Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear eye protection!
Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery
is charging!
Always keep children away from acid and the vehicle battery!
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•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
After starting the engine with a discharged vehicle battery, or after the battery has been
changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has
been sufficiently charged.
Warning lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Fault in the alternator.Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
electrical system should be checked.
Switch off all electrical equipment that is not
required. The vehicle battery will not be
charged by the alternator while the vehicle is
in motion.
Any work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns,
fire and electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety information before
carrying out any kind of work:
•Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the
vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.
•Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.
•Always wear eye protection.
•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.
•Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
•When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and electrostatic
charge.
•Never short circuit the battery poles.
•Never use a damaged vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged vehicle batteries must be
replaced as soon as possible.
•Damaged or frozen vehicle batteries must be replaced immediately. Discharged vehicle
batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
WARNING
•Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays
could damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the vehicle battery
from frost. If it freezes it will be damaged.
NOTICE
Operation of the vehicle for a very long time at very high outside temperatures can lead to
vehicle battery damage.
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
•Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blade for the rear window
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Lift the wiper blade arm and fold away at an angle of 60°.
•Press and hold the release button ①.
•Tilt the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 127 (arrow Ⓐ) and pull it off in the
direction of the arrow Ⓑ at the same time. You may need to use some force to do this.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm against the
direction of the arrow. Push it on until it engages ⇒ Fig. 127Ⓑ. The wiper blade must be in the
tilted position (arrow Ⓐ).
•Place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.
Wax deposits on the windscreen and rear window could cause the wiper blades to rub.
Remove wax residue using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths.
Waxing and polishing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Waxing
Waxing protects the paintwork. You will need to re-wax the vehicle with a good hard wax if water
no longer clearly forms small drops and runs off the paintwork when it is clean.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, Volkswagen recommends protecting the
paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by
applying wax.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal
the paint.
Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Use a damp, clean, lint-free and soft cloth to clean the surfaces.
•For heavy soiling use a special solvent-free cleaning product.
•Polish the chrome and aluminium trim parts using a soft, dry cloth.
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and
severe injuries.
•Therefore, always change windscreen wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no
longer clean the windscreen properly.
WARNING
•Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers can scratch the windscreen.
•Detergents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp objects can damage the
graphite coating.
•Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the
windows.
NOTICE
•In order to avoid damage, painted parts with a matt finish, plastic parts, headlight lenses
and the tail lights should not be treated with polish or hard wax.
•Do not polish the paint if the vehicle is in a sandy or dusty environment or if it is dirty.
NOTICE
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and rims approved
by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major
contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to the tyres
•If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive slowly and at a right angle if possible.
•Inspect the tyres regularly for damage such as cuts, cracks or blisters.
•Remove foreign objects that are in the outer tyre tread and have not penetrated the inner
tyre⇒ Tyre damage.
•Always respond to any warning messages given by the tyre monitoring system.
•Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Regularly check the tyres for hidden damage ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted ⇒ Tyre lettering.
•Protect the wheels, including the spare wheel, from contact with corrosive substances, including
oils, lubricants, fuel and brake fluid ⇒.
•Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been developed to roll in one direction only. An arrow on
the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread ⇒ Tyre lettering.
The direction of rotation must be adhered to. This is the only guarantee for optimum grip and helps
to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direction to the tread pattern, you must take more care
when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is
particularly important on wet roads. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or be fitted
with the tread in the correct direction.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 130 is recommended to help
ensure that tyres wear evenly. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.
Volkswagen recommends having the wheels changed by a qualified workshop.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that are
stored unused for an extended period will harden and become brittle more quickly than tyres which
are in constant use.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are older than 6 years with new tyres. This also
applies to tyres, including the spare wheel, which appear to still be in good condition and whose
tread depth has not yet reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation ⇒.
The age of a tyre can be determined from the manufacturing date, which is a component of the tyre
identification number () ⇒ Tyre lettering.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres before you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be
able to mount them correctly when you replace them (left, right, front, rear). When removed, the
wheels or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark place. Do not store tyres
mounted on the rim vertically.
Any tyres not fitted on rims should be kept in suitable sleeves to protect against dirt and should be
stored vertically (standing on the tread).
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by legislation.
Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres,
which can cause the tyre to burst.
•Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive substances
away from the tyres.
WARNING
Old tyres – even if they have not been used – can suddenly lose pressure or burst, especially
at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Avoid using tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly
and with extra care at all times.
