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. 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
•Pull on both sides of the child seat.
Child seats with adjustable attachment belts
•Observe the child seat manufacturer's instructions when fitting or removing the child seat ⇒.
•Position the child seat on the seat cushion and attach the hooks from the attachment belts onto
the retaining rings ⇒ Fig. 59.
•Pull the attachment belts to ensure that they are equally taut. The child seat must fit snugly to
the vehicle seat.
•Pull on both sides of the child seat.
Securing child seats with the top tether
Fig. 60 Example of a fastened top tether
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Observe the instructions provided by the child seat manufacturer when fitting or removing the
child seat ⇒.
•Release the seat backrest and fold the backrest forwards slightly ⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Remove the head restraint located behind the child seat and stow it securely in the vehicle
⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
•Guide the top tether of the child seat back between the backrest and the luggage compartment
cover into the luggage compartment.
•Fold back the seat backrest and push it firmly to lock it in place.
•Attach the child seat to the lower anchoring points ⇒ Securing child seats using lower anchoring
points (ISOFIX, LATCH).
•Fasten the top tether to the retaining rings in the luggage compartment ⇒ Fig. 60.
•Stretch the belt so that the child seat is positioned high on the backrest.
Reinstall the head restraints after the child seat has been removed⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
Lights and vision
Lights
The lower anchoring points for the child seats are not fastening rings. Fit child seats to the
lower anchoring points only.
WARNING
•In order to avoid permanent marks on the seats, the insert guides should be removed from
the anchoring points when there is no child seat fitted to them.
•In order to avoid damage to the seat covers, the seats or the insert guides, the insert
guides must always be removed from the anchoring points before folding the rear bench
seat forwards.
NOTICE
Child seats attached using the lower anchoring points and top tether must be fitted according
to the instructions from the manufacturer. Failure to do so could lead to severe injuries.
•Never attach more than one top tether from a child seat to one retaining ring in the
luggage compartment.
•Only use the specially fitted retaining rings when attaching the top tether.
•Never fasten the top tether to one of the fastening rings.
WARNING
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Turn signal and main beam lever
⇒ Switching lights on and off
⇒ Lights and vision – functions
⇒ Attaching adhesive strips to headlights
⇒ Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
⇒ Interior and reading lights
Observe any country-specific regulations when using vehicle lighting.
The driver is responsible for the correct headlight position and the correct headlight setting.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs
Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The rear fog light is switched on.⇒ Fog lights:.
Left or right turn signal.
The indicator lamp will flash twice as fast if
one of the turn signals on the vehicle is not
working.
If necessary, check the vehicle
lighting.
Main beam is switched on or the headlight
flasher is being operated.⇒ Turn signal and main beam lever.
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.
Turn signal and main beam lever
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other
road users have difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
•Always switch the dipped beam headlights on if it is dark, raining or visibility is poor.
WARNING
Setting headlights too high, and the incorrect use of the main beam, could distract and dazzle
other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always ensure that the headlights are adjusted correctly.
•Never use the main beam or the headlight flasher if other road users could be dazzled.
WARNING
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and so that no part of the
exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material underneath the
vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel, oil etc.
•Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents, both for you and for other road users.
If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle to warn
other road users.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
Fig. 61 Turn signal and main beam lever in the basic position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Move the lever into the required position:
Right turn signal ⇒.
Left turn signal ⇒.
Switch on the main beam ⇒. When the main beam is switched on, an indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up.
Operate the headlight flasher or switch off the main beam. The headlight flasher comes on
for as long as the lever is pulled. The indicator lamp lights up.
Return the lever to the basic position to switch off the current function.
Lane change flash
To operate the lane change flash, push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance
and then release the lever. The turn signal flashes three times.
This lane change flash function can be deactivated at a qualified workshop.
The turn signal will only work when the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights
also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ In an emergency.
If one turn signal fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam headlights are
already on.
Switching lights on and off
Fig. 62 Next to the steering wheel: examples of the various light switches
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Observe any country-specific regulations when using vehicle lighting.
Incorrect use of turn signals, a failure to use turn signals, or forgetting to switch off a turn
signal can confuse other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always activate the turn signal in good time when changing lanes and performing
overtaking or turning manoeuvres.
•Always switch off the turn signal once the lane change or overtaking or turning manoeuvre
has been completed.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the main beam headlights can lead to accidents and serious injuries as the
main beam headlights can distract and dazzle other road users.
WARNING
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)