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: