Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. Lower gears increase the braking effect
of the engine. Never allow the vehicle to roll down mountains or hills in the neutral position N.
Reduce your speed.
Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate ⇒ Changing gear using
Tiptronic .
Tap the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
OR: shift down a gear using the paddles on the steering wheel ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic .
Stopping and pulling away on an uphill gradient
The steeper the uphill gradient, the lower the gear you will need.
If you wish to stop the vehicle or pull away when driving uphill, you should use the Auto Hold
function ⇒ Electronic parking brake .
When you stop the vehicle on an uphill gradient with a selected position, the vehicle must always be
prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake. Do
not release the brake pedal or switch off the electronic parking brake until you are about to pull
away.
Coasting with DSG® dual clutch gearbox
In coasting mode, the momentum of the vehicle can be used to save fuel in conjunction with an
anticipatory driving style. The engine no longer brakes the vehicle – the vehicle can roll for a longer
distance. The function is available only in the selector lever position D and at speeds of
approximately 40 – 130 km/h (25 mph – 80 mph).
Initiating coasting
Select the Eco driving profile in the driving profile selection menu ⇒ Driving profile selection and
4MOTION Active Control .
Take your foot off the accelerator. The engine will be disengaged and run at idling speed. The vehicle
rolls without the braking effect of the engine.
If the speed falls below 130 km/h (80 mph).
Depress the accelerator briefly.
Cancelling coasting mode
Depress the brake pedal forcefully.
OR: depress the accelerator or brake pedal briefly.
OR: pull a paddle towards the steering wheel.
OR: press the selector lever to the Tiptronic position.
OR: change the driving profile from Eco.
Fig. 108 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate and manually releasing the selector lever lock.
Fig. 109 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually.
Engine does not start
The indicator lamp lights up green.
Brake pedal was not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever.
To select a position, press the brake pedal ⇒ Notes on driving .
Also see Electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake .
Driving off is prevented by the lock button
The indicator lamp flashes green.
The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged.
Engage the selector lever lock.
Driving off is prevented by the selector lever lock
The indicator lamp flashes green. An information text is additionally displayed.
In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away.
Depress the foot brake and then release it again.
Distance from vehicle ahead too close
The warning lamp lights up red.
Brake request by ACC ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .
The brake pedal was not depressed or not fully depressed.
Brake immediately.
Gearbox overheated
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
A signal tone may also be given. A text message may also be shown on the instrument cluster
display.
The DSG® dual clutch gearbox can become too hot, for example, if the vehicle pulls off regularly,
during long periods at crawling speed, or in stop-and-go traffic.
Do not drive on!
Allow the gearbox to cool down in selector lever position P⇒ .
Do not drive on if the indicator lamp does not go out.
Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the gearbox.
Releasing the selector lever lock manually
If the power fails in the vehicle (for example if the 12-volt vehicle battery is flat) and the vehicle has
to be towed, the selector lever lock must be released manually. Seek expert assistance for this.
The manual release mechanism is located under the cover of the gearshift gate.
Removing the cover of the gearshift gate:
Switch on the electronic parking brake. If the electronic parking brake cannot be switched on, the
vehicle will have to be prevented from rolling away using other means.
Switch off the ignition.
Carefully pull the cover upwards in the area around the selector lever gaiter with connected
electrical wiring ⇒ Fig. 108 .
Pull the cover up and over the selector lever ⇒ .
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there are two possible manual release mechanism variants.
Releasing the selector lever lock manually:
Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle toolkit, carefully push the release lever in the
direction of the arrow and keep it in this position ⇒ Fig. 108 .
Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever and move the selector lever into position N.
After manual unlocking, carefully press the cover into the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle toolkit, carefully push the release lever in the
direction of the arrow and keep it in this position ⇒ Fig. 109 .
Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever and move the selector lever into position N.
After manual unlocking, carefully press the cover into the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever
positions have a light background. The DSG® dual clutch gearbox is running in an emergency
programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced speed
and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.
In all cases, you should have the DSG® dual clutch gearbox checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Vehicle does not move even though position is engaged
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly.
Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
WARNING
Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the electronic parking brake is not switched on.
Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an uphill or downhill gradient,
which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
NOTICE
If the vehicle rolls for an extended period or at high speed with the engine switched off and the
selector lever in the position N, the DSG® dual clutch gearbox will be damaged, e.g. when being
towed.
NOTICE
If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle must either be
parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The steering assistance provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to
the vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
functions only 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.
Counter steering assistance
Counter steering assistance provides the driver with steering assistance in critical driving situations.
Additional steering forces assist the driver when counter steering ⇒ .
