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
Never exceed the vehicle's maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of the load in
the vehicle will have an effect on the handling and braking distance of the vehicle.
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
The load should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
Always secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and change the way the vehicle
handles.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Accelerate very carefully and gently.
Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
Brake earlier than in normal driving.
NOTICE
Objects rubbing against the rear windows may damage or destroy the heating wires or, depending
on the vehicle equipment, also the aerial.
Luggage compartment cover
Fig. 146 In the luggage compartment: removing and installing the luggage compartment cover.
When the boot lid ⇒ Boot lid is opened and closed, the luggage compartment cover is also raised
and lowered if the retaining straps are attached.
Light items of clothing can be placed on the luggage compartment cover. Make sure that the view to
the rear of the vehicle is not obstructed.
Removing the luggage compartment cover
Unhook the retaining straps from the boot lid ⇒ Fig. 146 (upper arrows).
Pull the luggage compartment cover out of the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 146 (lower arrows).
Installing the luggage compartment cover
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.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and observe the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights 84 watts
Turn signal per side 42 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 42 watts
Rear fog light 42 watts
Australia
All brake lights 108 watts
Turn signal per side 54 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 54 watts
Rear fog light 54 watts
WARNING
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached from the
towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or its mountings. The towing bracket must not prevent
the rear bumper from functioning correctly.
Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.
NOTICE
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.
possible.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer
tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the wheels on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure ⇒ Tyre pressure .
WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted gross axle
weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the
vehicle.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause accidents and
severe injuries.
secure loads using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.
Driving with a trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to dazzle other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control are adjusted automatically.
Things to note when driving with a trailer
If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
prior to downhill gradients (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the
automatic gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
When driving with this combination, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
Depending on the steepness of the uphill gradient and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle, a
vehicle towing a trailer could roll back a short distance when moving off on a hill.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
once to switch off the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake .
ly.
⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or selector lever position D/S⇒ DSG® dual
clutch gearbox .
button and hold it in this position to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic
parking brake.
ake pedal.
button only when the engine has sufficient power to move off.
WARNING
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
and increase the braking distance.
pt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the
slightest sign of snaking.