In some vehicles it is possible to set the screen of the portable navigation device (delivered
by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts to display whether the
tailgate is open or not properly closed.
Opening the tailgate
Fig. 27 In the vehicle key: tailgate release button
Fig. 28 Opening the tailgate from the outside
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
It will not be possible to open the tailgate if, for example, bicycles are mounted on a carrier attached
to it ⇒. Remove the load from the carrier and support the open tailgate.
Opening with the central locking system
•Press the button in the vehicle key ⇒ Fig. 27 for approximately one second to unlock
the tailgate.
•Press the button ⇒ Fig. 28① and lift the tailgate using the grip ②.
Opening with the mechanical vehicle key
Incorrect and unsupervised unlocking, opening or closing of the tailgate can cause accidents
and serious injuries.
•Therefore the tailgate should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is
in its path.
•Never close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the window. The rear
window could shatter and cause injuries.
•After closing the tailgate, check to ensure that it is closed and locked correctly so that it
does not open while the vehicle is in motion. The closed tailgate must be flush with the
surrounding body panels.
•Always keep the tailgate closed while the vehicle is in motion so that no toxic exhaust
fumes can enter the vehicle interior.
•Never open the tailgate if a load is attached to it, e.g. a rack or luggage carrier. It may also
not possible to open the tailgate if there are objects attached to it, e.g. bicycles. The
additional load might cause the open tailgate to close by itself. Support the tailgate as
necessary or remove the load from the surface.
•Close and lock the tailgate and all vehicle doors when the vehicle is not in use. Ensure
that no one remains in the vehicle.
•Never leave children playing unattended in or around the vehicle, especially when the
tailgate is open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment and shut the tailgate,
thereby trapping themselves inside. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach
extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness
or fatalities, especially for small children.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could use
the vehicle key or central locking button to lock the vehicle and thereby trap themselves
inside.
WARNING
Before opening the tailgate, please check that there is enough space to open and close the
tailgate, e.g. when in a garage.
NOTICE
•Unlock the vehicle or the driver door ⇒ Central locking system.
•Press the button ⇒ Fig. 28① and lift the tailgate using the grip ②.
At outside temperatures of less than 0°C (+32°F), the gas-filled struts cannot always lift the
opened tailgate automatically. The tailgate then has to be guided up by hand.
Closing the tailgate
Fig. 29 Open tailgate: handle recess for closing the tailgate
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Closing the tailgate
•Grip the handle in the interior trim of the tailgate ⇒ Fig. 29 (arrow).
•Pull the tailgate down with some force until it engages in the lock. Please ensure that no one
has their hands in the direct path of the tailgate as it moves ⇒.
•Pull the tailgate to ensure that it is engaged securely.
Locking the tailgate using the central locking system
The vehicle will be locked again automatically if you do not open one of the doors or the tailgate
approximately 30 seconds after unlocking the car. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining
unlocked if the unlocking button is pressed by mistake.
The tailgate can only be locked when it is properly closed and engaged.
•The tailgate is also locked by the central locking system.
•If the tailgate of the locked vehicle is unlocked using the button in the vehicle key, it
will lock again as soon as it is closed.
•If the tailgate is closed but not locked, it will lock automatically once the vehicle reaches a
speed of approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Locking the tailgate using the mechanical vehicle key
The tailgate can only be locked when it is properly closed and engaged.
•Insert the vehicle key in the driver door lock cylinder and turn clockwise⇒ Central locking
system.
Before closing the tailgate, check that the vehicle key is not in the luggage compartment.
Serious injuries can occur if the tailgate is unlocked or opened incorrectly or without due care
and attention.
•It may not always be apparent that the tailgate is unlocked, for example when a loaded
luggage carrier is attached to it. If unlocked, the tailgate may open suddenly while the
vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Serious injuries can occur if the tailgate is closed incorrectly or without due care and
attention.
•Never leave children playing unattended in or around the vehicle, especially when the
tailgate is open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment and shut the tailgate,
thereby trapping themselves inside. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach
extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This could cause serious injuries or illness,
or even have fatal consequences.
•When closing the tailgate, please ensure that no one has their hands in the direct path of
the tailgate as it moves.
