
Vehicles with auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation and vehicles with the 12-volt 
battery in the luggage compartment are fitted with special batteries. The acid level of these 12-volt 
vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical reasons. Go to a qualified workshop to have the 
12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Preparation (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the engine compartmentyf
•Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
Opening the cover of the 12-volt vehicle battery
To open, fold the cover open in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 232.
To close, fold the cover against the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 232.
Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle batteries with battery 
windowyf
•Ensure that enough light is available for you to clearly see the colours in the round window on 
the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 233 (arrowyf   1 H Y H U  X V H  Q D N H G  I O D P H V  R U  J O R Z L Q J  
matter (e.g. cigarettesyf  D V  D  O L J K W  V R X U F H .
•The colour displayed in the round viewer changes according to the electrolyte level in the 
battery.
Light yellow or without colourThe electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. The 12-
volt vehicle battery should be checked by a qualified workshop and replaced if necessary.BlackThe 
electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is correct.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt 
vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If you suspect that the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or faulty, go to a qualified workshop and 
have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Charging the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in 
factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒. Volkswagen 
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special 
safety features. If a 12-volt vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic 
compatibility, size and necessary maintenance, performance and safety requirements for the new 
12-volt vehicle battery with a Volkswagen dealership before purchase.
Only maintenance-free 12-volt vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and 
VW 7 50 73 should be used. These standards must be dated July 2012 or later.
In vehicles with a start/stop system or vehicles with an auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and 
ventilation, always have the 12-volt vehicle battery replaced by a qualified workshop, as the vehicle 
electronics must be adapted as part of the replacement process. Only qualified workshops have the 
technology required to carry out this adjustment correctly. Volkswagen recommends using a 
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Disconnecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
Please note the following if the 12-volt vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical 
system in the vehicle:
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and 
electric shocks.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When 
working with the 12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in 
particular are protected from acid spillages.
•Never tilt the 12-volt vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and 
cause chemical burns.
•Never open a 12-volt vehicle battery.
•If acid is spilt in your eye or on your skin, rinse immediately for several minutes with 
cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
•If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING 

•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.
•Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the anti-theft 
alarm.
•First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable ⇒.
Connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the 12-volt vehicle 
battery.
•First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable ⇒.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the 12-volt vehicle battery has been connected and the 
ignition is switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of approximately 
15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mphyf   , I  W K H  L Q G L F D W R U  O D P S V  U H P D L Q  O L W  X S   W K H  Y H K L F O H  V K R X O G  E H  F K H F N H G  E \  D  
qualified workshop.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for an extended period, the system may not able to 
calculate or correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instrument cluster. Observe 
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service.
Vehicles with Keyless Access:⇒ Central locking system: if the ignition cannot be switched on after 
connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery, lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside. Then try to start 
the ignition again. Please contact an expert if the ignition cannot be switched on.
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system management automatically implements a range of 
measures to prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging under high loads:
•The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.
•The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off 
completely.
•The power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while 
the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system management function cannot always prevent the 12-volt vehicle 
battery from discharging. For example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with 
the engine off, or when the side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended 
period.
Battery switch-off in an accident in which the airbag is triggered
In vehicles with 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the 
12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected pyrotechnically in the event of an accident in which the 
airbags are triggered. This prevents short-circuiting.
What can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to discharge?
•Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is 
switched on.
•The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.
•When the auxiliary heater is being used ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation. 

Dispose of the 12-volt vehicle battery in accordance with the regulations. 12-volt vehicle 
batteries may contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of 
them properly.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
12-volt vehicle battery
Fault in the alternator. Go to a qualified workshop. Have the electrical system checked. Switch 
off any electrical consumers that are not required. The 12-volt vehicle battery will not be charged by 
the alternator while the vehicle is in motion. The start/stop system cannot start the engine. 
⇒ Start/stop system 
Wheels and tyres
Tyre monitoring systems
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of tyre monitoring systems
⇒ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
⇒ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
⇒ Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
⇒ Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
The tyre monitoring system warns the 
driver when the tyre pressures get too 
low.
Incorrectly securing the battery and using incorrect 12-volt vehicle batteries can cause 
short circuits, fire and serious injuries.
•Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof 12-volt vehicle batteries that have the 
same properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle 
battery.
•In vehicles with the 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, ensure that the 
breather hose is connected properly to the 12-volt vehicle battery. Make sure that no 
open gas discharge openings are located in the area around the positive battery 
terminal. If there is an open breather opening in this area, it must be closed off with a 
sealing plug. The breather hose must be connected to the open breather opening in the 
area of the negative terminal.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is being 
charged.
•12-volt vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never charge a 12-volt vehicle battery that is frozen or that has thawed. Discharged 12-
volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°Fyf .
•The 12-volt vehicle battery must be replaced if it has ever been frozen.
•Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable 
and then the negative cable.
WARNING
•Never connect or disconnect 12-volt vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or 
the engine is running. Never use a 12-volt vehicle battery that does not correspond with 
the vehicle's specifications. This can damage the electrical system or electronic 
components, which can cause electrical faults.
•Never connect equipment that supplies electric power, such as solar panels or a 
battery charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the 12-volt 
vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle electrical system.
NOTICE 

If the tyre pressure is too low, this will increase fuel consumption and tyre wear.
When new tyres are driven at high speeds for the first time, they can expand slightly and 
trigger a one-off pressure warning.
Old tyres should only be replaced by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen for the 
vehicle type.
Do not rely solely on the tyre monitoring system. Check your tyres regularly to ensure that 
they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and 
blisters. Remove any objects that become embedded in the tyre tread but have not penetrated into 
the body of the tyre itself.
Types of tyre monitoring systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
There are two different tyre monitoring systems available for this vehicle. Their differing features are 
described below:
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
•Monitoring of various parameters (for example rolling circumferenceyf  R I  D O O  Z K H H O V  X V L Q J  $ % 6  
sensors (indirect measurementyf .
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
•Monitoring of the tyre pressure by means of pressure sensors on each tyre valve (direct 
measurementyf   7 \ U H  Y D O Y H  P D G H  R I  P H W D O .
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Functional description
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator uses data from the ABS sensors and other functions to check the 
speed of rotation and the rolling circumference of the individual wheels.
The rolling circumference can change:
•If the tyre pressure has been changed.
•If the tyre pressure is too low.
•If the tyre has structural damage.
•If the vehicle is loaded more heavily on one side.
•If snow chains have been fitted.
•If a temporary spare wheel has been fitted.
•If one wheel per axle has been changed.
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator  may react with a delay or not display anything at all in the 
event of a sporty driving style, when driving on snow-covered or icy roads or unpaved roads or 
when driving with snow chains.
Synchronising the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the  button or function button, depending on version ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
The intelligent tyre monitoring system technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, 
and functions only within the limits of the system. Incorrect handling of the wheels and 
tyres can lead to a sudden loss of pressure in the tyres, tread separation and even tyre 
blow-out.
•Check tyre pressures regularly and always maintain the specified tyre pressure value 
⇒ Tyre pressure. If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature 
will increase to such an extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Always maintain the correct cold tyre pressure as specified on the sticker ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•Check the tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold. If necessary, adjust the tyre 
pressure in the cold tyre to the recommended tyre pressure for the tyres installed on 
your vehicle ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Check your tyres regularly for signs of wear or damage.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
WARNING 

•Open the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Tyres function button.
•Touch the SET function button.
•When all four tyre pressures correspond to the required values, touch the Confirm function 
button.
After an extended driving time with driving at different speeds, the system will automatically learn 
the new values and monitor them.
•If the tyre pressures have been changed.
•If one or more wheels have been changed.
•If the wheels have been swapped round, e.g. from front to rear ⇒ Rotating wheels front to rear.
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator stops working if there is a fault in the ESC or ABS ⇒ Brake 
support systems.
After a warning about the tyre pressure being too low, switch the ignition off and then back 
on again. The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator can only then be re-synchronised.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Fig. 234 Typical display in the instrument cluster: current tyre pressures.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 234:
Target pressure in bar.
Actual pressure in bar.
Loss in pressure in front left.
System fault for rear right tyre.
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMSyf  P R Q L W R U V  W K H  W \ U H  S U H V V X U H  R I  W K H  I R X U  Z K H H O V  Z K L O H  
the vehicle is in motion using pressure sensors on the tyres. The system warns the driver in the 
event of a pressure loss.
Display of tyre pressures on the instrument cluster
Open the menu Vehicle status in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Instrument cluster. The vehicle 
is displayed with the target and actual pressures of all the wheels ⇒ Fig. 234.
When the ignition is switched on, the last measured tyre pressures will be displayed first; these 
values will be updated when the journey is started. If the tyre pressure is too low, the respective 
actual values and the affected tyres will be marked ⇒ Fig. 234.
If the tyres are in rest state, the sensors will not transmit any tyre pressures. This stops the sensor 
batteries discharging.
If no tyre pressures are transmitted, the last received values are shown in grey.
Switching the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System on and off
Observe any country-specific legal requirements for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
If a set of tyres is fitted to the vehicle where the tyres either do not have wheel sensors or have 
wheel sensors that are not compatible with the vehicle, the indicator lamp  will flash for 
approximately one minute and then light up steadily. The tyre pressures will not be monitored. The 
system cannot be switched off.
Adjusting the tyre pressure
Following any relevant change in the vehicle load, the tyre pressure must be checked and altered 
as necessary. The tyre pressures recommended for the vehicle are on a sticker on the driver door 
pillar or on the inside of the tank flap ⇒ Tyre pressure.
1yf 

