
•If the system still fails to respond as expected, have the system checked by a qualified
workshop.
Trailer Assist
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Prerequisites
⇒ Operation
⇒ Troubleshooting
Trailer Assist helps the driver when
reversing or manoeuvring the vehicle
when towing a trailer.
The trailer manoeuvring system steers a trailer by adjustment of the rotary knob for the exterior
mirrors. The driver must control the accelerator, gear changes and brake!
System limits
The camera may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer drawbars, thin rails, fences,
posts, trees and open or opening boot lids. This can result in damage to your vehicle.
The camera must be kept clean and free of ice and snow, and must not be covered up by stickers
or other objects, as this will prevent the system from working properly. The drawbar must not be
covered.
Trailer Assist should only be used when the boot lid is fully closed.
The trailer manoeuvring system will be automatically ended around ten minutes after
activation. The function will also be ended if no driver interaction is detected within a period of
approximately three minutes.
Prerequisites
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following prerequisites must be met for the trailer manoeuvring system to function:
•Engine running.
•ESC is switched on.
•Driver door and boot lid are closed.
•Exterior mirrors are not folded in.
•A single- or- two-axle trailer without steered axles is hitched to the vehicle and electrically
connected.
•Vehicle and trailer are stationary.
•Do not exceed the maximum jack-knifing angle.
•The drawbar length has been determined.
Determining the drawbar length
Trailer Assist requires a few turning and cornering manoeuvres to enable it to determine the length
of the drawbar. The more accurately it can determine the length of the drawbar, the bigger the
angles available when manoeuvring. The trailer manoeuvring system divides the available
maximum limit positions on the angle display into four steps: approx. 30°, 45°, 60° and 75°.
For technical reasons, the trailer manoeuvring system cannot always detect trailers with LED
rear lights correctly.
The trailer manoeuvring system does not use the area around the vehicle for orientation.
No obstacle detection takes place. Drivers must judge for themselves whether the trailer
can be manoeuvred safely.
•Always pay close attention to the movements of the trailer and, if required, stop the
manoeuvre to avoid causing any damage. On rare occasions the trailer may behave
differently, even when Trailer Assist is operated correctly.
•Do not rely only on the displays in the instrument cluster.
NOTICE

Operation
Fig. 161 Operating the trailer manoeuvring system on the instrument cluster display: setting the
angle; reversing.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 161:
Rotary knob for adjusting the exterior mirror.
Align the trailer to the left.
Align the trailer to the right.
Move the vehicle in the direction of the trailer.
Current trailer position.
Target trailer position.
Zero position on the angle display.
Manoeuvring the vehicle and trailer
The checklist conditions are met ⇒ Prerequisites.
•Select reverse gear.
•Press the button.
•Release the steering wheel ⇒.
•Tilt the rotary knob until the desired direction is reached. A representation of the current position
of the vehicle and trailer is shown on the instrument cluster display for orientation
purposes ⇒ Fig. 161.
•Reverse slowly by pressing the accelerator. Check area around vehicle!
•Correct the angle with the rotary knob if necessary. Press the rotary knob to the left and right –
the vehicle combination moves to the left or right. Press the rotary knob to the rear – the vehicle
follows the trailer.
•Reverse and drive forwards until the required position is reached.
•The manoeuvring operation has been completed when a corresponding message is displayed
on the instrument cluster. A signal tone may also sound.
Automatic braking intervention
Trailer Assist helps the driver by initiating an automatic braking intervention in certain situations.
The driver is responsible for braking in time ⇒.
An automatic braking intervention may occur and the function may be cancelled in the following
situations:
•If a certain speed is exceeded.
•If the driver takes hold of the steering wheel. The vehicle is automatically braked to standstill.
•If the button is pressed while manoeuvring or the driver door is opened.

Electronic Stability Control (ESCyf
ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving situations
⇒.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ESC can be switched to a Sport mode ⇒ Switching TCS on
and off.
When ESC is regulating, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster display.
Traction control system (TCSyf
The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road surface
conditions. The TCS makes it easier to pull away, accelerate and drive up hills.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances
⇒ Switching TCS on and off.
When the TCS is regulating, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster
display.
Anti-lock brake system
The anti-lock brake system can prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up
until the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle
and keeping it under control.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system
reinforces brake pressure when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency
situation.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal when the brake assist system is regulating. If you
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake servo.
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDSyf
EDL brakes the wheel that has lost traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive
wheels.
The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the disc brake from
overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDS applies pressure to the brake of the wheel on the inside of the bend. This will improve traction,
helping the vehicle to remain in the required lane longer.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of an accident, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to
reduce the risk of skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking.
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only in front, side and rear collisions when
the airbag control unit detects a corresponding trigger threshold during the accident.
The ESC brakes the vehicle automatically, provided that the hydraulic braking system, the ESC and
the electrical system are undamaged in the accident and remain functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of an accident:
•When the driver depresses the accelerator. No automatic braking occurs.
•When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the
brake pressure provided by the system. The vehicle is braked manually.

