Removing and installing the rear head restraint
Fig. 39 Removing the rear head restraint
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The rear seats are fitted with an adjustable head restraint.
Removing the rear head restraints
•Release the rear seat backrest and fold the backrest forwards slightly ⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Push the head restraint all the way up ⇒.
•Pull the head restraint out fully while pressing the button ⇒ Fig. 39①.
•Push back the rear seat backrest and allow it to engage securely. Please ensure that the seat
belts are not trapped.
•Stow the head restraint in a safe place once removed.
Fitting the rear head restraints
•Release the rear seat backrest and fold the backrest forwards slightly ⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Position the head restraint correctly over the head restraint guides and then insert into the
guides of the corresponding seat backrest.
•Press and hold the button ⇒ Fig. 39① and push the head restraint downwards.
•Push back the rear seat backrest and allow it to engage securely.
•Adjust the head restraint so that a correct sitting position can be assumed ⇒ Adjusting the rear
head restraint.
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 40 Adjusting the steering wheel position mechanically
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Adjust the steering wheel position only before setting off and only when the vehicle is stationary.
•Push down the lever ⇒ Fig. 40①.
Driving without head restraints or with incorrectly adjusted head restraints increases the risk
of severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident or sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
•If a seat is occupied, the head restraint for that seat must be fitted and adjusted correctly.
•Head restraints that have been removed should be reinstalled as soon as possible to
ensure that passengers are properly protected.
WARNING
When removing or fitting head restraints, ensure that they do not hit the roof or the front seat
backrest. The interior roof and other parts of the vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
NOTICE
•Adjust the steering wheel so that you can hold it on the outside of the ring (at the 9 o'clock and
3 o'clock positions) with both hands and slightly bent arms.
•Push the lever up firmly until it lines up with the steering column ⇒.
Adjust the correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 35 using the control
elements on the driver seat ⇒ Controls on the front seats.
Seat functions
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Seat heating
Additional information and warnings:
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•Exterior mirrors ⇒ Mirrors
Seat heating
Fig. 41 In upper part of centre console: buttons for the front seat heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front seat seat cushions and backrests can be heated electrically when the ignition is switched
on.
Do not switch on the seat heating if one of the following conditions applies:
•The seat is not in use.
•The seat is fitted with a protective cover.
•A child seat is installed on the seat.
•The seat cushion is damp or wet.
•The interior or exterior temperature is above 25 ℃ (77 °F).
Incorrect use of the steering column position adjustment and incorrect adjustment of the
steering wheel can cause serious or fatal injuries.
•After adjusting the steering column, always move lever ⇒ Fig. 40① up so that it engages
securely. This prevents the steering column from moving spontaneously while the vehicle
is in motion.
•Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is in motion. If you determine that a
readjustment is necessary, stop the vehicle safely and adjust the steering wheel to the
correct position.
•The steering wheel must always point towards the chest and not towards the face. This
ensures that the driver front airbag provides maximum protection in the event of an
accident.
•While driving, always keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel, at the 9
o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This reduces the risk of injury if the driver front airbag is
triggered.
•Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner, e.g. on
the hub of the steering wheel. If the driver airbag is triggered, you could receive severe
injuries to the arms, hands and head.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the seat functions can cause serious injuries.
•Always assume a correct sitting position before you drive and maintain this position
throughout the trip. This also applies to all passengers.
•Keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts away from the moving parts of the seats.
WARNING
Switch off the seat heating when the seat is not occupied.
FunctionAction ⇒ Fig. 41
Switching onPress the button. The seat heating is switched on at the
highest setting. All indicator lamps light up in the button.
Adjusting the heating
outputPress the button again until the required heating level is set.
Switching offPress the button until the indicator lamps in the button go out.
If the second temperature level has been switched on for more than 15 minutes, it will automatically
switch to the first temperature level. Only one indicator lamp will be lit up.
The seat heating should be switched off as soon as it is no longer needed. Fuel is otherwise
wasted.
Seat belts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•Stowage ⇒ Stowage area
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis
or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when
using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never heal fully.
Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.
•Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat
heating.
