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.
Starting the engine, changing gear and
parking
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobilizer
Immobilizer display
If the vehicle key is not valid or there is a fault in the system, then may be displayed in the
instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started ⇒ Electronic immobilizer.
Push-starting or towing
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead.
Additional information and warnings:
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Steering ⇒ Steering
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Fuel ⇒ Fuel
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
•Tow starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
•Observe the operating instructions for any device that you plug into the socket.
•Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the whole vehicle electrical
system.
•12-volt socket:
- Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with the relevant
guidelines on electromagnetic compatibility.
- Never feed electricity into the socket.
NOTICE
While driving
Ignition lock
Fig. 93 Vehicle key positions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 93
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
Engine is started. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released,
the vehicle key moves back to position ①.
If the vehicle key is left in the ignition for a long period with the engine switched off, the
vehicle battery could discharge.
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the vehicle.
This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is stationary.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
loss of consciousness and death.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended. The vehicle could
move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage and
serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. A start booster can explode and cause the engine to suddenly
run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic
converters or heat shields.
WARNING
Always take care when using the vehicle key as you could cause accidents or serious injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be
started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can
cause serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to
safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for
some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator
fan will switch itself off automatically.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the key. It automatically deactivates the immobilizer when the vehicle key is
inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the
ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine Volkswagen vehicle key with the correct code.
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership ⇒ Vehicle key set.
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been used, the display in the instrument cluster will show
. The vehicle cannot be used if this occurs. Remove the non-authorised vehicle key from
the ignition lock and used an authorised vehicle key.
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Changing gear
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamp
⇒ Pedals
⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Automated manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Changing gear with Tiptronic
⇒ Driving with an automated manual gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox
⇒ Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is
switched on:
•The reverse light comes on.
•The rear window wiper will move once when the windscreen wipers are switched on.
•The ParkPilot may switch on.
Additional information and warnings:
•Overview of the centre console ⇒ Overview of the centre console
•Instruments ⇒ Instruments
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot
•Engine management system and exhaust purification system ⇒ Engine management system
and exhaust purification system
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle
control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. More force is required on
the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
•The power steering will not function if the engine is switched off, and more force will be
required to steer the vehicle.
•If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you will
no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine could overheat when it
is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral for
approximately 2 minutes before switching it off.
NOTICE
•Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Warning and indicator lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Fault in the automated manual gearbox.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can
cause considerable damage to the gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox.
Gears in the automated manual gearbox
cannot be selected correctly.
Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
Automated manual gearbox temporarily
overheated.
Allow the gearbox to cool down in selector
lever position . If the indicator lamp
remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
Selector lever for the automated manual
gearbox in position and the brake
pedal not depressed.
To select a position, press the brake pedal
⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
In conjunction with the yellow indicator
lamp for gearbox temperature :
automated manual gearbox overheated.
Depress the break pedal ⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking and allow the gearbox to cool
down. Do not perform pulling-away
manoeuvres in the meantime. If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
In conjunction with the flashing display
on the instrument cluster: the selector
lever for the automated manual gearbox
is not in position , prompt to start the
engine.
Move the selector lever to and start the
engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Flashing: vehicle with an automated
manual gearbox is not secured from
rolling away.
Apply the handbrake ⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking.
You are prompted in conjunction with
the indicator lamp to depress the brake
pedal : prompt to start the engine.
Move the selector lever to and start the
engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
During forward travel: attempt to place
automated manual gearbox selector
lever into position .
Stop the car and move the selector lever to
position so that it can then be moved to
position .
The selector lever for the automated
manual gearbox has been moved to
position or but the brake pedal
was not depressed.
Depress the brake pedal ⇒ Braking,
stopping and parking, move the selector
lever to position and then back to the
required position or .
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This
can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather,
road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause the
brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking
distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
WARNING
•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to
brake. This will increase levels of wear.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or in
vehicles with an automated manual gearbox in Tiptronic mode, move the selector lever to a
lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the
brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. The brakes should only be
used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE
Fault in the automated manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Emergency programme
There may be a fault in the system if warning and indicator lamps for the automated manual
gearbox light up in the vehicle cluster ⇒ Warning and indicator lamp. When certain faults occur, the
automated manual gearbox runs in an emergency programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the
emergency programme, but only at reduced speed and not in all gears.
With an automated manual gearbox it may then be the case that the vehicle can no longer be
driven in all gears.
In all cases the automated manual gearbox should be checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating in the automated manual gearbox
The automated manual gearbox can overheat, for example if the vehicle regularly pulls off from the
starting position or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by a warning lamp displayed
in the instrument cluster. An acoustic warning may also be heard. Stop the vehicle and allow the
gearbox to cool down ⇒.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In some vehicles, the instrument cluster will show which gear should be selected while the vehicle
is in motion to reduce fuel consumption.
DisplayMeaning
The current gear is optimal.
A higher gear is recommended.
A lower gear is recommended.
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This
can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather,
road and traffic conditions permit.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle or
through your driving style.
WARNING
If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by depressing
the accelerator while a position is still selected. The automated manual gearbox could
overheat and be damaged.
NOTICE
•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the lamp signal and acoustic warning are repeated approximately every 10 seconds, the
vehicle must immediately be parked safely and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox
to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the lamp goes out.
You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while the gearbox is
overheated.
NOTICE
Driving in the correct gear can reduce fuel consumption.
The display on the gear-change indicator will disappear when the clutch pedal is depressed.
In some vehicles the gear recommendation may be displayed on the screen of the portable
navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts.
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Handbrake
⇒ Parking
⇒ Information on the brakes
⇒ Brake assist systems
⇒ Brake fluid
The brake assist systems are the electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBV), anti-lock
brake system (ABS), the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDS), traction
control (TC), the traction control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilisation programme (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
The gear-change indicator is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the driver's
own judgement.
•The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations, e.g. when
overtaking or when driving up and down hills.
CAUTION
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible cause ⇒Solution
Handbrake is applied.⇒ Handbrake.
Brake system fault.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
Brake fluid level is too low.Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level ⇒ Brake fluid level.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp
: ABS and EDV not functioning.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
ESC switched off by the system.Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary,
drive a short distance.
ESC fault.Proceed to a qualified workshop.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp
: ABS fault.
Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of
15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be
checked by a qualified workshop ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Traction Control fault or switched off for
system-related reasons.
Go to qualified workshop ⇒ Traction Control
System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC).
In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp
: ABS fault.
Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•If you have reason to believe that the brakes are worn down or the brake system is faulty,
go to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system checked and have any
worn brake pads replaced.
WARNING
Incorrect parking can cause serious injuries.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the
vehicle.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Always apply the handbrake fully when the vehicle is parked.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
release the handbrake, move the selector lever or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle
in motion. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can still
be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls still can be operated,
potentially causing serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to
safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
WARNING
•To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly
and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
•Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects
that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when
parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels
touch the bollards or kerbs.
•Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other
objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the
running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.
NOTICE