Driving on unpaved roads for long periods, or a sporty driving style, can temporarily 
deactivate the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator. The indicator lamp shows the malfunction, but 
disappears if the road conditions or driving style change.
Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
 Lit up
•Do not drive on!
•Check all wheels for exterior damage or foreign bodies that have entered the tyres.
•Check the tyre pressure for all tyres ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Change the wheel or drive at a low speed to the nearest qualified workshop.
•Check and adjust the tyre pressure for all tyres ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Change the wheel or drive at a low speed to the nearest qualified workshop.
•Avoid long journeys and high speeds as long as the warning is displayed.
•Check ⇒ Tyre pressure and adjust the tyre pressure for all tyres.
 Flashes
•Switch off or avoid any disruptive sources, e.g. two-way radios, remote controls or children's 
toys.
•Switch the ignition off and then back on again. If the problem persists, seek expert assistance.
Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyre damage, tyre 
failure, loss of vehicle control, accidents, serious injury and death.
•If the indicator lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and check all 
the tyres ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
•Different tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can increase wear on the 
tyres, reduce vehicle stability and increase the braking distance.
•Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause sudden tyre 
failure and lead to a tyre bursting and the loss of control over the vehicle.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre pressure of all tyres on the vehicle. The 
recommended tyre pressure can be found on a sticker ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•The tyre monitoring system cannot function correctly until all cold tyres have the 
correct tyre pressure.
•The pressure in all tyres must always be appropriate to the vehicle load ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•Always inflate all tyres to the correct tyre pressure before every journey ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•If the vehicle is driven with insufficient tyre pressure, this results in greater tyre flexing. 
This could warm up the tyre to such an extent that the tread may separate and the tyre 
could burst. This could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
•High speeds and overloading of the vehicle may cause the tyres to heat up to such an 
extent that the tyre bursts, leading you to lose control of the vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the 
vehicle will not handle well.
•If the tyre is not flat and it is not necessary to change the wheel immediately, drive at 
low speed to the nearest qualified workshop and check and correct the tyre pressure 
⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
WARNING 

Useful information about wheels and tyres
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Handling wheels and tyres
⇒ Wheel rims and wheel bolts
⇒ Tyre pressure
⇒ Tread depth and wear indicators
⇒ Tyre damage
⇒ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
⇒ Tyre lettering and tyre type
⇒ Maximum load and speed range for tyres
⇒ Winter tyres
⇒ Snow chains
The tyres are the most used and most underestimated parts of a vehicle. Tyres are very important 
as the narrow tyre surfaces are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, handling and correct fitting.
Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyre damage, tyre 
failure, loss of vehicle control, accidents, serious injury and death.
•If the indicator lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and check all 
the tyres ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
•Different tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can increase wear on the 
tyres, reduce vehicle stability and increase the braking distance.
•Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause sudden tyre 
failure and lead to a tyre bursting and the loss of control over the vehicle.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre pressure of all tyres on the vehicle. The 
recommended tyre pressure can be found on a sticker ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•The tyre monitoring system cannot function correctly until all cold tyres have the 
correct tyre pressure.
•The pressure in all tyres must always be appropriate to the vehicle load ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•Always inflate all tyres to the correct tyre pressure before every journey ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•If the vehicle is driven with insufficient tyre pressure, this results in greater tyre flexing. 
This could warm up the tyre to such an extent that the tread may separate and the tyre 
could burst. This could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
•High speeds and overloading of the vehicle may cause the tyres to heat up to such an 
extent that the tyre bursts, leading you to lose control of the vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the 
vehicle will not handle well.
•If the tyre is not flat and it is not necessary to change the wheel immediately, drive at 
low speed to the nearest qualified workshop and check and correct the tyre pressure 
⇒ Tyre pressure.
WARNING 

If your vehicle has a flat tyre, park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance 
from moving traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch 
gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be placed fully back in position after changing the 
wheel.
Removing and fitting the caps
•Removing: take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook through the opening in the cap ⇒ Fig. 243 and pull off in the direction of 
the arrow.
•Fitting: press the caps on the bolts as far as they will go.
The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. It only fits onto the anti-theft wheel bolts and not 
onto conventional wheel bolts.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel
⇒ Wheel bolts
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered from the factory without a jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the 
wheel should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle 
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. If both tyres on one side of the vehicle, both tyres on one 
axle, or all tyres are damaged, seek expert assistance.
Preparations for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for 
changing the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road. 
Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe 
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from 
your area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm. If necessary use a 
large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not, 
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the 
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce 
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately 
after changing a wheel.
•In the case of vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system must be re-
synchronised immediately after new tyres are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
WARNING