
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, symbols may be displayed in the instrument cluster 
instead of warning lamps.
Some warning and indicator lamps are not available in all markets.
For details on indicator lamps which light up in the light switch, see Chapter Lights ⇒ Lights.
SymbolMeaning
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the 
instrument cluster display.
Do not drive on!
The electronic parking brake is switched on ⇒ Electronic parking 
brake.
Do not drive on!
Brake fluid level too low or fault in the brake system ⇒ Brake fluid.
Do not drive on!
Coolant level too low ⇒ Engine coolant, engine coolant temperature 
too high or fault in the cooling system ⇒ Coolant temperature display.
Do not drive on!
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: Do not drive on! Fault in the electronic steering column 
lock ⇒ Steering.
Lit up: electromechanical steering has failed ⇒ Steering.
Driver or front passenger seat belt not fastened ⇒ Seat belts. 
OR: there are objects on the front passenger seat ⇒ Seat belts.
Brake or take evasive action.
Collision warning from area monitoring system (Front Assistyf  ⇒ Area 
monitoring system (Front Assistyf. 
OR: collision warning from Pedestrian Monitoring ⇒ Pedestrian 
Monitoring.
Depress the brake pedal. ⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox, ⇒ Adaptive 
Cruise Control (ACCyf.
Fault in the alternator ⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All
brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary 
⇒ Information on the brakes.
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the 
instrument cluster display.
Electronic Stability Control (ESCyf  ⇒ Brake support systems.
Traction control system (TCSyf  ⇒ Brake support systems. 
OR: off-road driving profile active ⇒ Driving profile selection and 
4MOTION Active Control.
Anti-lock brake system faulty or not functioning ⇒ Brake support 
systems.
Electronic parking brake fault ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
Rear fog light switched on ⇒ Lights.
Partial or complete failure of the vehicle lighting, excluding cornering 
light ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Lit up: there is a fault that affects the exhaust emissions 
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic converter 
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power Controlyf  
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine speed limited (protection against overheatingyf  
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Lit up: electromechanical steering reduced 
OR: the 12-volt battery has been disconnected and reconnected 
⇒ Steering.
Flashing: steering column is wound-up or is not unlocked/locked 
⇒ Steering.
Lit up: tyre pressure too low ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Flashing: fault in tyre monitoring system ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Fault in the rain/light sensor ⇒ Wipers.
Fault in wipers ⇒ Wipers.
Washer fluid level too low ⇒ Wipers.
Fuel tank almost empty ⇒ Fuel gauge.
Lit up: engine oil level too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: engine oil system fault ⇒ Engine oil.
® 

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In normal driving conditions, the needle will be in the middle section of the scale. The temperature 
may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high ambient temperatures.
FlashesNeedle 
position
Possible
⇒ Fig. 21Cause/remedy
Ⓒ
Warning area
Coolant temperature too high.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. 
Switch off the engine and leave the engine to cool down.
Until the indicator is back in the normal range. Checking the 
coolant level
⇒ Engine coolant.
Ⓑ
Normal area
Coolant level too low.
After the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level and 
refill if the level is too low.
⇒ Engine coolant.
If the warning lamp does not go out but the coolant level is 
adequate, the problem lies in a fault in the coolant system.
–
Fault in the cooling system.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. 
Switch off the engine.
Seek expert assistance.
–Ⓐ
Cold area
The engine has not yet reached operating temperature.
Avoid high engine speeds and high engine loads until the 
engine is warm.
Service interval display
Fig. 22 In the instrument cluster display: example of a display in the instrument cluster when a 
service is due (illustrationyf .
Fig. 23 In the Infotainment system: example of a display containing service information (illustrationyf .
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The service displays are shown on the instrument cluster ⇒ Fig. 22 and in the Infotainment system 
⇒ Fig. 23.
Versions and displays can vary as different versions of the instrument cluster and of the 
Infotainment system are available.
In vehicles with fixed oil change service, services take place at predefined intervals.
The service intervals are calculated on an individual basis in vehicles with flexible oil change 
service. Advances in technology have brought about a considerable reduction in servicing 
requirements. An oil change service need be carried out only when required by the vehicle. The 
individual conditions in which the vehicle is used, as well as the driver's personal driving style, are  

