
Press the   button ⇒ . The indicator lamp in the   button ⇒ Fig. 126  
(arrow) goes out. 
The electronic parking brake switches on automatically to hold the vehicle securely. However, the 
electronic parking brake will not switch on if the brake pedal is depressed when the Auto Hold 
function is switched off ⇒ . 
Temporarily switching off the Auto Hold function with the  button 
It can sometimes be necessary to switch off the Auto Hold function temporarily to enable the vehicle 
to roll more easily, for example when manoeuvring. 
Press the brake pedal when the engine is on. 
Press the  button. The Auto Hold function is deactivated. 
The Auto Hold function will be reactivated as soon as the brake pedal is depressed again when the 
vehicle has come to a standstill. 
System limits 
If the clutch slips during switching off of the ignition or opening of the driver door, the vehicle may 
not be secured against rolling away by either the Auto Hold function or the electronic parking brake 
⇒ . After switching off the ignition or opening the driver door, make sure that the indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster displaylights upred. The electronic parking brake is switched on. 
 
WARNING 
The intelligent Auto Hold function cannot overcome the laws of physics, and operates only within 
the limits of the system. Do not let the extra convenience afforded by the Auto Hold function tempt 
you into taking any safety risks when driving. 
Make sure that the indicator lamp  lights up green or red on the instrument cluster display if the 
vehicle is to be held securely. The vehicle is being held by the Auto Hold function if the green 
indicator lamp is lit and by the electronic parking brake if the red warning lamp is lit. 
Never leave the vehicle if the engine is running and the Auto Hold function is switched on. 
In some cases, the Auto Hold function cannot sufficiently hold the vehicle on uphill gradients or 
brake it sufficiently on downhill gradients, e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy. 
 
NOTICE 
Switch off the Auto Hold function before driving into a car wash. Damage may otherwise be caused 
by automatic activation of the electronic parking brake. 
Safety notes on the parking systems 
The parking systems include the following: 
Park Distance Control ⇒ Park Distance Control .  

Never use the system where visibility is restricted or in unclear traffic situations, e.g. on extremely 
busy roads or across several lanes. 
Always pay attention to the area around the vehicle, since cyclists and pedestrians are often not 
reliably detected, for example. 
The Rear Traffic Alert will not always independently bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 
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. 
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving situations 
⇒ . 
ESC is always switched on. 
Traction control system (TCS) 
The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the drive output to suit road 
surface conditions ⇒ Troubleshooting . The TCS makes it easier to pull away, accelerate and drive up 
hills. 
With some equipment levels, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances ⇒ Switching 
the TCS on and off . 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
The anti-lock brake system can prevent 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 ⇒ Troubleshooting . 
Brake assist system 
The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system reinforces 
the braking force when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency situation. 
If you reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake 
servo.  

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, accelerate carefully. The 
wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active, and this can lead to a loss of control of 
the vehicle. 
 
WARNING 
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems which affect 
driving dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly. This also applies, but not 
exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other named systems. 
Please always bear in mind that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the way brake 
support systems operate. 
Alterations to the suspension or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre combinations can affect 
the function of brake support systems and reduce their effectiveness. 
Suitable tyres support the effectiveness of ESC. 
 
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. 
Switching the TCS on and off 
Switch off the traction control system (TCS) if the vehicle does not have sufficient traction: 
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces. 
When rocking the vehicle free if it is stuck. 
Then switch on TCS again. 
Switching TCS on and off 
TCS can be switched off and on in the Infotainment system ⇒ Infotainment system controls and 
displays . 
When the TCS is switched off, the yellow indicator lamp lights up on the instrument cluster 
display. 
As soon as the TCS starts regulating, the indicator lamp flashes yellow. 
Troubleshooting  

Do not drive on! Brake system fault. 
Warning lamp lights up red. 
Seek expert assistance immediately. 
ABS failure or fault. 
Warning lamp lights up yellow. 
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without the anti-lock brake system. 
TCS regulating to prevent the wheels from spinning. 
Indicator lamp flashes yellow. 
ESC switched off for system-related reasons. 
Indicator lamp lights up yellow. 
Switch the ignition on and off. 
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph) if necessary. 
If is still lit up, seek expert assistance. 
The brake support systems make noises 
Noises may be heard when the brake support systems are performing control interventions. 
Unexpected reduction in engine power 
Faults can occur in the ESC and TCS systems if the four wheels have different types of tyres. 
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power 
unexpectedly. 
 
WARNING 
If the brake system warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp  , the ABS 
control function may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. 
Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and 
drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system 
tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way. 
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion, ABS is not 
working properly. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without the anti-lock 
brake system). The protection provided by the anti-lock brake system is no longer available. Go to a 
qualified workshop as soon as possible. 
Practical equipment 
Stowage areas  

Insert the cigarette lighter back into the socket. 
 
WARNING 
Improper use of the cigarette lighter can cause fires, burns and other serious injuries. 
Always use the cigarette lighter properly, and only use it to light tobacco products. 
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter can be used when the ignition 
is switched on. 
 
The cigarette lighter socket can also be used as a 12-volt socket ⇒ Electrical sockets . 
Electrical sockets 
 Introduction 
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects: 
⇒ Electrical sockets in the vehicle  
Electrical equipment can be connected to the sockets in the vehicle. 
The electrical devices must be in good condition. Do not use faulty devices. 
The 12-volt socket will work only when the ignition is switched on. 
 
WARNING 
Improper use of the sockets and electrical accessories can cause fires and severe injuries. 
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. Sockets and the devices connected to them can be 
used when the ignition is switched on. 
If the electrical device gets too hot, switch off the device immediately and disconnect it from the 
socket. 
 
NOTICE 
In order to prevent damage to the electrical system, never connect equipment that supplies electric 
power, such as solar panels or battery chargers for charging the 12-volt battery, to the 12-volt 
socket. 
Use only electrical devices that have been approved in accordance with current guidelines 
concerning electromagnetic compatibility. 
In order to avoid damage due to voltage fluctuations, always switch off any electrical devices before 
switching the ignition on or off and before starting the engine. When the start/stop system  

automatically switches off and restarts the engine, it is not necessary to switch off any connected 
electrical consumers. 
Never connect electrical devices requiring more than the rated power to a 12-volt socket. The 
vehicle's electrical system can be damaged if the maximum power consumption is exceeded. 
Observe the operating instructions of the electrical devices! 
 
Using electrical consumers with the engine switched off and the ignition switched on will drain the 
12-volt battery. 
 
Unshielded devices can cause interference in the Infotainment system and vehicle electronics. 
Electrical sockets in the vehicle 
 
Fig. 141 In the front part of the centre console and in the rear centre console: 12-volt socket with 
hinged flap ① or 12-volt socket with removable cover ②. 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
Maximum power rating 
Electrical socket Maximum power rating 
12 volts 120 watts 
The maximum power rating of the individual sockets must never be exceeded. The power rating of 
each device is stated on its type plate. 
If there are several sockets in the vehicle and two or more devices are connected at the same time, 
the overall power consumption of all connected electrical devices must never exceed 190 W ⇒ . 
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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. 
 
NOTICE 
Observe the instructions and information for vehicles with an N1 approval ⇒ Information about 
vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle) . 
 
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm before a trailer is hitched or unhitched or a bicycle carrier is 
loaded or unloaded ⇒ Anti-theft alarm . 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 retrofitted 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 removed ball head 
of a retrofitted towing bracket should be kept in the vehicle at all times. 
Technical requirements 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
Cooling system 
There is an increased load on the engine and the cooling system when towing a trailer. The cooling 
system must contain sufficient coolant and be able to cope with the extra load due to trailer towing. 
Trailer brake 
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations. 
Trailer tail light clusters 
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the 
maximum power consumption for the trailer. 
Exterior mirrors 
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer using the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors, 
additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations. 
Before setting off, adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have a sufficient view towards the rear.  

Fig. 156 Pin assignment for the trailer socket (illustration). 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
Pin assignment for the trailer socket ⇒ Fig. 156 : 
Left turn signal 
Rear fog light 
Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 
Right turn signal 
Tail light, right 
Brake light 
Tail 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 produces the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. 
When the vehicle electrically detects a trailer, the consumers in the trailer are supplied with an 
electrical voltage via the electrical connection (pins 9 and 10). Pin 9 is assigned as the permanent 
positive, enabling operation of the trailer interior lighting, for example. 
Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with power only when the engine is 
running (pin 10). 
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not connect the earth wires (pins 3, 11 and 13) with 
each other. 
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. The function of pin 10 is 
then not available.