WARNING
If possible, stow the spare wheel, temporary spare wheel or the removed wheel safely in the
luggage compartment. In vehicles with a breakdown set, the removed wheel cannot be secured.
Tyre lettering
Fig. 134 International tyre lettering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tyre lettering (example)Meaning
Brand name, logoManufacturer
Product nameIndividual tyre lettering from manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 18
Size designation:
PIdentification for passenger vehicle.
255Tyre width from wall to wall in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %.
RTyre construction: radial.
18Rim diameter in inches.
109 HLoad capacity index ⇒ Tyre load and speed index ⇒ Speed
index.
XLHeavy-duty tyres (reinforced).
M+S or M/S orDenotes winter tyres (mud and snow tyres) ⇒ Winter tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESSTubeless radial tyres.
E4 ...Certification of conformity with international regulations. The
number following (E) is the code number of the country that
Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control of the
vehicle, to collisions or other accidents and cause serious injuries.
•Never use a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the
tread wear indicators.
•In some vehicles, the spare wheel could be smaller than the standard wheel. The small
spare wheel has a sticker with the text 80 km/h or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at
which you are permitted to drive with this tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Do not accelerate quickly, brake suddenly or
drive at high speed through bends.
•Never drive further than 200 km with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive axle.
•The temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as possible.
The temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only.
•The temporary spare wheel must always be secured firmly with the wheel bolts supplied
by the factory.
•Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at a time.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
WARNING
•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
Find a firm and level surface suitable for lifting the vehicle.
Stop the engine, select a gear on a manual gearbox or with an automated manual
gearbox, move the selector lever to D or R with the ignition switched onChanging gear
then apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
Chock the wheel diagonally opposite using the collapsible chocks or other suitable objects.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel that is being changed Wheel bolts.
Find the jacking point under the vehicle which is closest to the wheel that is being
changed.
Raise the vehicle jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.
Ensure that the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground with its whole surface and
that the foot of the jack is positioned precisely, i.e. vertically beneath the point of
application .
Position the vehicle jack. At the same time, continue to crank the claw up until it is in
position around the vertical rib underneath the vehicle .
Lifting the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 154 Jacking points for the vehicle jack (mirrored on the right-hand side of the vehicle)
Fig. 155 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 applied only at the jacking points shown (markings on the body) ⇒ Fig. 154.
Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel you are working on ⇒.
Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions 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
Preparation
•Switch off the ignition, the lights and all electrical consumers.
•Open the appropriate fuse box ⇒ Fuses in the vehicle.
Detecting a blown fuse
A melted metal strip indicates that the fuse has blown ⇒ Fig. 160.
Shine a torch onto the fuse. This will help you to spot the blown fuse more easily.
Changing a fuse
•Take the plastic pliers ⇒ Fig. 161① out of the holder if needed. The holder is on the rear side of
the fuse box near the diagnosis connection.
•For small fuses, push on the catch ⇒ Fig. 161① from above ⇒ Fig. 161A.
•For bigger fuses, push the catch ⇒ Fig. 161① onto the fuse from the side ⇒ Fig. 161B.
•Remove the fuse
•If the fuse has blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same amp rating (same colour and same
markings) and same size ⇒.
•Insert the cover again or close the fuse box cover.
•If used, replace the pliers in the holder behind the fuse box.
Changing bulbs
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Information on changing bulbs
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front headlights
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front bumper
⇒ Changing bulbs in the tail light cluster
⇒ Changing the bulb in the number plate light
⇒ Changing bulbs in the side turn signals
Changing the vehicle bulbs requires considerable technical skill. If you do not feel confident with the
procedure, Volkswagen recommends that you have the bulbs changed by a Volkswagen
dealership, or that you seek other expert assistance. Contact a qualified workshop if other vehicle
parts around the lights need to be removed.
You should keep a box with spare light bulbs for the lights that ensure the vehicle is roadworthy in
the vehicle at all times. Spare bulbs are available from Volkswagen dealerships. In some countries
it is a legal requirement to have these spare bulbs in the vehicle.
It may be illegal to drive with a defective bulb in the exterior lighting.
Additional bulb specifications
Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different
to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Lights and vision ⇒ Lights and vision
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Fuses ⇒ Fuses
You can damage another position in the electrical system by using a fuse with a higher amp
rating.
NOTICE