
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  

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 

Troubleshooting
Washer fluid level too low. Fill up the washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible ⇒ Washer 
fluid.Fault in the rain/light sensor. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights 
up permanently after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.Fault in 
windscreen wipers. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights up permanently 
after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.
Changes in the response of the rain/light sensor
Possible causes for faults and misinterpretations relating to the sensitive surface of the rain/light 
sensor ⇒ Vehicle overviews include:
•Damaged wiper blades: a film of water or smears caused by damaged wiper blades can 
increase the time the wipers are switched on, can shorten the length of the intervals between 
wipes or cause the wipers to run quickly and continuously.
•Insects: insects hitting the windscreen surface can cause the wipers to be activated.
•Salt deposits: in winter, salt deposits on the windscreen can cause the wipers to continue to 
wipe the windscreen when it is almost dry.
•Soiling: dry dust, wax, windscreen coatings (lotus effectyf   R U  G H W H U J H Q W  G H S R V L W V   I U R P  D Q  
automatic car washyf  F D Q  F D X V H  W K H  U D L Q  O L J K W  V H Q V R U  W R  E H F R P H  O H V V  V H Q V L W L Y H  D Q G  U H D F W  W R R  
slowly, or prevent it from reacting at all. Clean the sensitive surface of the rain/light sensor 
⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior at regular intervals and inspect the wiper blades 
for damage.
•Crack in the windscreen: a wipe cycle will be triggered if the rain/light sensor is on when the 
windscreen is impacted by a stone. The rain/light sensor will then register the reduction in 
sensitivity of the surfaces and adjust accordingly. The size of the crack can affect the way in 
which the rain/light sensor activates the wipers.
We recommend that you use an alcohol-based glass cleaner to remove wax and polish.
The wipers will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. The wipers will 
stop moving if the obstacle blocks their path. Remove the obstacle and switch the wipers back on 
again.
Mirrors
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Interior mirror
⇒ Exterior mirrors
You can use the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror to observe traffic behind you and adjust 
driving style accordingly.
For safety reasons it is important that the driver positions the exterior and interior mirrors correctly 
before starting a journey ⇒.
Looking in the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror does not allow the driver to see the entire side 
and rear area of the vehicle. The area that cannot be seen is known as the blind spot. There may 
be objects and other road users in the blind spot.
Adjusting the exterior and interior mirrors while driving may cause the driver to become 
distracted. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Exterior and interior mirrors should only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary.
•When parking, changing lane, or performing an overtaking or turning manoeuvre, 
always pay careful attention to the area around the vehicle as objects and other road 
users may be located in the blind spot.
•Always ensure that the mirrors are positioned correctly and that the rear view is not 
restricted by ice, snow, condensation or any other objects.
WARNING
If you estimate the distance from traffic behind you incorrectly, you can cause accidents 
and serious injuries.
•Curved mirrors (convex or asphericyf  H Q O D U J H  W K H  I L H O G  R I  Y L V L R Q  D Q G  F D Q  P D N H  R E M H F W V  L Q  
the mirror seem smaller and further away than they actually are.
•Using curved mirrors to estimate the distance from other vehicles behind you when 
changing lanes can provide inaccurate results and can lead to accidents and severe 
injuries.
•Whenever possible, use the interior mirror to check the exact distance between your 
vehicle and following traffic or other objects.
•Ensure that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
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 

•Press the  button in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the Selection function button.
•Touch the Off-road function button.
Selecting instruments and setting units
The display shows various instruments ⇒ Fig. 130.
To change instruments, swipe vertically over the display.
The units can be adjusted for some instruments in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and 
display in the Infotainment system.
Instruments in the off-road display (depends on the vehicle's equipmentyf :
•Altitude: The altitude function shows the current height above sea level.
•Steering angle display: the steering angle of the vehicle is displayed in the range between -
49° and 49°. The value is positive for a left steering angle and negative for a right steering 
angle.
•Compass: the compass shows the current driving direction.
•Coolant temperature display: the display corresponds to the temperature display on the 
instrument cluster ⇒ Coolant temperature display. At high engine loads and with high outside 
temperatures, the needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing.
•Oil temperature display: the needle is in the middle when the engine has reached operating 
temperature. If the needle is in the bottom left area, this means that the engine has not yet 
reached its operating temperature. At high engine loads and with high outside temperatures, the 
needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the  indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing ⇒ Engine oil.
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected depending on the driving situation, the ambient 
conditions and the off-road conditions:
•Sandy terrain: oil, steering angle and coolant temperature display
•Inclines: steering angle and coolant temperature display, altimeter
•Alpine terrain: steering angle display, altimeter, compass
Off-road driving situations
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Safety notes for driving off-road
⇒ Explanation of some technical terms
⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road
⇒ General rules and driving tips
⇒ Useful accessories for off-road driving
⇒ Changing gear
⇒ Up hill and down dale
⇒ Driving through water
⇒ Off-road driving in snow
⇒ Driving in sand and mud
⇒ Driving in steep terrain
⇒ Traversing a slope
⇒ Driving through ditches
⇒ If your vehicle gets stuck
⇒ After off-road driving
You can also drive four-wheel drive vehicles off-road in addition to normal roads. It is very important 
to read the contents of this section before driving off-road.
The vehicle is not built for expeditions.
The examples given in this chapter are an aid for safe off-road driving. However, we cannot predict 
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The large variety of landscapes and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to 
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines designed to help 
you drive off-road safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into off-road 
terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential danger in advance.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment 
system can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING 

Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road 
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned. 
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your 
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the 
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied 
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is 
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when 
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful 
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle 
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal 
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving. 
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this 
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the 
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a 
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that 
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface 
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope 
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravityyf  ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover 
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a 
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the 
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface. 
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis 
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over 
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points 
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if 
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and 
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in 
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the 
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving 
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.