WARNING
Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.
•Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.
•Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.
•Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.
•Do not spill any liquids on the seat.
WARNING
•To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure
at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
•Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials (such as a protective cover or child seat) on
the seat could damage the seat heating.
•If the system starts to emit a smell, switch the seat heating off immediately and have it
checked by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
Warning lamp
Fig. 42 Warning lamp in the instrument cluster
Fig. 43 Seat belt status for the rear seats in the instrument cluster display
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lights
up or
flashes
Possible causeSolution
The driver seat belt and, if the front
passenger seat is occupied, the front
passenger seat belt are not fastened.
Fasten seat belts.
There are objects on the front
passenger seat.
Remove objects from the front passenger
seat and stow them safely.
Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Seat
belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used properly.
•Seat belts are the most effective means of reducing the risk of serious and fatal injuries in
the event of an accident. Seat belts must always be fastened properly when the vehicle is
in motion to protect the driver and all vehicle occupants.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, correctly
fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly throughout the
trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.
•While the vehicle is in motion, secure all children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint
system suitable for their weight and height. They must also wear correctly fastened seat
belts ⇒ Child seats (accessories).
•Only start driving when all passengers have correctly fastened their seat belts.
•Only ever insert the latch plate into the buckle of the associated seat, and always ensure
that it engages properly. Using a buckle that does not belong to the seat that you are
occupying reduces the level of protection and can lead to severe injuries.
•Never let any foreign bodies or liquids enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could
prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.
•Never unfasten the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never allow more than one person to share the same seat belt.
•Never travel when children or babies are being carried on somebody's lap and fastened
with the same belt.
•Never travel wearing loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket). This could
prevent the seat belts from fitting and functioning properly.
WARNING
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never damage the belt by trapping it in the door or in the seat mechanism.
•If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat belt becomes damaged, the seat belt may
tear during an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.
•Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with new seat belts approved by
Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an
accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if
there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.
•Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself. All repairs to the seat belts,
belt retractors and buckles must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Lights
up or
flashes
Possible causeSolution
Seat belt not fastened for a rear seat
passenger.Fasten the seat belt.
Seat belt fastened for a rear seat
passenger.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.
An acoustic signal will sound for a few seconds if the seat belts are not fastened as the car pulls off
and reaches a speed of more than approximately 25 km/h (15 mph), or if the seat belts are
unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. The warning lamp will also flash.
When the ignition is switched on, the warning lamp will not go out until the driver and front
passenger fasten their seat belts.
Belt status display for the rear seats
After the ignition has been switched on, the belt status display ⇒ Fig. 43 in the instrument cluster
display shows the driver whether the rear seat passengers have fastened their seat belts. The
symbol indicates that the passenger on this seat has fastened his or her seat belt.
The belt status display will be shown for approximately 30 seconds if a seat belt is fastened or
unfastened on the rear seats. The display can be hidden by pressing the button in
the instrument cluster.
If a seat belt for one of the rear seats is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion, the belt status
display will flash for a maximum of 30 seconds. If the vehicle is travelling faster than approximately
25 km/h (15 mph) an acoustic signal will also sound.
Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
Fig. 44 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle heading for a brick wall
Fig. 45 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle striking a brick wall
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively simple. As soon as the vehicle is
in motion ⇒ Fig. 44, both the moving vehicle and its passengers gain kinetic energy.
The higher the vehicle speed and the heavier the weight of the vehicle, the greater the amount of
energy that will have to be released in the event of an accident.
However, the most significant factor is the speed of the vehicle. If the speed doubles from
approximately 25 km/h (15 mph) to approximately 50 km/h (30 mph), for example, the kinetic
energy increases by a factor of four.
The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the vehicle
and passengers. The higher the speed and the heavier the weight, the greater the amount of
energy that will be released in the event of an accident.
Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Seat
belts only offer the optimum level of protection when they are used properly.
WARNING
Passengers not wearing seat belts are not connected to the vehicle. In the event of a frontal
collision they will continue to move forwards at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling
before impact, until something stops them. Because the passengers in our example are not
restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy will only be released at the point of
impact against the wall ⇒ Fig. 45.
