Is 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 work with the available
navigation data in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Is a fire extinguisher a requirement in your destination country?
Which requirements must be observed regarding high-visibility waistcoats?
Checklist
Do not work on the engine and in the engine compartment unless you are familiar with the task, are
aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable
tools In the engine compartment
are uncertain. Make sure you check the following on a regular basis:
Washer fluid level Washer fluid
Engine oil level Engine oil
Coolant level Coolant
Brake fluid level Brake fluid
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres
Fig.
0
switched on.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button once. The ignition is switched on.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: during the diesel engine preheating phase, the indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off.
Vehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it until the engine has
been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to position P or N.
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position Fig.
0do not depress the
accelerator.
Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button Starter buttondo not depress the
accelerator. There must be a valid vehicle key in the vehicle before the engine can be started.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter and try again after about a minute.
Vehicles with starter button: perform an emergency start if necessary No valid vehicle key
recognised
Vehicles with starter button: the starter button is deactivated if the vehicle was locked with the
vehicle key. If you are in the vehicle and need to start the engine, unlock the vehicle first or perform
an emergency start No valid vehicle key recognised
Switch off the electronic parking brake if you wish to pull away.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or enclosed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain carbon
monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose
consciousness. It can also cause death.
Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under or near the
vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and other
injuries.
-clockwise while exerting
gentle downward pressure on the cap.
face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth.
spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries and death!
-volt battery could explode.
started, never touch the electrical cables in the ignition system.
WARNING
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
rotor blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can start
automatically, even when the ignition has been switched off or the vehicle key has been removed
from the ignition lock.
e engine is started or with the engine running, there is an
additional, potentially fatal safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the poly V-belt, alternator,
radiator fan, and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always be particularly careful.
Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair can be
caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work, remove any jewellery and ties, tie
up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid them getting caught on engine parts.
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
s and tools, in the engine
compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and fires.
WARNING
Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine due to
the chemical components contained in the water. This can also lead to engine failure. If any other
type of water apart from distilled water has been refilled, the fluid in the cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
Fig. 188
be forced out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause damage.
completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the cooling system. The cooling system
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage.
have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result
in engine damage.
correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine
damage.
Brake fluid
Fig. 190 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid reservoir.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air over the course of time. 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 and full braking may
cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels
of braking power, considerably increase 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 expressly recommends the use of
brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the brake fluid specifications printed on the
container correspond to the vehicle requirements.
standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary 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 composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can
damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14
to ensure sustained proper operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 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 on the brake fluid reservoir
or above the MIN marking
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may partially
conceal the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly,
please go to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly during vehicle operation as the brake pads wear and the brakes
are automatically adjusted.
Brake fluid level
The indicator lamp lights up red.
Brake fluid level is too low.
Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
If the brake fluid level is too low, inform a qualified workshop. Have the brake system checked.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.
WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking efficiency can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by
brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
king efficiency, considerably increase braking distance and can cause the brake system to
fail completely.
with VW standard 501 14.
fluid or low-quality brake fluid can affect the functioning of the brakes and reduce
their effectiveness.
501 14 is not available, use a high-quality brake fluid
compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, but only in exceptional
circumstances.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
brake fluid. There is always a risk of someone drinking from such containers, even if they are labelled
appropriately.
children.
NOTICE
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts and tyres.
Immediately wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt from all parts of the vehicle.
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any service fluids that have escaped or been spilt must be
collected and disposed of properly.
12-volt vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
Troubleshooting
The 12-volt vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system and serves to supply power in the
vehicle.
in the display of the instrument cluster serves as a reminder for the due date of the next service
event.
Your vehicle will receive either the fixed service or flexible service for the oil change service,
depending on the vehicle equipment, the engine type and the operating conditions.
How do I know which type of service my vehicle needs?
Fig. 210(arrow) Technical data
Service eventa) PR No. Service type Service interval
Oil change service QI1 Fixed Every 5,000 km or 1 yearb).
QI2 Every 7,500 km or 1 yearb).
QI3 Every 10,000 km or 1 yearb).
QI4 Every 15,000 km or 1 yearb).
QI6 Flexible According to service interval display.
Inspection According to service interval display.
Observe the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards Engine oil
Features of the flexible service
With the flexible service, you only need to have an oil change service carried out if your vehicle
requires one. Individual operating conditions and personal driving style are taken into account in
order to determine this point in time. An important part of the flexible service is the use of LongLife
engine oil instead of conventional oil.
Observe the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards Engine oil
If you do not wish to have the flexible service, you can opt for the fixed service instead. However, a
fixed service can affect your service costs. Your service advisor will be pleased to help.
Service interval display
Scheduled services at Volkswagen are displayed in the service interval display in the instrument
cluster Service interval displayor in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system
Vehicle settings menues that include
an oil change or inspection. When an individual service is due, additional work that is due can also be
carried out, e.g. changing brake fluid and spark plugs.
a) Information is stated for vehicles used under normal operating conditions.
b) Whichever comes first.