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.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Do not work on the engine and in
the engine compartment unless you are familiar with the task, aware of the general safety
procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Serious injuries can be
caused by carrying out work incorrectly ⇒ . The work should be carried out by a qualified
workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine
compartment.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must be on a level surface,
the wheels chocked, and the vehicle key removed from the ignition lock as required.
vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, which can lead to serious injuries.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained
here.
st care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must follow the
general safety rules. Never take any risks.
carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not been carried out properly.
steam or hot coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam
or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
urn the skin.
P or move the gear
lever to the neutral position.
and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
unattended.
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
Fig. 184 On the instrument cluster display: the bonnet is open or has not been closed properly.
A symbol in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 184 indicates if the bonnet is open or is not closed
properly.
Do not drive on! If necessary, lift the bonnet and then close it again.
This symbol is also visible when the ignition is switched off and will go out a few seconds after the
vehicle has been locked when all doors are closed.
WARNING
Failure to observe warnings can cause your vehicle to break down in traffic, which can lead to
accidents and serious injuries.
ver ignore any warnings.
The symbol can differ depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
Service fluids and consumables
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. tyres, coolant and vehicle batteries, are being constantly
developed. The same applies to toothed belts, engine oils and spark plugs for combustion engines,
for example. For this reason, service fluids and consumables should be replaced at a qualified
workshop. Volkswagen dealerships always have the latest information about any changes.
WARNING
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the incorrect use of these fluids and consumables,
can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
e kept in their original sealed container.
-original containers as
people finding these containers could drink them.
es.
-ventilated
area.
r or other volatile fluids for vehicle care.
These substances are toxic and highly flammable. They could cause fires and explosions.
NOTICE
this can result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.
-on parts in front of the air intake reduce the cooling effect of the
coolant. The engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high engine loads.
Leaking service fluids can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected in suitable
containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Washer fluid
Fig. 185 In the engine compartment: cap on the washer fluid reservoir.
The washer fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary.
A strainer is located in the neck of the washer fluid reservoir. The strainer keeps large dirt particles
away from the windscreen washer jets when refilling. The strainer should be removed for only
cleaning. If the strainer is damaged or is not present when refilling, dirt particles can enter the
system and block the washer jets.
⇒ In the engine compartment .
on the cap ⇒ Fig. 185 .
⇒ . Observe the dilution instructions on the packaging.
peratures, add a special anti-freeze agent so that the fluid cannot freeze ⇒ .
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of about 3.0–7.5 litres, according to the vehicle
equipment.
WARNING
Never mix coolant additive or other unsuitable additives into the washer fluid. These may leave an
oily film on the screen, restricting the field of vision.
-freeze agent should be added to the washer fluid if necessary.
NOTICE
cause the ingredients to flocculate and block the washer jets.
rrect service fluids are filled through the
correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine
damage.
Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Engine oil standards
⇒ Changing engine oil
⇒ Engine oil consumption
⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
⇒ Troubleshooting
The engine oils are not only tailored to the requirements of engines and exhaust gas treatment
systems, but also to fuel quality. Due to the way in which a combustion engine works, engine oil
always comes into contact with combustion residues and fuel, which has corresponding effects on
the ageing process of the oil. The correct engine oil is important for the function and service life of
the engine. A special multigrade high-lubricity oil has been filled at the factory and this can normally
be used as an all-season oil.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Coolant specification
⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Do not work on the cooling system unless you are familiar with the task, aware of the general safety
procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Serious injuries can be
caused by carrying out work incorrectly ⇒ . The work should be carried out by a qualified
workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
WARNING
Coolant is toxic.
ce.
-original containers as
people finding these containers may then drink the coolant.
ct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest
ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will
also no longer function.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Coolant specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40%
coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J).
The proportion of engine coolant additive must always be at least 40% to protect the cooling system.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can
be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60%, as this would
reduce the frost protection again and the cooling effect.
The coolant additive is dyed purple. The mixture of water and a coolant additive offers anti-freeze
protection down to -25°C (-13°F), protects the alloy parts in the cooling system against corrosion,
prevents limescale deposits and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive - G 13 - or -
G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain the
optimum corrosion protection ⇒ .
Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-VW 774 F), - G 12 - (dyed red) or - G 11 -
(dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of corrosion protection and should therefore
be avoided ⇒ .
WARNING
Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause serious
injuries.
ive used must be sufficient for the lowest
ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will
also no longer function.
NOTICE
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by
Volkswagen.
ts from mixing the purple
coolant additive with distilled water) but for example, brown instead of purple, - G 13 - has been
mixed with an unsuitable coolant additive. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case. Failure to observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions or damage to the engine
and cooling system.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected and
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant