
Diesel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles with a diesel engine must be run on diesel ⇒. If you use diesel with a high sulphur 
content, the service intervals are shorter ⇒ Service. Information on countries that use diesel with a 
high sulphur content is available from your Volkswagen dealership.
The fuel quality affects the running properties, performance and service life of the engine. You 
should therefore use fuel that already contains suitable service additives if possible ⇒.
Information on the fuel standards can be found in the chapter on fuel standards ⇒ Fuel standards.
Winter-grade diesel fuel and filter preheater system
Winter-grade diesel fuel, which can be used at temperatures below -20°C (-4°Fyf   L V  D Y D L O D E O H  G X U L Q J  
the cold months. In countries with different climates, diesel for other temperature conditions is 
usually available. Information is available from your Volkswagen dealership and filling stations in 
the respective country.
Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter pre-heater system. When using winter-grade diesel fuel, 
the fuel system is safe for operation at temperatures down to around -24°C (-11°Fyf .
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start at temperatures 
below -24°C (-11°Fyf   S O D F H  W K H  Y H K L F O H  L Q  D  K H D W H G  J D U D J H  R U  Z R U N V K R S  I R U  D  Z K L O H  ⇒.
At cold temperatures, louder noises may occur in the diesel engine and the exhaust gas may 
be tinged blue.
Refuelling
Fig. 195 Behind the tank flap: tank cap.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
See the chapter on technical data for information on filling capacities ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Incorrect refuelling or unsuitable fuel additives may cause damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump 
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
•If, in an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the 
recommended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading. 
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result in engine 
damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible.
NOTICE
Start boosters may explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs. This can 
cause injuries or damage to the engine.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
Incorrect refuelling can lead to damage to the vehicle.
•Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard information provided on the pump 
conforms to the requirements of the vehicle.
•Do not refuel with RME fuel, petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels.
•Use only Volkswagen-approved service additives in the approved quantity.
NOTICE 

The refill bottle must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection 
of the environment.
Catalytic converter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
To help ensure long-term functionality in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter:
•Use unleaded petrol only ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Do not overfill engine oil ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is moving, reduce speed 
immediately. The vehicle should be inspected at the nearest qualified workshop 
⇒ Troubleshooting. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the 
atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
The emissions may have a sulphur-like smell even if the emission purification system is 
working properly.
Particulate filter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Function
The particulate filter filters out soot particles in the exhaust gas. Observe the following points to 
ensure that the exhaust purification system will work properly for a long time:
AdBlue is an irritant and corrosive fluid that can damage the skin, eyes and breathing 
passages upon contact.
•Always observe the instructions for use when using AdBlue. If containers are used 
according to the instructions, it is unlikely that a user will come into contact with 
AdBlue.
•AdBlue must be kept in the closed original container. Never use empty food 
containers, bottles or other containers for this purpose.
•Always store in a safe place out of reach of children.
•If AdBlue gets into the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water for at 
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
•If AdBlue gets onto the skin, immediately wash the area with plenty of water for at 
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor if the skin becomes irritated.
•If AdBlue is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth out with lots of water for at least 
15 minutes. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Seek 
medical assistance immediately.
CAUTION
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Overfilling AdBlue may damage the tank system and the vehicle.
•Do not fill with more than the maximum refill quantity indicated on the instrument 
cluster display.
•Remove any spilt AdBlue as quickly as possible with a damp cloth and plenty of cold 
water.
•If the AdBlue has already formed crystals, use warm water and a sponge to remove.
NOTICE
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Improper use of AdBlue may cause damage to the vehicle that is not covered by the 
warranty.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1.
•Do not mix with water, fuel or additives.
•Never fill AdBlue in the diesel tank.
•Do not transport the refill bottle in the vehicle habitually. The bottle may develop a leak 
following changes in temperature and damage and the AdBlue may damage the 
vehicle interior.
NOTICE
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•Only refuel with fuels that are suitable for the vehicle ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Use only suitable engine oil for the vehicle and do not overfill ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Periodic regeneration
The soot in the particulate filter is burnt off at high temperatures on a periodic basis.
To assist the regeneration of the particulate filter, Volkswagen recommends that you avoid making 
only short journeys.
Noises, slight smells and increased engine speeds may occur during regeneration. The radiator fan 
may run on while the vehicle is moving or when the engine has been switched off.
During the periodic regeneration process, the yellow indicator lamp  does not light 
up.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Irregular engine running and malfunctions
If the engine shows signs of irregular running or malfunctions while you are driving, this may mean 
that the fuel is of poor quality. Reduce speed immediately. Drive to nearest qualified workshop at 
medium engine speeds and low loads on the engine.
If these symptoms occur directly after refuelling, switch off the engine immediately to avoid any 
subsequent damage. You should obtain professional assistance.
Warning and indicator lamps 
Lights up together with the red warning lamp  : fault in the selective catalytic reduction 
system. The engine cannot be restarted! Drive straight to a qualified workshop without switching 
off the engine and have the system checked ⇒.AdBlue level too low. The engine cannot 
be restarted! Switch off the vehicle and refill the AdBlue minimum quantity according to 
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue⇒.Lights up together with the yellow warning lamp  
: the selective catalytic reduction system is faulty or not filled with standard-compliant 
AdBlue. Drive immediately to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.AdBlue
level too low. Refill AdBlue within the displayed remaining range in accordance with ⇒ Emission 
control with AdBlue⇒.The particulate filter is saturated with soot and requires 
regeneration. Driving at speeds between 50 - 120 km/h (31 - 75 mphyf  Z L O O  V X S S R U W  U H J H Q H U D W L R Q   
Observe the relevant speed limits and the gear recommendation. The indicator lamp goes out 
automatically when the particulate filter has been regenerated. If the indicator lamp is still lit up after 
driving for around 30 minutes, seek expert assistance immediately.Lit up: malfunction. Have 
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic 
converter. Drive immediately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the engine checked.
There may be engine faults and fuel consumption may be higher if the indicator lamps are lit 
up or flashing.
 Colour display only on an instrument cluster with colour display.
Fuel standards
Petrol
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on petrol in compliance with the European standard 
EN 228 or the German standard DIN 51626-1 ⇒.
Where petrol complying with the specified standard is not available, Volkswagen dealerships will 
have information on what fuels are suitable for the vehicle.
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If the AdBlue level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition has been 
switched off. Starting with jump leads is also not possible.
•Refill AdBlue at the latest when the remaining distance reaches approximately 
1,000 km.
•Never allow the AdBlue tank to run empty.
NOTICE
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•The steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an 
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mphyf .
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the 
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTIONyf
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTIONyf  P D \  E H  W R Z H G  Z L W K  D  W R Z  E D U  R U  W R Z  U R S H   , I  W K H  Y H K L F O H  
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train 
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if 
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there 
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the 
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand 
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the 
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer 
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrowyf  W R  U H O H D V H  W K H  F R Y H U  I D V W H Q H U .
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the 
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage 
compartment.
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When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers 
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and 
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE 

Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the selector lever to 
position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and 
stopping the engine.
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 service 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
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 these components or 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 ignition 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 
poly V-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 take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle 
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure 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
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt 
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and 
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•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 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is 
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- 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 topping up or changing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service 
fluids into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious 
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE