Main beam
Switching main beam on and off
Fig. 80 On the left of the steering column: turn signal and main beam lever.
Switch on the ignition and dipped beam.
Move the turn signal and main beam lever from the centre position to the following position:
Main beam switched on.
Operate the headlight flasher or switch off the main beam. The headlight flasher comes on for as
long as the lever is pulled.
When the main beam or headlight flasher are switched on, the blue indicator lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
Main-beam control
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, advanced main-beam control may also be available
⇒ Main-beam control .
WARNING
Incorrect use of the main beam headlights can lead to accidents and serious injuries as the main
beam headlights could distract and dazzle other road users.
Main-beam control
The main-beam control automatically dips the headlights when oncoming vehicles and/or vehicles
driving in front are detected. Main-beam control also recognises illuminated areas such as towns
and deactivates the main beam while driving through them.
Within the limits of the system, main-beam control automatically switches main beam on at speeds
of over approximately 60 km/h (37 mph), depending on ambient and traffic conditions, and switches
it off again at speeds under approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) ⇒ .
With some equipment levels, the main-beam control can be activated and deactivated in the
Infotainment system in the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Infotainment system controls and displays .
Switching on main-beam control
Switch on the ignition and the automatic headlights .
Tap the turn signal and main beam lever forwards from the basic position.
When main-beam control is switched on, the indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster
display.
Switching off main-beam control
Pull back the turn signal and main beam lever.
OR: switch off the automatic headlights .
OR: switch off the ignition.
OR: push the turn signal and main beam lever forwards to switch on the manual main beam.
System limits
The main beam must be manually switched off under the following conditions, as it is not switched
off by the main-beam control in time or at all:
In poorly lit streets where there are highly-reflective signs.
Other road users with insufficient lighting facilities, such as pedestrians, cyclists.
In tight bends, with half-hidden oncoming traffic, on steep crests or in dips.
With oncoming traffic on roads with a central barrier where the driver can see clearly over the
central barrier e.g. truck drivers.
In fog, snow or heavy rain.
In conditions with swirled-up dust and sand.
If the windscreen is damaged in the camera's field of vision.
If the camera's field of vision is covered by condensation, dirt, a sticker, or by snow or ice.
If the camera is faulty or the power supply is interrupted.
WARNING
Do not let the extra convenience afforded by main-beam control tempt you into taking any risks
when driving. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
Always check the vehicle lights yourself and adapt them to the prevailing conditions for light,
visibility and road traffic.
The main-beam control may not be able to recognise all driving situations correctly and may not
work properly in certain situations.
If the camera's field of view is dirty, covered or damaged, the function of the main-beam control
may be impaired. This also applies if changes are made to the vehicle's lighting system, for example
if additional headlights are fitted.
The cooling system cannot be switched on or its function is restricted
The cooling system functions only when the engine is running and at ambient temperatures above
+3°C (+38°F).
The cooling system is switched off when the engine is very warm.
Switch on the blower.
Check the fuse of the air conditioning system ⇒ Fuses in the dash panel .
Change the dust and pollen filter ⇒ Service .
If the fault persists, seek expert assistance.
The heating and fresh air system cannot be switched on or its function is restricted
The heating and defrost function are more effective when the engine is warm.
If the fault persists, seek expert assistance.
Condensation on the windows
Keep the air intake in front of the windscreen free of ice, snow or leaves in order to improve heating
and cooling performance ⇒ Vehicle care .
Do not cover the air vents in the rear of the luggage compartment to allow air to flow through the
vehicle from the front to the rear.
Press the button or turn the rotary knob to position in order to switch on the defrost
function ⇒ .
The wrong unit of temperature is set
Change the unit of temperature for all temperature displays in the vehicle using the Infotainment
system ⇒ Infotainment system controls and displays .
Change the unit of temperature in the instrument cluster menu ⇒ Instrument cluster .
Water under the vehicle
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the
evaporator of the cooling system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does
not indicate a leak!
If the outside humidity is high and the outside temperature low, condensation may evaporate when
the auxiliary heater is running ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation . If this is the case, steam may
appear underneath the vehicle. This is not a sign that the vehicle is damaged.
WARNING
Poor visibility through all windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which can cause
serious injuries.
NOTICE
Free access to the pedals must be ensured at all times. For example, a larger brake pedal travel will
be necessary in order to stop the vehicle if a brake circuit fails. The brake pedal will have to be
depressed further and harder than normal.
Gear-change indicator
Fig. 96 On the instrument cluster display: gear-change indicator.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 96 :
Currently selected gear.
Recommended gear.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, the instrument cluster display may indicate a gear
which should be selected to reduce fuel consumption while the vehicle is in motion.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the selector lever must be in the Tiptronic position for
this ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic .
No recommended gear is indicated if the most suitable gear is already selected. The currently
selected gear is displayed.
Information on cleaning the particulate filter
The engine management system recognises when the particulate filter is becoming saturated and
supports regeneration of the filter by recommending the most suitable gear when driving. Compared
with normal driving, this may mean driving with an increased engine speed ⇒ Particulate filter .
CAUTION
The gear-change indicator is designed only to assist the driver and cannot replace the driver's own
judgement.
The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations, e.g. when overtaking
or when driving up and down hills.
Driving in the correct gear can help to reduce fuel consumption.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment system can
distract you from the road.
Always drive carefully and responsibly.
Information on the brakes
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first
be run in ⇒ . The slightly reduced brake pressure can however be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer for full or
emergency braking than when the brake pads have been run in. In the run-in period, full braking
should be avoided and also situations that create a heavy load on the brakes, e.g. when driving up
close to the vehicle ahead.
The wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the vehicle is
operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is used for regular urban trips, short
journeys, and is driven with a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be regularly checked by a
qualified workshop.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of this
action ⇒ .
A layer of salt that accumulates on the discs and pads will reduce the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the vehicle has not been braked for a long time on roads which have been gritted
with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒ .
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long standstill times,
low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used or if they are corroded,
Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking strongly several
times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk
as a result of this action ⇒ .
Brake servo
The brake servo will function only when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal.
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 ⇒ .
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious injuries.
If the warning lamp lights up either alone or together with a text message in the instrument
cluster display, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads checked and the
worn brake pads replaced.
Starting and stopping the engine
Ignition lock
Fig. 99 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock may be activated.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 99
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. Steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated and the
indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Depress the brake pedal when the indicator lamp lights up green. Start the engine. Release
the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released, the vehicle key moves back to position
⇒ Fig. 99① .
Ignition switched on warning
A warning message appears in the instrument cluster display if the driver door is opened while the
ignition is switched on. A signal tone may also be given.
The warning is a reminder that the ignition must be switched off before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious injuries.
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 when the vehicle is locked.
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.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock
may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
When all the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time, the vehicle ignition will be switched
off automatically when engine stop is active when the vehicle is stationary:
The driver seat belt has been unfastened.
No pedals are depressed.
The driver door is opened.
If the ignition is deactivated automatically while the dipped beam headlights are switched on,
the side lights remain switched on and lit for approximately 30 minutes.
The side lights can be switched off manually or will go off when the vehicle is locked.
Engine restart function
If no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior once the engine has been switched off, the
engine can be restarted within approximately five seconds. A corresponding message appears on the
instrument cluster display.
After this time, the engine cannot be re-started without a valid vehicle key in the vehicle interior.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when the ignition is switched on as the engine will start
immediately.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious injuries.
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorised
persons could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate electrical
equipment such as the electric windows.
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any information
shown on the instrument cluster display.
Leaving the vehicle stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can discharge the 12-
volt vehicle battery so that the engine can no longer be started.
Starting the engine
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 99① . The ignition is
switched on.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button once. The ignition is switched on.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: during the diesel engine preheating phase, the indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off.
Vehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it until the engine has
been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to position P or N.
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 99② – do not depress the
accelerator.
Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button ⇒ Starter button – do not depress the
accelerator. There must be a valid vehicle key in the vehicle before the engine can be started.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter and try again after about a minute.
Vehicles with starter button: perform an emergency start if necessary ⇒ No valid vehicle key
recognised .
Vehicles with starter button: the starter button is deactivated if the vehicle was locked with the
vehicle key. If you are in the vehicle and need to start the engine, unlock the vehicle first or perform
an emergency start ⇒ No valid vehicle key recognised .
Switch off the electronic parking brake if you wish to pull away.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or enclosed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain carbon
monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose
consciousness. It can also cause death.
Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under or near the
vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.