Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction — part 22

WARNING

Damage to safety belts reduces their overall effectiveness and increases the risk of serious
personal injury and death whenever the vehicle is being used.

Check the condition of all safety belts regularly. If you notice that the safety belt webbing,

hardware, retractor, buckle, or any other part of the safety belts is damaged, immediately
have an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility replace the
safety belt with the correct replacement belt for your vehicle model and model year.

Never use chemical cleaning agents, solvents, or any substance that may damage or

weaken the safety belt webbing or any other parts of the safety belt. Never let the belts come
into contact with corrosive fluids or sharp objects. Otherwise, the safety belt webbing will be
significantly weakened.

After cleaning, always give the safety belts time to dry completely before letting them

retract. The moisture can damage the retractor and keep it from working properly.

Never let foreign objects or liquids get into the safety belt latch. This could prevent the

belt buckles and safety belts from working properly.

Damaged safety belts must be replaced; they cannot be repaired.
Never try to repair a damaged safety belt yourself. Never remove or modify the safety belts

in any way.

Safety belts that were subject to stress in an accident and stretched must be replaced with

a correct, new safety belt, preferably by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

Replacement after a crash may be necessary even if a safety belt shows no visible dam-

age. Anchorages that have been loaded must also be inspected.

Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Break-in period

Parts and accessories

Parts and accessories

Operating fluids and equipment

Repairs and technical modifications

Repairs and technical modifications

Repairs and other things that can affect Advanced Airbag performance

Notice about data recorded by the Event Data Recorder and vehicle control modules

Notice about data recorded by vehicle control modules

Using a mobile phone in a motor vehicle when it is not connected to the vehicle telephone
antenna - some important things to know

More information:

Safety belts
Airbag system
Trailer towing
12 Volt sockets
Braking, stopping and parking
Driver assistance systems
Cruise control
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Selective catalytic reduction (AdBlue

®

)

Preparations for working in the engine compartment
Engine oil
Engine coolant
Vehicle battery
Exterior care and cleaning
Interior care and cleaning
Consumer information

⇒ Booklet

Radio

⇒ Booklet

Navigation system

⇒ Booklet

Mobile Phone Package

WARNING

Inappropriate spare parts and accessories as well as unprofessionally performed work, modi-
fications and repairs can cause vehicle damage, accidents and serious personal injuries.

Volkswagen strongly recommends to only use accessories approved by Volkswagen and

Genuine Volkswagen Parts

®

. These parts and accessories have been evaluated by

Volkswagen for their suitability, reliability and safety.

Have repairs and vehicle modifications performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic equipment, repair infor-
mation, and trained personnel to properly replace any airbag in your vehicle and assure sys-
tem effectiveness in a crash.

Only install parts on the vehicle that are consistent with factory-installed parts with re-

spect to design and characteristics.

Never store, mount or attach objects, such as cup holders or phone cradles on or next to

the airbag module covers or within the airbags deployment zones.

Only use wheel rim / tire combinations approved by Volkswagen for the respective vehicle

type.

Break-in period

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

Note applicable requirements for breaking in new parts.

Breaking in a new engine

A new engine must be carefully broken in during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers). During the
first few hours of driving, the engine's internal friction is higher than later when all moving parts have
been broken in.

Engine life is influenced by how you drive the vehicle for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Even after-
wards, driving at moderate engine speeds, especially when the engine is cold, will tend to reduce
engine wear and help the engine to last longer and go farther. But do not drive at an excessively low
engine speed, either. Always downshift if the engine is not running smoothly. For the first 600 miles
(1,000 km):

Do not use full throttle.
Don't let the engine speed get above 2/3 of the maximum speed.
Do not tow a trailer.

From 600 to 1,000 miles (1,000 to 1,600 km): Speed may gradually be increased to maximum per-
missible road and engine speed.

New tires and brake pads

New tires and replacement tires

⇒ Tires and wheels

Brakes

⇒ About the brakes

Breaking in a new engine gently, will increase service life and reduce oil consumption.

Parts and accessories

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

Volkswagen recommends that you consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility before purchasing accessories, spare parts or other equipment. Always
do so if you want to install additional accessories or replace parts. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer
or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility can provide information about legal requirements and
factory-recommended accessories, spare parts, and other equipment.

WARNING

Improper vehicle modifications and repairs affect the performance of the airbag system and
cause malfunctions and severe personal injuries.

Never store, mount or attach objects, such as cup holders or phone cradles, on or next to

the airbag module covers or within the airbag deployment zones.

