
SymbolMeaning
When displayed in grey: Off-road driving profile not active. System 
switched on, but not regulating ⇒ Driving profile selection and 
4MOTION Active Control.
Additional displays: diesel vehicles
SymbolMeaning
The engine cannot be restarted! AdBlue fill level is too low 
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
The engine cannot be restarted! Fault in the selective catalytic 
reduction system ⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine ⇒ Fuel gauge.
Lit up: diesel engine is preheating before starting ⇒ Starting and 
stopping the engine.
Flashing: fault in engine management system (diesel engineyf  
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Diesel particulate filter has become saturated with soot 
⇒ Troubleshooting.
AdBlue level is low ⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Selective catalytic reduction system faulty or not refilled using norm-
standard AdBlue⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Instrument cluster
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Analogue instrument cluster
⇒ Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Displayyf
⇒ Head-up Display
⇒ Displays
⇒ Instrument cluster menus
⇒ Driving data display (multifunction displayyf
⇒ Warning and information messages
⇒ Driver Alert System (recommendation for rest breaksyf
⇒ Dynamic Road Sign Display (Sign Assistyf
⇒ Time
⇒ Fuel gauge
⇒ Coolant temperature display
⇒ Service interval display
The vehicle is equipped either with an analogue or a digital instrument cluster (Active Info Displayyf .
When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or changed, you 
may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programmingyf  K D Y H  
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the 12-volt vehicle 
battery has been sufficiently charged.
Analogue instrument cluster
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Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle 
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accidents and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never press the buttons on the instrument cluster while the vehicle is in motion.
•Any settings for the instrument cluster display and displays in the Infotainment system 
should be made only when the vehicle is stationary in order to reduce the risk of 
accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING 

•Once you have set the hour, wait until the minutes display in the instrument cluster is marked.
•Then press the  button repeatedly until the required minute is displayed. Press and hold 
the  button to scroll through quickly.
•Release the  button to finish setting the clock.
The analogue clock adjusts itself a few seconds after ignition is switched on.
You can also use the Infotainment system to adjust the time ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 20 In the instrument cluster: fuel gauge for petrol and diesel.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fuel gauge
Lit upPossible cause/remedy ⇒
Fuel tank almost empty. Reserve volume, red marking ⇒ Fig. 20, is 
consumed ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Fill the tank as soon as possible ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed immediately and drive to the nearest qualified 
workshop at a medium engine speed and avoiding high engine loading.
OR: if the warning lamp lights up immediately after filling the tank, switch off 
the engine and seek expert assistance.
When the indicator lamp  lights up, the auxiliary heater and the fuel-powered supplementary 
heater switch off automatically ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows you the side of the 
vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Coolant temperature display
Fig. 21 In the instrument cluster: coolant temperature display (illustrationyf .
Driving when the fuel level is too low can lead to the vehicle coming to a standstill in 
traffic, potentially causing accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, 
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if 
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel 
and breaking down.
WARNING
Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt 
fuel to enter the exhaust system. The catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter could be 
damaged as a result!
NOTICE 

m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the selector lever must be in the 
Tiptronic position ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
No recommended gear is indicated if the most suitable gear is already selected. The currently 
selected gear is displayed.
Information on cleaning the particulate filter
The engine management system recognises when the particulate filter is becoming saturated and 
supports regeneration of the particulate filter by recommending the most suitable gear when driving. 
Compared with normal driving, this may mean driving with an increased engine speed ⇒ Particulate 
filter.
Driving in the correct gear can help to reduce fuel consumption.
Gear-change indicator display goes out when the clutch is depressed in vehicles with a 
manual gearbox or when Tiptronic position is deselected in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch 
gearbox.
Driving economically
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The fuel consumption, pollution and 
wear of the engine, brakes and tyres 
are reduced by an appropriate driving 
style. A few tips are provided below 
which will help you protect the 
environment and also save money.
Fig. 116 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures.
Think ahead when driving
The fuel consumption will increase if you do not adopt a steady driving style. Keeping a close eye 
on the traffic can help to avoid frequent acceleration and braking. Keeping a sufficient distance from 
the vehicle in front will help you anticipate the driving situation.
Use the cruise control system where possible ⇒ Cruise control system (CCSyf.
With a gear engaged, allow the vehicle to come to a halt by itself to make use of the engine braking 
effect, e.g. when approaching traffic lights.
Using freewheeling
m/k/a995MKVehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: When the selector lever is in 
position D/S and neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle will roll 
(coastyf  Z L W K  S U D F W L F D O O \  Q R  H Q H U J \  E H L Q J  F R Q V X P H G .
With the engine-off coasting function, the engine is not just disengaged, but is also switched off.
Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox ⇒ Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox.
Change gears in an energy-saving way
Shifting up early at an engine speed of 2,000 rpm will save energy. Do not drive gears to the limit 
and avoid high revs.
The gear-change indicator is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the 
driver's own judgement.
•The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations (e.g. 
when overtaking, driving up and down hills ⇒ Trailer towingand when towing a traileryf .
CAUTION
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Warning lights and text messages are shown on the instrument cluster display. These warnings 
may be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be 
checked and renewed as necessary.
Malfunction in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as 
normal (sudden increase in braking distanceyf   7 K L V  L V  L Q G L F D W H G  E \  W K H  Z D U Q L Q J  O D P S    and in 
some cases by a text message. Go to the nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault 
corrected. Drive at low speed when doing this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an 
increase in the pressure required on the pedal.
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starter button
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobiliser
⇒ Troubleshooting
Push-starting or tow-starting
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to 
start the engine instead ⇒ Jump starting.
Ignition lock
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the 
vehicle. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other 
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the 
engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The exhaust fumes 
contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide 
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under 
or near the vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or 
position has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something 
unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to 
suddenly run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious 
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with 
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt 
fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converters, heat shields or particulate filter.
WARNING 

Steering
Information on steering
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the 
vehicle to be stolen.
Steering
The power steering is not hydraulic. It is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this 
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required. 
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil 
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy 
supply while steering.
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the selected driving profile can affect the behaviour of the 
power steering ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Electronic steering column lock in vehicles with starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened and the ignition is switched off. For 
this, the vehicle should be stationary and, if necessary, the gear selector lever should be in position 
P.
If the ignition is not switched off until after the driver door is opened, the electronic steering column 
will only be locked when the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key or the sensor in the door 
handle.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lockyf  L Q  Y H K L F O H V  Z L W K  D Q  
ignition lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle 
is stationary. Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering lock clicks into place.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel 
slightly to take the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and 
turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the 
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering 
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is 
reduced or has failed completely.
Counter steering assistance
Counter steering assistance provides the driver with power steering in critical driving situations. 
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering ⇒.
The intelligent Hill Descent Control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and 
functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience afforded 
by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The Hill Descent Control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic 
conditions.
•A Hill Descent Control System may not be able to always hold the vehicle on uphill 
gradients or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is 
slippery or icyyf .
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not 
ensured.
•The Hill Descent Control system is only a support function and may not be able to 
brake the vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may accelerate despite the Hill Descent Control system.
WARNING 

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 

Refuelling process
•Unlock the tank flap with the vehicle key or the  button in the driver door.
•Open the tank flap.
•Unscrew the tank cap and place it in the holder on the tank flap.
•The fuel tank is full when the properly operated automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first time 
⇒.
•Screw the tank cap onto the filler neck.
•Close the tank flap.
Misfuelling prevention device
Fig. 196 In the tank filler neck: misfuelling prevention device.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The tank filler neck in diesel vehicles can be fitted with a misfuelling prevention device ⇒ Fig. 196. 
The misfuelling prevention device ensures that the vehicle can be refuelled only using diesel pump 
nozzles.
Turn the diesel nozzle to and fro if the misfuelling prevention device gets stuck. This can open the 
misfuelling prevention device and make it possible to refuel the vehicle. If the misfuelling prevention 
device remains closed, proceed to a qualified workshop to have the system checked.
If it is necessary to refuel the vehicle using a spare fuel canister in the event of an emergency, the 
misfuelling prevention device will not open. In order to fill the tank with fuel, pour the diesel into the 
tank extremely slowly in very small quantities.
Components relevant to emission control
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
⇒ Catalytic converter
⇒ Particulate filter
⇒ Troubleshooting
•Emission control with AdBlue⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
•Catalytic converter ⇒ Catalytic converter
•Particulate filter ⇒ Particulate filter
Information on indicator and warning lamps can be found in the troubleshooting section at the end 
of the chapter ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Overfilling the fuel tank may cause the fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause 
fires, explosions and serious injuries.
•Do not continue refuelling when the petrol nozzle switches off for the first time.
WARNING
Do not fill up with fuel that has a lower Research Octane Number (RONyf  W K D Q  V S H F L I L H G   7 K H  
engine could otherwise be damaged.
NOTICE
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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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