The auxiliary heater runs on for a short time after it is 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.
Operating noises can be heard if the auxiliary heater is switched on.
The 12-volt battery will discharge if the auxiliary heater or ventilation is run several times
over an extended period. Drive the vehicle for an appropriate distance in order to recharge the 12-
volt vehicle battery.
When parked on an incline, the fuel gauge indication (just above the reserve quantityyf P D \
be inaccurate and lead to functional restrictions of the auxiliary heater.
The auxiliary heater may switch on automatically as a supplementary heating measure when
the engine is started at temperatures below +5°C (+41°Fyf 7 K H V X S S O H P H Q W D U \ K H D W L Q J I X Q F W L R Q L V
switched off again automatically after a short time.
Programming the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening the Auxiliary heater menu
The auxiliary heater is programmed in the Infotainment system.
m/k/a997MK Manual air conditioning system
•Press the button on the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle and function buttons.
m/k/a997MK Climatronic
•Press the button on the control panel.
•Touch the function button.
Changing the operating mode
•Open the Auxiliary heater menu.
•Touch the Heating or Ventilation function buttons to change the operating mode.
At high outside temperatures, the auxiliary ventilation function supplies fresh air to the vehicle
interior and helps prevent a build-up of heat.
Programming the auxiliary heater
Activation is always for one heating or ventilation period only. The departure time must be activated
for every start.
•Before programming, check that the date and time set in the vehicle are correct ⇒ Vehicle
settings menu.
•Open the Auxiliary heater menu.
•Press the Adjust button.
•Choose one of the memory locations for a Departure time.
•Touch the Activate function button.
m/k/a995MKManual 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 operating period.
m/k/a995MK 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.
•Touch the Running time function button under Adjust to set the auxiliary heater
running time after the heater is switched on with the immediate heat button or using the
remote control.
Vehicles with auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation and vehicles with the 12-volt
battery in the luggage compartment are fitted with special batteries. The acid level of these 12-volt
vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical reasons. Go to a qualified workshop to have the
12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Preparation (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the engine compartmentyf
•Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
Opening the cover of the 12-volt vehicle battery
To open, fold the cover open in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 232.
To close, fold the cover against the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 232.
Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle batteries with battery
windowyf
•Ensure that enough light is available for you to clearly see the colours in the round window on
the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 233 (arrowyf 1 H Y H U X V H Q D N H G I O D P H V R U J O R Z L Q J
matter (e.g. cigarettesyf D V D O L J K W V R X U F H .
•The colour displayed in the round viewer changes according to the electrolyte level in the
battery.
Light yellow or without colourThe electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. The 12-
volt vehicle battery should be checked by a qualified workshop and replaced if necessary.BlackThe
electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is correct.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt
vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If you suspect that the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or faulty, go to a qualified workshop and
have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Charging the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in
factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If a 12-volt vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic
compatibility, size and necessary maintenance, performance and safety requirements for the new
12-volt vehicle battery with a Volkswagen dealership before purchase.
Only maintenance-free 12-volt vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 should be used. These standards must be dated July 2012 or later.
In vehicles with a start/stop system or vehicles with an auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and
ventilation, always have the 12-volt vehicle battery replaced by a qualified workshop, as the vehicle
electronics must be adapted as part of the replacement process. Only qualified workshops have the
technology required to carry out this adjustment correctly. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Disconnecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
Please note the following if the 12-volt vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical
system in the vehicle:
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and
electric shocks.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the 12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in
particular are protected from acid spillages.
•Never tilt the 12-volt vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and
cause chemical burns.
•Never open a 12-volt vehicle battery.
•If acid is spilt in your eye or on your skin, rinse immediately for several minutes with
cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
•If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING