Page 385 of 502

Do not work on the electrical 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 ⇒ . All work should be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Information for warning and indicator lamps lit up can be found in the troubleshooting at the end of
the chapter ⇒ Troubleshooting .
Location of the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warnings on the 12-volt vehicle battery
Always wear eye protection!Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear
protective gloves and eye protection!Fire, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is charging!
Always keep children away from electrolyte and the 12-volt vehicle battery!Always
observe the owner's manual!
WARNING
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns,
fire or electric shocks. Always read and observe the following warnings and safety information
before carrying out any kind of work:
any work on the 12-volt
vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt vehicle battery.
-volt vehicle battery.
12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid
spillages.
r work near naked flames or sparks.
discharge.
-volt vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged 12-volt vehicle batteries
must be replaced as soon as possible.
Page 386 of 502
-volt vehicle battery. Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can already freeze
at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F). Frozen 12-volt vehicle batteries must be renewed
immediately.
NOTICE
Do not expose the 12-volt vehicle battery to direct daylight for an extended time.
NOTICE
Protect the 12-volt vehicle battery against frost if the vehicle is left standing for extended periods.
-volt vehicle battery can freeze and be destroyed as a result.
When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or after jump
starting, you may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and
programming) have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the
12-volt vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged.
Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Fig. 191 In the engine compartment: folding open the 12-volt vehicle battery cover.
Page 387 of 502

Fig. 192 Battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older 12-volt vehicle batteries. The 12-volt vehicle battery is
otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with an auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. The electrolyte level of these 12-volt vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical
reasons. Go to a qualified workshop to have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Preparations
eparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ In the engine compartment .
⇒ In the engine compartment .
Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle batteries with battery window)
e for you to clearly see the colour indicator in the round
battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 192 (arrow). Never use naked
flames or glowing objects as a light source.
s according to the electrolyte level in the
12-volt vehicle battery.
Light yellow or without colourThe electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. The 12-
volt vehicle battery should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary.BlackThe
electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is correct.
WARNING
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric
shocks.
Page 388 of 502

te is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the
12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid
spillages.
-volt vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause
chemical burns.
-volt vehicle battery.
Then consult a doctor immediately.
lyte is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
If you suspect that the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or faulty, go to a qualified workshop and
have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Charging the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in
factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒ . Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its installation location and
has special safety features. If a 12-volt vehicle battery has to be replaced, find out about the
electromagnetic compatibility, size and necessary maintenance, power and safety requirements for
the new 12-volt vehicle battery at a Volkswagen dealership before purchase. The ventilation opening
of the vehicle battery must always be on the negative terminal side: the ventilation opening on the
positive terminal side must always be sealed.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
should be used. These standards must be dated October 2014 or later.
Always have the 12-volt vehicle battery replaced by a qualified workshop, as the vehicle electronics
must be adapted as part of the replacement process. Only qualified workshops have the technology
required to carry out this adjustment correctly. Volkswagen recommends that the 12-volt vehicle
battery is replaced by a Volkswagen dealership.
Disconnecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
Please observe the following if the 12-volt vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical
system in the vehicle:
-theft
alarm.
⇒ .
Page 389 of 502

Connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
-volt vehicle
battery.
e cable and then the negative cable ⇒ .
Various indicator lamps may light up after the 12-volt vehicle battery has been connected and the
ignition is switched on. They will go out when you drive a short distance at a speed of approximately
15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a
qualified workshop.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for an extended period, the system may not able to
calculate or correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instrument cluster . Observe
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service .
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system management function automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the 12-volt vehicle battery from discharging under high loads:
power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter may be interrupted temporarily
while the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrics management system cannot always prevent the 12-volt vehicle battery from
being discharged, for example if the ignition is left on over a long period with the engine off or the
side lights or parking lights are left on over a long period of time.
12-volt vehicle battery is discharged
gnition is switched on.
⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation .
WARNING
Incorrectly mounting the battery and using incorrect 12-volt vehicle batteries can cause short
circuits, fire and serious injuries.
-free and leak-proof 12-volt vehicle batteries that have the same
properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle battery.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is being charged.
Page 390 of 502

-volt vehicle batteries should be charged only in well-ventilated spaces.
-volt vehicle battery. Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can
already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
-volt vehicle battery must be replaced if it has ever been frozen.
the negative cable.
NOTICE
-volt vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or the engine is
running. Never use a 12-volt vehicle battery that does not correspond with the vehicle's
specifications. This can damage the electrical system or electronic components and electrical
malfunctions can occur.
to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter in order to charge the 12-volt vehicle battery. The
electrical system of the vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
12-volt vehicle batteries may contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. Dispose of the
12-volt vehicle battery in accordance with the regulations.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Collect any service fluids that escape or are spilt and
dispose of them properly.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Vehicle battery (12-volt)
The indicator lamp lights up red.
Fault in the alternator. The 12-volt vehicle battery will not be charged by the alternator while the
vehicle is in motion.
Switch off any electrical consumers that are not required. Inform a qualified workshop. Have the
electrical system checked.
The start/stop system cannot start the engine ⇒ Start/stop system .
and vehicle battery (12-volt)
The central warning lamp lights up red and the text message 12 V battery not charging. Stop vehicle.
is displayed.
Page 391 of 502

Fault in the alternator. The 12-volt vehicle battery will not be charged by the alternator while the
vehicle is in motion.
Switch off any electrical consumers that are not required. Inform a qualified workshop. Have the
electrical system checked.
The start/stop system cannot start the engine ⇒ Start/stop system .
and vehicle battery (12-volt)
The central warning lamp lights up yellow and the text message 12 V battery low. Charge by driving.
is displayed.
The charge level of the vehicle battery is insufficient.
Recharge the 12-volt vehicle battery by driving the vehicle for an extended time.
The start/stop system cannot start the engine ⇒ Start/stop system .
and vehicle battery (12-volt)
The central warning lamp lights up red and the text message Replace 12 V battery. Workshop. is
displayed.
The vehicle battery condition is not ok.
Seek expert assistance and have the battery checked and replaced if necessary.
The start/stop system cannot start the engine ⇒ Start/stop system .
Wheels and tyres
Tyre monitoring system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
⇒ Troubleshooting for Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
The tyre monitoring system warns the driver when the tyre pressures are too low.
The tyre monitoring system monitors various parameters (for example, rolling circumference) of all
wheels using ABS sensors (indirect measurement).
WARNING
The intelligent tyre monitoring system technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the system. Incorrect handling of the wheels and tyres can lead to
a sudden loss of pressure in the tyres, tread separation and even tyre blow-out.
Page 392 of 502

⇒ Tyre
pressure . If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to such
an extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
⇒ Tyre pressure .
eck the tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold. If necessary, adjust the tyre pressure in
the cold tyre to the recommended tyre pressure for the tyres installed on your vehicle ⇒ Tyre
pressure .
amage.
If the tyre pressure is too low, this will increase fuel consumption and tyre wear.
When new tyres are driven at high speeds for the first time, they can expand slightly and trigger a
one-off pressure warning.
Old tyres should be replaced only by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle
type.
Do not rely solely on the tyre monitoring system. Check your tyres regularly to ensure that they are
properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and blisters. Remove
any objects that become embedded in the tyre tread but have not penetrated into the body of the
tyre itself.
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Functional description
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator uses data from the ABS sensors and other functions to compare the
speed of rotation and the rolling circumference of the individual wheels.
The rolling circumference can change: