•If vehicles are travelling towards you in the same lane.
•If the surrounding vehicles are very dirty and therefore not very reflective.
•If there is a lot of dust.
Air conditioning system
Heating, ventilating, cooling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Controls
⇒ General information on the heating and fresh air system
⇒ Information on the air conditioning system
⇒ Vents
⇒ Air recirculation mode
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter reduces the level of impurities in the outside air entering the vehicle.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed regularly to avoid impairing the performance of the air
conditioning system.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed more frequently than stated in the service schedule if
the efficiency of the filter declines prematurely due to the vehicle being used in areas with high
levels of air pollution.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Windscreen wiper/washer ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
If the cooling system is switched off, the outside air that is drawn into the vehicle is not
dehumidified. To prevent the windows misting over, Volkswagen recommends that you leave the air
conditioning (compressor) switched on. Press the button. The indicator lamp in the button
must light up.
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is only
available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Poor visibility through all windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which can
cause serious injuries.
•Always ensure that all windows are free of ice, snow and mist to ensure good visibility.
•Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature. Do not start your
journey until you have good visibility.
•Always ensure that the heating and fresh air system or the air conditioning system and the
heated rear window are used correctly in order to have good visibility.
•Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period. If the cooling system is
switched off, the windows can mist up very quickly in air recirculation mode and reduce
visibility considerably.
•Always switch off the air recirculation mode when it is not required.
WARNING
Stale air can quickly cause tiredness and lack of concentration in the driver, which in turn can
cause collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period
as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
WARNING
•Switch off the air conditioning system if you suspect that it has been damaged. This can
help to prevent further damage. The air conditioning system should be checked by a
qualified workshop.
•Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and special tools.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
NOTICE
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed
of properly.
Indicator lamps and fuel gauge
Filling the tank incorrectly and incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and
serious burns and injuries.
•Always ensure that the tank cap is properly closed, to prevent the evaporation and spillage
of fuel.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable and can cause serious burns and other injuries.
•Fuel can spill out if the engine is not switched off or the filler nozzle is not fully inserted
into the fuel filler neck when filling the tank. This can cause fires, explosions and serious
burns and injuries.
•When filling the tank with fuel, the engine and the ignition must be switched off for safety
reasons.
•When filling the tank, always switch off your mobile telephone and two-way radio or any
other radio equipment. Electromagnetic radiation can generate sparks which can in turn
start a fire.
•Never get back into the vehicle while filling the tank. If in exceptional cases you have to
enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal object before touching the filler nozzle
again. This will remove any electrostatic charge from you. Failure to do so could generate
a spark. Sparks can cause a fire when filling the tank.
•Never fill the tank or fill up a spare canister near open flames, sparks or glowing matter
(e.g. cigarettes).
•Electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation must be avoided when filling the
tank.
•Follow all applicable safety information provided by the filling station when filling the tank.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, Volkswagen does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister in the
vehicle. Fuel can spill out of the full or empty canister and catch fire, especially in the event of
an accident. This could cause explosions, fire and injuries.
•If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to transport a spare fuel canister, please note
the following:
- When refilling never place the canister in or on top of the vehicle, for example in the
luggage compartment. There may be an electrostatic charge during refilling causing
the fuel fumes to ignite.
- Always place the spare fuel canister on the ground.
- When filling a spare fuel canister, place the filler nozzle as far as possible into the
filler opening.
- If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle must have constant
contact with the canister in order to avoid static charging.
- Please follow all legislation concerning the use, stowage and transport of a spare
fuel canister.
- Ensure that the spare fuel canister is accordance with the industry standard, such
as ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
WARNING
•Remove spilt fuel from all vehicle components as quickly as possible in order to avoid
damage to the wheel housing, tyres and vehicle paint.
•Filling the tank with diesel in a vehicle with a petrol engine can cause serious and
expensive engine damage and cause damage to the fuel system that is not covered by any
Volkswagen guarantee. Do not start the engine under any circumstances if you have
refilled using the incorrect fuel. Seek expert assistance. The substances in these fuels can
cause serious damage to the fuel system and to the engine itself if it is switched on.
NOTICE
Fig. 117 Open tank flap with tank cap attached to the holder
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Switch off the engine, ignition and the mobile telephone before filling the tank and leave them
switched off during the process.
Opening the tank cap
•The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
•Open the tank cap by the moulding to the rear.
•If necessary, fold the key bit out of the vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the vehicle key in the tank flap lock and turn anticlockwise.
•Turn the tank cap anticlockwise and hook it on top of the tank flap ⇒ Fig. 117.
Filling the tank
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is shown on a sticker on the inside of the tank flap ⇒ Fuel.
•The fuel tank is full when the (properly operated) automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first
time ⇒.
•Do not continue filling the tank after it switches off. The expansion space in the fuel tank will
otherwise fill up and the fuel could spill out. This could also happen when the fuel warms up and
expands.
Closing the tank cap
•Turn the tank cap clockwise into the fuel filler neck until it perceptibly engages.
•Turn the vehicle key in the lock cylinder of the tank flap clockwise and pull it out.
•Close the tank flap. The tank flap must be flush with the vehicle bodywork.
Natural gas engines
Run the petrol tank empty every 6 months until the indicator lamp lights up. This is necessary to
maintain necessary system function for petrol mode and fuel quality.
Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed
of properly.
Filling the tank with natural gas
Fig. 118 With the tank flap open: tank cap ①, gas filler neck ②, gas filler neck seal ③
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not continue filling the tank once the filler nozzle stops automatically. The fuel tank could
be overfilled. This can cause fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause fires, explosions
and serious injuries.
WARNING
Remove spilt fuel from all vehicle components as quickly as possible in order to avoid damage
to the wheel housing, tyres and vehicle paint.
NOTICE
than the engine requires. However, this does not provide any advantage in terms of fuel
consumption or engine output.
Volkswagen recommends using fuel with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free fuel for petrol
engines in order to achieve reduced fuel consumption.
Petrol additives
The quality of petrol influences the running properties, performance and service life of the engine.
This is why the vehicle should be refuelled with good quality petrol that has only non-metallic
additives pre-added by the petroleum industry. These petrol additives help to prevent corrosion,
keep the fuel system clean, and prevent the build-up of deposits in the engine.
If good quality petrol containing non-metallic additives is not available, or if engine problems arise,
the necessary petrol additives must be added to the petrol when refuelling ⇒.
Not all petrol additives are effective. The use of unsuitable petrol additives can cause considerable
damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Metallic additives should be avoided at all times.
Petrol additives on sale that are intended to improve knock resistance or increase the octane
number can also contain metallic additives ⇒.
Volkswagen recommends genuine Volkswagen or Audi fuel additives for petrol engines. These
additives and information on how to use them are available from your Volkswagen dealership.
Natural gas engines
Run the petrol tank empty every 6 months until the indicator lamp lights up. This is necessary to
maintain the required system function for petrol mode and fuel quality.
Natural gas
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Natural gas
Natural gas can be delivered in compressed or liquefied form.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is produced by rapid cooling of the natural gas. This decreases the
volume considerably in comparison to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). A vehicle equipped with a
natural gas engine may not be refilled directly with liquefied natural gas as the gas would expand
too much once in the tank in the vehicle.
Vehicles fitted with a natural gas engine may therefore only be refilled and driven using
compressed natural gas ⇒.
Natural gas quality and consumption
Natural gas is available in two grades: H-gas and L-gas.
H-gas has a higher calorific value and a lower nitrogen and carbon dioxide content. The higher the
calorific value of the natural gas the lower the levels of consumption.
The calorific value and the nitrogen or carbon dioxide values may, however, vary within one quality
group. For this reason, the vehicle consumption may vary when using natural gas of the same
quality.
•Before filling up with petrol, check whether the fuel corresponds to the vehicle's
requirements according to the fuel standard information at the pump.
•Only use fuel that complies with EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 and has the correct octane
number. Otherwise, the engine and the fuel system can suffer considerable damage. The
engine can also lose power or fail.
•The use of unsuitable petrol additives can cause considerable damage to the engine and
catalytic converter.
•If, in an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the
recommended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible.
•Fuels that are identified at the fuel pump as containing metallic additives may not be used.
LRP fuel (lead replacement petrol) also contains high concentrations of metallic additives.
Risk of engine damage!
•Just one tankful of leaded fuel, or fuel containing other metallic additives, can seriously
impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter and can also cause considerable damage to
the catalytic converter and engine.
NOTICE
Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Engine oil specification
⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil
⇒ Engine oil consumption
⇒ Changing engine oil
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Leaking or spilt engine oil can pollute the environment. Spilt operating fluids must be
collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Engine oil pressure is too low.
Do not drive on!
Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil
level.⇒ Checking the engine oil level and
refilling engine oil
– Do not drive on or remain at idling speed
if the warning lamp is flashing, even if the
engine oil level is correct. The engine could
otherwise be damaged. Seek expert
assistance.
Engine oil specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine oil used must correspond exactly to specifications.
The correct engine oil is important for the function and service life of the engine. A special high
quality multigrade oil has been filled at the factory and this can normally be used as an all-season
oil.
Incorrect handling of engine oil can cause serious burns and injuries.
•Always wear eye protection when handling engine oil.
•Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Engine oil must be kept in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil until it
is disposed of.
•Never use empty food containers, bottles or other containers to store engine oil as other
people may then drink the engine oil.
•Regular contact with engine oil can damage the skin. Skin that has been in contact with
engine oil should be washed thoroughly with water and soap.
•Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can scald skin severely.
Always allow the engine to cool down.
WARNING
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
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in factory-
fitted batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special safety
features. If a vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic compatibility, size and
necessary servicing, output and safety requirements for the new vehicle battery with a Volkswagen
dealership before purchase. Volkswagen recommends that the vehicle battery is changed by a
Volkswagen dealership.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
should be used. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Vehicles with start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are equipped with a special vehicle
battery. These vehicle batteries may only be replaced by a vehicle battery with the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
Please note the following if the vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical system in
the vehicle:
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.
•Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the alarm.
•First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable ⇒.
Connecting the vehicle battery
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the vehicle battery.
•First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable ⇒.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the vehicle battery has been connected and the ignition is
switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph). If
the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop.
If the vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods, the system may not able to calculate or
correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instruments. Comply with the maximum
permissible service intervals ⇒BookletService schedule,.
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of measures to prevent
the battery from discharging under high loads:
•The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.
•The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off
completely.
•The power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while
the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system cannot always prevent the vehicle battery from discharging. For
example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with the engine off, or when the
side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended period.
Any work on the 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 battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid
spillages.
•Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause
chemical burns.
•Never open a vehicle battery.
•If acid is splashed onto your skin or into your eye, rinse immediately for several minutes
with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
•If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING
You will need an external aerial to use a two-way radio in the vehicle.
Any retrofit installation of electrical or electronic equipment in the vehicle will affect its vehicle type
approval. Under certain circumstances, this can negate the type approval for the vehicle.
Volkswagen has approved the vehicle for use with two-way radios subject to the following
conditions:
•Correct installation of external aerial.
•A maximum transmitting power of 10 watts.
An external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal range.
Check first with a qualified workshop if you wish to use a two-way radio with a transmitting power of
over 10 watts. A qualified workshop is familiar with the technical options for retrofitting. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Please observe legislation and the instructions and information given in the operating manuals for
radio equipment.
Information stored in the control units
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Your vehicle is factory fitted with electronic control units which are responsible for engine and
gearbox management. The control units also monitor the function of the exhaust system and the
airbags.
These electronic control units continuously evaluate data relevant to the vehicle while the vehicle is
being driven. Only these data will be stored if there are any faults recorded or any deviations from
the specified values. This is generally displayed by the indicator lamps on the instrument cluster.
Special units are required to read and evaluate data stored in the control units.
These data are stored so that specialist workshops can diagnose and solve problems. The
following data may have been stored:
•Engine and gearbox-relevant data.
•Speed.
•Direction of travel.
•Braking power.
•Seat belt monitor.
The control units never record conversations that take place in the vehicle. It is neither possible nor
permitted to use the stored data to create movement profiles.
When the vehicle is being used, situations may arise in which the stored data (alone or in
conjunction with other information such as accident reports, vehicle damage, witness statements
etc.) can become assignable to a particular person, in which case it may be necessary to consult an
expert and use the expert's information.
In vehicles with an emergency call function via a mobile telephone or other units, the current
location can be transmitted. In the event of an accident in which the control units register that an
airbag has been triggered, the system can automatically send out a signal. This depends on your
service provider. Transmission is possible only in areas with a sufficiently strong mobile telephone
signal.
Additional functions that are contractually agreed with the customer, e.g. vehicle positioning in an
emergency, allow certain vehicle data to be transmitted from the vehicle.
If radio equipment is not secured or not properly secured in the vehicle, it could be flung
though the interior during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, or in the event of an
accident. This can cause injuries.
•While the vehicle is in motion, always secure two-way radios properly outside the airbag
deployment zones or stow them away safely.
WARNING
If two-way radios that are not connected to an external aerial are used, electromagnetic
radiation in the vehicle could exceed limit values and thus be a health hazard for drivers and
other vehicle occupants. This also applies to external aerials that have not been correctly
installed.
•Two-way radios should only be used in the vehicle if an external aerial is properly
connected.
CAUTION
•Picture viewer.
•Navigation.
•Hands-free system for a mobile telephone via Bluetooth.
•Display for open doors or tailgate.
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot.
•Gear change indicator and driving style.
•Think-Blue-Trainer.
•Fuel warning.
Select user's manual for the portable navigation device (delivered by
Volkswagen)
•Switch on portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen).
•Touch the more function button on the screen.
•Press the Handbook function button.
•Select the required chapter and press the corresponding function button.
Removing the portable navigation device
•Use one hand to get a secure grip on the upper and lower edges of the portable navigation
device.
•Press the release button ⇒ Fig. 135A (arrow) until the device can be removed from the holder.
•Remove the portable navigation device and stow it securely.
•Remove the portable navigation device holder if necessary.
Installing the portable navigation device
•Fit the portable navigation device holder if necessary ⇒.
•Use one hand to get a secure grip on the upper and lower edges of the portable navigation
device.
•Place the portable navigation device in the upper holder and push on the lower edge until it
perceptibly engages ⇒.
Removing the portable navigation device holder
•If necessary, remove the portable navigation device.
•With one hand, take a firm grip of the holder's supporting arm and press the release button
⇒ Fig. 135B (arrow).
•Pull the holder up out of the dash panel.
•If necessary, close the opening by attaching the cover in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 136.
Fitting the portable navigation device holder mounting
•If necessary, remove the cover for the holder mount in the opposite direction of the arrow
⇒ Fig. 136.
•Insert the holder into the opening from above and push down until it perceptibly engages ⇒.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the portable navigation
device can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
•Select volume settings that allow signals from outside the vehicle to be easily heard at all
times (e.g. emergency service sirens).
•Setting the volume too high may damage your hearing. This also applies even if you are
only exposed to high volumes for short periods.
WARNING
Driving recommendations and traffic symbols displayed by the navigation system may differ
from the current traffic situation.
•Traffic signs and traffic regulations have priority over the recommendations and displays
provided by the navigation system.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING