Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction — part 15

NOTICE

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

Pedals

Fig. 155 Pedals in vehicles with manual transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal, 3 Clutch pedal.

Fig. 156 Pedals in vehicles with automatic transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal.

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

All pedals must always be able to move freely in and out without interference from floor mats or other
things.

Only use floor mats that leave the pedal area free and are held securely in place with floor mat fasten-
ers to help prevent sliding.

If a brake circuit malfunctions, more brake pedal travel is needed to bring the vehicle to a full stop, and
it is important that nothing is in the way when you have to depress the brake pedal harder and farther
than normal.

WARNING

Objects in the driver footwell can prevent the pedals from moving freely. This can cause loss
of vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injuries.

Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the pedals.
Always fasten floor mats securely to the floor.
Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on top of already installed floor mats.

Always make sure that nothing can fall into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.

NOTICE

Always make sure that the pedals are able to move freely and that nothing can interfere with
them. If a brake circuit fails, more brake pedal travel will be needed to bring the vehicle to a
stop. The brake pedal must be pressed farther and harder than normal.

Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Fig. 157 Gearshift pattern of a 5-speed manual transmission.

Fig. 158 Gearshift pattern of a 6-speed manual transmission.

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

The positions of the individual gears are shown on the gearshift lever

⇒

fig. 157

or

⇒

fig. 158

.

Depress the clutch pedal all the way and hold.
Move the gearshift lever into the desired position.
Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.

The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start the engine.

Shifting into reverse

Only shift to the reverse gear when the vehicle is not moving.

Depress the clutch pedal fully and hold

⇒

.

Move the gearshift lever to neutral and press down.

Move the shift lever to the left and then push forward into the reverse gear position

⇒

fig. 157

(R)

or

⇒

fig. 158

(R)

.

Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.

Downshifting

You should always downshift gear by gear when driving, meaning always into the next lowest gear. Do

not downshift when the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) is too high

⇒

. At fast speeds or high

engine rpms, skipping over one or more gears when downshifting can cause damage to the clutch and

transmission, even if a gear is not engaged

⇒

.

WARNING

Downshifting to a lower gear incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle control and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.

WARNING

When the engine is running and a gear is engaged, the vehicle will start to move as soon as
the clutch pedal is released, even when the parking brake is applied. This also applies when
the parking brake is engaged.

Never shift into reverse when the vehicle is moving.

NOTICE

Shifting down to a gear that is too low when driving at fast speeds or high engine rpms can
cause extensive damage to the clutch and transmission. That is true even if the clutch pedal is
pressed so that the clutch is not engaged.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage and premature wear:

Do not rest your hand on the gearshift lever while driving. Over time, the pressure will

cause premature wear in the transmission.

Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way when changing gears.
Do not hold the vehicle on a hill using engine power with the clutch pedal partially engaged

and the engine running.

Automatic transmission: Selector lever

Fig. 159 Automatic transmission selector lever with shift lever release button (arrow).

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

Automatic transmission vehicles have an Automatic Shift Lock (ASL). With ASL, you must depress the
brake pedal and hold it down while pressing the release button on the selector lever handle in the

direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 159

in order to move the selector lever out of Park (P) and into a drive

gear. When the selector lever is in Neutral (N), you also have to depress the brake pedal before you
can move the selector lever to Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R).

If the ignition is switched on, either the current selector lever setting or the current gear is shown in the
instrument cluster display.

Selector

lever

position

Designation

Meaning

⇒

Park

The drive wheels are mechanically locked.

Select only when the vehicle is not moving.To change the

selector lever position, switch on the ignition (if it is off) and then

press the selector lever release button while holding down the

brake pedal.

Reverse

The reverse gear is engaged.

Shift into Reverse only when the vehicle is not moving.

Neutral

Transmission is in Neutral position. No power is transmitted to

the wheels and no engine braking is available.

Drive (standard
driving position)

All forward gears shift up and down automatically. The trans-

mission shifts as needed depending on engine load, individual

driving style, and vehicle speed.

Sport Drive (Sport

driving position)

All forward gears automatically upshift later and downshift

earlier than in the D (Drive) position, to take full advantage of

the engine's power reserves. The transmission shifts as needed

depending on engine load, individual driving style, and vehicle

speed.

Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)

The Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) in Park (P) and Neutral (N) prevents drive positions from being en-
gaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.

To release the ASL, depress and hold the brake pedal with the ignition switched on. Press the release
button on the selector lever at the same time.

The ASL is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through Neutral (N) (e.g., when shifting
from Reverse (R) to Drive (D)). This makes it possible to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if
it is stuck in snow or mud. The ASL engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the
lever is in Neutral (N) for more than about 1 second and the vehicle is traveling no faster than about
3 mph (5 km/h).

In rare cases, the ASL may not engage on vehicles with DSG

®

Direct Shift Gearbox. If this happens,

power to the drive wheels will be interrupted to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. The
green indicator light will blink and a text message will be displayed. To engage the Automatic Shift
Lock (ASL):

Depress and then release the brake pedal. Try to engage the ASL again.

WARNING

Moving the selector lever to the wrong position can cause loss of vehicle control, a collision,
and serious personal injury.

Never accelerate when moving the selector lever.
When the engine is running and a drive position is engaged, the vehicle will start to move

as soon as the brake pedal is released.

Never shift into Reverse or Park when the vehicle is moving.

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.

Never get out of the driver's seat while the engine is running, especially when the trans-

mission is in a drive gear. If you must leave your vehicle while the engine is running, always
set the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P).

Never leave the vehicle in Neutral (N). It will roll down hills, whether the engine is running

or not.

When the engine is running and a drive gear - Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R) -

has been selected, press and hold the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. The ve-
hicle may “creep” and move forward or backward even if the engine is idling slowly.

Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when the vehicle is moving.

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 setting the parking brake.

If the selector lever is moved into Neutral (N) by mistake when the vehicle is moving, take your

foot off the accelerator pedal. Wait until the engine speed has dropped to idle speed before moving
the selector lever into a drive gear.

Leaving the selector lever for a long period of time in any position other than Park (P) when the

ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.

Shifting with Tiptronic

®

Fig. 160 Selector lever in Tiptronic position.

Fig. 161 Steering wheel with optional Tiptronic shift paddles.

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

Tiptronic lets you upshift and downshift manually with the automatic transmission. When Tiptronic
mode is used, the transmission stays in the current gear and does not upshift or downshift automati-
cally unless the transmission senses a situation where upshifting or downshifting is necessary to keep
the engine from over- or under-revving.

Using Tiptronic with the selector lever

Push the selector lever sideways to the right from Drive (D) position into the Tiptronic position

⇒

in Automatic transmission: Selector lever

Briefly push the selector lever forward

(+)

to upshift into a higher gear or backward

(–)

to downshift

into a lower gear

⇒

fig. 160

.

Using Tiptronic with the shift paddles behind the steering wheel

The paddles

⇒

fig. 161

work when the selector lever is in the Tiptronic position or when the selec-

tor lever is in Drive (D) or Sport Drive (S). You do not have to move the selector lever over to the right
into the Tiptronic position.

To upshift, pull the paddle +

on the right toward you.

To downshift, pull the paddle – on the left toward you.

To switch off Tiptronic mode, pull the paddle on the right +

toward you and hold it there for

about 1 second.

Tiptronic will switch off automatically if the shift paddles have not been used for a while and the selec-
tor lever is not in the Tiptronic position.

NOTICE

During acceleration, the transmission will shift automatically into the next higher gear

before reaching maximum engine speed (rpm).

If you use Tiptronic to shift into a lower gear, the transmission will downshift only when

doing so will not over-rev the engine.

Driving with automatic transmission

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

All forward gears shift up and down automatically.