Objects on or near the surface where airbags are located can come loose and cause seri-

ous personal injury if the airbag deploys.

Operating fluids and equipment

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

Operating fluids and parts that wear out with use (such as timing belts, tires, engine coolants,
engine oils, spark plugs, and vehicle batteries) are constantly being improved. For this reason, it is
important to have operating fluids changed and wearing parts replaced by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and changes.

WARNING

Improper use of operating fluids and equipment can cause accidents, serious personal inju-
ries, burns and/or poisoning.

Always store vehicle care products in a safe place in original-containers that are securely

closed.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use empty food or beverage containers that might

mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always keep vehicle care products out of the reach of children.
Always read and heed all the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package before using

vehicle care products.

When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well venti-

lated area.

Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail polish remover or other volatile fluids for vehi-

cle care. They are poisonous and highly flammable. They could cause fires and explosions!

NOTICE

Only refill with suitable operating fluids. When changing or topping off fluids, make sure

that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding incorrect fluids will cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage! Under no circumstances should you mix up operating fluids.
Otherwise serious malfunctions and engine damage can occur!

Accessories and other things installed in front of the cooling air intakes impair the efficien-

cy of the engine coolant. The engine can overheat under high outside temperatures or under
high engine loads!

Leaking operating fluids can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids in suitable

containers and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regula-
tions.

Repairs and technical modifications

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

Volkswagen guidelines for repairs and technical modifications must be followed

⇒

!

Changes to electronic components and related software can cause malfunctions. These malfunctions
can also affect other systems that are related to the component or software that was modified. The
vehicle's operational safety can be seriously jeopardized, increased vehicle component wear can
occur, and the vehicle may no longer meet applicable emissions requirements.

Volkswagen recommends having all repairs and technical modifications performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility using Genuine Volkswagen Parts

®

.

Damage that is caused by improper repairs or unapproved technical modifications will not be covered
by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

WARNING

Improperly performed repairs and modifications can cause vehicle damage and malfunctions,
and can impair the efficiency of driver assistance systems. This can lead to accidents and
severe personal injuries.

Have repairs and vehicle modifications done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Improperly performed repairs and modifications can cause increased component wear and
result in vehicle emissions that no longer meet applicable requirements.

Repairs and other things that can affect Advanced Airbag performance

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

Repairs and modifications of front bumpers, doors, front seats, headliners and the chassis can affect
proper airbag performance and should be performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. These vehicle areas can contain important parts of the airbag sys-
tem.

Components of the airbag system can be damaged during removal, assembly and repair activities on
the airbag system itself or related components. Damage to airbag parts can prevent the system from
working properly in a collision.

Observe all regulations so that the effectiveness of the airbag is not affected and to prevent disassem-
bled parts from causing injuries and pollution. Authorized Volkswagen dealers, authorized Volkswagen
Service Facilities, and other qualified workshops are familiar with these regulations.

Changing the vehicle's suspension system can change the way that the airbag system works in a
crash. For example, using tire-rim combinations not approved by Volkswagen, lowering the vehicle,
changing the stiffness of the suspension, including the springs, suspension struts, shock absorbers
etc. can change the forces that are measured by the airbag sensors and sent to the electronic control
unit. Some suspension changes can, for example, increase the force levels measured by the airbag

sensors and sent to the electronic control unit and make the airbag system deploy in crashes in which
it would not deploy if the changes had not been made. Other kinds of changes may reduce the force
levels measured by the sensors and prevent the airbag from deploying when it should.

Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle that originally had cloth upholstery. Never install cloth
upholstery on a vehicle that originally had leather upholstery. The capacitive passenger detection
system for the Advanced Airbag system will not work properly if different upholstery is installed on the
passenger seat than the upholstery originally installed on the vehicle when it was originally manufac-
tured.

WARNING

Changing the vehicle's suspension including use of unapproved tire-rim combinations can
change airbag performance and increase the risk of serious personal injury in a crash.

Never install suspension components that do not have the same performance characteris-

tics as the components originally installed on your vehicle.

Never use tire-rim combinations that have not been approved by Volkswagen.

WARNING

Leaving the optional safety belt extender attached to the safety belt buckle on the front pas-
senger seat when the safety belt is not being used will prevent the Advanced Airbag System
from working properly and can increase the risk of serious personal injury in a collision.

Leaving the extender attached to the safety belt buckle when the front seat is occupied

and the safety belt is not being used will signal to the airbag control unit that the front pas-
senger seat is occupied and that the safety belt is being used. The electronic control unit for
the airbag system will then receive incorrect information that will

– cause the safety belt pretensioner to deploy unnecessarily in collisions and

– cause the front passenger airbag to deploy later in collisions in which the front airbag
would otherwise be triggered earlier to help protect an unrestrained front seat passenger.

Always remove the safety belt extender when it is not needed and stow it safely.
Never use the safety belt extender to secure a child restraint.

WARNING

Items stored between the safety belt buckle and the center console can cause safety belt
buckle to send the wrong information to the airbag control unit and prevent the Advanced
Airbag System from working properly.

Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the safety belt buckles and that they are

not obstructed.

WARNING

Improper care and servicing, and improper modification and repair work, can increase the
risk of personal injury and death by preventing an airbag from deploying when needed or
deploying an airbag unexpectedly:

Never repair, adjust, or change any parts of the airbag system.
All work on the airbag system, steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats or electrical

system (including the installation of audio equipment, cellular telephones and CB radios,
etc.) should be performed by authorized Volkswagen dealers or authorized Volkswagen Ser-
vice Facilities. They have the necessary manuals, training, and special equipment.

The airbag system can be activated only once. After an airbag has inflated, it must be

replaced.

Use only original equipment airbags approved by Volkswagen. Have them installed by a

trained technician who has the necessary tools and diagnostic equipment to properly replace
any airbag in your vehicle and assure system effectiveness in a crash.

Never permit salvaged or recycled airbags to be installed in your vehicle.

Undeployed airbag modules and safety belt pretensioners are classified as Perchlorate Materi-

al. Special handling may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all
applicable legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehicle or parts of its restraint
system, including airbag modules and safety belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers
and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend
that you have them perform this service for you.

Notice about data recorded by the Event Data Recorder and vehicle
control modules

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

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle's systems performed. The EDR is de-
signed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typi-
cally 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and inju-
ries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs;
no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name,
gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement,
could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a
crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the
EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that
have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

Some state laws restrict the retrieval or downloading of data stored by EDRs installed in a vehicle for
the express purpose of retrieving data after an accident or crash event without the owner's consent.

Volkswagen will not access the EDR and/or similar data or give it to others - unless the vehicle owner
(or lessee if the vehicle has been leased) agrees, or;

upon the official request by the police;
upon the order of a court of law or a government agency; or
for the defense of a lawsuit through the judicial discovery process.

Volkswagen may also use the data for research about vehicle operation and safety performance or
provide the data to a third party for research purposes without identifying the specific vehicle or infor-
mation about the identity of its owner or lessee.

NOTE: Your vehicle may be equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net. Please see

⇒ page 30 and the

Volkswagen Car-Net Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at (http:// www.vw.com/carnet) for details
regarding how Volkswagen collects, processes, transmits, uses and shares information obtained
through the Volkswagen Car-Net equipment and service.

Your vehicle is also equipped with a number of electronic control modules for various vehicle systems,
such as engine management, emission control, airbags, and safety belts.

These electronic control modules record data during normal vehicle operation that may be needed by
trained technicians for diagnostic and repair purposes. The recording capability of these modules is
limited to data (no sound is recorded). Only a small amount of data is actually recorded over a very
limited period of time, or stored when a system fault is detected by a control module. Some of the data
stored may relate to vehicle speed, direction, or braking, as well as restraint system use and perfor-
mance in the event of a crash. Stored data can also only be read and downloaded with special equip-
ment that is directly connected to the vehicle.

Using a mobile phone in a motor vehicle when it is not connected to
the vehicle telephone antenna - some important things to know

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

Mobile or cellular telephones send and receive radio waves, sometimes called “radiofrequency ener-
gy” (RF energy), both when they are being used and when they are in stand-by mode. Current scien-
tific literature indicates that radio waves that exceed a certain level can have effects on the human
body. Limits and guidelines have been established by governmental authorities and international
committees in an effort to keep the electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones at levels that will not
cause health problems. However, there is no scientifically based proof that wireless phones are abso-
lutely safe.

Therefore some experts recommend a precautionary approach regarding the use of cellular phones by
taking measures that lower the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields. When using a cellular
telephone inside a motor vehicle without a proper connection to an integrated vehicle telephone an-
tenna, the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields will be higher than when using the cellular
telephone while properly connected to an integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna.

Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional hands-free system that will permit many of the features
of compatible Bluetooth

®

enabled cellular telephones to be used for greater convenience and is con-

sistent with the laws of an increasing number of states and localities that prohibit the use of cellular
telephones without some kind of hands-free device.

The hands-free system in your vehicle can be used with certain mobile phones that are connected by
wire and hardware connector or via compatible Bluetooth

®

enabled phones with a cradle that is de-

signed to fit your cellular telephone. The special cradle offers several advantages: The phone cradle
must be safely secured to the base plate. Your phone is firmly attached to the instrument panel and is
within reach at all times. Placing the phone in its cradle permits it to be charged, but more importantly
connects the mobile phone to the vehicle's outside antenna. A cellular telephone that is properly
connected to the integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna will lower the personal expo-
sure to electromagnetic fields. You should also experience a better quality of service. Although a
cellular telephone can be used inside your vehicle without a cradle, the phone will not be securely
attached to the vehicle, will not be charged through the cradle wiring, and more importantly will not be
connected to the vehicle's integrated telephone antenna. The mobile phone will also not be recharged.
You might also experience more dropped calls and an overall impaired quality of the connection.

Therefore we strongly recommend that you use your cellular telephone in your vehicle only when it is
properly attached to an appropriate cradle mounted on a base plate on the instrument panel.

Because of the large number and variety of cellular telephones on the market and the frequency with
which new models are introduced, Volkswagen does not offer cradles for cellular telephones. Please
check with the manufacturer of the cellular telephone that you plan to use.

Bluetooth

®

is a registered trademark of Bluetooth

®

SIG, Inc.

WARNING

A mobile phone on the seat, instrument panel or in other places can be thrown around the
inside of the vehicle during a sudden braking maneuver, a crash or other accident and injure
vehicle occupants.

Never place or attach accessories or other objects (such as cup holders, telephone brack-

ets, note pads, navigation systems, large, heavy or bulky objects) on the doors, on the wind-
shield, over or near the area marked “AIRBAG” on the steering wheel, instrument panel,
backrests or between these areas and the occupant. Such objects could cause serious injury
in a collision, especially if an airbag inflates.

WARNING

Using a mobile phone or CB radio inside the vehicle without a properly installed and separate
outside antenna can be dangerous to your health and that of your passengers because the
electromagnetic radiation energy that mobile phones and CB radios emit may be above es-
tablished limits. This also applies if the outside antenna is not installed properly.

Always keep the mobile phone antenna at least 8 in (20 cm) away from pacemakers. Heart

specialists advise that mobile phones can adversely affect the way pacemakers work.

Never carry a mobile phone that is switched on in the breast pocket directly over a pace-

maker.

If you suspect there may be interference with a pacemaker or other medical device, switch

the mobile phone off immediately.

Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and
Electronic Systems

Radio Frequency Devices and Radiocommunication Equipment User Manual Notice.

Radio-based equipment

Mobile Phone Package
Electronic immobilizer.
HomeLink

®

Universal Transmitter.

Remote control vehicle key.
Keyless Access with push button start.

These devices comply with:

FCC Part 15.19

These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following 2 condi-
tions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

FCC Part 15.21

CAUTION:

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.

These devices comply with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.

Operation is subject to the following 2 conditions:

(1) this device may not cause interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifica-
tions to this equipment.

Reporting Safety Defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying Volkswagen of America, Inc. 3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Volkswagen of America, Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
424-9153);

go to http://www.nhtsa.gov;

or write to:

Administrator

NHTSA

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from

http://www.safercar.gov.

Engine control and emission control system

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights

Indicator lights

Catalytic converter

Diesel particulate filter

More information:

Shifting gears
Refueling
Fuel
Engine oil
Vehicle battery
Notice about data recorded by vehicle control modules
Towing

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
This can cause a fire and serious personal injury.

Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system and catalytic converter could ignite

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

Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or heat shields.

WARNING

California Proposition 65 Warning

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and reproduc-
tive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component
wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects and reproductive harm.

Indicator lights

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

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine control malfunction (Electronic

Power Control).

Have engine checked immediately by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Diesel engine pre-glow before engine

start-up.

Engine control / monitoring system mal-

function (engine Malfunction Indicator

Light - MIL)

Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the

nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have

engine checked.

Diesel particulate filter clogged with soot.

Drive about 15 minutes in 4th gear (manual

transmission) or in Drive (D) (automatic

transmission) and at a speed of about

45 mph (70 km/h). There may be a noticeable

smell.

Obey speed limits

⇒

.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility if the

indicator light is still on.

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine control malfunction (diesel en-

gine).

Have engine checked immediately by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Misfire, which can damage the catalytic

converter.

Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the

nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have

engine checked.

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

Obey all applicable legal requirements when cleaning the diesel particulate filter.

Clean diesel particulate filter as recommended only when visibility, weather, road, and

traffic conditions permit.

Do not put others at risk.