Switching TCS on and off
Fig. 162 In the centre console: button for switching TCS on and off manually.
If the vehicle does not have sufficient traction, you can switch off TCS in the following situations:
•When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
•When rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud.
Then switch the TCS function back on.
Switching TCS or ESC Sport on and off
Depending on the vehicle equipment, TCS and ESC Sport can be switched off via the Infotainment
system or using the button ⇒ Fig. 162.
When the TCS is switched off, ESC Sport is switched on, or the Off-road or Off-road Individual
driving profiles are active, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster display.
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Driving fast on icy, slippery or
wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the
driver and passengers.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems anti-lock
brake system, brake assist system, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you into taking any risks
when driving.
•The brake support systems cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery and wet roads will
remain dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.
•Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road
surface and aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has
lost contact with the road surface.
•Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if e.g. you are driving too close to
the vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the specific driving situation.
•Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the
vehicle in difficult driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability
of the vehicle depends on the tyre grip.
•When accelerating on a slippery surface, e.g. on ice and snow, press the accelerator
carefully. The wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active, and this
can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.
WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems
which affect driving dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly.
This also applies, but not exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other systems named
above.
•Please always note that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the
function of the anti-lock brake system, brake assist system, TCS, EDL and ESC.
•Alterations to the suspension system or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre
combinations can affect the function of the anti-lock brake system, brake assist
system, EDL, TCS and ESC and reduce their effectiveness.
•Suitable tyres are also crucial if ESC is to function optimally ⇒ Wheels and tyres.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will
have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to
the lack of assistance for the brake system.
WARNING

Technical requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the engine cooling system when trailer towing. The
engine cooling system must contain sufficient engine coolant and be able to cope with the extra
load added by the trailer.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations.
Trailer tail light clusters
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors,
additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations.
Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights84 watts
Turn signal per side42 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights42 watts
Rear fog light42 watts
Australia
All brake lights108 watts
Turn signal per side54 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights54 watts
Rear fog light54 watts
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends
additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for
towing a trailer.
Electrically adjustable ball coupling
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached
from the towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or to its fastenings. The towing bracket
must not prevent the rear bumper from functioning correctly.
•Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.
WARNING
•The vehicle electronics may be damaged if the trailer's power consumption is too high.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or to other sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide
power to the trailer.
NOTICE

Rear light, left
Reversing light
Permanent positive
Permanent positive
Earth for pin 10
Not assigned
Earth for pin 9
Trailer socket
A 13-pin trailer socket makes the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
When the vehicle detects a trailer through the electrics, the consumers in the trailer are supplied
with electrical current via the electrical connection (pins 9 and 10yf 3 L Q L V D V V L J Q H G D V W K H
permanent live, enabling operation of e.g. interior trailer lighting.
Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with power only when the engine
is running (pin 10yf .
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not inter-connect the three earth wires (pins 3, 11
and 13yf .
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. Pin 10 is then without
function.
If you are uncertain whether the electrical connection of the trailer with the vehicle is correct, please
contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm
The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:
•When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.
•When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
•When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer is interrupted.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm (trailer with LED tail light clustersyf
For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm
system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer with LED rear lights is interrupted.
Any electrical accessories which are not connected properly could cause a power surge to
the trailer. This could lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system and
could also cause accidents and serious injuries.
•All work on the electrical system should only be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
towing vehicle's tail light clusters or to other power sources.
WARNING
Contact between the pins in the trailer socket can lead to short circuits, overloading of the
electrical system and failure of the lighting system, thereby causing accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.
•Have bent pins repaired by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the
trailer from the vehicle. The vehicle could rock up and down if the load changes or if there
is damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on
the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.
NOTICE

If a lurching motion is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the
trailer's rocking motion using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
•The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
•Electronic Stability Control and the traction control system (TCSyf D U H D F W L Y H 7 K H L Q G L F D W R U O D P S
or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
•The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mphyf .
•The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
•The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
•Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 194 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
•Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
WARNING
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
•Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
•Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function
and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
•A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle
is equipped with trailer stabilisation.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
•Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if
the trailer socket is being used without a trailer (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lightingyf .
WARNING

Emission control with AdBlue
Fig. 197 Behind the tank flap: tank cap for AdBlue.
Fig. 198 Behind the tank flap: refilling AdBlue with the refill bottle or nozzle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 197 and ⇒ Fig. 198:
Tank filler neck cap.
Refill bottle.
Filler nozzle.
AdBlue is a registered trademark and is also known as AUS32 or DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluidyf .
The AdBlue consumption figures depend on the driving style, the operating temperature and the
ambient temperature. The remaining range and refill quantity can be checked on the instrument
cluster display.
The AdBlue tank must never run empty. As of a remaining distance of approximately 2,400 km,
the instrument cluster display will indicate that the AdBlue must be refilled ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Preparing to refill
•Stop vehicle on a level surface.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1 ⇒.
Opening the tank filler neck
•Open the tank flap.
Engine emissions contain carbon monoxide that can cause people to lose consciousness
and can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine in closed spaces.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.
•Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converters, particulate filter or heat shields.
WARNING
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