Volkswagen EOS (2015 year). Instruction — part 15

Steering

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Steering system information

The power steering system is not hydraulic, it is electro-mechanical. In both cases, the power steering
works only when the engine is running.

The hydraulic power steering system uses hydraulic lines, hydraulic oil, a pump, a filter, and other
parts to maintain a constant oil pressure in the hydraulic system.

The electro-mechanical power steering system automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque,
and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers extra steering force only when you are actually turning
the wheels. The electro-mechanical power steering works only when the engine is running.

More information:

Starting and stopping the engine
Vehicle battery
Towing

WARNING

Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the power steering system is not working. This
makes it harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Power steering works only when the engine is running.
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off.
Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will be unable to control the vehicle.

Warning and indicator lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Power steering malfunction.

Stop!

Have the power steering system checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Power steering assist is reduced.

Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short

distance. If the yellow warning light does not

come on again, you do not need to have the

steering system checked.

Otherwise, have the steering checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Vehicle battery was disconnected and

has been reconnected.

Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph

(15–20 km/h).

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Electronic steering column lock

malfunction.

Stop!

The ignition cannot be switched on. The

vehicle must not be towed! Get professional

assistance.

Steering system stiff.

Turn the steering wheel back and forth.

Steering column not locked/unlocked.

Switch the ignition off and then switch it on

again. Heed any messages shown in the

instrument cluster display, if applicable.

On vehicles with Keyless Access press the

starter button briefly twice in a row without

depressing the brake pedal.

Do not drive any farther if the steering

column remains locked after you switch on

the ignition. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Steering system information

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

To help make it more difficult to steal your vehicle, you should always make sure the steering column
is locked before leaving the vehicle.

Electronic steering column lock

Vehicles with Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the driver door is opened with the
ignition switched off. The vehicle must be standing still and the transmission must be in Park (P) on an
automatic transmission vehicle.

If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the electronic steering column lock is
activated only after the vehicle has been locked with the vehicle key or via the sensor in the door
handle.

Mechanical steering column lock

Vehicles without Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the vehicle is stationary and the
vehicle key is removed from the ignition switch.

Engaging the steering column

lock

Disengaging the steering column

lock

Parking the vehicle

Turn the steering wheel slightly to

take pressure off the steering

column lock.

Remove the vehicle key.

Insert the vehicle key into the

ignition switch.

Turn the steering wheel slightly until

you hear the steering column lock

engage.

Hold the steering wheel in this

position and turn the ignition switch.

Power steering

Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the
wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.

If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Counter-steering assistance

Counter-steering assistance is part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature makes it easier
for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a
surface that provides uneven traction, the vehicle could pull to the right or left. ESC detects this

situation and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power

⇒

.

WARNING

The counter-steering assistance in ESC can do no more than help the driver steer in difficult
situations. The driver must still control the vehicle. The vehicle does not steer by itself with
this feature!

NOTICE

If the ignition is off, the steering column lock will engage and the vehicle cannot be steered.
For this reason, you must leave the ignition on when going through an automatic car wash, for
example, so that the wheels will still steer.

Braking and parking

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Parking brake

Parking

About the brakes

Braking assistance systems

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

Brake fluid

The braking assistance systems are the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC).

More information:

Trailer towing
Tires and wheels
Starting assistance systems
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes or worn brake pads can cause a collision and serious personal
injury.

If the symbol

or lights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or

together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary,
replaced.

WARNING

Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.

Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.

Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle.
Improper use of the parking brake can seriously injure you and your passengers.
Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an

emergency. The stopping distance is much longer because only the rear wheels are braked.
Always use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.

Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is

running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as
the engine speed increases even if the parking brake is on.

Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They

could release the parking brake and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could
cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and

vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal
injury.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in
the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in
the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.

Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.

NOTICE

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in

height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a
barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.

Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over

curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

Warning and indicator lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Parking brake engaged.

Lights up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Brake system malfunction.

Stop!

Get professional assistance immediately

Brake fluid level too low.

Stop!

Check brake fluid level

Together with ABS indicator light or

: ABS failure.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Front brake pads worn.

If you believe that it is safe to do so,

immediately take the vehicle to an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Check, and if

necessary replace, all brake pads.

ESC switched off by the system.

Switch ignition off and on again. You may

have to drive a short distance.

ESC malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Together with ABS indicator light or

: ABS malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Vehicle battery has been reconnected.

Drive a short distance at a speed of 10–

12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator light

stays on, see an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility

ASR manually deactivated.

