Fig. 90 Front head restraint: removing.
Fig. 91 Rear head restraint: removing.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Removing the front head restraint
•You may need to lower the head restraint ⇒.
•To unlock it, feel for the recess in the marked area on the rear side and press in in the direction
of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 90①.
•Pull the head restraint out in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 90②.
Fitting the front head restraint
•Position the head restraint correctly over the head restraint guides and then insert into the
guides of the corresponding seat backrest.
•Slide the head restraint all the way down until the guide pins click into place.
•Adjust the head restraint so a correct sitting position can be assumed.
Removing the rear head restraints
•If necessary, adjust the backrest so that the head restraint can be removed.
•Push the head restraint all the way up ⇒.
•Pull the head restraint out fully while pressing the button ⇒ Fig. 91①.
Fitting the rear head restraints
•Release the rear seat backrest and fold the backrest forwards slightly ⇒ Rear seats.
•Position the head restraint correctly over the head restraint guides and then insert into the
guides of the corresponding seat backrest.
•Press and hold the button ⇒ Fig. 91① and push down the head restraint.
•Push back the rear seat backrest and allow it to engage securely.
•Adjust the head restraint so that a correct sitting position can be assumed ⇒ Sitting position.
Seat functions
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Memory function
⇒ Centre armrest
⇒ Massage function
The following section describes the seat functions. Always ensure that you adjust the correct sitting
position ⇒ Sitting position.
Incorrect use of the seat functions can cause serious injuries.
•Always assume a correct sitting position before you drive and maintain this position
throughout the trip. This also applies to all passengers.
•Switch the massage function on and off only when the vehicle is stationary.
•The memory function should be adjusted only when the vehicle is stationary.
•Keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts away from the moving parts of the
seats.
WARNING
Fig. 99 On left of the steering column: turn signal and main beam lever.
Parking lights on one side
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight with side light and parts of the tail light
cluster on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Move the turn signal and main beam lever from the centre position to the following position:
Right-hand parking light is switched on.
Left-hand parking light is switched on.
•Return the turn signal and main beam lever to the basic position in order to switch off the
parking lights.
The parking light only lights up when the ignition is switched off and if the turn signal and main
beam lever was in the central position before being operated.
Continuous parking light on both sides of the vehicle
Both headlights light up with side lights as well as parts of the tail light clusters if continuous parking
light on both sides of the vehicle is switched on:
•With the ignition on, turn the light switch to the position .
•Switch off the ignition.
•Lock the vehicle from outside.
Automatic switch-off for side lights and parking lights
The side lights and parking lights drain the 12-volt vehicle battery when switched on. In order to
ensure that the engine can be started, the side lights and parking lights are automatically switched
off when the charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery is so low that there is a risk of no longer being
able to restart the vehicle. Switch-off takes place at the earliest after the side and parking lights
have been switched on for two hours.
The side lights and parking lights will not switch off automatically if there is insufficient battery
capacity for them to remain switched on for two hours. In this case, the side lights and parking lights
will remain switched on until the 12-volt vehicle battery is fully discharged. It will no longer be
possible to restart the engine ⇒.
Coming Home and Leaving Home function (orientation lightingyf
The Coming home and Leaving home functions illuminate the area directly next to the vehicle when
getting into and leaving the vehicle in darkness.
m/k/a995MK Not in China: the Coming Home function is switched on manually. However,
the Leaving Home function is controlled automatically by a rain/light sensor.
m/k/a995MK Only in China: the Coming Home and Leaving Home function is controlled
automatically by a rain/light sensor.
The switch-off delay can be set and the function can also be activated and deactivated in
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system in the
Infotainment system:
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if the vehicle is parked without sufficient
illumination, as other road users might have difficulty seeing the vehicle, or may not see it
at all.
•Always park the vehicle securely and with sufficient lighting. Observe any applicable
local legislation.
•If the vehicle lighting is required for several hours, switch on the right or left parking
light if possible. The illumination time of the one-sided parking light is generally double
that of the continuous parking light on both sides.
WARNING
Fig. 113 In the footwell: pedals in vehicles with a manual gearbox.
Fig. 114 In the footwell: pedals in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 113 and ⇒ Fig. 114:
Accelerator
Brake pedal
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: clutch pedal
The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must never be impaired by objects or floor
mats.
Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area free and can be securely fastened in the footwell.
Gear-change indicator
Fig. 115 On the instrument cluster display: gear-change indicator.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 115:
Currently selected gear.
Recommended gear.
The instrument cluster display may, depending on the vehicle's equipment level, indicate which
gear should be selected to reduce fuel consumption while the vehicle is in motion.
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
The pedals must be freely operable at all times. For example, a larger brake pedal travel
will be necessary in order to stop the vehicle if a brake circuit fails. The brake pedal will
have to be depressed further and harder than normal.
NOTICE
If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time.
Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the
underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Driving with a loaded vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
•Stow all items of luggage securely ⇒ Stowing luggage and loads.
•Accelerate particularly cautiously and carefully.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•If applicable, observe the information concerning the roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
•If applicable, observe the information about driving with a trailer ⇒ Trailer towing.
Driving with an open boot lid
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving with an open boot lid is particularly dangerous. All objects and the open boot lid must be
secured properly. Take the appropriate measures to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust
fumes that could enter into the vehicle.
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 coating of ice and salt with a few cautious
applications of the brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
•If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will
have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to
the lack of assistance for the brake system.
WARNING
Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle's stability and driving safety which could
cause accidents and severe injuries.
•Secure objects properly to prevent them from sliding.
•Use suitable straps when securing heavy objects.
•Engage the rear seat backrests and the adjustable rear bench seat securely.
WARNING
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such
an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water ⇒ Start/stop
system .
Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the boot lid closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the
open boot lid to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that
they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the boot lid to wedge
them into place or hold them in position.
•If you drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the
boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the boot lid is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and
accidents.
•You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous gases
from entering the vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do
the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into
the vehicle:
- Close all windows and the glass roof.
- Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or
switch off the air conditioning system.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers for the heating and fresh air system, or for the air
conditioning system, to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
NOTICE
If the accelerator pedal is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear,
depending on the speed and engine revs. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration.
The gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches the maximum engine speed
for the gear.
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile
selection and 4MOTION Active Control and the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.
Launch Control Programme
The Launch Control programme gives the vehicle maximum acceleration from a standing start in
vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
•In selector lever position D/S, select position S. Alternatively, select the Tiptronic position or in
vehicles with driving profile selection select the Sport driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•With your right foot, depress the accelerator until the engines speed reaches approximately
3,200 rpm.
•Take your left foot off the brake ⇒. The vehicle will start with maximum acceleration.
•Switch the TCS back on after acceleration.
Troubleshooting
®
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads.
This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious
injuries.
•Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
•Only use kickdown or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
permit, and other road users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and the driving
style.
•Please note that the driven wheels could start to spin and the vehicle could skid if the
traction control system (TCSyf L V V Z L W F K H G R I I H V S H F L D O O \ L I W K H U R D G L V V O L S S H U \ .
•Switch the traction control system (TCSyf E D F N R Q D I W H U D F F H O H U D W L R Q .
•Only use the launch control programme, if the road and traffic conditions allow for it.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle
or through your driving style.
WARNING
Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause
the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the
braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
WARNING
•If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by
depressing the accelerator while a position is still selected. The dual clutch gearbox
DSG could overheat and be damaged.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll in position N, particularly if the ignition is switched off.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will not be lubricated and could be damaged.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with Launch Control Programme: accelerating with the
Launch Control programme places heavy strain on all vehicle components. This can
lead to higher rates of wear.
NOTICE
®
®
•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not
necessary to brake. This will increase levels of wear.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce your speed and select a suitable
recuperation level. This will make use of the electric drive braking effect and relieve the
load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. The brakes
should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE
Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned.
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravityyf ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface.
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Fig. 134 On steep slopes, you should always use the doors pointing up the hill to get out of the
vehicle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Traversing a slope is one of the most dangerous off-road situations ⇒.
It may look harmless, but you should not underestimate the difficulty and danger of traversing a
slope. A vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll when in this position. This can cause severe or
fatal injuries for all vehicle occupants.
Check whether you can use a safer route before driving across a slope.
If you have to drive at an angle, make sure the ground is as firm as possible. The vehicle is more
likely to slip, dip and tip over on slippery or soft ground. Always be aware that uneven ground
makes the slope steeper. The vehicle could otherwise tip over and start to roll.
When driving across a slope, the wheels on the lower side of the vehicle must never enter dips or
hollows. The wheels on the upper side of the vehicle must never roll over bumps, for example
stones, tree trunks or other obstacles.
If the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer immediately into the fall line and depress the accelerator
slightly ⇒ Fig. 133. If it is not possible to drive along the fall line, then steer uphill and depress the
accelerator slightly.
The centre of gravity should be as low as possible. The weight of all vehicle occupants should be
evenly distributed. People with a larger or heavier build should sit on the higher side of the vehicle.
Remove the roof carrier and secure heavy items. The vehicle could tip over if items were to slide
suddenly ⇒.
Driving through ditches
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Check whether the tilt angle and gradient entry/exit angles are small enough to drive through
the ditch with the vehicle ⇒.
•If possible, drive through the ditch at an acute angle ⇒.
•The tilt angle may not get too large when driving through the ditch.
Never try to traverse a slope, particularly if it is too steep for the vehicle. The vehicle could
slide away, tip over or roll. Please note the following points in order to reduce the risk of
accidents and serious injuries:
•You should never underestimate the difficulty and danger of traversing a slope. Never
choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your passengers. If
you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose another way.
•The vehicle can lose its grip and slide away sideways, tip over or roll over and roll
down the hill.
•The wheels on the lower side of the vehicle must never enter dips or hollows. The
wheels on the upper side of the vehicle must never roll over bumps, for example
stones, tree trunks or other obstacles.
•Please ensure that you can steer in the fall line on a route driving across a slope.
Choose another route if this is not guaranteed. If the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer
immediately into the fall line and depress the accelerator slightly ⇒ Fig. 133.
•If the vehicle is stopped when traversing a slope, avoid sudden movements in the
vehicle. The vehicle can lose its grip and slide away sideways, tip over or roll over and
roll down the hill.
•Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill
when parked sideways on a steep hill. This could cause the centre of gravity to move.
The vehicle could otherwise tip over or roll over and roll down the hill. To avoid this,
always leave the vehicle carefully on the side that is facing uphill ⇒ Fig. 134.
•When getting out the vehicle, please ensure that the vehicle door which opens uphill
does not close with its own weight or through carelessness thus potentially causing
injury.
WARNING