At extremely low outside temperatures, the electric ball head might not rotate. If this
happens, it is sufficient to place the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a garage.
Fitting a bicycle carrier on the swivelling ball head
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Mount the bicycle carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
Only carrier systems which can hold a maximum of three bicycles may be used ⇒. Position
heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle (ball headyf D V S R V V L E O H .
Maximum carrying load
The maximum permitted load (carrier system including loadyf R Q W K H E D O O F R X S O L Q J L V 75 kg at a
distance of 300 mm. This distance refers to the gap between the centre of gravity of the bicycle
carrier and the middle of the ball head.
Volkswagen recommends that you remove all add-on parts from the bicycles before setting
off. This includes for example bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve
the carrier system's wind load and centre of gravity.
Notes on towing a trailer
Fig. 193 Pin assignment for the trailer socket (illustrationyf .
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Pin assignment for the trailer socket ⇒ Fig. 193:
Left turn signal
Rear fog light
Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Right turn signal
Rear light, right
Brake light
Incorrect use of the towing bracket with a bicycle carrier fitted to the ball head could
cause injuries and accidents.
•Never exceed the specified load and overhang.
•Do not attach a bicycle carrier underneath the ball head on the neck of the ball head.
The shape of the ball head neck and the design of the bicycle carrier could result in the
bicycle carrier becoming misaligned with the vehicle.
•Read and observe the assembly instructions provided by the bicycle carrier
manufacturer.
WARNING
Considerable vehicle damage could occur if the maximum permitted payload or overhang
is exceeded.
•Never exceed the specified values.
NOTICE
Rear 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 makes the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
When the vehicle detects a trailer through the electrics, the consumers in the trailer are supplied
with electrical current via the electrical connection (pins 9 and 10yf 3 L Q L V D V V L J Q H G D V W K H
permanent live, enabling operation of e.g. interior trailer lighting.
Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with power only when the engine
is running (pin 10yf .
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not inter-connect the three earth wires (pins 3, 11
and 13yf .
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. Pin 10 is then without
function.
If you are uncertain whether the electrical connection of the trailer with the vehicle is correct, please
contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm
The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:
•When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.
•When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
•When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer is interrupted.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm (trailer with LED tail light clustersyf
For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm
system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer with LED rear lights is interrupted.
Any electrical accessories which are not connected properly could cause a power surge to
the trailer. This could lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system and
could also cause accidents and serious injuries.
•All work on the electrical system should only be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
towing vehicle's tail light clusters or to other power sources.
WARNING
Contact between the pins in the trailer socket can lead to short circuits, overloading of the
electrical system and failure of the lighting system, thereby causing accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.
•Have bent pins repaired by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the
trailer from the vehicle. The vehicle could rock up and down if the load changes or if there
is damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on
the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.
NOTICE
If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical systems or in the anti-theft alarm or if there
is a fault in the anti-theft alarm, have the vehicle checked by a qualified workshop.
If the engine is not running and electrical equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer
socket, the 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be
interrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull ⇒. The drawbar load is the load that is
exerted vertically from above onto the ball head of the towing bracket ⇒ Information on technical
data.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing
bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official
vehicle documents take precedence over these data.
The maximum permitted drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball head of the towing
bracket must not exceed 100 kg.
In the interest of driving safety, Volkswagen recommends that you always use the maximum
drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a
result.
Gross combination weight rating
The combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the loaded
trailer.
In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. Volkswagen recommends that you
contact a qualified workshop to find out about suitable trailers.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed evenly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should
be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:
•Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are either over or as near to the axle as
possible.
•Secure all loads on the trailer properly.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure ⇒ Tyre pressure.
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.
•Never exceed the specified values.
•Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the gross axle weight
ratings. Never 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.
•Always load trailers correctly.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
WARNING
Safety instructions for handling fuel
Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed
of properly.
The tank flap cannot be opened manually. Seek expert assistance.
Fuel types and refuelling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Petrol
⇒ Diesel
⇒ Refuelling
⇒ Misfuelling prevention device
The tank flap is located at the rear right-hand side of the vehicle ⇒ Side view.
