
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 

Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 126 Changing the windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 127 Changing the rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The factory-fitted windscreen wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures 
that the windscreen wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is 
damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regular basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be 
changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty ⇒.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Windscreen wiper blades can be bought 
from a qualified workshop.
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Note for the front windscreen wiper: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting 
them ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Clean the windscreen wiper blade carefully using a damp cloth ⇒.
•Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
•Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 126① and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in 
the direction of the arrow.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until it 
engages.
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe 
injuries.
•Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.
•Ice, snow and mist must be removed from the inside and outside of all windows.
WARNING
•Never combine the recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents for use in the 
windscreen washer fluid. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the washer 
jets.
•Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This can 
cause the glass to crack.
•The heating elements for the rear window heater are located on the inside of the rear 
window. Never apply stickers over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the 
rear window with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals.
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: 

The discharged vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical system.
The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are 
connected.
Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again 
after about half a minute.
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Attaching the jump leads
•Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
•If necessary, open the battery cover in the engine compartment ⇒ Vehicle battery.
•Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal ⇒ Fig. 171⊕ or ⇒ Fig. 172⊕ in 
the vehicle with the discharged battery Ⓐ ⇒.
•Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal ⊕ in the vehicle providing 
assistance Ⓑ.
•In vehicles without start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative 
terminal ㊀ in the vehicle providing assistance Ⓑ ⇒ Fig. 171.
•In vehicles with start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead Ⓧ to a suitable 
earth connection, to a solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder or to the cylinder 
block itself ⇒ Fig. 172.
•Connect the other end of the black jump lead Ⓧ to a solid metal component bolted on to the 
engine block, or onto the engine block in the vehicle with the discharged battery. Do not 
connect it to a point near the battery Ⓐ ⇒.
•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the 
engine compartment.
Starting the engine
•Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.
•Start the engine of the car with the discharged vehicle battery and wait two or three minutes 
until the engine is running smoothly.
Removing the jump leads
•Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights if they are switched 
on.
•Turn on the heater blower and rear window heater in the vehicle battery with the discharged 
battery. This helps minimise the voltage peaks generated when the leads are disconnected.
•With the engines running, disconnect the jump leads in the exact reverse order to the 
instructions given above.
•Close the battery cover.
Tow-starting and towing
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒  Notes on tow-starting
⇒ Notes on towing
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the battery to explode, which can lead to 
serious injuries. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of the battery exploding:
•All work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical 
burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety information before 
carrying out any kind of work on the vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle battery.
•Always wear suitable eye protection and never lean over the vehicle battery.
•Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by the 
negative.
•Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump lead 
attached to the positive vehicle battery terminal must not touch metal parts of the vehicle.
•Check the window on the vehicle battery using a torch if necessary. If the display is light 
yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. The gas emitted from the 
vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
•Do not use jump leads to start the engine if the vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has 
ever been frozen.
WARNING