taken into account. The service reminder is displayed 30 days before the service is due. The 
distance is rounded to the nearest 100 km; the remaining time is rounded to full days.
Service alert
If a service or inspection is due soon, a service alert will appear when the ignition is switched on.
The number of kilometres or amount of time shown correspond to the maximum number of 
kilometres or maximum time that can still be driven before the next service.
Service event
For a scheduled service or a scheduled inspection, a signal tone will be given when the ignition 
is switched on and the spanner symbol  will be displayed for several seconds on the 
instrument cluster display. One of the following displays will also appear ⇒ Fig. 22:
Inspection now!
Oil service now!
Oil service and inspection now!
Viewing service appointments
You can access the current service schedule when the ignition is switched on, the engine is not 
running, and the vehicle is stationary:
•Press and hold button  in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster until the text 
Service appears in the display.
•Release the  button. Information on the current scheduled service will be shown in the 
display.
Service information ⇒ Fig. 23 can also be displayed in the Infotainment system by pressing the 
 button or function button and the Vehicle,  and Service function 
buttons ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Resetting the service interval display
If the service or the inspection was not performed by a Volkswagen dealership, the display can be 
reset as follows:
•Switch off the ignition.
•Press and hold the  button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster.
•Restart the ignition.
•Release button  if one of the following messages appears on the instrument cluster 
display:
Reset oil change service?
Reset inspection service?
•Press the  button on the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster to confirm.
Do not reset the service interval display between service intervals otherwise incorrect data may be 
shown.
If the oil change service was manually reset, the service interval display then also changes to a 
fixed service interval in vehicles with flexible oil change service.
The service message will disappear after a few seconds, when the engine is running, or 
when the  button on the windscreen wiper lever or the  button on the 
multifunction steering wheel is pressed ⇒ Instrument cluster operation.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods in vehicles with flexible 
service, the system cannot calculate the time at which the next service is due. The information 
shown in the service interval display may therefore be incorrect. If this is the case, please observe 
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service.
Instrument cluster operation
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever
⇒ Operating using the multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Button for driver assist systems
⇒ Additional displays and display options
Some menu options can only be opened when the vehicle is stationary.
There are no buttons on the wiper lever in vehicles equipped with a multifunction steering wheel 
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever. 

Performance monitor
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The performance monitor is a display 
for sporty driving. The digital 
instruments display real-time values for 
engine power, temperature and 
acceleration that are determined by 
sensors on the vehicle. This provides 
the driver with an overview of driving 
dynamics.
Fig. 27 On the Infotainment system display: Performance monitor.
Key for ⇒ Fig. 27
Display areas.
Arrow buttons for changing to the lap timer.
Opening the performance monitor
•Press the MENU button on the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the Selection function button.
•Touch the Sport function button.
If you would like to switch between the performance monitor and the lap timer ⇒ Lap timer, touch 
one of the arrow buttons on the left and right above the instruments ⇒ Fig. 27②.
Selecting instruments and setting units
The display can show a maximum of three instruments at the same time. Each instrument can be 
selected for each display area ⇒ Fig. 27① (left, middle, rightyf .
To change instruments, swipe vertically over the display. The currently selected instrument will then 
disappear and a new instrument will appear.
The units can be adjusted for some instruments in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and 
display in the Infotainment system.
The following instruments can be displayed:
•Charge pressure display: the charge pressure display ⇒ Fig. 27① (leftyf  V K R Z V  W K H  S U H V V X U H  
in the charge air system between the turbocharger and engine (in the unit baryf   7 K H  I X U W K H U  W R  
the right the needle on the scale, the higher the engine power output.
•Accelerometer (G-meteryf : The accelerometer (G-meteryf  ⇒ Fig. 27① (centreyf  V K R Z V  W K H  
acceleration value in the centre (in the unit gyf   7 K H  U H G  P D U N L Q J  L Q  W K H  J U L G  W \ S H  D U H D  V K R Z V  W K H  
acceleration level and the direction of the acting force (in the opposite direction according to 
physical lawsyf   , I  \ R X  G U L Y H  W R  W K H  O H I W   I R U  H [ D P S O H   W K H  U H G  P D U N L Q J  Z L O O  P R Y H  L Q  W K H  U L J K W  D U H D  R I  
the instrument (and vice versayf   , I  \ R X  D F F H O H U D W H   W K H  U H G  P D U N L Q J  Z L O O  P R Y H  G R Z Q   , I  \ R X  E U D N H   
the red marking will move up. The level of acceleration is indicated by the position of the red 
marking which moves outwards. If the acceleration increases, the red marking will move away 
from the centre area.
•Power display: the power display ⇒ Fig. 27① (rightyf  V K R Z V  W K H  F X U U H Q W  H Q J L Q H  S R Z H U  R X W S X W  
as a digital value and on the surrounding scale (in kWyf .
•Coolant temperature display: the needle may move further in a clockwise direction under high 
engine loads and with high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern unless the 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display is lit up or flashing ⇒ Coolant temperature 
display.
•Oil temperature display: the needle is in the middle area under normal driving conditions. If 
the needle is in the bottom left area, this means that the engine has not yet reached its 
operating temperature. Avoid excessively high speeds and acceleration when the engine has 
not yet reached its operating temperature. The needle may move further in a clockwise direction 
under high engine loads and at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern unless 
the  indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display is lit up or flashing ⇒ Engine oil. 

If fuel in the adequate quality available Fuel and emission control?
Are the correct service fluids that comply with Volkswagen specifications available in the 
destination country Service fluids and consumables?
Will the navigation function in the factory-fitted Infotainment system and the navigation 
data available work in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Is a fire extinguisher prescribed in your destination country?
Which requirements must be observed regarding reflective vests?
Windscreen washer fluid level Wipers.
Engine oil level Engine oil.
Engine coolant level Engine coolant.
Brake fluid level Brake fluid.
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres.
Checklist
Therefore, do not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to 
carry out the jobs, are aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct 
equipment, service fluids and suitable tools to hand ⇒ In the engine compartment! In any 
other case all work must be carried out by a qualified workshop. Make sure that the 
following are checked regularly:
Vehicle lighting Lights required for the vehicle to be roadworthy:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light
- Number plate light.
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your 
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. You should therefore have your vehicle 
serviced according to Volkswagen guidelines. Some work may have to be carried out before the 
due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe 
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving or driving in areas with high 
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or a qualified 
workshop.
Sitting position
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
⇒ Correct sitting position
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious 
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction 
times and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving. 
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching 
your destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, 
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval 
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicleyf.
NOTICE 

Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface .
Switch on the hazard warning lights using the button Centre console.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Move the gear lever to neutral position or move the selector lever to P, Manual gearbox: 
selecting a gear and DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go straight to a safe place away from 
moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier. Heed the country-specific regulations 
concerning high-visibility waistcoats.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your 
vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool down and seek expert assistance.
Making you and your vehicle safe
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of a broken-down vehicle. For example, many 
countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility 
vest ⇒ Equipment for an emergency.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions in the 
specified order ⇒:
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still 
indicate a change in direction or lane change by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be 
interrupted temporarily.
Examples of when to switch on the hazard warning lights:
•When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam, 
to will warn vehicles behind you.
•When there is an emergency.
•When the vehicle breaks down.
•When tow-starting or towing.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative method of drawing 
attention to the broken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
Any broken-down vehicle poses a high accident risk for the vehicle occupants and for 
other road users.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights.
•Never leave other persons alone in the vehicle, particularly children or people requiring 
assistance. This applies in particular when the doors are locked. People locked in the 
vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and 
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety 
procedures.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious 
injuries.
•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, fuel.
WARNING
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the rear lights, the rear spoiler or large 
panels. This could damage the vehicle and loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE 

m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately 
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the 
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130 
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move 
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to 
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the 
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is 
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached 
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient 
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service 
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling 
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure 
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and 
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for 
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and 
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the 
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short 
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road 
and traffic conditions.
WARNING 

situations should be avoided that create a heavy load on the brakes, e.g. when driving up close to 
the vehicle ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the 
vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is used for regular 
urban trips, short journeys, and is driven with a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be 
regularly checked by a qualified workshop.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after 
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly 
iced up (in winteryf   7 K H  E U D N H V  P X V W  E H  G U L H G  D V  T X L F N O \  D V  S R V V L E O H  E \  F D U H I X O  E U D N L Q J  D W  K L J K H U  
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of 
this action ⇒.
Any salt layer accumulating on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the 
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that 
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of 
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at 
all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking 
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road 
user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒.
Brake servo
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied 
by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake servo is not functioning 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 ⇒.
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and 
serious injuries.
•If the warning lamp  lights up either alone or together with a text message in the 
instrument cluster display, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake 
pads checked and the worn brake pads replaced.
WARNING
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
•New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km (186 
milesyf  D Q G  P X V W  I L U V W  E H  U X Q  L Q   $  U H G X F H G  E U D N L Q J  H I I H F W  F D Q  E H  L Q F U H D V H G  E \  D S S O \ L Q J  
more pressure to the brake pedal.
•You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to 
reduce the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never 
create a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking 
distance.
•When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot 
very quickly.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear 
(with manual gearboxes or in Tiptronic mode with the DSG dual clutch gearboxyf   7 K L V  
will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes.
•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and 
cause them to overheat.
WARNING