- Lever with buttons for operating the Volkswagen information system - , /
⇒ Volkswagen information system
Horn (works only when the ignition is switched on)
Ignition lock ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine
Pedals ⇒ Changing gear
Lever for adjusting the steering column ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
Driver front airbag ⇒ Airbag system
Stowage compartment ⇒ Stowage area
Overview of the centre console
Upper section of the centre console
Fig. 7 Overview of the upper section of the centre console
Key for ⇒ Fig. 7:
Air vent, non-adjustable ⇒ Heating, ventilating, cooling
Hazard warning lights button ⇒ In an emergency
Indicator lamp for the front passenger front airbag switch-off
function PASSENGER AIRBAG ⇒ Airbag system
Button for the right-hand seat heating ⇒ Seat functions or button for the rear window
heating (alternative fitting location) ⇒ Heating, ventilating, cooling
Radio (factory fitted) ⇒BookletRadio,
Button for the left seat heating ⇒ Seat functions
Switch for rear window heating ⇒ Heating, ventilating, cooling
Button for start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
Controls for:
- Heating and fresh air system ⇒ Heating, ventilating, cooling
- Air conditioning system ⇒ Heating, ventilating, cooling
Portable navigation system ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
Lower section of the centre console
SymbolMeaning ⇒See
Do not drive on!
The electromechanical steering is faulty or not working.
Driver or front passenger seat belt not fastened.
⇒ Seat belts
There are objects on the front passenger seat.
Fault in the alternator.⇒ Vehicle battery
Vehicles with start/stop system: manual engine start
required.
⇒ Pull-away assist
systems
Fault in the automated manual gearbox.⇒ Changing gear
Lit up: there is a fault in the ESC, or it has been switched of
for system-related reasons
OR: together with the ABS indicator lamp : ABS fault.
OR: the vehicle battery has been reconnected.
⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking
Flashing: ESC/TCS is taking corrective action.
Lit up: Traction Control fault or switched off for system-
related reasons.
Flashes: Traction Control active.
ABS faulty or not functioning.
The rear fog light is switched on.⇒ Lights
Lit up or flashing: catalytic converter fault.⇒ Engine
management
system and exhaust
purification system
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power
Control).
Electromechanical steering function reduced.⇒ Steering
Petrol tank nearly empty.⇒ Filling the tank
Natural gas tank nearly empty.⇒ Filling the tank
Fault in airbag and belt tensioner system.⇒ Airbag system
Automated manual gearbox overheated, or the gears
cannot be selected correctly.⇒ Changing gear
Flashing: vehicle with an automated manual gearbox is not
secured from rolling away.
Changing gear
⇒ Changing gear
Braking, stopping
and parking
⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking
Turn signal left or right.⇒ Lights
Hazard warning lights switched on.⇒ In an emergency
Cruise control system is controlling the speed.⇒ Cruise control
system (CCS)
Depress the brake pedal.
Changing gear
⇒ Changing gear
Braking, stopping
and parking
⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking
Main beam is switched on or the headlight flasher is being
operated.⇒ Lights
Engine coolant temperature is too low in vehicles with
natural gas engine.⇒ Coolant
Seat belt fastened for a rear seat passenger.
⇒ Seat belts
Seat belt not fastened for a rear seat passenger.
Immobilizer active.⇒ Starting and
stopping the engine
After switching on the ignition: Display to indicate that a
service is due soon.
⇒ Instruments
Black ice warning. The outside temperature is below
+4°C (+39°F).
Flashing quickly: City emergency brake function braking
automatically or has braked automatically.
⇒ City emergency
brake function
Flashing slowly: City emergency brake function currently
not available.
City emergency brake function has been switched on
manually. Switches off after approx. 5 seconds.
City emergency brake function has been switched off
manually.
Lit up: start/stop system is available.
Flashing: start/stop system is not available.⇒ Pull-away assist
systemsStart/stop system is available, but an automatic engine stop
is not possible.
•Press the button on the vehicle key. Remain standing close to the vehicle.
•Unlock the vehicle with the key bit within one minute. The synchronisation process is complete.
Central locking system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Description of the central locking system
⇒ Locking or unlocking the vehicle from outside
⇒ Locking or unlocking the vehicle from the inside
⇒ SAFELOCK mechanism
The central locking system will only work correctly when all doors and the tailgate are properly
closed. The vehicle cannot be locked with the key if the driver door is open.
If the vehicle is unlocked and not used for a long time (e.g. in your own garage) the vehicle battery
could discharge or the engine may not start.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Doors ⇒ Doors
•Tailgate ⇒ Tailgate
•Electric windows ⇒ Windows
•Electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof ⇒ Electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
Description of the central locking system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all doors and the tailgate from one point:
•From outside the vehicle with the vehicle key ⇒ Locking or unlocking the vehicle from outside.
