
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. 

Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The start/stop system is not available. 
Automatic engine stop active.
The start/stop system is available, but an 
automatic engine stop is not possible.
Check whether all technical requirements 
have been fulfilled. If not, remedy any 
shortfalls ⇒ Start/stop system.
Start/stop system cannot start the engine.
Start the engine again manually using the 
vehicle key ⇒ Starting and stopping the 
engine.
Fault in the alternator.⇒ Vehicle battery
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system not available.Proceed to a qualified workshop.
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.
Start/stop system
Fig. 103 In the upper part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When the start/stop system is active, the engine is switched off whenever the vehicle is stationary. 
The engine then restarts automatically as soon as it is required.
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster 
display shows information about the current status ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
•When the vehicle is stationary, disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal. The engine is 
stopped.
The intelligent technology of the pull-away assist systems cannot overcome the laws of 
physics. Never let the extra convenience afforded by pull-away assist systems tempt you into 
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The pull-away assist systems cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic 
conditions.
•A pull-away assist system cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it 
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
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 it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE 

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 

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