Switch on ASR ASR automatically turns on

when you turn the ignition off and back on

again.

Together with ESC indicator light or

: ABS malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Together with warning light or

:

ABS failure.

Brake pedal not depressed.

Depress the brake pedal to select a gear or

drive position.

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

ESC or ASR is operating.

Take foot off accelerator pedal. Adapt driving

to road conditions.

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the selector lever

is not engaged.

Engage the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal injury.

If the brake warning light

or does not go out, or lights up when driving, either the

brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the

vehicle as soon as you can do so safely and get expert assistance

⇒ page 240, Brake fluid.

If the brake warning light

or comes on at the same time as the ABS warning

light

or , the ABS may not be working properly. This could cause the rear wheels to lock

up relatively quickly during braking. Rear wheel brake lock-up can cause loss of vehicle
control.

If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, drive slowly and very carefully to the nearest

authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified
workshop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard braking and steering.

If the ABS indicator light

or does not go out, or if it lights up while driving, the ABS

system is not working properly. The vehicle can then be stopped only with the standard
brakes (without ABS). You will not have the protection ABS provides. Contact your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as
possible.

If the symbol

or lights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or

together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary,
replaced.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Parking brake

Fig. 133 Between the front seats: Parking brake.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Setting the parking brake

Pull the parking brake lever up firmly.
When the ignition is on, the indicator light or

appears in the instrument cluster display to

show that the parking brake is engaged

⇒ Warning and indicator lights.

Releasing the parking brake

Pull the lever up slightly and press the release button

⇒

fig. 133

(arrow).

While holding the release button down, move the lever all the way down.

WARNING

Improper use of the parking brake can cause accidents and severe injuries.

Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an

emergency. Braking distance is much longer, since only the rear wheels are braked. Always
use the foot brake.

Never drive with the parking brake partially engaged. This can cause the brake to overheat

and negatively affect the brake system. It will also cause the rear brake pads to wear
prematurely.

Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is

running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move even if the
parking brake is engaged.

NOTICE

Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few
centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the
vehicle without first firmly setting the parking brake.

A warning signal sounds if you drive faster than about 4 mph (6 km/h) with the parking brake

engaged.

Parking

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please note legal regulations when stopping and parking your vehicle.

Parking the vehicle

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface

⇒

.

Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ page 234, Parking brake.

For automatic transmissions: Shift the transmission into Park (P).

Switch off the engine and then take your foot off the brake.
Remove the vehicle key from the ignition.
If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering column lock.
Make sure all passengers and especially children leave the vehicle.
Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
Lock the vehicle.

On hills

Before stopping the engine, turn the steering wheel so that, if the vehicle starts to roll, its front wheels
will roll into the curb:

Facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
Facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and
serious personal injury.

Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite flammable materials, such as

brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

NOTICE

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in

height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a
barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.

Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over

curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

Always close the CSC roof before leaving the vehicle and when it may rain or snow. If the

CSC roof is open, rain or snow can damage the vehicle interior and can cause extensive
damage to the electrical system.

About the brakes

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

New brake pads do not provide full performance during the first 100 to 200 miles (200 to 300 km) and

must first be “broken” in

⇒

. To some extent, you can make up for the somewhat reduced

performance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the break-in period, the
stopping distance for hard braking and emergency braking will be longer until the brakes are fully
broken in. Avoid hard braking and situations that might require hard braking (such as following other
vehicles too closely) – especially during the break-in period.

Brake pad wear depends mostly on operating conditions and the way the vehicle is driven. If you do a
lot of city and short-distance driving and/or have a sporty driving style, you should have the brake pads
checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility more often
than the regular service intervals.

Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will
not brake as well. Stopping distances will be longer when brake discs are wet or, in winter, even icy.
Wet or icy brakes must be dried as soon as possible by carefully applying the brakes a couple of times
while traveling at a relatively high speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not

endanger yourself or others

⇒

.

Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on
the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any

salt coating from the brake discs and pads

⇒

.

Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt buildup on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle is
not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been
used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully
braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.

Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others

⇒

.

Brake system malfunction

If you brake and find that the vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in
stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light

or

will come on

and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive,
immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready
to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.

Brake booster

The brake booster works only when the engine is running. It increases the force on the brakes above
and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.

If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake
pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance
⇒

.

WARNING

New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.

New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 200 miles (320 km) and

must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting
more pressure on the brake pedal.

Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk

of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.

Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might

require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.

WARNING

Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances
considerably.

When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed

and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use
engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could
overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down
more or to stop.

A damaged front spoiler or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and

make them overheat.

WARNING

Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping
distances.

Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake

applications when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

WARNING

Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.

Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more

pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.

NOTICE

Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to

brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes
will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause
complete brake system failure.

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and

shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to
stop.

When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same

time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake
pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If
necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.

Braking assistance systems

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL braking assistance systems work only when the engine is
running. These systems can significantly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help reduce the probability of skidding
and loss of vehicle control. It works only when the engine is running. ESC detects certain difficult
driving situations, including when the vehicle is beginning to spin (yaw) out of control. ESC then helps
you to get the vehicle back under control by selectively braking the wheels and/or reducing engine
power and by providing steering assistance to help hold the vehicle on the driver's intended course.

ESC has limitations. It is important to remember that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. It will
not always be able to help out under all conditions you may come up against. For example, ESC may
not always be able to help you master situations where there is a sudden change in the coefficient of
friction of the road surface. When there is a section of dry road that is suddenly covered with water,
slush or snow, ESC cannot perform the same way it would on a dry surface. If the vehicle
“hydroplanes” (rides on a cushion of water instead of the road surface), ESC will not be able to help
you steer the vehicle because contact with the pavement has been interrupted and the vehicle cannot
be braked or steered. During fast cornering, particularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as
effectively with difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic, and weather conditions. ESC
cannot override the vehicle's physical limits, increase the available traction, or keep a vehicle on the
road if road departure is a result of driver inattention. Instead, ESC improves the possibility of keeping
the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver's steering
inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that
causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the
benefits of ESC.

ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below).
ESC is switched on all the time. In certain situations when you need less traction or additional traction

cannot be achieved, you can switch off ASR by pressing the button

⇒

fig. 134

. Be sure to switch

ASR on again when you no longer need less traction.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and
control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:

Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the

force on the pedal!

Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!
Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.
ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.

When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a
noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may
even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or
slippery surface.

Brake Assist (BAS)

The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very
quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure,
maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more
quickly and efficiently.

Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or
let up on the brake.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions.
Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.

ASR can be switched on or off manually

⇒ Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)

EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost
traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL
automatically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down,
EDL automatically switches on again.

XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel
slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during
fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This
improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.

WARNING

Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious
personal injury for you and your passengers.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide
tempt you into taking extra risks.

Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent

loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the
other systems!

Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and

“hydroplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.

These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for

conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many

difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire
traction.

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the

accelerator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss
of vehicle control.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that
affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems
mentioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.

Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of

the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.

Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can

change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their
effectiveness.

The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted

⇒ Tires and wheels.

All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly.

Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power
when it is not expected.

If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.

You may hear noises when these systems are active.

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

Fig. 134 In the center console: Button for switching ASR on and off manually.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) only works when the engine is running. This system includes
ABS, EDL and ASR.

ASR can be switched off by pressing

⇒

fig. 134

while the engine is running. Switch off ASR only in

situations where there is not enough traction, such as the following:

When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
When “rocking” the vehicle back and forth when you are stuck.

Afterward, activate ASR again by pressing the button .

Brake fluid

Fig. 135 In the engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir cap.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Brake fluid absorbs water from the air over time. Too much water in the brake fluid will damage the
brake system. Water also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. Too much water in the brake fluid
can cause vapor lock during heavy brake use or hard braking. Vapor lock reduces braking
performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure. Your safety and

the safety of others depends on brakes that are working properly at all times

⇒

.

Brake fluid specifications

Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the brake system in your
Volkswagen. Volkswagen recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly conforms to quality
standard VW Standard 501 14 for optimum performance of the brake system. Check the information
on the container for the brake fluid you want to use to make sure it meets the requirements for your
vehicle.

Brake fluid that complies with VW Standard 501 14 can be purchased from your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If this special brake fluid is not available you may – under these circumstances – use another high
quality brake fluid that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4
⇒

.

Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can
contain chemicals that could, over time, degrade or damage internal parts of the vehicle’s brake
system.

Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW
Standard 501 14 for optimum brake system performance over the long term.

Brake fluid level

The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be between the MIN and MAX

marking

⇒

.

On some vehicles, engine components block the view of the brake fluid reservoir and make it
impossible to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.

Changing brake fluid

Brake fluid must be changed according to the service schedule in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance. Have the brake fluid checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Refill only with new brake fluid that meets the standards listed above.