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
proper facilities for disposing of the old tyres. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Transporting ⇒ Driving notes
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
•Breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This
can also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type. Refer to the vehicle documentation and ask a
Volkswagen dealership if necessary.
Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 130 Diagram showing how to swap wheels
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The tyres are the most used and most underestimated parts of a vehicle. Tyres are very important
as the narrow tyre surfaces are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style handling and fitting.
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of vehicle
control and braking power.
•Incorrect handling of wheels and tyres can reduce vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling
circumference) and the same tread.
•New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking effect.
Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and serious
injury.
•Check tyre pressures regularly and always keep to the specified tyre pressure value. If the
tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to such an
extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters). Driving
with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries. Worn
or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
•The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake assist systems depends on the
tyre grip.
•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop the car
immediately and check the wheels and tyres for damage.
•In order to reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle, and the risk of accident and
serious injury, never loosen the bolts on rims with bolted on rim rings.
•Do not use wheels or tyres if you do not know their history. Used wheels and tyres could
be damaged, even if the damage is not visible.
•Even if they have not been used, old tyres 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
Tyre damage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. Any unusual vibrations or signs that the car is
pulling to one side may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged ⇒.
•Reduce your speed immediately if you suspect that a wheel is damaged.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•If the tyre is damaged, do not drive on. Seek expert assistance.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in order
to have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
•Leave the foreign body in the tyre if it has entered the inner tyre. However, foreign bodies that
are stuck between the tyre tread blocks can be removed.
•For vehicles with a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel: where appropriate, change the
damaged wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel If required, seek expert assistance when changing the
damaged wheel. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
•For vehicles with a breakdown set: if required, seal the tyre and pump it up using the
breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set. Proceed to a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
•Check the pressure and adjust it as required.
Tyre wear
Tyre wear is affected by several factors. These include:
•Driving style.
•Unbalanced wheels.
•Running gear setting.
Driving style – fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear. The
running gear should be checked by a qualified workshop if the tyres show excessive wear despite a
normal driving style.
Unbalanced wheels – the wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results in steering
vibration. Unbalanced wheels will affect levels of wear on the steering system and the suspension.
In this case the wheels should be balanced again. A new tyre will have to be balanced after fitting.
Running gear setting – incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. The wheel alignment should be checked by a qualified workshop if tyres show
excessive wear.
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious
injury.
•Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear
indicators.
•Worn tyres have considerably less tread, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the
vehicle to glide along the road surface (aquaplaning).
•Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult
driving situations and increase braking distance and the risk of sliding.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion, this
may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
•Reduce speed immediately and park the vehicle without obstructing traffic.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•Never drive on if wheels or tyres are damaged. Seek expert assistance instead.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in
order to have the vehicle checked.
WARNING
Snow chains are available in a range of sizes for a vehicle type.
Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Running-in
⇒ Accessories and parts
⇒ Service fluids and consumables
⇒ Repairs and technical modifications
⇒ Repairs and faults in the airbag system
⇒ Retrofitting two-way radios
⇒ Information stored in the control units
⇒ Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the external aerial
⇒ Portable navigation device
⇒ Vehicle lifting points
Additional information and warnings:
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
•Ashtray and cigarette lighter ⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter
•Electrical socket ⇒ Socket
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot
•Cruise Control System (CCS) ⇒ Cruise control system (CCS)
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Engine oil ⇒ Engine oil
•Engine coolant ⇒ Coolant
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
•⇒BookletRadio,
•User's manual for the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen)
The use of snow chains that are unsuitable for your vehicle or the incorrect installation of
snow chains can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always use the correct snow chains.
•Follow the assembly instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
•Never exceed the maximum speed permitted for the snow chains that are fitted.
WARNING
•Remove the snow chains when driving on roads that are free of snow. The snow chains will
otherwise impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
•Snow chains that are in direct contact with the wheel can scratch or damage it.
Volkswagen recommends using non-scratch snow chains.
NOTICE
Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface .
Switch on the hazard warning lights using the button .
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition .
Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle away from moving traffic and proceed to a safe
position, e.g. behind the safety barrier.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your
vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool down and, if necessary, seek expert assistance.
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
Making you and your vehicle safe
Fig. 140 In the upper part of the centre console: button for switching the hazard warning lights on
and off
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of broken-down vehicles. For example, many
countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility
waistcoat ⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions in the
specified order ⇒:
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still
indicate a change in direction or lane change by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be
interrupted temporarily.
Switch on the hazard warning lights:
•When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam,
to will warn vehicles behind you.
•When there is an emergency.
•When the vehicle breaks down.
•When tow-starting or towing.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, use an alternative method of drawing attention to the
broken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents in road traffic – both for you and other
road users.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to lock all doors securely in an emergency. Switch on
the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the doors
are locked. This may mean that they are locked in the vehicle in an emergency. People
locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING
In the event of a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance
from the flow of traffic.
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
With an automated manual gearbox, move the selector lever to D or R with the ignition on
Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition Starting and stopping the
engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Changing gear.
Ensure that all vehicle occupants exit the vehicle and proceed to a safe position, e.g.
behind the safety barrier.
Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being worked on with a stone or a similar object.
Remove any items of luggage in the luggage compartment.
Remove the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel and vehicle toolkit from the luggage
compartment.
Remove the hubcaps Hubcaps.
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered without a factory-fitted jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the wheel
should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. Seek expert assistance if both tyres on one side of the
vehicle, both tyres on one axle, or all tyres are damaged.
Only change the wheel yourself when the car is parked in a safe place, you are familiar with the
necessary steps and safety procedures and you have access to all the correct tools. Seek expert
assistance if this is not the case.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•In an emergency ⇒ In an emergency
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
Preparation for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for changing
the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road. Please
note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from your
area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•The ground should be firm and level. If necessary use a large, strong board or similar
support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not,
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, firmly apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to D
or R with the ignition switched on, or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
WARNING
After changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Clean the tools as necessary and place them back in the foam rubber holder in the luggage
compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Stow the spare wheel, temporary spare wheel or the removed wheel safely in the luggage
compartment.
•The tightening torque of the wheel bolts should be checked immediately with a torque wrench
⇒ Tightening torque for the wheel bolts.
•The damaged wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Breakdown set
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Contents of the breakdown set
⇒ Preparation
⇒ Sealing and inflating tyres
⇒ Test after driving for 10 minutes
You can use the breakdown set (tyre mobility set) to safely seal any tyre damage caused by foreign
bodies or punctures (up to 4 mm in diameter). Do not remove foreign objects (e.g. screws or
nails) from the tyre!
Once the sealant has been added to the tyre, the tyre pressure must be checked again after
approximately 10 minutes of driving.
Seek expert assistance if more than one vehicle tyre is damaged. The breakdown set is only
designed for filling one tyre.
Only use the breakdown set if the car is parked in a safe place, you are familiar with the required
actions and safety procedures, and you have access to the correct breakdown set. Seek expert
assistance if this is not the case.
The tyre sealant must not be used:
•If the rim is damaged.
•If the outside temperature is below -20°C (-4°F).
•If there are cuts or punctures in the tyre that are larger than 4 mm.
•If the tyre pressure is very low or the tyres are flat.
•If the use-by date on the tyre filler bottle has expired.
•If a foreign object has been removed from the tyre.
Additional information and warnings:
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•In an emergency ⇒ In an emergency
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
Incorrect torque or incorrect use of wheel bolts can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always keep all wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hubs clean and free from oil and
grease. The wheel bolts must be easy to turn and be tightened to the specified torque.
•The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle should only be used for turning wheel
bolts, not use for loosening or tightening them.
WARNING