Fig. 56 On the front passenger side: key switch for disabling and enabling the front airbag on the
front passenger side
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger front airbag must be switched off when securing a rear-facing child seat to
the front passenger seat.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold out the key bit of the vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Use the open key bit to turn the key switch ⇒ Fig. 56 to the OFF position.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•When the ignition is switched on, the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp will light
up permanently in the dash panel ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Enabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold out the key bit of the vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Use the open key bit to turn the key switch ⇒ Fig. 56 to the ON position.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•Check that the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the dash panel does not
light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Identifying characteristics for a disabled front passenger front airbag
A disabled front passenger front airbag is identified only when the PASSENGER AIR BAG
indicator lamp is displayed in the dash panel ( lights up yellow continuously)
⇒ Indicator lamps.
If the indicator lamp in the dash panel is not lit up steadily, or if it lights up at the same
time as indicator lamp in the instrument cluster, do not attach any child restraint system to the
front passenger seat for safety reasons. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an
accident.
Side airbags
Fig. 57 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zone of the side airbag (variant A). On the side of
the front seat: location and deployment range of the side airbag (variant B)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional circumstances.
•To prevent damage to the airbag system, only switch the front passenger front airbag on
and off when the ignition is switched off.
•It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated switch is set to the correct
position.
•Only switch the front passenger front airbag off if, in exceptional circumstances, a child
seat has to be attached to the front passenger seat.
•Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the child seat on the
front passenger seat is no longer being used.
WARNING
LATCH/UCRA universal anchorage attachment points and top tether, including in North
America⇒ Securing child seats using lower anchoring points (ISOFIX, LATCH).
Three-point automatic seat belt and top tether⇒ Securing child seats with a seat belt.
The systems consist of attachments for child restraint systems with a top tether and lower
anchoring points in the seat.
Using a child seat on the front passenger seat
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Not all countries allow you to transport children on the front passenger seat. Not every child seat is
suitable for use on the front passenger seat. Volkswagen dealerships keep an up-to-date list of all
authorised child seats. Only use child seats that have been authorised for your vehicle.
The active front airbag on the front passenger side presents a major danger to a child. Transporting
a child in a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat can pose a danger to the child's life.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, an inflating front passenger front
airbag can strike it with such force that critical or fatal injuries may occur ⇒. Therefore, never
use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat when the front passenger front airbag is
activated.
Only use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat when you have ascertained that the
front passenger front airbag has been switched off. This is confirmed when the yellow indicator
lamp in the dash panel PASSENGER AIR BAG lights up ⇒ Airbag system. If the front
passenger front airbag cannot be switched off and stays active, do not transport any children on
the front passenger seat⇒.
What to be aware of when using a child seat on the front passenger seat:
•The front passenger front airbag must be deactivated when a rear-facing child seat is being
used ⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using the key-
operated switch.
•The front passenger seat backrest must be in an upright position.
•The front passenger seat must be pushed as far back as it will go.
•In vehicles with height-adjustable seats, the front passenger seat must be as high as possible.
Suitable child seats
The child seat must be specially authorised by the manufacturer for use on the front passenger seat
in vehicles with front and side airbags.
Universal child seats in groups 0, 0+, 1, 2, or 3, as specified in ECE-R 44, can be fitted to the front
passenger seat.
Using a child seat on the rear seats
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When fitting a child seat to a rear seat, the position of the front seat must be adjusted to ensure that
the child has sufficient space. Adjust the front seat according to the size of the child seat and child.
If a child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, the risk to the child of sustaining critical
or fatal injuries in the event of an accident increases. Never use a rear-facing child seat on
the front passenger seat if the front passenger front airbag is enabled. The child could suffer
fatal injuries when the front airbag is activated as the child seat will be hit by the airbag with
full force and thrown against the seat backrest.
DANGER
If, in exceptional circumstances, a child is being transported in a rear-facing child seat on the
front passenger seat, the following rules apply:
•The front passenger front airbag must be switched off and remain switched off.
•The child seat must be approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on a front
passenger seat with front or side airbags.
•Follow the fitting instructions from the child seat manufacturer and observe all warnings.
•Push the front passenger seat back as far as possible and adjust it to the highest position,
to keep as far away as possible from the front airbag.
•Adjust the backrest to an upright position.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised restraint system suitable for their
height and weight.
DANGER
Turn the light switch to the required position ⇒ Fig. 62:
ItemWhen the ignition is switched
off
When the ignition is switched on
The fog lights, dipped beam headlights
and side lights are switched off.
Lights switched off, daytime headlights are
switched on.
The side lights are switched on.The side lights are switched on.
The dipped beam headlights are
switched off. The side lights may still
light up for a short time.
The dipped beam headlights are switched
on.
Fog lights:
The indicator lamps or in the light switch or instrument cluster indicate that the fog lights
are switched on.
•To switch the fog light on, pull the light switch out of the position or to the first
stop.
•To switch the rear fog light on, pull the light switch out of position or as far as it
will go.
•To switch the fog lights off, press the light switch or move it to position .
Acoustic warnings if lights are not switched off
If the key is removed from the ignition lock and the driver door is opened, an acoustic warning will
sound in any of the following situations. This will remind you to switch off the lights as necessary.
•Permanent parking light on both sides of the vehicle ⇒ Lights and vision – functions.
•If the light switch is in position or .
•If the light switch is in position .
Lights and vision – functions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Permanent parking light on both sides of the vehicle
When the light switch is in position with the ignition switched off and the vehicle has been
locked from the outside, both headlights and the rear lights light up.
Daytime running lights
There are separate lights in the headlights for the daytime running lights.
Only the separate lights light up when the daytime running lights are switched on ⇒.
When the light switch is in position , the daytime running lights are switched on every time the
ignition is switched on.
In cool or damp weather, the interior of the headlights, rear lights and turn signals may mist
up briefly. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the lights on your vehicle.
Attaching adhesive strips to headlights
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The side lights or daytime running lights are not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead
and to ensure that other road users are able to see you.
•Always switch the dipped beam headlights on if it is dark, raining or visibility is poor.
WARNING
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have
difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
•Never drive with daytime running lights if the street is not sufficiently lit due to weather and
lighting conditions. The daytime running lights are not bright enough to illuminate the road
ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see you.
•The rear lights will not be switched on with the daytime running lights. If the rear lights are
not switched on, the vehicle may not be visible to other road users if it is dark, raining, or if
visibility is poor.
WARNING
If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or vice versa, the
asymmetric dipped beam headlights may dazzle oncoming traffic.
Therefore you may have to apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight lenses if you are driving
abroad. A qualified workshop can provide you with further information. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Stickers may only be used on the headlights for a limited period. Please contact a qualified
workshop for a permanent alteration. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for
this purpose.
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Fig. 63 Next to steering wheel: headlight range control
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Headlight range control
Depending on what level it is set to, the headlight range control ⇒ Fig. 63 adjusts the position of the
light cones in the headlights according to the load level of the vehicle. This gives the driver the best
visibility possible and means that oncoming traffic will not be dazzled ⇒.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam headlights are switched on.
To adjust, turn the control ⇒ Fig. 63:
SettingVehicle load level
–Front seats occupied and luggage compartment empty.
1All seats occupied and luggage compartment empty.
2All seats occupied and luggage compartment fully loaded.
3Only the driver seat occupied and luggage compartment fully loaded.
Instrument and switch lighting
The instrument and switch lighting will have a constant brightness setting if the side lights or dipped
beam are switched on.
If you have different loads, you can select a position between the settings.
Interior and reading lights
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Button or positionFunction
Switching off the interior light.
Switching on the interior light.
Switching door contact switch on (central position).
The interior light is switched on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ignition
lock.
