•The steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mphyf .
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTIONyf
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTIONyf P D \ E H W R Z H G Z L W K D W R Z E D U R U W R Z U R S H , I W K H Y H K L F O H
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrowyf W R U H O H D V H W K H F R Y H U I D V W H Q H U .
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
®
®
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE
Fig. 222 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper
⇒ Fig. 221.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Observe the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.
•Push the area of the cover pointing towards the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 221 in the direction of the arrow
to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye anti-clockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible
⇒ Fig. 222⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it with a suitable object
clockwise.
•Insert the lug on the cover on the opening pointing towards the vehicle side in the bumper and
push on the opposite area of the cover until the lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
Driving notes when towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be
familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
When driving, remember not to pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging
the anchorage points.
It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard
warning lights are switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction
while the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is
being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing automatically as soon as the turn signal
lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
•Leave the ignition of the vehicle being towed switched on to prevent the steering wheel from
locking, to enable the electronic parking brake to be switched off, and to ensure that the turn
signals, wipers and washer system can be used.
•As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than you normally would.
•You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not
working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.
•Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle:
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
•Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.
Checking and refilling
In the engine compartment
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing
eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE
Safety notes for working in the engine compartment
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine
compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. You should only carry out work on
the engine, and in the engine compartment, if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks,
are aware of the general safety procedures and have access to the correct equipment, service
fluids and suitable tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious injuries ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must
be on a level, the wheels chocked, and the vehicle key removed from the ignition lock
as required.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra
support for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail,
which can lead to serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be
carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not
been carried out properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Hot steam or hot coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you
can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Observe the following points before opening the bonnet once the engine has cooled
down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and other injuries.
- Slowly and carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank anticlockwise
while exerting gentle downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries
and death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The 12-volt battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
- Never touch the electrical wiring and connections of gas discharge bulbs.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the 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.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other service fluids on the ground, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of
properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in
the engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the
rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can
start automatically, even if the ignition has been switched off and the vehicle key has
been removed from the ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
poly V-belts, alternator, radiator fan etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Always be particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long
hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work,
remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid
them getting caught in the engine compartment.
- Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and
fires.
WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and
hence cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the
electrical system:
- Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When topping up or changing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service
fluids into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
•Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the
engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive
on. Seek professional assistance.
•If you can see coolant residue in the coolant expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains
stable.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. Do
not fill above the top edge of the marked area⇒.
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the required specification ⇒ Coolant
specification, do not use any other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water⇒
only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as possible ⇒ Coolant
specification.
Brake fluid
Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of
the engine compartment. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet.
Hot components can burn the skin.
•The following points should be noted before opening the bonnet once the engine has
cooled down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and other injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anti-clockwise while exerting gentle
downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the
engine due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine
failure. If any other type of water than distilled water is refilled, the fluid in the cooling
system should be completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 229. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could
cause damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air
could have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure
to do so can result in engine damage.
•When topping up service fluids, please ensure that you pour the correct service fluids
into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
If your vehicle has a flat tyre, park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance
from moving traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch
gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be placed fully back in position after changing the
wheel.
Removing and fitting the caps
•Removing: take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook through the opening in the cap ⇒ Fig. 243 and pull off in the direction of
the arrow.
•Fitting: press the caps on the bolts as far as they will go.
The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. It only fits onto the anti-theft wheel bolts and not
onto conventional wheel bolts.
Changing a wheel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel
⇒ Wheel bolts
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered from the factory without a jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the
wheel should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. If both tyres on one side of the vehicle, both tyres on one
axle, or all tyres are damaged, seek expert assistance.
Preparations for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for
changing the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road.
Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from
your area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm. If necessary use a
large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not,
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
•In the case of vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system must be re-
synchronised immediately after new tyres are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
WARNING
Find a firm and level surface suitable for lifting the vehicle.
Stop the engine, with a manual gearbox select a gear or with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox
move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox and switch on the
electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
Chock both wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle using the collapsible chocks or
other suitable objects.
Loosen the wheel bolts Wheel bolts.
Find the jacking point under the vehicle which is closest to the wheel that is being
changed.
Insert the hand crank into the opening on the jack (depending on equipmentyf .
Crank up the jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.
Ensure that the entire surface of the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground, and
that the foot of the jack is positioned fully underneath the point of application and .
Position the jack and simultaneously continue to crank the claw up until it is in position
around the vertical rib underneath the vehicle .
The tightening torque should be checked with a properly functioning torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
Lifting the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 246 Lifting points for the jack.
Fig. 247 Vehicle jack at the rear left-hand side of the vehicle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The jack may be positioned only at the reinforcements on the underbody, which are located behind
the markings on the body ⇒ Fig. 246. Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel you are
working on ⇒.
Checklist
For your own safety, carry out the following points in the specified order ⇒:
Incorrectly tightened wheel bolts can loosen while the vehicle is in motion and cause
accidents, serious injury, and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Only use wheel bolts that belong to the wheel.
•Never use different wheel bolts.
•The wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs must be clean, free from oil and grease,
and turn easily.
•Always use the box spanner placed in the vehicle at the factory to loosen and tighten
the wheel bolts.
•Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with
the vehicle jack.
•Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub. This could
cause them to loosen while the vehicle is in motion, even if the required torque setting
is used.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel bolts and rims can
loosen while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel bolts and threads can be damaged if
the tightening torque is too high.
WARNING
Dispose of used or out-of-date sealant in accordance with legal requirements.
You can get a new tyre filler bottle from a Volkswagen dealership.
Observe the separate instructions from the manufacturer of the breakdown set.
Contents of the breakdown set
Fig. 249 The breakdown set.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The breakdown set is located underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment. It
includes the following components ⇒ Fig. 249:
Valve core extractor.
Sticker with the maximum permitted speed max. 80 km/h or max. 50 mph.
Filler hose with plug.
Air compressor.
On/off switch
Air bleed screw.
Tyre pressure display.
Using the breakdown set can be dangerous, especially if the tyres are inflated at the
roadside. Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to fill the tyre.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm.
•All passengers, and children in particular, must be at a safe distance and away from
your area of work.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•The breakdown set should only be used if you feel confident with carrying out the
procedure. If not, seek expert assistance.
•Tyres repaired with the breakdown set are intended for temporary, emergency use
only. They should only be used until you can reach the nearest qualified workshop.
•Tyres that have been repaired using the breakdown set should be replaced as soon as
possible.
•Sealant is hazardous to health and must be washed off immediately if it gets onto the
skin.
•The breakdown set must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Never use a vehicle jack, even if it is approved for the vehicle.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
WARNING
Tyres that have been filled with sealant will not handle in the same way as a standard tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mphyf .
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Drive for just 10 minutes at no more than 80 km/h (50 mphyf D Q G W K H Q F K H F N W K H W \ U H .
WARNING
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