Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 119 A: release lever in the footwell on the driver side B: release lever on the bonnet
Fig. 120 C: release lever at the bonnet stay D: bonnet secured with the bonnet stay
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening the bonnet
•Ensure that the windscreen wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the
bonnet ⇒.
•Pull the release lever ① in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 119A. The bonnet is released from
its lock by a spring mechanism ⇒.
•Lift the bonnet slightly and at the same time push the release lever ② B in the direction of the
arrow to open the bonnet completely.
•Take the bonnet stay out of the holder ③ C on the bonnet and insert it in opening ④ D (arrow).
Closing the bonnet
•Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒.
•Take the bonnet stay out of the holder ④ D and insert it in the opening in the bonnet ③ C.
•Let the bonnet drop into the catches from a height of approximately 20 cm – do not press it
down!
If the bonnet is not closed, open it again and close it properly.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is properly closed.
Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety procedures.
•Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to severe injuries.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not properly closed, it could open suddenly while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels.
•If you notice that the bonnet is not properly closed while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible and close the bonnet.
•Therefore the bonnet should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is in
its path.
WARNING
The bonnet should only be opened when the wiper arms are flush to the windscreen in order
to avoid damage to the bonnet and the windscreen wiper arms.
NOTICE
With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure
that the engine oil reading is correct.
Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
Open the bonnet .
Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dipstick. The engine oil filler opening bears the
symbol on the cap and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle. If you cannot find the cap
and dipstick please contact a qualified workshop.
Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a marking on
the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the
guide tube when inserting.
After reading the oil level, push the oil dipstick back into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap .
Using only the engine oil approved by Volkswagen expressly for this engine, top up the oil
in small gradual amounts (no more than 0.5 l).
To avoid overfilling, wait for approximately one minute after each pour to allow the engine
oil to flow into the oil sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
Read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a further small
quantity of engine oil. Never overfill engine oil .
After the refilling procedure, the engine oil level should be at least in the centre of area Ⓑ,
but never above area Ⓐ .
After refilling, screw the engine oil filler cap back on correctly.
Reinsert the oil dipstick correctly into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Close the bonnet correctly .
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order ⇒:
Pull the dipstick out again and read the engine oil level on the dipstick as follows: Ⓐ: do not
refill oil . Proceed to step 15. Ⓑ: oil can be refilled (approximately 0.5 l). Proceed to step 8
or 15. Ⓒ: oil must be refilled (approximately 1.0 l). Proceed to step 8.
The engine oil level must never be above area ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Engine oil consumption
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of
an engine.
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil consumption can be up
to 1.0 litre/2,000 km – and is likely to be higher for the first 5,000 km for new vehicles. The engine
oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably when refuelling and before long
journeys.
When the engine is working hard the oil level must be kept within the area shown in ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ,
for instance during long motorway cruising in summer or climbing mountain passes.
Engine oil can ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine components. It can cause fires,
burns and other serious injuries.
•If engine oil is spilt on cold engine parts it can heat up and ignite when the engine is
running.
•Always ensure that the engine oil filler cap is securely tightened after refilling, and that the
dipstick is properly inserted back into the guide tube. This will prevent the engine oil from
draining out on to hot engine components when the engine is running.
WARNING
•Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above area ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ. Seek expert
assistance. The catalytic converter and the engine could otherwise be damaged.
•When refilling or changing operating fluids please ensure that the fluids are in the correct
container. Incorrect operating fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine
damage.
NOTICE
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt operating fluids must be
collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 123 In the engine compartment: marking on the coolant expansion tank
Fig. 124 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank cap
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparation
•Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.
•Allow the engine to cool down ⇒.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ .
•The coolant expansion tank has the symbol on its cap ⇒ Fig. 124.
Checking the coolant level
•Check the coolant level at the side marking of the expansion tank when the engine is cold
⇒ Fig. 123.
•Refill the coolant if the liquid level is below the minimum marking (min). When the engine is
warm, the coolant level may be slightly above the top end of the marked area.
Refilling coolant
•Always protect your hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth on
the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause
serious injuries.
•Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the
lowest ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
•Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break
down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the
heating will also no longer function.
WARNING
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by
Volkswagen. Mixing other coolants could cause serious damage to the engine and cooling
system.
•If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is brown instead of purple, for example, - G 13 -
has been mixed with another unsuitable engine coolant. The coolant must be changed as
soon as possible if this is the case. Failure to observe this point can result in serious faults
or engine damage.
NOTICE
•Unscrew the cap carefully ⇒.
•Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification (⇒ Coolant specification) ⇒
.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 123. Do not fill up
over the top line of the marked area⇒!
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the coolant of 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.
Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary
procedures and the general safety requirements and only unsuitable tools are available ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried
out incorrectly.
Location of the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Hot steam or engine 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 no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or
heard.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet. Hot
components can burn the skin.
•Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position N or move the
manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The engine 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 injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some 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 is refilled, the fluid in the engine cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 123. 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.
•When refilling operating fluids, please ensure that the correct container is filled. The use of
incorrect operating fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
NOTICE
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system cannot start the
engine.⇒ Pull-away assist systems
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.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 125 In the engine compartment: possible position of the window on top of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in
hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with a start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. For technical reasons, it might not be possible to check the electrolyte level in these
vehicle batteries.
Preparation
•Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ .
Checking the electrolyte level
•Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames
or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
•The colour display in the round window ⇒ Fig. 125 on the top side of the vehicle battery will
change according to the electrolyte level.
Colour displayAction
Light yellow or colourless
The electrolyte level of the vehicle is too low. The vehicle battery
should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if
necessary.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct.
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-
pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot
sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒.
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.
•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the
underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.
WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
WARNING
•The water should be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle
paintwork.
•Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can
damage the surface.
•Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. It
is best to use soapy water.
•Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and
seals could freeze.
NOTICE
Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order
to avoid damage to the vehicle:
•Ensure that the gap between the guide rails in the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle
track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.
•Switch off the city emergency brake function before driving the vehicle into an automatic
car wash.
•Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•In order to prevent damage to the paintwork on the bonnet, fold the windscreen wipers
back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the
glass.
•Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally in the car wash.
NOTICE
Colour coding of fuses under the dash panel
ColourAmp rating
Purple3
Light brown5
Brown7.5
Red10
Blue15
Yellow20
White or clear25
Green30
Orange40
Opening and closing the fuse box under the dash panel
•Opening: push the locking lever ⇒ Fig. 158① until the cover can be opened.
•Fold the cover down.
•Closing: push the cover up in the opposite direction to the arrow until it perceptibly engages in
the locking lever ①.
Opening the fuse box in the engine compartment
•Open the bonnet ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
•Press the release buttons in the direction of the arrow (thin arrow) ⇒ Fig. 159 to release the
fuse box cover.
•Lift off the cover.
•To fit, place the cover over the fuse box. Press the release buttons down in the opposite
direction to the arrow until the release buttons click into place.
This chapter does not refer to all the fuses located in the vehicle. These should be changed
only by a qualified workshop.
Changing a blown fuse
Fig. 160 A blown fuse
Fig. 161 Removing or fitting a fuse using the plastic pliers ①
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Remove the covers for the fuse boxes carefully and install them again properly so as to
avoid damage to the vehicle.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture in
the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE
Changing bulbs in the front headlights
Fig. 162 In the engine compartment: rear view of the left-hand front headlight with rubber cover: ①
dipped beam and main beam, ② side lights and daytime running lights, ③ turn signal and
retaining clip ④
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. 162①②③
Dipped beam and
main beam
headlights
Side lights and
daytime running
lights
Front turn signal
1.Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Information on changing
bulbs.
2.Open the bonnet ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
3.
Remove the connector
from the H4 bulb. Pull off
rubber cover using the
tabs.Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go
and pull it out to the rear along with the bulb.Push retaining clip ④ in
the direction of the arrow
to the front, unhook at
side and fold away.
4.Remove bulb from bulb holder. If necessary, press the catch on the bulb holder.
5.Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
6.
Fit the new bulb, fold back
the retaining clips ④ and
hook in.
Insert the bulb holder into
the headlight and turn it
clockwise as far as it will
go.
Insert the bulb holder into
the headlight and turn it
clockwise as far as it will
go.
7.
Put the rubber cover on
and check if it is fitted
securely. Attach
connector to the H4 bulb.
The illustrations show the left-hand headlight from the rear. The right-hand headlight is a
mirror image of the one shown.
Changing bulbs in the front bumper
Fig. 163 In the wheeI housing front right: removing the securing bolts (arrows) and the spreader
rivet Ⓐ