking system, the ESC and the electrical system are undamaged in the accident and remain functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of an accident:
• When the driver depresses the accelerator. No automatic braking occurs.
• When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the brake pressure provided by the system. The vehi-cle is braked manually.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and keeping it under control. This means that the vehicle is less likely to spin, even when the brakes are depressed fully:
• Depress and hold the brake pedal with force. Do not take your foot off the brake pedal or reduce the force on the brake pedal.
• Do not pump the brake pedal or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal.
• Steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is fully depressed.
• The ABS will switch off when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the brake pedal is reduced.
If the ABS is taking corrective action, there is a pulsing movement in the brake pedal and some noise. However, ABS will not necessarily guaran-tee shorter braking distances in a// conditions. The braking distance could even be longer when brak-ing on gravel or on fresh snow covering an icy or slippery surface.
Brake Assist system (BAS)
The Brake Assist system can help to reduce the braking distance. The Brake Assist system reinfor-ces brake pressure when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency situation. As a result, full braking power is made accessible very quickly, braking power is reinforced and the brak-ing distance reduced. This means that the ABS is activated more quickly and more effectively.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The Brake Assist system will switch off the brake servo automatically when the brake pedal is re-leased or if the pressure on the brake pedal is re-duced.
Traction control system (TCS)
The TCS reduces the engine output if wheels pin occurs and adapts the output to suit road surface conditions. TCS helps the car to start moving, ac-celerate and climb gradients in unfavourable road conditions.
The TCS can be switched on and off manually 276.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL is available for normal driving on straight roads. EDL brakes the wheel that has lost traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automat-ically if subjected to excessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
A WARNING
Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions. Do not Jet the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
• The Intelligent technology of the brake support systems cannot overcome the Jaws of physics or system-related vehicle limita-tions. Slippery and wet roads will remain dan-gerous, even when the ESC and other sys-tems are active.
• Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to Jose contact with the road sur-face and aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact with the road surface.
• Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close to the vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation. .,.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking 275
Brake fluid
B7E.02AO
Fig. 225 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l-Jr:,U Information and safety warnings&. on page 269.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake sys-tem if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably in-crease braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends the use of brake fluid compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessa-ry to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical com-position. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can damage or destroy brake sys-tem components over time.
To ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles there-fore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking of the brake fluid container or above the MIN marking &.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go to a quali-fied workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehi-cle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule Service schedule. The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that confonns with the required specification should be used.
A WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by brake fluid that Is too old or unsuitable.
• The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
• The brake fluid should be changed regu-larly, according to the service schedule Service schedule.
• Heavy use of the brakes may cause a va-pour lock If the brake fluid Is left In the sys-tem for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 277
Changing gear earlier
In principle, the highest gear is always the most economical gear. A rule of thumb for most vehicles: at a speed of 30 kmlh (19 m ph} drive in third gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in 4th gear and at 50 km/h (31 mph) In 5th gear.
If the traffic and driving situation allows it, skipping gears when changing up a gear will also save fuel.
Do not drive gears to their upper limit. Use first gear only for pulling away then quickly change up to second gear. Avoid using the kickdown func-tion in vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to improve fuel economy by indicating the optimum time to change gear.
Rolling to a stop
Taking your foot off the accelerator will interrupt the supply of fuel to the engine and decrease fuel con-sumption.
Therefore, in situations such as approaching a red traffic light, let the vehicle roll without applying the accelerator.
Only press on the dutch pedal to disengage if the vehicle becomes too slow or if the stopping dis-tance is longer. The engine will then run at idling speed 263.
Switch off the engine in situations when the vehicle might be stationary for a long time, e.g. at a level crossing. In vehicles with an active start/stop sys-tem, the engine will switch off automatically when the vehicle Is stationary.
Thinking ahead when driving, and driving with the flow of traffic
Applying the brake and accelerator too often will significantly increase fuel consumption. If you think ahead when driving and maintain a sufficient dis-tance from the vehicle in front, simply keeping your foot off the accelerator should stop the speed from fluctuating. This means that active braking and ac-celerating is not always necessary.
Driving smoothly and evenly
Smoothness is even more important than speed. The more evenly you drive, the lower your fuel consumption will be.
When driving on a motorway, it is much more ef-fective to drive at a constant moderate speed than to drive with constant acceleration and braking. As a rule, driving with a constant style will get you to your destination just as quickly.
The cruise control system will help you to maintain a constant driving style.
Using additional equipment in moderation
lt is always important to be comfortable in your ve-hicle, but it is also important to consider the envi-ronment.
Some equipment will increase fuel consumption when switched on:
• The cooling function of the air conditioning sys-tem: if the air conditioning system is set to a very high or low temperature it will require a lot of ener-gy, which is generated by the engine. Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside temperature. lt may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short distance with the win-dows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once the windows have been closed. Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel consumption.
• Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.
• Switch the windscreen and rear window heating off as soon as the windows have defogged and are clear of ice.
• Do not leave the supplementary heating system on when the vehicle is moving 332.
Other factors that Increase fuel consumption (examples):
• Fault in engine management.
• Driving in hilly regions.
• Driving with a trailer.
Driver assist systems
Pull-away assist systems
cr:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Start/stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 283
Hill Hold Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Hill Descent Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Rear axle differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Additional information and warnings:
• Volkswagen information system =>page 24
• Braking, stopping and parking =>page 269
• Battery =>page 362
• Wheels and tyres =>page 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts =>page 394
• Jump starting =>page 443
Warning and indicator lamps
A WARNING
The intelligent technology of the pull-away assist systems cannot overcome the laws of physics or system-related vehicle limitations. Never let the extra convenience afforded by pull-away assist systems tempt you into tak-ing any risks when driving-this can cause accidents.
• Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious Injury.
• The pull-away assist systems cannot re-place the driver's full concentration.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Pull-away assist systems cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
Lit up Possible cause
Rear axle differential lock switched on . ...
Hill Descent Assist switched on.
(A) The start/stop system is available, automat-ic engine stop is active.
ex;
The start/stop system is not available. OR: the start/stop system has switched off the engine automatically.
Flashes Possible cause
The rear axle differential lock cannot be .... switched on .
Hill Descent Assist is regulating.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds. .,..
282 I While drivmg
Solution
=>page 286
=>page 285
=>page 283
Check whether all technical requirements have been fulfilled. If necessary, make sure that all technical requirements are fulfilled =>page 283.
Solution
=>page 286
=>page 285
A WARNING (Continued)
• The camera lens enlarges and distorts the field of vision and the objects on the screen will not be depicted as precisely and accu-rately as they are In reality.
• Certain objects, for example narrow posts or railings, may be difficult or Impossible to see on the screen because of its low resolu-tion or poor light conditions.
• The rear view camera system has blind spots within which obstacles and people can-not be detected.
• Keep the camera lens clean, free of snow and Ice and do not cover it.
A WARNING
The Intelligent rear view camera system tech-nology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Careless or unintentional use of the rear view camera system can cause accl· dents and lead to serious Injury. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con· ditions.
General information
r'""'('n First read and observe the Introductory L-J,::.U information and safety warnings & on page 291.
Requirements for parking and manoeuvring while using the rear view camera system
Checklist
./ The tailgate must be closed.
./ The camera must give a clear and accurate image, i.e. there must be good visibility and the camera lens must be clean =:o Fig. 233.
./ There must be a clear and unobstructed view of the area behind the vehicle.
./ The rear of the vehicle must not be heavily loaded.
2921 While driving
A WARNING (ConUnued)
• Keep looking In the direction In which you are parking and at the relevant area sur-rounding the vehicle. The front of the vehicle swings out more than the rear of the vehicle.
• Do not allow the Images shown on the screen to distract you from the traffic around you.
• Always monitor the area around the vehi· cle as small children, animals and objects will not always be detected by the rear view cam-era system.
• The rear view camera system may not be able to display all areas clearly.
• The rear view camera system should only be used when the tallgate is fully closed.
CD
• The rear view camera system shows only two-dimensional images on the screen. The lack of depth of field means that potholes and protruding objects on the ground may only be detected with difficulty, or may not be detected at all.
• The rear view camera system may notal· ways be able to detect objects such as thin rails, fences, posts, trees etc. This could result In damage to your vehicle.
./ The vehicle must be undamaged. The rear view camera system must be checked by a qualified workshop if the position or angle of the camera has changed, e.g. following a rear impact.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that you practise parking with the reversing camera in a traffic-calmed area or car park with good visi-bility and weather conditions, so that you can famil· iarise yourself with the system, orientation lines and guiding functions in a safer environment.
Rear view camera system settings
Various settings, including brightness, contrast and colour, can be by touching the relevant function buttons 1j or G. or by moving the corre-sponding slider.
• Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
• Apply the handbrake firmly.
• Switch on the ignition.