NOTICE

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

As long as the indicator lights

,

or

are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel

consumption and loss of engine efficiency.

Catalytic converter

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

The catalytic converter provides exhaust gas after-treatment to help reduce pollutants in the exhaust
gas. To help ensure long service life of the exhaust system and gasoline engine catalytic converter:

Only use unleaded fuel.
Never completely empty the fuel tank.

Do not exceed the correct oil level

⇒ Engine oil.

Do not tow the vehicle to start it, but use a jump-start instead

⇒ Jump-starting.

If you experience misfires, loss of power or the engine is not running smoothly while driving, reduce
speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, gasoline could reach the exhaust system and get into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter could also be damaged by overheating!

Under certain engine conditions, you may smell a sulfur odor. This is not an indication of a

malfunctioning emission control system. This depends upon the sulfur content of the diesel fuel.

Diesel particulate filter

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

The diesel particulate filter helps take soot particles out of the exhaust. The soot particles are collected
and periodically burned in the filter at high temperatures (regeneration). The resulting heat can cause
the temperature inside the engine compartment to increase.

Regeneration can create noises, slight smells, and, regardless of the outside temperature, cause the
radiator fan to start – even after the engine has been turned off.

Volkswagen recommends frequently driving longer distances to help clean the filter. On vehicles with
automatic transmissions, the engine speed may also increase slightly. The indicator light will not come
on.

Use only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel No. 2

⇒ Fuel.

Never refuel with gasoline or fuel oil or biodiesel that does not comply with the special require-

ments for diesel fuel

⇒ Diesel fuel.

Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty.

Do not exceed the correct oil level

⇒ Engine oil.

Do not tow the vehicle to start, but use a jump-start instead

⇒ Jump-starting.

On vehicles with automatic transmissions, increase the engine speed slightly while driving to automat-
ically start cleaning the diesel particulate filter. This helps to minimize clogging of the filter. The indica-
tor light

will not come on.

Under certain engine conditions, you may smell a sulfur odor. This is not an indication of a

malfunctioning emission control system. This depends upon the sulfur content of the diesel fuel.

Frequently asked questions

If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find
helpful information under “Characteristics” and “Checklist” in the index.

Description

Possible causes, among

others

Possible remedy

Engine does not start.

Vehicle battery dead.

– Perform jump-start

– Charge vehicle battery

The wrong vehicle key is used.

Use a valid vehicle key

Fuel level too low.

Refuel

AdBlue fill level too low.

Refill AdBlue

Vehicle cannot be locked

or unlocked using vehicle

key.

– Battery in the remote control

vehicle key dead.

– Too far away from vehicle

(out of range).

– Buttons have been pressed

too many times.

– Replace the battery in the remote

control vehicle key

– Move closer to vehicle.

– Synchronize vehicle key

– Lock or unlock vehicle manually

Unusual noises.

Cold engine, braking assist

systems, electronic steering

column lock.

Check the “Noises” entry in the index.

Odd driving behavior.

Assistance systems activated.

Check the “Assistance systems” entry

in the index.

DSG

®

Direct Shift Gearbox too

hot.

Stop vehicle as soon as you can do so

safely

Outside mirrors move

when vehicle is unlocked.

Convenience settings are

stored.

Correct convenience settings

Front seats cannot be

adjusted with power

controls.

Vehicle battery dead.

Charge vehicle battery

Fuse blown.

Check fuse and replace if necessary

Features do not work as

described in this manual.

Settings were adjusted in the

Volkswagen Information Sys-

tem.

Check and reset to factory settings if

necessary

Headlights do not light up

the road as they should.

– Headlights adjusted too high.

– Light bulbs burned out.

– Low beams not switched on.

– Have the headlight range adjusted by
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facili-

ty.

– Change light bulbs

– Switch on low beams

Description

Possible causes, among

others

Possible remedy

Electrical consumers do

not work.

Vehicle battery charge too low.

Charge vehicle battery

Remaining fuel level too low.

Refuel

Fuse blown.

Check fuse and replace if necessary

Fuel consumption higher

than indicated.

– Short hauls.

– “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.

– Avoid short distance driving.

– Drive defensively.

– Accelerate smoothly.

Electrical loads switched on.

Switch off unnecessary loads.

Engine control malfunctioning.

Have the malfunction corrected

Tire pressure too low.

Adjust tire pressure

Driving in the mountains.

No direct corrective action possible.

Towing a trailer.

– Check use.

– Remove if not in use.

Driving with heavy payload.

No direct corrective action possible.

Driving at high engine speed.

Select a higher gear.