•From inside the vehicle with the central locking button ⇒ Locking or unlocking the vehicle from
the inside.
Certain functions for the central locking system can be activated or deactivated by a qualified
workshop.
The doors and the tailgate can be locked or unlocked manually if the vehicle key or central locking
system fails.
Locking the vehicle after the airbags have been triggered
The entire vehicle is unlocked if the airbags are activated during an accident. After an accident, the
vehicle can be locked by one of the methods below, depending on the damage incurred.
FunctionAction
Locking the vehicle with the
central locking button.
– Switch off the ignition.
– Open one of the vehicle doors once.
– Press the central locking button .
Locking the vehicle using the
vehicle key.
– Switch off the ignition.
OR: remove the key from the ignition lock.
– Open one of the vehicle doors once.
– Lock the vehicle with the vehicle key.
Improper use of the central locking system could lead to serious injury.
•The central locking system locks all doors. Locking the vehicle from the inside may
prevent the doors from being opened unintentionally and unauthorised persons from
entering the vehicle. However, locked doors can delay assistance to passengers inside
the vehicle in the event of an accident or emergency.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. All doors can be
locked from the inside using the central locking button. This may mean that people lock
themselves in the vehicle. People locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or
very low temperatures.
•Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach extremes of heat or cold, according to
season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially for small
children.
•Never leave anyone inside a locked vehicle. People in the vehicle could become trapped
in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety.
WARNING
The dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If the seat belts are not worn or are worn incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases.
Seat belts can only provide optimal protection if the seat belt routing is correct. Assuming an
incorrect sitting position considerably impairs the level of protection provided by a seat belt. This
could lead to severe or even fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased
when a triggering airbag strikes an occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position. The
driver is responsible for all vehicle passengers, especially if they are children.
The following list contains examples of sitting positions that could be dangerous for all occupants.
Whenever the vehicle is in motion:
•Never stand in the vehicle.
•Never stand on the seats.
•Never kneel on the seats.
•Never tilt the backrest too far to the rear.
•Never lean against the dash panel.
•Never lie on the rear bench seat.
•Never sit on the front edge of a seat.
Assuming an incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can increase the risk of severe or fatal
injuries during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, in the event of a collision or accident,
or if the airbags are triggered.
•All vehicle occupants must assume a correct sitting position before setting off and
maintain this position throughout the trip. This also applies to the fastening of seat belts.
•The number of vehicle occupants must never exceed the number of seats with seat belts
in the vehicle.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised restraint system suitable for their
height and weight ⇒ Child seats (accessories)⇒ Airbag system.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion. Never place your feet
on the seat or on the dash panel and never hold your feet out the window. The airbag and
seat belt can otherwise not provide optimal protection and can actually increase the risk of
injury during an accident.
WARNING
Always adjust seats, seat belts and head restraints to their correct position before any journey
and ensure that all passengers have fastened their seat belt.
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
•Adjust the driver seat in such a way that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone
and the hub of the steering wheel. Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or
backwards so that you are able to press the pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly
angled and the distance to the dash panel in the knee area is at least 10 cm. If your
physical build makes it impossible to fulfil this requirement, you must contact a qualified
workshop so they can make any necessary modifications.
•Never travel with the backrest tilted far back. The further back the backrest is tilted, the
greater the risk of injury caused by incorrect seat belt routing or an incorrect sitting
position.
•Never travel with the backrest tilted far forwards. When an airbag is triggered it could force
the seat backrest backwards and injure vehicle occupants on the back seats.
•Adopt and maintain the greatest possible distance to the steering wheel and dash panel.
•You should always sit upright with your back against the seat backrest with the front seats
properly adjusted. Do not position any body part too close where the airbags are fitted.
•The risk of serious injury is increased for passengers on the rear seat if they are not sitting
upright because the seat belts are incorrectly positioned.
WARNING
Incorrect adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•The seats may only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary as the seat could otherwise
change position unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, leading to a loss of control of
the vehicle. Furthermore, an incorrect seating position is adopted while adjusting the seat.
•Only adjust the height and tilt of the seat or move it forwards and backwards when the
area around the seat is clear.
•There should be no objects in the adjustment area of the front seats.
WARNING
Switch off the seat heating when the seat is not occupied.
FunctionAction ⇒ Fig. 41
Switching onPress the button. The seat heating is switched on at the
highest setting. All indicator lamps light up in the button.
Adjusting the heating
outputPress the button again until the required heating level is set.
Switching offPress the button until the indicator lamps in the button go out.
If the second temperature level has been switched on for more than 15 minutes, it will automatically
switch to the first temperature level. Only one indicator lamp will be lit up.
The seat heating should be switched off as soon as it is no longer needed. Fuel is otherwise
wasted.
Seat belts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•Stowage ⇒ Stowage area
•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
Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis
or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when
using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never heal fully.
Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.
•Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat
heating.
WARNING
Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.
•Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.
•Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.
•Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.
•Do not spill any liquids on the seat.
WARNING
•To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure
at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
•Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials (such as a protective cover or child seat) on
the seat could damage the seat heating.
•If the system starts to emit a smell, switch the seat heating off immediately and have it
checked by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly.
Keep the seat belts clean.
Never let any foreign bodies or fluids get on to the seat belt, the latch plate or into the slot
for the seat belt buckle.
Do not trap or damage the seat belt and latch plate, for example when closing the door.
Never remove, modify or repair the seat belt or any part of the belt fixture system.
Always fasten the seat belt correctly before every journey and keep it fastened while the
vehicle is in motion.
Fig. 48 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold
the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in
the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the
vehicle ⇒ Fig. 48.
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the
kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag
system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus
decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce
the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every
trip – even if you are only planning to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also
wear their seat belts properly.
Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore,
properly worn seat belts improve the protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident.
This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For
example, the front airbags will only be triggered in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags
will not be triggered during minor frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or
accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat
belts properly before you drive off.
Using seat belts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Using seat belts ⇒:
Twisted seat belt
If it is difficult to remove the seat belt from the belt guide, the seat belt may have become twisted if
it was returned too quickly into the side trim:
•Take hold of the latch plate then slowly and carefully pull out the seat belt.
•Untwist the seat belt and guide it back slowly by hand.
Fasten the seat belt even if you are unable to undo the twist. However, the twist should not be in
part of the seat belt that comes into direct contact with the body. The twist should be corrected
immediately by a qualified workshop.
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Using seat belts incorrectly increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
•Regularly check to see if the seat belt and its related parts are in perfect condition.
•Always keep the seat belt clean.
•Do not allow the belt webbing to become jammed, damaged or to rub on any sharp edges.
•Always keep the latch plate and slot in the buckle free from foreign bodies and liquids.
WARNING
Fig. 52 Correct seat belt routing during pregnancy
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts only provide an optimum level of protection during an accident when they are routed
correctly. Correct seat belt routing reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Correct seat belt
routing also holds the vehicle occupants in position so that an inflating airbag can offer the
maximum level of protection. Therefore you must always fasten your seat belt and ensure that the
seat belt routing is correct.
Assuming an incorrect sitting position can cause severe or fatal injuries ⇒ Adjusting the seat
position.
Correct seat belt routing
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must always lie on the centre of the shoulder, never across
the neck, over or under the arm or behind the back.
•The lap part of the seat belt must always lie across the pelvis, never across the stomach.
•The seat belt must always lie flat and snugly on the body. Tighten the belt if necessary.
For pregnant women the seat belt must be positioned evenly over the chest and as low as possible
over the pelvis. It must lie flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body – this applies in
every stage of pregnancy ⇒ Fig. 52.
Correct seat belt routing according to height
The following equipment can be used to adjust the seat belt routing:
•Height-adjustable front seats ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
If a person's physical build prevents them from routing the seat belt properly, contact a
qualified workshop to find out about any special modifications so that the seat belts and airbags can
provide the optimum level of protection. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose.
Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat occupants are equipped with belt tensioners.
Incorrect seat belt routing can cause severe injuries in the event of an accident or a sudden
braking or driving manoeuvre.
•The seat belts only offer best protection when the backrests are in an upright position and
the seat belts have been fastened properly.
•The seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause serious injuries if the seat belt shifts from
harder body parts in the direction of softer body parts (e.g. the stomach).
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder and never under
the arm or across the neck.
•The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the chest.
•The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis and never across the stomach. The
seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis. Tighten the belt if necessary.
•For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must be as low as possible over the
pelvis and lie flat around the bulge of the belly.
•Do not twist the belt webbing while the seat belt is being worn.
•Never hold the seat belt away from the body by hand.
•The belt webbing should not lie over hard or fragile objects, such as glasses, pens or keys.
•Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar items to alter the seat belt routing.
WARNING
The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. A loose seat belt is retracted,
which can reduce the forward movement or the movement of the vehicle occupants in the direction
of the impact. The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the side airbags are not
activated, the belt tensioner will not be activated if the vehicle rolls over.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops
are familiar with these requirements.
The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with
legislation regarding disposal.
Airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of front passenger front airbag system
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Description and function of the airbags
⇒ Front airbags
⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using the key-operated switch
⇒ Side airbags
The vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front passenger. The front airbags can
provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head
restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are
meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must
always be worn, even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.
Additional information and warnings:
•Driving tips ⇒ Driving tips
•Central locking system ⇒ Central locking system
•Correct sitting position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•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
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt retractors
and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-professional. As a
result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or they may be triggered
unexpectedly.
•Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat
belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself
⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.
•Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be replaced.
WARNING