Fig. 117 Open tank flap with tank cap attached to the holder
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Switch off the engine, ignition and the mobile telephone before filling the tank and leave them
switched off during the process.
Opening the tank cap
•The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
•Open the tank cap by the moulding to the rear.
•If necessary, fold the key bit out of the vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the vehicle key in the tank flap lock and turn anticlockwise.
•Turn the tank cap anticlockwise and hook it on top of the tank flap ⇒ Fig. 117.
Filling the tank
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is shown on a sticker on the inside of the tank flap ⇒ Fuel.
•The fuel tank is full when the (properly operated) automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first
time ⇒.
•Do not continue filling the tank after it switches off. The expansion space in the fuel tank will
otherwise fill up and the fuel could spill out. This could also happen when the fuel warms up and
expands.
Closing the tank cap
•Turn the tank cap clockwise into the fuel filler neck until it perceptibly engages.
•Turn the vehicle key in the lock cylinder of the tank flap clockwise and pull it out.
•Close the tank flap. The tank flap must be flush with the vehicle bodywork.
Natural gas engines
Run the petrol tank empty every 6 months until the indicator lamp lights up. This is necessary to
maintain necessary system function for petrol mode and fuel quality.
Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed
of properly.
Filling the tank with natural gas
Fig. 118 With the tank flap open: tank cap ①, gas filler neck ②, gas filler neck seal ③
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not continue filling the tank once the filler nozzle stops automatically. The fuel tank could
be overfilled. This can cause fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause fires, explosions
and serious injuries.
WARNING
Remove spilt fuel from all vehicle components as quickly as possible in order to avoid damage
to the wheel housing, tyres and vehicle paint.
NOTICE
Windscreen washer fluid level Windscreen wiper and washer
Engine oil level Engine oil
Engine coolant level Coolant
Brake fluid level Braking, stopping and parking
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres
equipment, service fluids and unsuitable tools are not available ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are
uncertain. Please ensure that the following are checked regularly, preferably every time you fill
the tank:
Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light ⇒ Lights
Information on changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Petrol
⇒ Natural gas
Different engines require different fuels. The factory-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap
indicates the fuel type that is required for your particular vehicle.
Volkswagen recommends using low-sulphur or sulphur-free fuels, to help reduce fuel consumption
and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel
quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and
drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If
these symptoms occur immediately after the vehicle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as
soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assistance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Engine management and exhaust system ⇒ Engine management system and exhaust
purification system
Petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Petrol types
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on unleaded petrol in compliance with the European
standard EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 ⇒. Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) can
be used for refuelling.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number, e.g. 91, 95, 98 or 99 RON (RON =
Research Octane Number). The vehicle may be filled with petrol that has a higher octane number
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and serious burns and injuries.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable.
•Never handle fuel near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).
•Keep naked flames, hot parts and sparks at a safe distance.
•Switch off your mobile telephone or two-way radio when dealing with fuel. Electromagnetic
radiation can generate sparks which can in turn start a fire.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation in the direct vicinity of fuels.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
•Comply with any relevant safety information and legislation concerning the handling of
fuels.
WARNING
than the engine requires. However, this does not provide any advantage in terms of fuel
consumption or engine output.
Volkswagen recommends using fuel with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free fuel for petrol
engines in order to achieve reduced fuel consumption.
Petrol additives
The quality of petrol influences the running properties, performance and service life of the engine.
This is why the vehicle should be refuelled with good quality petrol that has only non-metallic
additives pre-added by the petroleum industry. These petrol additives help to prevent corrosion,
keep the fuel system clean, and prevent the build-up of deposits in the engine.
If good quality petrol containing non-metallic additives is not available, or if engine problems arise,
the necessary petrol additives must be added to the petrol when refuelling ⇒.
Not all petrol additives are effective. The use of unsuitable petrol additives can cause considerable
damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Metallic additives should be avoided at all times.
Petrol additives on sale that are intended to improve knock resistance or increase the octane
number can also contain metallic additives ⇒.
Volkswagen recommends genuine Volkswagen or Audi fuel additives for petrol engines. These
additives and information on how to use them are available from your Volkswagen dealership.
Natural gas engines
Run the petrol tank empty every 6 months until the indicator lamp lights up. This is necessary to
maintain the required system function for petrol mode and fuel quality.
Natural gas
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Natural gas
Natural gas can be delivered in compressed or liquefied form.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is produced by rapid cooling of the natural gas. This decreases the
volume considerably in comparison to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). A vehicle equipped with a
natural gas engine may not be refilled directly with liquefied natural gas as the gas would expand
too much once in the tank in the vehicle.
Vehicles fitted with a natural gas engine may therefore only be refilled and driven using
compressed natural gas ⇒.
Natural gas quality and consumption
Natural gas is available in two grades: H-gas and L-gas.
H-gas has a higher calorific value and a lower nitrogen and carbon dioxide content. The higher the
calorific value of the natural gas the lower the levels of consumption.
The calorific value and the nitrogen or carbon dioxide values may, however, vary within one quality
group. For this reason, the vehicle consumption may vary when using natural gas of the same
quality.
•Before filling up with petrol, check whether the fuel corresponds to the vehicle's
requirements according to the fuel standard information at the pump.
