Are any technical modifications required for driving the vehicle abroad, e.g. masking the
headlights?
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and
repair work?
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?
For petrol engines: is unleaded petrol with the correct octane number available?
And for gas engines: is compressed natural gas (CNG) available Fuel?
Are the correct engine oil (Engine oil) and other service fluids that comply with Volkswagen
specifications available in the destination country?
Will the portable navigation unit Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
work with the navigation data available in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Checklist
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related legislation apply that may
differ from the construction of the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends that you visit your
Volkswagen dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and
the following issues at your destination:
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such an
extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•When driving through water, always switch off the start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist
systems.
Technical data
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Vehicle identification data
⇒ Engine data
⇒ Dimensions
⇒ Performance figures
The vehicle data sticker in the service schedule or the vehicle registration documents show which
engine is installed in your vehicle.
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data. All data in this manual
apply to the basic model. The figures may be different if additional equipment is fitted, for different
models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, inadequate
servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in
winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that have
been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE
Rims
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The design of the wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel
bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that the
wheels are fitted securely and that the brake system works properly ⇒ Changing a wheel.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This can
also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type.
The tyres and rims approved by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the
vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must always be tightened with the correct tightening torque ⇒ Changing a wheel.
Rims with bolted-on rings
Rims with bolted-on rings consist of several components. These components are fastened using
special bolts and special fastening technology. This ensures that the wheel functions properly, does
not leak, remains safe and runs true. For this reason, damaged rims should be replaced. They may
only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose ⇒.
Rims with bolted-on trims
Rims may have removable trims that are attached to the rim with self-locking bolts. Damaged trims
may only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose ⇒.
Rims identification
In some countries, new rims are legally required to contain certain specifications on them.
Depending on the country the following specifications can appear on the rims:
•Seal of conformity
•Rim size
•Name of manufacturer or brand name
•Date manufactured (month / year)
•Country of origin
•Production number
•Raw materials batch number
•Product code
New wheels and tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New tyres
•Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in.
Tyres that have not been run in have reduced grip ⇒ and braking effect ⇒.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread.
The use of unsuitable or damaged rims can impair vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injury.
•Only use rims that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Check the rims regularly for damage and replace as necessary.
WARNING
Incorrect loosening and tightening of the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings can cause
accidents and serious injury.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•All work on rims with bolted-on rings must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING
Service fluids and consumables
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. toothed belts, tyres, coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and
vehicle batteries, are being constantly developed. For this reason, service fluids and consumables
should be replaced at a qualified workshop. A Volkswagen dealership is always kept up to date on
innovations.
Leaking service fluids can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected in
suitable containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Repairs and technical modifications
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Repairs and modifications must always be carried out according to Volkswagen specifications⇒
.
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the vehicle may cause
faults. As the electronic components are linked together in networks, these faults may indirectly
affect the working of other systems. This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of
components, and also invalidate the type approval for the vehicle.
The Volkswagen dealership cannot be held liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications and/or work performed incorrectly.
The Volkswagen dealership cannot be held liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications and/or work performed incorrectly, nor are these covered by the Volkswagen
guarantee.
Volkswagen recommends that all repairs and technical modifications are performed by an
authorised Volkswagen dealership using Volkswagen Genuine Parts.
Vehicles with special auxiliary equipment or body parts
The manufacturer of these components must ensure that these parts (fittings) adhere to the
stipulated environmental laws and regulations, particularly the EU directive 2000/53/EC concerning
end-of-life vehicles and EU directive 2003/11/EC concerning the restriction on the marketing and
use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
Incorrectly performed repairs or modifications to your vehicle can impair the effectiveness of
the airbags, cause faults, accidents and fatal injury.
•Never secure or mount objects such as drink holders or telephone holders either on or
next to the airbag covers or within the deployment zones of the airbag modules.
•Objects either on or next to the airbag module covers or are in the deployment zone of the
airbags can cause serious or even fatal injuries should the airbags be activated.
WARNING
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the incorrect use of these fluids and
consumables, can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Service fluids must be kept in their original sealed container.
•Never store service fluids in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers could drink them.
•Keep children away from all service fluids and consumables.
•Always read and follow the information and warnings on the service fluid packaging.