WARNING
Windows
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Opening or closing the windows electrically
⇒ Opening and closing the rear hinged windows
Additional information and warnings:
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Central locking system ⇒ Central locking system
Opening or closing the windows electrically
Fig. 30 In the front doors: buttons for the electric window
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening and closing the front windows
FunctionAction
Opening:Press the button.
Closing:Pull the button.
Opening and closing the rear hinged windows
Fig. 31 In the rear doors: opening the hinged windows
Improper or unsupervised use of the electric windows can cause serious injuries.
•The electric windows should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is in
their operating area.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the vehicle
is locked. The windows can no longer be opened in an emergency.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The windows can
still be operated using the buttons several minutes after the ignition has been switched off,
provided that the driver door and front passenger door are not opened.
WARNING
During sudden rain showers, water can enter the vehicle interior via open windows and cause
damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Fig. 32 In the rear doors: closing the hinged windows
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In 4-door vehicles, the rear windows can be opened and closed mechanically.
Opening hinged windows
•Pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 31.
•Push the release lever outwards until it clicks into place with the window fully open.
Closing the hinged window
•Pull the release lever ⇒ Fig. 32① inwards.
•Push the release lever back ② until it clicks into place and the window is closed.
Electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Opening and closing the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof
⇒ Roll-back function of the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof
Additional information and warnings:
•Central locking system ⇒ Central locking system
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
Always take care when using the mechanical hinged windows as you could cause serious
injuries.
•The mechanical hinged windows should only be opened or closed when you are sure that
nobody is in their operating areas.
WARNING
During sudden rain showers, water can enter the vehicle interior via open hinged windows and
cause damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Always take care when using the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof; otherwise you
could cause accidents or serious injuries.
•The electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof should only be opened or closed when you
are sure that nobody is in its operating area.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the car, particularly if they
have access to the vehicle key. Unsupervised use of the vehicle key can result in the
vehicle being locked, the engine being started, the ignition being switched on and the
electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof being operated.
•The electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof can be operated for a short time after the
ignition has been switched off, provided the driver door or the front passenger door is not
opened.
WARNING
•In cold conditions, remove any ice and snow from the roof of the vehicle before you open
or tilt the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof to avoid the risk of damage.
•The electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof should always be closed before you leave
the vehicle or if it starts to rain. Any rain entering the vehicle when the electric panorama
sliding/tilting glass roof is open could cause considerable damage to the electrical system.
This can result in further damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Fig. 52 Correct seat belt routing during pregnancy
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts only provide an optimum level of protection during an accident when they are routed
correctly. Correct seat belt routing reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Correct seat belt
routing also holds the vehicle occupants in position so that an inflating airbag can offer the
maximum level of protection. Therefore you must always fasten your seat belt and ensure that the
seat belt routing is correct.
Assuming an incorrect sitting position can cause severe or fatal injuries ⇒ Adjusting the seat
position.
Correct seat belt routing
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must always lie on the centre of the shoulder, never across
the neck, over or under the arm or behind the back.
•The lap part of the seat belt must always lie across the pelvis, never across the stomach.
•The seat belt must always lie flat and snugly on the body. Tighten the belt if necessary.
For pregnant women the seat belt must be positioned evenly over the chest and as low as possible
over the pelvis. It must lie flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body – this applies in
every stage of pregnancy ⇒ Fig. 52.
Correct seat belt routing according to height
The following equipment can be used to adjust the seat belt routing:
•Height-adjustable front seats ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
If a person's physical build prevents them from routing the seat belt properly, contact a
qualified workshop to find out about any special modifications so that the seat belts and airbags can
provide the optimum level of protection. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose.
Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat occupants are equipped with belt tensioners.
Incorrect seat belt routing can cause severe injuries in the event of an accident or a sudden
braking or driving manoeuvre.
•The seat belts only offer best protection when the backrests are in an upright position and
the seat belts have been fastened properly.
•The seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause serious injuries if the seat belt shifts from
harder body parts in the direction of softer body parts (e.g. the stomach).
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder and never under
the arm or across the neck.
•The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the chest.
•The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis and never across the stomach. The
seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis. Tighten the belt if necessary.
•For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must be as low as possible over the
pelvis and lie flat around the bulge of the belly.