Different engines require different fuels. The factory-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap
indicates the required fuel type for your vehicle.
Information on indicator and warning lamps can be found in the troubleshooting section at the end
of the chapter ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on unleaded petrol. Fuels with a maximum ethanol
content of 10yb ( \f can be used for refuelling ⇒.
The petrol grades differ with respect to the octane number. The vehicle may be filled with petrol that
has a higher octane number than the engine requires. However, this does not provide any
advantage in terms of fuel consumption or engine output.
The fuel quality affects the running properties, performance and service life of the engine. You
should therefore use fuel that already contains suitable service additives if possible ⇒.
Information on the fuel standards can be found in the chapter on fuel standards ⇒ Fuel standards.
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire, serious burns and other injuries.
•Switch off the auxiliary heater⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation, the engine, the
ignition, your mobile phone and other wireless equipment while refuelling.
•Do not get into the vehicle to avoid electrostatic discharge.
•Make sure that the tank cap is closed properly and no fuel can escape.
•Comply with any relevant safety information and legislation concerning the handling of
fuels.
WARNING
Fuel may run out of the fuel canister. This could cause fire and injuries.
•Do not carry fuel canisters in the vehicle.
CAUTION
Incorrect refuelling can lead to damage to the vehicle.
•Only use fuels that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Do not use fuels containing metals and only use approved additives.
•Spilt fuel should be removed from all vehicle components immediately.
NOTICE
Wiper blades
Service position
Fig. 201 Wiper blades in service position.
The wiper arms can be lifted off the windscreen when in the service position. Proceed as follows to
move the wipers to the service position ⇒ Fig. 201:
Activating the service position
•The bonnet must be closed ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Switch the ignition on and then off again.
•Push the wiper lever downwards.
Lifting the windscreen wiper arms
•Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒.
•When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
Place the windscreen wiper arms back onto the windscreen before driving away. With the ignition
switched on, briefly press the windscreen wiper lever down to bring the windscreen wiper arms
back to the original position.
Cleaning and replacing the wiper blades
Fig. 202 Changing the windscreen wiper blades.
Fig. 203 Changing the rear window wiper blade.
The factory-fitted windscreen wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures
that the windscreen wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is
damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regular basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be
changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty ⇒.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Windscreen wiper blades can be bought
from a qualified workshop.
•In order to prevent damage to the bonnet and the windscreen wiper arms, the
windscreen wiper arms should only be lifted when in the service position.
•Always return the windscreen wiper arms to the windscreen before starting your
journey.
NOTICE
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Note for the windscreen wipers: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting them
⇒ Wipers.
•When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Clean the wiper blades carefully using a damp sponge ⇒.
•Carefully place the wiper arms on the windscreen.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
•Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒ Wipers.
•When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 202① and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in
the direction of the arrow.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until
it engages.
•Carefully place the wiper arms on the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blade for the rear window
•When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Lift and fold back the wiper arm.
•Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 203①.
•Tilt the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 203 (arrow Ⓐyf D Q G S X O O L W R I I L Q W K H
direction of the arrow Ⓑ at the same time. You may need to use some force to do this.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm in the opposite
direction of the arrow. Push it on until it engages ⇒ Fig. 203Ⓑ. The wiper blade must be in the
folded back position ⇒ Fig. 203 (arrow Ⓐyf .
•Carefully place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.
Wax deposits on the windscreen and rear window could cause the wiper blades to rub.
Remove wax residue using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths.
Changing bulbs
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Checklist
⇒ Changing bulbs in the headlights (halogen bulbsyf
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front bumper
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front bumper (R-Lineyf
⇒ Changing the bulbs in the tail light cluster in the body
⇒ Troubleshooting
Changing the vehicle bulbs requires considerable technical skill. Volkswagen therefore
recommends having bulbs replaced by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. The work must
always be performed by an expert if other vehicle parts around the affected bulbs need to be
removed. Volkswagen recommends having bulbs replaced by a Volkswagen dealership.
You should keep a box with spare light bulbs for the lights that ensure the vehicle is roadworthy in
the vehicle at all times. Spare bulbs are available from Volkswagen dealerships. In some countries
it is a legal requirement to have these spare bulbs in the vehicle.
It may be illegal to drive with a defective bulb in the exterior lighting.
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents
and severe injuries.
•Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no longer clean the
window properly.
WARNING
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers can scratch the windscreen.
•Do not use any cleaning agents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp
objects, as they can damage the graphite coating of the wiper blades during cleaning.
•Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the
windows.
NOTICE
Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Turn the light switch to position 0 Lights.
Move the turn signal lever to neutral position Lights.
Move the automatic gearbox selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and
stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
Switch off the orientation lighting Lights.
Leave the defective bulbs to cool down.
You can change the following bulbs yourself:
•Bulbs in the halogen headlight: dipped beam, main beam, daytime running light, side light, turn
signal.
•Bulbs in front bumper: fog lights, static cornering light.
•Bulbs in the tail light clusters: rear turn signal, if it does not feature LED technology (depending
on vehicle equipment levelyf .
All other bulbs and lamps in the vehicle should always be changed by an expert.
Additional bulb specifications
Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different
to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
LED bulbs on the vehicle
•Brake light, rear fog light, tail light, turn signal and reversing light in the tail light clusters.
•Dipped beam, main beam, daytime running lights, static cornering light, side lights and turn
signal.
•Number plate light.
Owners cannot replace the LEDs themselves. If some LEDs fail, this may be an indication that
more elements are on the point of failure. If this happens, have the bulbs checked and replaced if
necessary at a qualified workshop.
Checklist Information on changing bulbs
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order ⇒:
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have
difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
WARNING
Changing the bulb incorrectly can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•When working in the engine compartment, always read and observe the safety
warnings ⇒ In the engine compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
•H7/H15 bulbs are pressurised and could explode when they are being changed.
•Only change the defective bulb once it has had time to cool down completely.
•Never change a bulb unless you are familiar with the procedure. If you are uncertain of
what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. When the light is
switched on, heat will cause fingerprints to evaporate on the bulb, which in turn will
cause the reflector to dim.
•There are sharp-edged parts in the headlight housing in the engine compartment and
on the tail light cluster housing. Protect your hands when changing bulbs.
WARNING
Damage to the electrical system can be caused by water entering the system if the rubber
covers or plastic caps on the headlight housing are not properly mounted after a bulb has
been changed.
NOTICE
Check to see if a fuse has blown Changing fuses.
Follow the instructions to change the affected bulb . Always use identical bulbs with the
same designation. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on
the base.
Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. The heat of the bulb would
cause the fingerprint to evaporate and condense on the reflector. This will impair the
brightness of the headlight.
After changing the bulb, check to ensure that the bulb is working properly. If the bulb is not
working properly, the bulb may not have been inserted properly or may have failed again,
or the connector may have been inserted incorrectly.
Any time you change a bulb in the front of the vehicle, the headlight settings should be
checked by a qualified workshop.
Changing bulbs in the headlights (halogen bulbsyf
Fig. 204 In the engine compartment: covers and bulbs on the left front headlight.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front headlight does not need to be removed when changing bulbs.
The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:
⇒ Fig. 204Dipped beam
headlights
Side
lights/daytime
running lights
Turn signalMain beam
headlights
1.Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Checklist Information on
changing bulbs.
2.Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
3.
Pull off the rubber
cover ① from
the back of the
headlight.
Pull off the rubber
cover ① from
the back of the
headlight.
Pull off the rubber
cover ② from
the back of the
headlight.
4.
Turn the bulb
holder ③
anticlockwise as
far as it will go and
pull it out to the
rear along with the
bulb.
Turn the bulb
holder \b
anticlockwise as
far as it will go and
pull it out to the
rear along with the
bulb.
Turn the bulb
holder ⑤
anticlockwise as far
as it will go and pull
it out to the rear
along with the bulb.
Turn the bulb holder
⑥ anticlockwise
as far as it will go
and pull it out to the
rear along with the
bulb.
5.If applicable, push the catch on the bulb holder and pull the bulb straight out of the
bulb holder.
6.Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
7.
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
Always take care when removing or fitting lights to prevent damage to the paintwork or to
other vehicle parts.
NOTICE