Driving on hills

The steeper the grade, the lower the gear that must be selected. Lower gears increase the braking
effect of the engine. Never coast downhill in Neutral (N).

Reduce speed.
Switch to Tiptronic mode by moving the selector lever from Drive (D) to the right into the Tiptronic

position

⇒ Shifting with Tiptronic®.

Downshift by pulling the selector lever back briefly (-).

OR: Downshift using the paddles on the steering wheel

⇒ Shifting with Tiptronic®.

If you stop and start up again when going uphill, you should use Hill Hold

⇒ Hill Hold as long as the

engine is running.

Vehicles without Hill Hold: If you stop on a hill with the vehicle in gear, you must depress the brake
pedal or engage the parking brake to keep the vehicle from rolling. Do not release the brake pedal or

the parking brake until the vehicle has started to move forwards

⇒

.

Kick-down acceleration

The kick-down feature permits maximum acceleration when the selector lever is in the Drive (D), Sport
Drive (S) or Tiptronic mode.

If you push the accelerator all the way down, the vehicle will automatically downshift, depending on
vehicle speed and engine speed (rpm). This feature lets you take advantage of the full acceleration

capacity of the vehicle

⇒

.

With kick-down actuated, the transmission will stay in the current gear longer and not upshift until the
engine reaches maximum rpm.

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause skidding and loss of traction, especially on slippery roads,
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, collisions, and serious personal injury.

Only use the kick-down feature or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road, and traffic

conditions permit and other drivers will not be endangered by your driving and the vehicle's
acceleration.

Always adapt your driving to the traffic flow.

NOTICE

When stopping on hills with the transmission in a drive gear, do not use the accelerator to

help prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. This can cause the automatic transmission to
overheat and be damaged.

Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is

not running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.

Automatic transmission malfunction

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

Emergency shift program

If all selector lever position indicators in the instrument cluster display are highlighted against a bright
background, there is a system malfunction. The automatic transmission and the DSG automatic
transmission will then operate in the emergency shift program. The emergency shift program lets you
drive the vehicle, but at a reduced speed and without being able to use all of the forward gears.

In some cases, vehicles with a DSG

®

automated transmissionmay not be able to shift into reverse.

It is then impossible to drive the vehicle backwards.

In any event, have the automatic transmission checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Overheating of Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG

®

) automatic transmission

The DSG

®

automatic transmission may overheat, for example, due to frequent starts, extended

“creeping,” or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning light and, if applicable, by
a text message in the instrument cluster. An additional warning chime may sound. Stop and let the

transmission cool down

⇒

.

The vehicle does not move forward or in reverse even though a drive position is selected
with the selector lever

If the vehicle does not move in the desired direction, the system may not have engaged the drive
position correctly. Press the brake pedal and select the drive position again.

If the vehicle still does not move in the desired direction, there is a system malfunction. See your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance to have the
system checked.

NOTICE

As soon as you get any of these warnings about transmission overheating, you must either

park the vehicle in a safe place or drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).

If the text message and acoustic warning repeat themselves every 10 seconds or so, you

must park the vehicle in a safe place as soon as you can safely do so and stop the engine. Let
the transmission cool down.

To help prevent damage to the transmission, do not drive the vehicle again until the acous-

tic warning has stopped. As long as the engine is overheated, avoid stop and start driving and
avoid low speeds (“walking pace”).

Steering

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Steering system information

The power steering system is either hydraulic or 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 imme-

diately 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 malfunc-

tion.

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 or clutch 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 col-

umn lock.

Remove the vehicle key.

Insert the vehicle key into the igni-

tion 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 situa-

tion 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

Braking assistance systems

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
Driver assistance systems
Tires and wheels
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

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

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 au-
thorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, re-
placed.

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 build-up 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 barri-
er 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, immedi-

ately 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

⇒ Vehicle battery.

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.

The lock button in the selector lever is not

engaged.

Engage the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)