•Only use fuel that complies with EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 and has the correct octane
number. Otherwise, the engine and the fuel system can suffer considerable damage. The
engine can also lose power or fail.
•The use of unsuitable petrol additives can cause considerable damage to the engine and
catalytic converter.
•If, in an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the
recommended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible.
•Fuels that are identified at the fuel pump as containing metallic additives may not be used.
LRP fuel (lead replacement petrol) also contains high concentrations of metallic additives.
Risk of engine damage!
•Just one tankful of leaded fuel, or fuel containing other metallic additives, can seriously
impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter and can also cause considerable damage to
the catalytic converter and engine.
NOTICE
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
Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-
pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot
sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒.
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.
•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the
underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.
WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
WARNING
•The water should be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle
paintwork.
•Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can
damage the surface.
•Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. It
is best to use soapy water.
•Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and
seals could freeze.
NOTICE
Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order
to avoid damage to the vehicle:
•Ensure that the gap between the guide rails in the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle
track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.
•Switch off the city emergency brake function before driving the vehicle into an automatic
car wash.
•Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•In order to prevent damage to the paintwork on the bonnet, fold the windscreen wipers
back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the
glass.
•Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally in the car wash.
NOTICE
•Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blade for the rear window
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Lift the wiper blade arm and fold away at an angle of 60°.
•Press and hold the release button ①.
•Tilt the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 127 (arrow Ⓐ) and pull it off in the
direction of the arrow Ⓑ at the same time. You may need to use some force to do this.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm against the
direction of the arrow. Push it on until it engages ⇒ Fig. 127Ⓑ. The wiper blade must be in the
tilted position (arrow Ⓐ).
•Place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.
Wax deposits on the windscreen and rear window could cause the wiper blades to rub.
Remove wax residue using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths.
Waxing and polishing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Waxing
Waxing protects the paintwork. You will need to re-wax the vehicle with a good hard wax if water
no longer clearly forms small drops and runs off the paintwork when it is clean.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, Volkswagen recommends protecting the
paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by
applying wax.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal
the paint.
Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Use a damp, clean, lint-free and soft cloth to clean the surfaces.
•For heavy soiling use a special solvent-free cleaning product.
•Polish the chrome and aluminium trim parts using a soft, dry cloth.
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and
severe injuries.
•Therefore, always change windscreen wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no
longer clean the windscreen properly.
WARNING
•Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers can scratch the windscreen.
•Detergents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp objects can damage the
graphite coating.
•Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the
windows.
NOTICE
•In order to avoid damage, painted parts with a matt finish, plastic parts, headlight lenses
and the tail lights should not be treated with polish or hard wax.
•Do not polish the paint if the vehicle is in a sandy or dusty environment or if it is dirty.
NOTICE
Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that there is a fault in the vehicle or if your vehicle has been damaged, read and
observe the following information before contacting a Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop. You may also find useful information in the index under the headings Things to note or
Checklist.
IrregularitySome possible causesPossible solution
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery is discharged.
– Jump start the engine ⇒ Starting the
engine with jump leads.
– Recharge the vehicle battery
⇒ Vehicle battery.
An incorrect vehicle key is
being used.
Use a valid vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key
set.
The fuel level is too low.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked with the
vehicle key.
– The battery in the vehicle
key is discharged.
– The vehicle key is too far
away from the vehicle.
– Replace battery ⇒ Vehicle key set.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronise vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle
key set.
– Unlock or lock vehicle manually
⇒ Manual opening and closing.
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, brake assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock, auxiliary heater,
filling up with natural gas.
Refer to the index under entries for
Noises.
Unusual handling.
Assist systems are active.Refer to the index under entries for
Assist systems.
An incorrect tyre pressure is
being used.
Check tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels and
tyres.
Damage to the tyre or wheel.
Check the rims and tyres regularly for
damage ⇒ Wheels and tyres and
replace as necessary ⇒ Changing a
wheel.
The vehicle has no
vehicle jack, spare wheel
or breakdown set.
Equipment depends on type
of vehicle.
No direct solutions possible as it
depends on the equipment level.
Contact a Volkswagen dealership if
necessary ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
The road ahead is not lit
up properly.
– Headlight has been masked
for driving on the left or on the
right.
– Headlight not adjusted
correctly.
– Bulbs have failed.
– Dipped beam headlight not
switched on.
– Mask the headlights accordingly for
driving on the left or right ⇒ Lights.
– Adjust headlight range ⇒ Lights.
– Change bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
– Switch dipped headlights on
⇒ Lights.
Electrical consumers not
working.
Low vehicle battery charge.Recharge vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Low fuel level.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Fuse blown.Check fuse and replace as necessary
⇒ Fuses.
Fuel consumption is
higher than indicated.
– Short distances driven.
– Uneven acceleration.
– Avoid driving short distances.
– Think ahead when driving.
– Accelerate evenly.
An electrical consumer is
switched on.
Switch off all consumers that are not
needed.
Fault in engine management
system.
Have the fault rectified ⇒ Engine
management system and exhaust
purification system.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels
and tyres.
Driving in hilly regions.No direct solutions possible.
Driving with a heavy load.No direct solutions possible.
Driving at high engine speed.Select a high gear.
In an emergency
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Making you and your vehicle safe
⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher
Additional information and warnings: