NOTICE
Food, medicine and other items that are sensitive to heat or cold could be either damaged or
rendered useless by the air flowing out of the vents.
Never leave food, medicines or other temperature-sensitive objects in front of the vents.
Switching the auxiliary heater and ventilation on and off
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The auxiliary heater can be operated only when the ignition is switched off. If the ignition is switched
on while the auxiliary heater is working, the auxiliary heater continues to run to provide additional
heat.
Switching on the auxiliary heater
Press the immediate heat button in the air conditioning block ⇒ Front controls .
OR: press the button on the remote control ⇒ Remote control .
OR: program the departure time ⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater and ventilation .
The auxiliary heater heats the vehicle interior to at least 22 ℃.
The auxiliary heater will not switch on if the 12-volt vehicle battery is low or the fuel tank is empty.
Switching off the auxiliary heater manually
Press the immediate heat button in the air conditioning block ⇒ Front controls .
OR: press the button on the remote control ⇒ Remote control .
OR: touch the function button on the Infotainment system ⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater
and ventilation .
Auxiliary heater switches off automatically
When the programmed departure time is reached, or after the programmed operating period has
elapsed ⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater and ventilation .
When the indicator lamp lights up (fuel gauge) ⇒ Fuel gauge .
If the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low ⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery .
The auxiliary heater runs on for a short time after it has been switched off manually or automatically
so that the remaining fuel in the system can be burnt off.
When the vehicle is at a standstill, the auxiliary heater can be activated up to three times in
succession for the maximum operating duration.
Before programming, check that the date and time set in the vehicle are correct ⇒ Time .
Open the Auxiliary heater menu.
Touch the Set function button.
Select one of the memory locations for a Departure time.
Touch the Activate function button.
Manual air conditioning system: the programmed departure time determines the time at which
the auxiliary heater or ventilation should switch off. The point at which the heating or ventilation
process starts is determined depending on the programmed running time.
Climatronic: on the basis of the programmed departure time, the vehicle automatically
calculates the start time for heating or ventilation to the currently set temperature depending on
the outside temperature.
Press the Running time function button under Adjust in order to select the running time when the
auxiliary heater is switched on using the immediate heat button or remote control.
Checking programming
If a departure time has been activated, the LED in the immediate heat button will light up on the
Climatronic control panel for approximately 10 seconds after the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
Never program the auxiliary heating system so that is switched on and run in unventilated or
enclosed spaces. Among other things, the emissions from the auxiliary heater contain carbon
monoxide, which is an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
Remote control
Fig. 93 Auxiliary heater: remote control (left) with battery compartment (right).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Switching the auxiliary heater on and off using the remote control
Switching on: press the button ⇒ Fig. 93 .
The auxiliary heater is switched on when the LED on the remote control is lit up green.
Switching off: press the button ⇒ Fig. 93 .
The auxiliary heater is switched off when the LED on the remote control is lit up red.
LED in the remote control
The LED ⇒ Fig. 93 ② provides feedback on various operating states when you press a button.
Lit up
greenThe auxiliary heater is switched on.redThe auxiliary heater is switched off.
Flashing irregularly
greenAuxiliary heater disabled: the fuel tank is nearly empty, the 12-volt vehicle battery voltage is
too low or a malfunction has occurred. Refuel and drive long enough to recharge the 12-volt vehicle
battery or visit a qualified workshop.
Flashing regularly
red or greenSwitch-on or switch-off signal has not been received. Move closer to the vehicle.
Lit up or flashing
orangeThe button cell (battery) in the remote control is weak. Replace the button cell.
Range
The remote control has a range of a few hundred metres when the button cell is fully charged.
Maintain a distanced of at least 2 metres between the remote control and the vehicle.
Avoid any obstacles between the remote control and the vehicle.
Hold the remote control with the aerial ⇒ Fig. 93 ① pointing vertically upwards.
Do not cover the aerial.
Adverse weather or a weak battery cell will significantly reduce the range.
Renewing the button cell in the remote control
The button cell in the remote control must be replaced if the indicator lamp does not light up.
Insert a suitable object, e.g. a screwdriver, in the recess on the side in the direction of the arrow
⇒ Fig. 93 .
Use the object to lever off the battery cover.
Slide the battery cover forwards slightly in the direction of the arrow.
Remove the battery cover.
Remove the button cell.
Insert a new button cell of the same type, paying attention to the correct polarity.
Insert the battery cover into the remote control housing.
Slide the battery cover in the opposite direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 93 until it clicks into place.
DANGER
Swallowing batteries with a diameter of 20 mm or other button cells can result in serious or even
fatal injuries within a very short period of time.
Always keep the remote control key, key ring with batteries, spare batteries, button cells and other
batteries that are larger than 20 mm out of the reach of children.
Call for medical help immediately you suspect that someone has swallowed a battery.
NOTICE
The remote control contains electronic components. For this reason, protect the remote control
from moisture, excessive vibration and direct sunlight.
Unsuitable batteries can damage the remote control. Replace discharged batteries only with new
batteries of the same voltage rating, size and specification.
Make sure the polarity is correct when inserting the battery.
Dispose of discharged batteries in accordance with environmental regulations.
The battery in the remote control may contain perchlorate. Observe the applicable legislation
regarding disposal.
Driving
Notes on driving
Pedals
The gear-change indicator display goes out when the clutch is depressed in vehicles with a manual
gearbox or when Tiptronic position is deselected in vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Driving economically
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and wear of the engine, brakes and tyres can be reduced
by adopting the correct driving style. A few tips are provided below which will help you protect the
environment and also save money.
Fig. 97 Fuel consumption in l/100 km at two different ambient temperatures.
Think ahead when driving
The fuel consumption will increase if you do not adopt a steady driving style. Keeping a close eye on
the traffic can help to avoid frequent acceleration and braking. Keeping a sufficient distance from
the vehicle in front will help you to think ahead when driving.
With a gear engaged, allow the vehicle to come to a halt by itself to make use of the engine braking
effect, e.g. when approaching traffic lights.
Use coasting
Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: when the selector lever is in position D and neither
the accelerator nor the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle will roll (coast) with practically no
energy being consumed.
Change gears in an energy-saving way
Shifting up early at an engine speed of 2,000 rpm will save energy. Do not drive gears to the limit
and avoid high revs.
Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately after setting off.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the kickdown
function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator .
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.
If you want to use the vehicle abroad temporarily or for a short period, all relevant information and
instructions should be followed ⇒ Safety .
If the vehicle is going to be sold in another country or used in another country for an extended
period, the legal requirements applicable in that country must be observed.
In some cases, certain equipment will have to be fitted or removed and functions deactivated. The
scope of services and service types could also be affected. This is particularly important if the vehicle
is driven in another climate region for a long period of time.
Because different frequency bands are used in different countries, the factory-fitted Infotainment
system may not work in other countries.
NOTICE
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, inadequate
servicing work or non-availability of Genuine Parts.
Volkswagen cannot be held responsible if the vehicle does not comply with or only partly complies
with the relevant legal requirements in other countries and continents.
Troubleshooting
Unusual braking behaviour
The warning lamp lights up red.
A text message may also be displayed.
The vehicle does not brake in the usual way or the braking distance is longer than normal.
There is a malfunction in the brake system.
Go to the nearest qualified workshop without delay.
Drive at low speed and be prepared for longer braking distances and the need to apply increased
pedal pressure.
Brake pad wear indicator
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Front brake pads are worn.
Go to a qualified workshop immediately.
All brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary.
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.