•Do not twist the belt webbing while the seat belt is being worn.
•Never hold the seat belt away from the body by hand.
•The belt webbing should not lie over hard or fragile objects, such as glasses, pens or keys.
•Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar items to alter the seat belt routing.
WARNING
The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. A loose seat belt is retracted,
which can reduce the forward movement or the movement of the vehicle occupants in the direction
of the impact. The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the side airbags are not
activated, the belt tensioner will not be activated if the vehicle rolls over.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops
are familiar with these requirements.
The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with
legislation regarding disposal.
Airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of front passenger front airbag system
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Description and function of the airbags
⇒ Front airbags
⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using the key-operated switch
⇒ Side airbags
The vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front passenger. The front airbags can
provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head
restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are
meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must
always be worn, even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.
Additional information and warnings:
•Driving tips ⇒ Driving tips
•Central locking system ⇒ Central locking system
•Correct sitting position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•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
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt retractors
and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-professional. As a
result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or they may be triggered
unexpectedly.
•Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat
belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself
⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.
•Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be replaced.
WARNING
Volkswagen offers 2 different front airbag systems for front passengers:
AB
Features of the front passenger front
airbag that can only be switched off
by a qualified workshop.
Features of the front passenger front
airbag that can be switched off
manually using the key-operated
switch ⇒ Switching the front passenger front
airbag on and off manually using the key-
operated switch.
– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
– Indicator lamp in the dash panel
PASSENGER AIR BAG .
– Key-operated switch in the dash panel on the
front passenger side.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
Name: airbag system.Name: airbag system with front
passenger front airbag deactivation.
Indicator lamps
Fig. 53 In the upper part of the centre console: indicator lamp for disabled front passenger front
airbag
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upLocationPossible causeSolution
Instrument
cluster
Fault in airbag and belt
tensioner system.
Proceed to a qualified workshop to
have the system checked
immediately.
Dash panel
Fault in the airbag system.
Proceed to a qualified workshop to
have the system checked
immediately.
Front passenger front airbag
switched off.
Check whether the airbag should
stay switched off.
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.
If the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG is not continuously lit or if it lights up
together with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster when the front passenger front airbag
is switched off, there may be a fault in the airbag system ⇒.
Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their
movement in the direction of the collision.
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger correctly, may not trigger at
all or may trigger unexpectedly. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•Never fit a child seat to the front passenger seat or remove a child seat that is already
fitted. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident in spite of the fault.
WARNING
To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated warning
texts.
NOTICE
Fig. 54 Location and deployment zone of the driver front airbag
Fig. 55 Location and deployment zone of the front passenger front airbag
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front occupants additional
protection for the head and chest in the event of a severe frontal collision. Always keep as far away
from the front airbag as possible ⇒ Adjusting the seat position. This allows the front airbags to
inflate fully when triggered, thus providing maximum protection.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 54 and the front airbag for the
front passenger is located in the dash panel ⇒ Fig. 55. The airbag locations are identified by the
text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines ⇒ Fig. 54 and ⇒ Fig. 55 are covered by the front airbags when
triggered (deployment zone). For this reason, you must never leave or attach any objects in these
areas ⇒. Any factory-fitted accessories will not be struck if the driver and front passenger front
airbags are deployed.
The airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 54 or dash panel ⇒ Fig. 55 when the driver
and front passenger front airbags trigger. The airbag covers remain connected to the steering
wheel or the dash panel.
Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using
the key-operated switch
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Always leave the deployment zones of the front airbags clear.
•Never attach any objects, such as drink or telephone holders, to the covers of the airbags
or anywhere in the airbag deployment zone.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats must never carry any people, pets or objects in
the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.
•Do not attach any objects, e.g. mobile navigation devices, to the windscreen above the
front airbag on the front passenger side.
•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft plastic surface of the
airbag unit in the dash panel on the front passenger side, and do not modify them in any
way.
DANGER
The front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 54 and dash panel
⇒ Fig. 55.
•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the ring at
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.
•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the hub
of the steering wheel. Contact a qualified workshop if your physical build makes this
impracticable.
•Adjust the front passenger seat so that the distance between the passenger and the dash
panel is as large as possible.
WARNING