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the steering response in a
driving situation. Progressive steering functions only when the engine is running.
In urban traffic, less steering input is required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
WARNING
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it difficult to
steer the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the power steering functions only when the engine is
running.
Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock
may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with assistance when
steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at all times. Counter steering
assistance does not steer the vehicle.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is towed, the ignition must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel from
locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be used.
Troubleshooting
Steering requires increased force
Emergency Assist detects a lack of activity on the part of the driver and can keep the vehicle in lane
automatically, or brake the vehicle to a standstill if required. The system can therefore actively help
to prevent an accident.
Emergency Assist is an extension of the lane keeping system (Lane Assist), and combines these
functions with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Please therefore read both these chapters and
observe the information about the system limits and warnings.
Description
If there is no driver activity, Emergency Assist prompts the driver to take control of the vehicle again
by visual and acoustic warnings and by braking jolts.
If the driver remains inactive, the system automatically controls the accelerator, brake and steering
to slow the vehicle down and keep it in lane ⇒ . If there is sufficient stopping distance, the system
decelerates the vehicle to a complete stop and switches on the electronic parking brake
automatically ⇒ Operating the electronic parking brake .
When Emergency Assist is actively controlling the vehicle, the hazard warning lights are switched on
and the vehicle performs slight snaking movements within its lane to warn other road users.
The hazard warning lights can be deactivated by pressing the accelerator or brake, by making a
steering intervention or, depending on the situation, by pressing the button for the hazard warning
lights.
When Emergency Assist has been triggered, the system is not available again until the ignition has
been switched off and then back on.
Prerequisites
The lane keeping system and ACC are switched on.
The selector lever is in position D/S or in the Tiptronic gate.
The system has detected a lane marking on both the right and left sides of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 123 .
Switching Emergency Assist on and off
Emergency Assist is activated automatically when the lane keeping system ⇒ Driving with the lane
keeping system is switched on.
WARNING
The intelligent technology used in Emergency Assist cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the system. The driver is always responsible for controlling the
vehicle.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Your hands should always be on the steering wheel so that you can steer at any time.
Emergency Assist cannot always prevent accidents and serious injuries on its own.
System fault
Clean the radar sensors or remove stickers or accessories from the radar sensors, mirrors and
bumper ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior .
Check whether any damage is visible.
The system is not responding as expected
The radar sensors are dirty. The sensor visibility may be impaired by dirt and snow or also residue
from cleaning agents or coatings ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior .
The prerequisites for system operation must be met ⇒ System limits .
The radar sensors are covered by water.
The vehicle is damaged in the area of the radar sensors, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
The detection ranges of the radar sensors are blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
Changes have been made to the paintwork in the area of the radar sensors or structural
modifications have been made, e.g. on the vehicle front end or the running gear.
Only Volkswagen-approved vehicle paints may be used on the rear bumper. Other vehicle paints can
restrict the function of the system or cause faults.
Tinting foils have been retrofitted on the side windows.
Parking and manoeuvring
Parking
Stopping and parking the vehicle
The actions should be carried out only in the given order:
Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ .
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.
Switch on the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake . The electronic parking brake is
switched on when the indicator lamp in the button ⇒ Fig. 125 lights up yellow and the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster display lights up red.
On vehicles with a manual gearbox, either fully depress or disengage the clutch.
With an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
Switch off the engine and take your foot off the brake pedal.
Turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary to engage the steering lock mechanism.
With a manual gearbox, select first gear for flat ground and uphill gradients, or reverse gear for
downhill gradients, and then release the clutch.
Please ensure that all occupants, in particular children, leave the vehicle.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Lock the vehicle.
Additional points to note on uphill and downhill gradients
Before switching off the engine, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels will roll against the
kerb if the parked vehicle starts to move.
When facing downhill, turn the wheels so that they face the kerb.
When facing uphill, turn the wheels so that they face the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious injuries.
Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable
material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel, oil etc.
WARNING
The vehicle may roll away if you leave and park the vehicle incorrectly. This can cause accidents and
serious injuries.
Ensure that the electronic parking brake is switched on before you leave the vehicle and the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up red after you switch off the ignition.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock may be
activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the vehicle.
Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could switch off the
electronic parking brake, or move the selector lever or gearshift lever, and thus set the vehicle in
motion.
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and
electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can cause serious injury.
Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped
in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked
vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures depending on the season. This can
cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially in the case of small children.
NOTICE
Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when
parking the vehicle or driving out of a parking space. Always take care when driving into parking
spaces with high kerbs or fixed boundaries. Stop before the wheels touch the fixed boundaries or
kerbs.