Even at speeds of approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) to approximately 50 km/h (30 mph), the forces
acting on bodies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kg). These forces are even
greater at higher speeds.
This example applies not only to frontal collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.
What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat
belts
Fig. 46 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards
Fig. 47 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is
not true.
Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that occupants cannot
brace themselves with their arms and hands. In a frontal collision, unbelted vehicle occupants are
thrown forwards and will make unchecked contact with parts of the vehicle interior, e.g. the steering
wheel, dash panel, or windscreen ⇒ Fig. 46.
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered, the airbags only provide
additional protection. Airbags are not triggered in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is
equipped with an airbag system, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat
belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal
injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.
An airbag can only be triggered once. To achieve best possible protection, seat belts must always
be worn properly. This also ensures that protection is provided in accidents in which the airbag is
not triggered. Any vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt can be thrown out of the vehicle and
sustain more severe or even fatal injuries as a result.
It is also important for the rear seat occupants to wear seat belts properly, as they could otherwise
be thrown forwards violently in an accident. Rear passengers who are not wearing seat belts
endanger not only themselves and the driver, but also other people in the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 47.
Seat belt protection
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly.
Keep the seat belts clean.
Never let any foreign bodies or fluids get on to the seat belt, the latch plate or into the slot
for the seat belt buckle.
Do not trap or damage the seat belt and latch plate, for example when closing the door.
Never remove, modify or repair the seat belt or any part of the belt fixture system.
Always fasten the seat belt correctly before every journey and keep it fastened while the
vehicle is in motion.
Fig. 48 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold
the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in
the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the
vehicle ⇒ Fig. 48.
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the
kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag
system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus
decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce
the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every
trip – even if you are only planning to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also
wear their seat belts properly.
Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore,
properly worn seat belts improve the protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident.
This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For
example, the front airbags will only be triggered in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags
will not be triggered during minor frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or
accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat
belts properly before you drive off.
Using seat belts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Using seat belts ⇒:
Twisted seat belt
If it is difficult to remove the seat belt from the belt guide, the seat belt may have become twisted if
it was returned too quickly into the side trim:
•Take hold of the latch plate then slowly and carefully pull out the seat belt.
•Untwist the seat belt and guide it back slowly by hand.
Fasten the seat belt even if you are unable to undo the twist. However, the twist should not be in
part of the seat belt that comes into direct contact with the body. The twist should be corrected
immediately by a qualified workshop.
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Using seat belts incorrectly increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
•Regularly check to see if the seat belt and its related parts are in perfect condition.
•Always keep the seat belt clean.
•Do not allow the belt webbing to become jammed, damaged or to rub on any sharp edges.
•Always keep the latch plate and slot in the buckle free from foreign bodies and liquids.
WARNING
Fig. 49 Inserting the seat belt latch plate into the buckle
Fig. 50 Removing the latch plate from the buckle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
During an accident or braking manoeuvre, correctly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in
position in such a way as to provide maximum protection ⇒.
Fastening the seat belts
Fasten seat belts before every trip.
•Always adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
•Engage the rear seat backrests in an upright position ⇒.
•Take hold of the latch plate and pull it evenly across your chest and pelvis. Do not twist the belt
in the process ⇒.
•Insert the latch plate securely into the buckle belonging to the occupied seat ⇒ Fig. 49.
•Pull on the seat belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely locked in the buckle.
Unfastening the seat belts
Unfasten seat belts only when the vehicle is stationary ⇒.
•Press the red button in the buckle ⇒ Fig. 50. The latch plate is released and springs out.
•Guide the belt back by hand so that it rolls up easily, without twisting the seat belt and without
damaging the trim.
Seat belt routing
Fig. 51 Correct seat belt routing and head restraint adjustment
Incorrect seat belt routing can cause severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.
•The seat belts only offer best protection when the backrests are in an upright position and
the seat belts have been fastened properly according to the occupant's height.
•Unfastening seat belts while the vehicle is in motion can lead to severe or fatal injuries in
the event of an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.
WARNING