The light will go out a few seconds after all the doors are closed, the
vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Switching the individual reading lights on or off.
The interior lighting and reading lights switch off when the vehicle is locked or after a delay of
a few minutes when the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock. This prevents the battery
from discharging.
a)
Heavy objects in the vehicle can cause the headlights to dazzle and distract other road users.
This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•The light cone should always be adjusted to the load level of the vehicle to ensure that
other road users are not dazzled.
WARNING
a)
Starting the engine, changing gear and
parking
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobilizer
Immobilizer display
If the vehicle key is not valid or there is a fault in the system, then may be displayed in the
instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started ⇒ Electronic immobilizer.
Push-starting or towing
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead.
Additional information and warnings:
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Steering ⇒ Steering
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Fuel ⇒ Fuel
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
•Tow starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
•Observe the operating instructions for any device that you plug into the socket.
•Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the whole vehicle electrical
system.
•12-volt socket:
- Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with the relevant
guidelines on electromagnetic compatibility.
- Never feed electricity into the socket.
NOTICE
While driving
Ignition lock
Fig. 93 Vehicle key positions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 93
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
Engine is started. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released,
the vehicle key moves back to position ①.
If the vehicle key is left in the ignition for a long period with the engine switched off, the
vehicle battery could discharge.
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the vehicle.
This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is stationary.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
loss of consciousness and death.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended. The vehicle could
move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage and
serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. A start booster can explode and cause the engine to suddenly
run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic
converters or heat shields.
WARNING
Always take care when using the vehicle key as you could cause accidents or serious injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be
started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can
cause serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to
safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93①.
2.Fully depress the clutch pedal until the
engine has been started.
Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.
3.Shift the gear stick to a neutral position.Place the selector lever in position N.
4.Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 93② – do not depress the
accelerator.
5.Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the procedure and repeat it after approximately one minute.
7.Release the handbrake if you wish to pull away ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
Natural gas engines
The gas engine will only start with gas. It is possible to start the engine with petrol under the
following conditions:
•Very low outside temperatures.
•The mixture adjustment after filling is not yet complete.
•Natural gas tank is empty.
Do not warm up the engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as
soon as there is good visibility through the windows. This helps the engine to reach operating
temperature more quickly and reduces emissions.
Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
Stopping the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.The vehicle must be completely stationary ⇒.
2.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until step 4 has been completed.
3.Place the selector lever in position D or R.
4.Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
5.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93⓪.
6.Select 1st gear or reverse gear.
Never leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly,
particularly if a gear or position is selected, and cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
A start booster can explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
•The starter and the engine can be damaged if you attempt to start the engine while the
vehicle is in motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been switched
off.
•When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading
the engine.
•Do not push-start or tow-start the engine. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter.
NOTICE
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for
some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator
fan will switch itself off automatically.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the key. It automatically deactivates the immobilizer when the vehicle key is
inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the
ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine Volkswagen vehicle key with the correct code.
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership ⇒ Vehicle key set.
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been used, the display in the instrument cluster will show
. The vehicle cannot be used if this occurs. Remove the non-authorised vehicle key from
the ignition lock and used an authorised vehicle key.
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Changing gear
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamp
⇒ Pedals
⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Automated manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Changing gear with Tiptronic
⇒ Driving with an automated manual gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox
⇒ Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is
switched on:
•The reverse light comes on.
•The rear window wiper will move once when the windscreen wipers are switched on.
•The ParkPilot may switch on.
Additional information and warnings:
•Overview of the centre console ⇒ Overview of the centre console
•Instruments ⇒ Instruments
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot
•Engine management system and exhaust purification system ⇒ Engine management system
and exhaust purification system
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle
control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. More force is required on
the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
•The power steering will not function if the engine is switched off, and more force will be
required to steer the vehicle.
•If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you will
no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine could overheat when it
is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral for
approximately 2 minutes before switching it off.
NOTICE