Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must be
on a level, the wheels must be blocked and the vehicle key must be removed from the
ignition lock.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra support
for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, which can lead to
serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know exactly
how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a
qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not been carried out
properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no
longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position N or move the
manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap
of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and injuries.
- After cooling, turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting
some downwards pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries and
death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The vehicle battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.
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 Starting and stopping the
engine.
Allow the engine to cool sufficiently.
Children and other people should be kept well away from the engine compartment.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away unexpectedly.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other fluids on the ground, the vehicle
should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in the
engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near or directly in the radiator fan. Touching the rotary blades can
result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can start automatically,
even if the engine has been switched off and the vehicle key has been removed from the
ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive
belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always be
particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair
can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work, remove any
jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid them getting
caught in the engine compartment.
- Always depress the accelerator carefully and never without due consideration. The
vehicle can start to move even if the handbrake is applied.
•Always ensure that you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and
fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and can
cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke while working on the vehicle.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and hence
cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the electrical
system:
- Always disconnect the vehicle battery.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When refilling or changing operating fluids please ensure that the fluids are in the correct
container. Incorrect operating fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine
damage.
NOTICE
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt operating fluids must be
collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Warning lamp for coolant
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
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.
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant temperature is
too low in vehicles with natural
gas engine.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Coolant temperature too high.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and when
safe to do so. Switch off the engine, leave the
engine to cool down.
Coolant level too low.
Do not drive on!
After the engine has cooled down, check the
coolant level and refill engine coolant if the level is
too low ⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling
coolant.
With display --.- in the
instrument cluster:
fault in the engine cooling
system.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance.
In some vehicles, the coolant temperature display may be displayed on the screen of the
portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and
renewal of parts.
Coolant specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least
40% coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J). The coolant additive is dyed purple. This mixture of
water and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°F) and protects
the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. The mixture also prevents scaling and
raises the boiling point of the coolant.
In order to protect the coolant system, the proportion of coolant additive must always be at least
40%, even if anti-freeze is not required in warm weather and warm climates.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can
be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60%, as this would
reduce the frost protection and the cooling effect.
When topping up the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive - G 13 -
or - G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain
the optimum corrosion protection ⇒. Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-
VW 774 F), - G 12 - (dyed red) or - G 11 - (dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of
corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided ⇒.
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always observe any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
•Unscrew the cap carefully ⇒.
•Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification (⇒ Coolant specification) ⇒
.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 123. Do not fill up
over the top line of the marked area⇒!
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the coolant of the required specification
(⇒ Coolant specification), do not use any other coolant additive. Instead, initially refill with
distilled water⇒ only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as
possible ⇒ Coolant specification.
Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary
procedures and the general safety requirements and only unsuitable tools are available ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried
out incorrectly.
Location of the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Hot steam or engine coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of the
engine compartment. Always wait until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or
heard.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet. Hot
components can burn the skin.
•Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position N or move the
manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap
of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some downward
pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine
due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine failure. If
any other type of water is refilled, the fluid in the engine cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 123. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause
damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as
possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•When refilling operating fluids, please ensure that the correct container is filled. The use of
incorrect operating fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
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
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system cannot start the
engine.⇒ Pull-away assist systems
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.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 125 In the engine compartment: possible position of the window on top of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in
hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with a start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. For technical reasons, it might not be possible to check the electrolyte level in these
vehicle batteries.
Preparation
•Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ .
Checking the electrolyte level
•Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames
or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
•The colour display in the round window ⇒ Fig. 125 on the top side of the vehicle battery will
change according to the electrolyte level.
Colour displayAction
Light yellow or colourless
The electrolyte level of the vehicle is too low. The vehicle battery
should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if
necessary.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct.
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.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
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
How the vehicle battery discharges:
•Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is
switched on.
•The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.
Dispose of the vehicle battery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic
substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of
them properly.
Vehicle care and maintenance
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Washing the vehicle
⇒ Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
⇒ Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
⇒ Waxing and polishing the vehicle
⇒ Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts
⇒ Cleaning wheels
⇒ Care of rubber seals
⇒ De-icing the door lock cylinders
⇒ Underseal
⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also
be one of the requirements for the approval of warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint
defects.
Suitable care products are available from Volkswagen dealers.
Additional information and warnings:
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Incorrectly attaching the battery and using incorrect vehicle batteries can cause short circuits,
fire and serious injuries.
•Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties,
specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.
•Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can
even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
•A vehicle battery must be replaced if it has been frozen.
•Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and
then the negative cable.
WARNING
•Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or
the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the
vehicle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be
damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example in the start/stop system.
•Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery
charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery. This
can damage the vehicle electrical system.
NOTICE