
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 

Event data recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
Event data recorders temporarily store vehicle information. This provides precise information in the 
event of an accident. In vehicles with an airbag system, data that might be relevant in the event of 
an accident can be stored, e.g. impact speed, belt buckle status, seat positions and trigger speed. 
The scope of the data is manufacturer-specific.
An event data recorder may only be fitted if the owner has approved the procedure. This is covered 
by legislation in some countries.
Reprogramming control units
All data for the control of components are stored in the control units. Some convenience functions, 
such as lane change flash, single door unlocking and displays, can be reprogrammed using special 
workshop equipment. If this is the case, the descriptions in your vehicle wallet will no longer 
correspond with the original functions. Volkswagen recommends that you have any reprogramming 
confirmed in the service schedule under Workshop comments.
Information about possible reprogramming can be obtained from the Volkswagen dealership.
Reading the vehicle's event memory
A diagnostic interface for reading the event memories is located in the vehicle interior ⇒. Data 
relating to the function and status of the electronic control units are stored in the event memory. 
Additional information on the stored data is available from qualified workshops.
The diagnosis interface is located behind near the fuse box in the footwell on the driver side.
The event memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop.
After a fault has been rectified, the information in the memory pertaining to the fault is deleted. 
Other memory content is overwritten on an on-going basis.
Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the 
external aerial
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Both during telephone calls and in standby mode, mobile telephones transmit and receive radio 
waves, which may also be termed "high-frequency energy". Current scientific literature warns us 
that radio waves can be harmful to human beings if they exceed certain limits. Government bodies 
and international committees have introduced threshold values and guidelines to ensure that 
electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile telephones does not pose a hazard to health. 
However, there is no proven scientific evidence that demonstrates that cordless telephones are 
absolutely safe.
For this reason, some experts are calling for more precautions to be taken in the use of mobile 
telephones, by taking steps to reduce the level of personal exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
If a mobile telephone that is not connected to the vehicle's external aerial is used inside the vehicle, 
the level of electromagnetic radiation could be higher than when the mobile telephone is connected 
to an integrated aerial or any other external aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free unit which enables the use of innumerable 
additional functions of Bluetooth compatible mobile telephones, this will satisfy the legal 
requirements in many countries which permit the use of a mobile telephone in a vehicle only if a 
hands-free unit is used.
The hands-free system of the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) in your vehicle 
has been developed for mobile telephones that are compatible with Bluetooth⇒ Portable 
navigation device. Mobile telephones must be located in a suitable telephone holder or be stored 
securely in the vehicle. If a telephone holder is used it must be securely attached to the base plate. 
This is the only way to ensure that the mobile telephone is securely attached to the dash panel and 
always within reach of the driver. Depending on the hands-free system, the connection between the 
mobile telephone and the external aerial is established either via the telephone holder or via an 
existing Bluetooth connection between the mobile telephone and the vehicle.
Connecting the mobile telephone is to a telephone aerial integrated in the vehicle or to an external 
telephone aerial reduces the electromagnetic radiation generated by the telephone which could 
affect the human body. Using an aerial also improves the quality of the signal.
Incorrect use of the diagnostic interface can cause faults, which can result in accidents and 
serious injuries.
•Never read the event memory using the diagnostic interface yourself.
•The diagnostic interface should only be read by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
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There are many precautions that have to be followed when lifting a vehicle on a workshop hoist or 
floor jack. Do not try to lift a vehicle on a lifting platform or vehicle jack unless you have the training, 
knowledge and experience to be able to do so safely.
Using the jack to lift the vehicle ⇒ Changing a wheel.
Consumer information
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Information stickers and plates
⇒ Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
⇒ Radio reception and aerials
⇒ Volkswagen repair information
⇒ Declaration of conformity
⇒ Declaration of conformity for wheels and tyres
⇒ Recycling and scrapping end-of-life vehicles
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
•⇒BookletService schedule,
Lifting your vehicle incorrectly with a lifting platform or vehicle jack can cause accidents and 
serious personal injury:
•Always read and heed the operating instructions from the lifting platform or vehicle jack 
manufacturer and any legal regulations before lifting the vehicle.
•All occupants should leave the vehicle before it is lifted.
•The vehicle should only be lifted at the points indicated in the illustrations ⇒ Fig. 137 and 
⇒ Fig. 138. If the vehicle is not lifted at the points shown, it could fall off the lifting platform 
when work is carried out, e.g. when the engine or gearbox is removed.
•The vehicle jacking points must be placed on the centre of the vehicle lift support surfaces, 
with as much surface contact between the vehicle and the support surfaces as possible.
•Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vibration of the engine could cause 
the vehicle to fall off the lifting point.
•If work has to be carried out underneath the lifted vehicle, secure the vehicle with suitable 
jack stands with a sufficient load-bearing capacity.
•Never climb up the lifting platform.
•Always ensure that the vehicle is not heavier than the lifting capacity of the lifting platform.
WARNING
•Never lift the vehicle by the engine oil sump, the gearbox or the front or rear axle.
•To prevent damage to the underside of the vehicle when lifting, rubber pads must be used. 
Ensure that the lifting platform arms are able to move freely.
•The lifting platform arms must not be allowed to come into contact with the sills or any 
other part of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Handling the vehicle incorrectly will increase the risk of accident and injuries.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Observe the owner's manual.
WARNING
Handling the vehicle incorrectly could lead to the vehicle becoming damaged.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Carry out service jobs in accordance with the service schedule.
•Observe the owner's manual.
NOTICE