Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction — part 8

WARNING

Improper use or positioning of a safety belt extender increases the risk of serious personal
injury and death.

A driver or passenger who is not properly restrained can be seriously injured by striking

the interior of the passenger compartment or by the safety belt itself, which can be displaced
from stronger parts of the body into sensitive areas like the abdomen.

Safety belt extenders offer optimum protection only when they are properly used.
Only use the extender when the belt is not long enough to be worn low and snug and the

person is in the correct seating position. Remove and stow extender safely when not needed.

Always make sure the safety belt tongue of the safety belt extender is securely inserted

into the buckle for the seating position that belongs to the seat where the safety belt extender
is being used. Attaching the safety belt to the wrong buckle will reduce safety belt effective-
ness and can cause serious personal injury.

Never use the safety belt extender if you can properly attach the safety belt without it.

Using a safety belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury, especially in a
collision.

Never use a safety belt extender if the distance (B) between the front edge of the safety

belt extender buckle (A) and the centerline of the person using the safety belt extender
⇒

fig. 86

(C)

is less than 6 inches (15 cm).

Never leave a safety belt extender attached to the vehicle safety belt buckle when the

extender is not needed and being used with the safety belt. Otherwise, the airbag control
module will receive an incorrect signal from the safety belt buckle and this will prevent the
airbag from working properly for a person who is not using the safety belt.

Never use more than 1 extender with a safety belt. Using more than 1 extender can change

the way the safety belt passes over the body and can cause serious injury.

Never use the safety belt extender to secure a child restraint.
Never use a safety belt extender on your Volkswagen that you got from another automo-

bile manufacturer or from an automotive parts store.

Never use the safety belt extender you got for your vehicle for any other vehicle, regard-

less of make, model, or model year.

NOTICE

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 passenger seat is occu-
pied 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.
– 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.

A pretensioner that has deployed cannot be repaired. The entire safety belt must be re-

placed.

NOTICE

If the safety belt extender is left attached to the safety belt buckle, the safety belt warning
system will sense that the safety belt for that seat is being used. The warning light will not
come on and the warning chime will not sound even though the seat is occupied and the safety
belt is not being used.

Safety belt retractor, pretensioner, load limiter

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

The safety belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle's safety concept

⇒ Safety equipment, ⇒ Safety

equipment and consist of the following important features:

Automatic safety belt retractors

Every safety belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder belt. As long as the
safety belt is pulled out slowly, the shoulder belt will extend to let you move freely under normal driving
conditions. The automatic safety belt retractor locks the belt when the belt is pulled out fast, during
hard braking and in a collision. The belt may also lock when you drive up or down a steep hill or
through a sharp curve.

Safety belt pretensioner

The safety belt retractors for the driver and front seat passenger have a pretensioner that helps take
the slack out of the safety belt and tighten it when the pretensioner is activated.

The pretensioners are activated by the electronic control unit for the airbag system in front, side, and
rear collisions. By tightening the safety belt, the pretensioner helps to reduce the occupant's forward
movement. The belt pretensioner works together with the airbag system; its function is monitored by
the airbag system indicator light. The belt pretensioner will not deploy in a rollover if the side airbags
are not activated.

A fine dust may be released upon activation. This is normal and is not caused by a fire in the vehicle.

Safety belt load limiter

The front safety belts also have load limiters to help reduce the forces applied to the body in a crash.

Heed all safety regulations if the vehicle or individual components of the system have to be

scrapped. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen Service Facility are familiar

with these regulations

⇒ Service and disposal of belt pretensioners.

Service and disposal of belt pretensioners

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

The pretensioners are part of the safety belts installed at the front seats in your vehicle. Installing,
removing, servicing, or repairing of safety belt pretensioners can damage the safety belt system and
prevent it from working correctly in a collision. The pretensioners themselves may then also not work
in the event of an accident, or not work properly.

There are some important things you have to know to make sure that the effectiveness of the system
will not be impaired and that discarded components do not cause injury or pollute the environment.
Undeployed safety belt pretensioners and airbag modules contain explosive materials that can cause
serious injuries to the general public and to people who work at dealerships and workshops, scrap
yards, and recycling facilities. For this reason, the systems must be properly handled when they or the
vehicles they are installed in are scrapped.

Undeployed safety belt pretensioners and airbag modules can also pollute the environment. Never
abandon vehicles or vehicle parts. If your vehicle must be scrapped, please make sure that it is done
safely, responsibly, and in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations. Take it to a li-
censed facility that has the knowledge and experience to properly dispose of the vehicle and its safety
belt system. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen Service Facility are
familiar with these regulations.

WARNING

Improper handling, care, servicing, and repair procedures can increase the risk of personal
injury and death by preventing a belt pretensioner from activating when needed or by caus-
ing it to activate unexpectedly.

The pretensioner can be activated only once. If a pretensioner has been activated, the

safety belt must be replaced.

Safety belt systems including the pretensioners cannot be repaired. Special procedures

are required to remove, install, and dispose of this system.

Never repair, adjust, or change pretensioners or any other part of the safety belt system

yourself. We strongly recommend that you have any work on the safety belt system per-
formed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They

have the necessary technical information, training, and special equipment

⇒ Parts, accesso-

ries, repairs and modifications.

WARNING

Undeployed safety belt pretensioners and airbag modules contain explosive materials that
can cause serious personal injuries if they are not properly handled when they or the vehi-
cles they are installed in are scrapped.

Never abandon vehicles or vehicle parts.
Always scrap vehicles and vehicle parts, especially those containing undeployed airbag

modules and undeployed safety belt pretensioners, at a licensed facility that has the
knowledge and experience to properly dispose of the vehicle and its safety belt and airbag
systems.

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.

Lights

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights

Indicator lights

Turn signal lever and high beam switch

Switching lights on and off

Switching lights on and off

Lights and vision features

Lights and vision features

Coming home / Leaving home features (orientation lighting)

Instrument panel lighting

Interior and reading lights

Always obey local vehicle lighting laws.

The driver is always responsible for the correct headlight settings.

More information:

Exterior views
Volkswagen Information System
Changing a light bulb

WARNING

Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.

Always switch on the low beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the

weather is bad or visibility is poor.

WARNING

Headlights that are aimed too high and improper use of the headlight flasher or high beams
can blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

Always make sure that headlights are properly adjusted.
Never use the headlight flasher or high-beams when they can blind or distract other driv-

ers.

Indicator lights

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

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

One or more driving lights not working or

cornering light malfunction.

Replace burned out bulb

⇒ or

if all light bulbs are OK, see an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service facility.

Fog lights switched on (indicator light on

the headlight switch).

Left or right turn signal.

The indicator light blinks twice as fast if a

turn signal is not working on the vehicle or

the trailer.

Check the turn signals on the vehicle and

the trailer.

Daytime running lights (DRL) on.

High beams switched on or headlight

flashers in use.

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.
Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, stop

the engine, turn on the emergency flashers, and use other warning devices to warn approach-
ing traffic.

Never park the vehicle in areas where the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can

come into contact with dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, oil, or other material that can catch fire.

A broken down vehicle presents a high accident risk for itself and others. Switch on

emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn oncoming traffic.

NOTICE

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

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights provide bright, uniform lighting to help you see and be

seen. The light comes from an electric arc between two electrodes in the gas-filled bulb. Over time, the
electrodes can wear down and the gap between them will get wider. The HID lamp’s control unit then
increases the voltage to keep the arc’s brightness constant. However, the commonly called “Xenon”
bulbs will also ultimately burn out. Before they burn out, HID lamps can flicker. A message will then
appear in the MFI. This is your reminder to see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service facility to check the headlights.

Turn signal lever and high beam switch

Fig. 100 Turn signal lever and high beam switch.

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

Move the lever to the desired position.

(1)

Right turn signal.

(2)

Left turn signal.

(3)

Switching high beams on

⇒

An indicator light

lights up in the instrument cluster when the

high beams are switched on.

(4)

Switching the high beams off and operating the headlight flasher: The headlight flasher turns on
the high beams as long as the lever is pulled and manually held in the pulled position. The indi-
cator light

lights up. When released, the lever moves back to the home position and turns off

the high beams. The indicator light

goes out.

Move the lever back to the home position to turn the selected feature off.

Lane change signaling feature (convenience turn signal)

To use the lane change signaling feature, move the lever up or down slightly, just to the point of re-
sistance and then release it. If you have lane change flash (Conv. turn sig.) switched on, the turn
signals and the turn signal indicator flash 3 times. If it is switched off, they flash as long as you hold
the lever up or down, and go out when you release the lever.

Lane change flash is switched on and off in the Lights & Vision menu in the instrument cluster

display

⇒ Volkswagen Information System. If your vehicle is not equipped with the Lights & Vi-

sion menu, the feature can be deactivated by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Improper use of high beams can distract and blind others, causing accidents and serious
injuries.

The turn signal light works only when the ignition is switched on. The emergency flasher works

even when the ignition is switched off

⇒ In an emergency.

The indicator light flashes twice as fast if a turn signal bulb is burned out.

High beams can only be switched on when low beams are on.

Switching lights on and off

Fig. 101 Headlight switch next to the steering wheel: A vehicles with front fog lights. B vehicles without front
fog lights.

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

Adjust the light switch to the desired position

⇒

fig. 101

:

Symbol

When the ignition is switched off

When the ignition is switched on

Fog lights, low beams and parking lights

switched off.

Headlights off, daytime running lights (DRL)

on.

Orientation lighting may be switched on.

Automatic headlights active; DRL on.

Low beams off. Parking lights and DRL

stay on. The length of time they stay on

depends on the vehicle battery charge.

Low beams switched on.

Fog lights switched off. The DRL may

stay on for some time.

Headlights and fog lights switched on.

Fog lights:

The indicator light in the light switch shows that the front fog lights are switched on.

To switch on the fog lights : first turn the light switch to position

, and then pull the light switch

out to the first detent.

To switch off the fog lights, push the switch back in from the first detent. To then turn off the head-

lights, turn the switch to position .

Acoustic warning when lights are not switched off

In the following situation, a warning chime will sound if you take the key out of the ignition and open
the driver door. This is to remind you that lights are still on.

Light switch in position

if the vehicle has no orientation lighting

⇒ page 122, Coming home /

Leaving home features (orientation lighting).

WARNING

Daytime running lights and parking lights are not bright enough to let you see ahead or be
seen by others when it is dark.

Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the

weather is bad or visibility is poor.

Never use the daytime running lights to see where you are going. They are not bright

enough and will not let you see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is
dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.

The taillights do not come on with the daytime running lights. Unless the taillights are on,

a vehicle cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.

Even if automatic headlights (

) are switched on, the low-beam headlights may still not

come on by themselves in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights
manually.

In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the taillights, and turn signals can tempo-

rarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.

Lights and vision features

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

Daytime running lights (DRL)

Separate lamps are installed in the headlights or in the front bumper for the daytime running lights
(DRL).

When the daytime running lights are switched on, only these separate lamps come on.

The daytime running lights are switched on whenever the ignition is switched on and the light switch is
in position or

. The indicator light or

in the instrument cluster indicates that the feature is

active

⇒ Warning and indicator lights.

If the light switch is in position

, a low-light sensor switches the instrument and switch lighting on

and off automatically.

Daytime running lights (DRL) parking feature

Some models are equipped with a daytime running lights (DRL) parking feature that switches the
daytime running lights off when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is switched on.

Function

Action

Switching the DRL off:

– Switch the ignition on.

– Turn the light switch to the position.

– Set the parking brake.

Switching the DRL on:

– Release the parking brake.

Static cornering lights

Your vehicle may have fog lights under the front bumper that are also static cornering lights. On some
models the static cornering lights may also be integrated in the headlights. At speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h), the light on one side of the vehicle will come on automatically when you turn a
corner. If you turn to the right, the right fog light lights up; turn left and the left fog light lights up. The
light dims and goes out when the steering wheel is straightened out again.

When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the static cornering lights on both sides of the
vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.

The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. If you are using automatic headlights

(headlight switch in the

position

⇒

fig. 101

), they work only when the headlights have been auto-

matically switched on. The static cornering lights do not come on when the headlight switch is in the

position or when the fog lights themselves have been switched on

⇒ Switching lights on and off.

Automatic headlights (

)

Automatic headlights are a convenience feature only and cannot always recognize all lighting and
driving situations.

If the light switch is in the

position, both vehicle lighting and instrument and switch lighting are

automatically switched on and off in the following situations

⇒

:

Automatic activation:

Automatic deactivation:

If the low-light sensor registers darkness, for

example when driving through a tunnel.

If sufficient brightness is registered.

WARNING

Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.

Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright

enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far
enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-
beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.

The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle

without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.

If automatic headlights (

) are switched on, the low-beam headlights still may not be

switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights yourself.

In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, rear lights, and turn signals can tempo-

rarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.

Coming home / Leaving home features (orientation lighting)

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

The “Coming home” and “Leaving home” features are controlled automatically by a low-light sensor.

Coming home

Action

Coming home

Action

Switch on:

– Switch off the ignition.
The Coming home lighting is switched on when the driver door is open, the
headlight switch is set to

, and the low-light sensor detects darkness.

The delay period starts once the last vehicle door or the luggage compartment
lid is closed.

Switch off:

– Automatically after delay period is over.
– Turn light switch to position.
– Switch the ignition on.

Leaving home

Action

Switch on:

– Unlock the vehicle if the light switch is in the

position and the low-light

sensor registers darkness.

Switch off:

– Automatically after preset delay period is over.
– Lock the vehicle.
– Turn the light switch to the position.
– Switch the ignition on.

The delay period can be adjusted and the function can be switched on and off in the Lights &

Vision menu

⇒ Volkswagen Information System.

If the Coming home feature is switched on and the driver door is opened, no warning chime will

sound to alert you that the lights are still on.

Instrument panel lighting

Fig. 103 To the left of the steering wheel: Control for instrument panel lighting.

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

Instrument panel lighting

When the lights are on, the brightness of the instrument panel lighting is adjusted by pressing the

button

⇒

fig. 5

:

( )

Brightness up.

( )

Brightness down.

In vehicles with daytime running lights (DRL), the instrument cluster lighting switches on automatically
when it is dark outside or when driving through tunnels, for example. You will need to switch the head-

lights on manually when this happens, so that the vehicle's taillights will turn on

⇒ Switching lights on

and off,

⇒ , Switching lights on and off.

WARNING

Headlights that are aimed too high because of the way the vehicle is loaded can blind and
distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to loading conditions so that they do not

blind others.

Interior and reading lights

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

Button

Function

Interior lights off.

Interior lights on.

Door contact switch - center position

Interior lights go on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, a door is opened, or

the vehicle key is removed from the ignition.

The lights go out about 20 seconds after you close the doors. They also go out when

you lock the vehicle or switch on the ignition.

Reading light on or off.

Glove and luggage compartment lights

The glove and luggage compartments may have lights that come on automatically when they are
opened and go off when they are closed.

Ambient (background) lighting

When the ignition and headlights are switched on, the roof console control buttons light up.

There may also be footwell lighting.

The interior and reading lights go out when you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after you

remove the vehicle key from the ignition. This helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle
battery.

Sun protection

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Sun visors

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

WARNING

Sun visors can reduce visibility.

Always stow sun visors when not needed to block sun glare.

Sun visors

Fig. 104 Sun visor.

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

Sun visor adjustment:

Flip the sun visor down toward the windshield.

Lift it out of the retaining clip

⇒

fig. 104

(1)

and swivel it over toward the door.

Additional sun visor positions:

On some vehicles, you can slide the sun visor towards the rear of the vehicle after swiveling it over

to the door.

Vanity mirror and lighting

A vanity mirror is behind a cover in the sun visor. A light may come on when you slide the cover open

(2)

.

The light goes out when you shut the cover or if you flip the sun visor up again.

The vanity mirror light and the interior light above the sun visor go out after several minutes. This

helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

Fig. 105 Heat-reflective windshield with communications window (blue shaded area).

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

Windshields made of insulating glass have a transparent metallic infrared-reflecting coating. There is

an uncoated area (communications window) just above the inside rearview mirror

⇒

fig. 105

. This

serves as a communications window for transmitting signals to and from electronic components and
accessories.

The uncoated area must not be blocked on the inside or outside or covered with stickers because this
can cause the electronic components to malfunction.

Windshield wiper and washer

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light

Windshield wiper lever

Windshield wiper functions

Windshield wiper service position

Rain sensor

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

More information:

Exterior views
Climate control
Preparations for working in the engine compartment
Exterior care and cleaning

WARNING

Windshield washer fluid without enough frost protection can freeze on the windshield and
reduce visibility.

Use the windshield washer system with enough frost protection for winter temperatures.
Never use the windshield wipers/washers when it is freezing without first defrosting the

windshield. The washer solution may freeze on the windshield and reduce visibility.

WARNING

Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe
injuries.

Always replace wiper blades that are worn, damaged, or do not keep the windshield clear.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, al-
ways make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using
the windshield wiper service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not
freeze to the windshield

Indicator light

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

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Not enough windshield washer fluid.

Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next

opportunity

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.

NOTICE

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

Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 106 Operating the front windshield wiper.

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

Move the lever to the desired position

⇒

:

(A)

Wiper switched off.

(B)

Intermittent wiping for the windshield.

Adjust the interval settings with switch

⇒

fig. 106

(1)

.

(C)

Slow wiper speed.

(D)

Fast wiper speed.

(E)

x

One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more often.

(F)

Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the windshield washers, then

release.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, al-
ways make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using
the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the wind-

shield

⇒ Windshield wiper service position.

If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the

same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other
objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.

Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recom-

mends using a deicing spray.

NOTICE

Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can
be scratched.

The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The

windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened.

The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the

speed, the faster the wipers move.

If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends

using a deicing spray.

Windshield wiper functions

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

Wiper performance in different situations:

During automatic wipe/wash:

While the washer system is working, the Climatronic switch-

es to recirculation for about 30 seconds to help prevent the

washer fluid odor from entering the vehicle interior.

During intermittent wiping:

Speed-dependent interval control: The higher the vehicle

speed, the faster the wipers move.

Heated washer nozzles

The heating thaws frozen washer nozzles, but not the fluid supply hoses. When the ignition is switched
on, the heat applied to the washer nozzles is automatically regulated depending on the outside air
temperature.

If there is something on the windshield, the wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to block

the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.