•When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well-
ventilated area.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for
vehicle care. They are toxic and highly flammable. They could cause fires and explosions.
WARNING
•Only use suitable service fluids for refilling. Never use the wrong service fluid. Failure to
observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.
•Optional equipment and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect
of the coolant. The engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high engine
loads.
NOTICE
®
Preparation
•Switch off the ignition, the lights and all electrical consumers.
•Open the appropriate fuse box ⇒ Fuses in the vehicle.
Detecting a blown fuse
A melted metal strip indicates that the fuse has blown ⇒ Fig. 160.
Shine a torch onto the fuse. This will help you to spot the blown fuse more easily.
Changing a fuse
•Take the plastic pliers ⇒ Fig. 161① out of the holder if needed. The holder is on the rear side of
the fuse box near the diagnosis connection.
•For small fuses, push on the catch ⇒ Fig. 161① from above ⇒ Fig. 161A.
•For bigger fuses, push the catch ⇒ Fig. 161① onto the fuse from the side ⇒ Fig. 161B.
•Remove the fuse
•If the fuse has blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same amp rating (same colour and same
markings) and same size ⇒.
•Insert the cover again or close the fuse box cover.
•If used, replace the pliers in the holder behind the fuse box.
Changing bulbs
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Information on changing bulbs
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front headlights
⇒ Changing bulbs in the front bumper
⇒ Changing bulbs in the tail light cluster
⇒ Changing the bulb in the number plate light
⇒ Changing bulbs in the side turn signals
Changing the vehicle bulbs requires considerable technical skill. If you do not feel confident with the
procedure, Volkswagen recommends that you have the bulbs changed by a Volkswagen
dealership, or that you seek other expert assistance. Contact a qualified workshop if other vehicle
parts around the lights need to be removed.
You should keep a box with spare light bulbs for the lights that ensure the vehicle is roadworthy in
the vehicle at all times. Spare bulbs are available from Volkswagen dealerships. In some countries
it is a legal requirement to have these spare bulbs in the vehicle.
It may be illegal to drive with a defective bulb in the exterior lighting.
Additional bulb specifications
Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different
to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Lights and vision ⇒ Lights and vision
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Fuses ⇒ Fuses
You can damage another position in the electrical system by using a fuse with a higher amp
rating.
NOTICE
•You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not
working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.
•Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
•Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.
AbbreviationDefinition
rpmRevolutions per minute – engine speed.
ABSAnti-lock brake system.
AG55-speed automated manual gearbox.
TCSTraction control system.
BASBrake Assist system.
ccmCubic centimetres. Unit of displacement.
CNGCompressed Natural Gas.
COCarbon dioxide.
DINGerman Standards Authority (Deutsches Institut für Normung).
DRLDaytime running lights.
EBDElectronic brake pressure distribution system.
EDLElectronic differential lock.
EUEuropean Union.
ENEuropean standard.
EPCEngine management system (electronic power control).
ESCElectronic stabilisation programme.
EECEuropean Economic Community.
VINVehicle identification number
g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per kilometre.
CCSCruise control system.
kNKilonewton, pulling power.
kpKilopond, pulling power.
kPaKilopascal, value for tyre inflation pressure.
kWKilowatt, engine power.
LEDLight-emitting diode.
MFDMultifunction display.
ECEngine code.
NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.
RONResearch octane number, indication of the knock resistance of petrol.
MG55-speed manual gearbox.
TCTraction control.
TINT Tyre identification number (TIN).
tripTrip recorder.
TWITread wear indicator.
Volkswagen AG works continuously to develop and improve its vehicles. Please understand that we
must therefore reserve the right to alter any part of the vehicle and its equipment or technical
specifications at any time. The data provided concerning scope of delivery, appearance,
performance, dimensions, weights, fuel consumption, standards and vehicle functions are all
correct at the time of going to print. Some of the equipment described might not yet be available in
a particular vehicle (information can be provided by your local Volkswagen dealership), and some
equipment may not be available in certain countries. No legal commitment may be inferred from the
information, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reprinted, reproduced or translated without the written permission of
Volkswagen AG.
All rights under the laws of copyright are expressly reserved by Volkswagen AG. Subject to
alteration and amendment.
Printed in Germany.
© Volkswagen AG 2012
This paper was bleached without the use of chlorine.
Abbreviations
2