The ESC or the TCS/TC can only function properly if all four wheels have the same tyres.
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power
unexpectedly.
If the ABS fails, the ESC, TCS, TC and EDL will also cease to function.
Control processes running in the systems described may cause operating noises.
Brake fluid
Fig. 101 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
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
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 recommends the use of
brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
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.
\f
Information on steering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the
vehicle to be stolen.
Mechanical steering column lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle
is stationary.
Activating the steering lockDeactivating the steering lock
Park the vehicle ⇒ Braking, stopping and
parking.Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock.
Remove the vehicle key.Turn the steering wheel slightly to take the load
off the steering lock mechanism.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steering lock clicks into place.
Hold the steering wheel in this position and turn
the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
reduced or has failed completely.
Driver assist systems
Pull-away assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Start/stop system
⇒ Hill Hold Assist
Additional information and warnings:
\f
Cleaning wheels
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning steel wheels
An industrial cleaner is needed to remove accumulated brake dust. Steel wheels should therefore
be cleaned regularly with a separate sponge.
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the metal starts to rust.
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels
Wash grit and brake dust from alloy wheels approximately every 2 weeks. Then use an acid-free
detergent to clean the wheels. Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the
wheels approximately every 3 months.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regular intervals,
otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels. Car polish or other abrasive agents should not
be used on the wheels.
If the protective coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the damaged area should be repaired
immediately.
Care of rubber seals
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The rubber seals on the doors, windows etc. will seal better, remain flexible and last longer if they
are treated at regular intervals with a suitable care product.
Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
De-icing the door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Volkswagen recommends the use of genuine Volkswagen spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive
properties to de-ice the lock cylinders.
Underseal
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corrosion and damage. The protective
coating on the underside of the vehicle could be damaged when driving. Volkswagen therefore
To ensure that the chrome and aluminium parts are not damaged:
\f
Rims
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The design of the wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel
bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that the
wheels are fitted securely and that the brake system works properly ⇒ Changing a wheel.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This can
also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type.
The tyres and rims approved by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the
vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must always be tightened with the correct tightening torque ⇒ Changing a wheel.
Rims with bolted-on rings
Rims with bolted-on rings consist of several components. These components are fastened using
special bolts and special fastening technology. This ensures that the wheel functions properly, does
not leak, remains safe and runs true. For this reason, damaged rims should be replaced. They may
only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose ⇒.
Rims with bolted-on trims
Rims may have removable trims that are attached to the rim with self-locking bolts. Damaged trims
may only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose ⇒.
Rims identification
In some countries, new rims are legally required to contain certain specifications on them.
Depending on the country the following specifications can appear on the rims:
\f
Event data recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
Event data recorders temporarily store vehicle information. This provides precise information in the
event of an accident. In vehicles with an airbag system, data that might be relevant in the event of
an accident can be stored, e.g. impact speed, belt buckle status, seat positions and trigger speed.
The scope of the data is manufacturer-specific.
An event data recorder may only be fitted if the owner has approved the procedure. This is covered
by legislation in some countries.
Reprogramming control units
All data for the control of components are stored in the control units. Some convenience functions,
such as lane change flash, single door unlocking and displays, can be reprogrammed using special
workshop equipment. If this is the case, the descriptions in your vehicle wallet will no longer
correspond with the original functions. Volkswagen recommends that you have any reprogramming
confirmed in the service schedule under Workshop comments.
Information about possible reprogramming can be obtained from the Volkswagen dealership.
Reading the vehicle's event memory
A diagnostic interface for reading the event memories is located in the vehicle interior ⇒. Data
relating to the function and status of the electronic control units are stored in the event memory.
Additional information on the stored data is available from qualified workshops.
The diagnosis interface is located behind near the fuse box in the footwell on the driver side.
The event memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop.
After a fault has been rectified, the information in the memory pertaining to the fault is deleted.
Other memory content is overwritten on an on-going basis.
Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the
external aerial
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Both during telephone calls and in standby mode, mobile telephones transmit and receive radio
waves, which may also be termed "high-frequency energy". Current scientific literature warns us
that radio waves can be harmful to human beings if they exceed certain limits. Government bodies
and international committees have introduced threshold values and guidelines to ensure that
electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile telephones does not pose a hazard to health.
However, there is no proven scientific evidence that demonstrates that cordless telephones are
absolutely safe.
For this reason, some experts are calling for more precautions to be taken in the use of mobile
telephones, by taking steps to reduce the level of personal exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
If a mobile telephone that is not connected to the vehicle's external aerial is used inside the vehicle,
the level of electromagnetic radiation could be higher than when the mobile telephone is connected
to an integrated aerial or any other external aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free unit which enables the use of innumerable
additional functions of Bluetooth compatible mobile telephones, this will satisfy the legal
requirements in many countries which permit the use of a mobile telephone in a vehicle only if a
hands-free unit is used.
The hands-free system of the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagenyf L Q \ R X U Y H K L F O H
has been developed for mobile telephones that are compatible with Bluetooth⇒ Portable
navigation device. Mobile telephones must be located in a suitable telephone holder or be stored
securely in the vehicle. If a telephone holder is used it must be securely attached to the base plate.
This is the only way to ensure that the mobile telephone is securely attached to the dash panel and
always within reach of the driver. Depending on the hands-free system, the connection between the
mobile telephone and the external aerial is established either via the telephone holder or via an
existing Bluetooth connection between the mobile telephone and the vehicle.
Connecting the mobile telephone is to a telephone aerial integrated in the vehicle or to an external
telephone aerial reduces the electromagnetic radiation generated by the telephone which could
affect the human body. Using an aerial also improves the quality of the signal.
Incorrect use of the diagnostic interface can cause faults, which can result in accidents and
serious injuries.
\f
Fig. 144 Manually locking the vehicle with the vehicle key
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger door and the rear doors can be locked manually.
\f
Changing bulbs in the front headlights
Fig. 162 In the engine compartment: rear view of the left-hand front headlight with rubber cover: ①
dipped beam and main beam, ② side lights and daytime running lights, ③ turn signal and
retaining clip \b
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front headlight does not need to be removed when changing bulbs.
The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:
⇒ Fig. 162①②③
Dipped beam and
main beam
headlights
Side lights and
daytime running
lights
Front turn signal
1.Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Information on changing
bulbs.
2.Open the bonnet ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
3.
Remove the connector
from the H4 bulb. Pull off
rubber cover using the
tabs.Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go
and pull it out to the rear along with the bulb.Push retaining clip ④ in
the direction of the arrow
to the front, unhook at
side and fold away.
4.Remove bulb from bulb holder. If necessary, press the catch on the bulb holder.
5.Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
6.
Fit the new bulb, fold back
the retaining clips ④ and
hook in.
Insert the bulb holder into
the headlight and turn it
clockwise as far as it will
go.
Insert the bulb holder into
the headlight and turn it
clockwise as far as it will
go.
7.
Put the rubber cover on
and check if it is fitted
securely. Attach
connector to the H4 bulb.
The illustrations show the left-hand headlight from the rear. The right-hand headlight is a
mirror image of the one shown.
Changing bulbs in the front bumper
Fig. 163 In the wheeI housing front right: removing the securing bolts (arrowsyf D Q G W K H V S U H D G H U
rivet Ⓐ
Fig. 164 Changing the bulbs in the headlights
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:
1.Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Information on changing bulbs.
2.Use the screwdriver from the toolkit to unscrew the two securing bolts in the wheel
housing trim ⇒ Fig. 163 (arrowsyf ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
3.Unscrew the front spreader rivet at the bottom of the wheel housing trim ⇒ Fig. 163Ⓐ
and remove it completely.
4.Grip the edge of the wheel housing trim in between the holes for the securing bolts and
push it gently towards the vehicle interior to release the clip located behind the trim.
5.Carefully push the wheel housing trim to one side.
6.Release the connector ⇒ Fig. 164① and pull it off.
7.Turn the bulb holder ⇒ Fig. 164anticlockwise in the direction of the arrow as far as it will
go and pull it out to the rear along with the bulb.
8.Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
9.Insert the bulb holder into the headlight and turn it clockwise as far as it will go.
10.Connect the connector ⇒ Fig. 164① to the bulb holder. The connector should click into
place.
11.Return the wheel housing trim to its original position, ensuring that the clip engages.
12.Insert the spreader river in the wheel housing trim and the bumper and push in fully
⇒ Fig. 163Ⓐ.
13.Use the screwdriver to screw in the two securing bolts ⇒ Fig. 163 (arrowsyf .
Changing bulbs in the tail light cluster
Fig. 165 In the side of the luggage compartment: A: removing the cover, B: removing the tail light
cluster
Fig. 166 Tail light cluster: C: removing the bulb holder, B: removing the bulbs
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Removing the tail light cluster
1.Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Information on changing bulbs.
2.Open the tailgate ⇒ Tailgate.
3.Carefully lever off the cover ① ⇒ Fig. 165A.
4.Pull the lock ③ on the connector ② in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 165B. Use the
screwdriver from the vehicle tools for this purpose.
5.Press the catch ④ and pull off the connector ② ⇒ Fig. 165B.