Volkswagen Touareg (2015 year). Instruction — part 34

NOTICE

Never force a fuel nozzle in the misfueling guard. Forcing a fuel nozzle in the misfueling

guard can damage it so that it can no longer help prevent misfueling.

If you have problems inserting a diesel fuel nozzle, please check to make sure you are

using the right kind of diesel fuel.

If you must refuel with a non-standard diesel fuel nozzle, an adapter is available from

Volkswagen to allow refueling. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. Only use an adapter approved by Volkswagen for
your vehicle.

Remember that the nozzle on a portable fuel container will generally not open the

misfueling guard. If you must refuel with a portable fuel container in an emergency, you can
pour diesel fuel very slowly from a portable container into the fuel filler neck of your vehicle.
The fuel will flow slowly past the misfueling guard and into the tank.

Fuel capacities

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

Fuel tank capacity

Hybrid drive vehicle

26.41 gal (100.0 l)

of which about 3.17 gal (12.0 l) reserve

Gasoline engines

26.41 gal (100.0 l)

of which about 3.96 gal (15.0 l) reserve

Diesel engines

26.41 gal (100.0 l)

of which about 3.17 gal (12.0 l) reserve

Refueling checklist

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

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Never do any work on the engine
or in the engine compartment unless you.

Know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools and supplies, and
are familiar with the necessary safety precautions Working in the engine compartment.

Checklist

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every time you
refuel:

Windshield washer fluid level

⇒ Windshield wiper and washer

Engine oil level

⇒ Engine oil

Engine coolant level

⇒ Engine coolant

Brake fluid level

⇒ Braking and parking

Tire pressure

⇒ Tires and wheels

Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:

– Turn signals
– Parking lights, low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate light

Information regarding replacing light bulbs

⇒ Replacing light bulbs.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.

Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

Fuel

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Gasoline

Gasoline additives

Diesel fuel

The correct fuel grade for your engine is shown on a sticker located on the inside of the fuel filler flap
⇒

fig. 306

.

Bad or poor quality fuel reduces operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. If you
notice any symptoms like rough engine idle or performance or “bucking”, immediately reduce the
vehicle speed, accelerate slowly and keep the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range. Avoid
high rpm and rapid acceleration. If these symptoms should appear right after refueling, switch off the
engine. In both cases contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility to have the engine checked.

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

Refueling
Engine control and exhaust system

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel can cause fire, explosion, and severe burns.

Fuel is highly explosive and flammable and can cause severe burns and other injuries.
Heed applicable safety warnings and obey local fuel handling regulations.
Always make sure the fuel cap is screwed on all the way. This keeps fuel from spilling out

and from evaporating.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle fully into the

vehicle's filler neck could cause fuel overflow and fuel spray. Fuel spray and overflowing fuel
are dangerous because they can cause fire or serious injury.

For safety reasons, the engine must be turned off when refueling.
Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. Static electricity can
cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released during refueling.

Gasoline

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

Octane rating

Octane rating indicates a gasoline's ability to resist engine damaging “knock” caused by pre-ignition.
Using the correct grade of gasoline is very important to help prevent engine damage and loss of
engine performance.

The recommended gasoline octane rating for your engine is listed on a label inside of the fuel filler
flap. This rating may be specified according to AKI (CLC) or RON (ROZ) standards.

If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more infor-
mation on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official website (http://www.toptiergas.com).

The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane
ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:

Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI

Unleaded gasoline

Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you
do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.

Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE

You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly
referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:

Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.

Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol.

Blends of gasoline and MTBE:

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.

Seasonally adjusted gasoline

Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change,
Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely
to be made earlier.

WARNING

Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI/91 RON. Using lower octane fuel may

cause expensive engine damage.

Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic

converter.

Methanol-blended fuels that do not meet the criteria listed above may cause corrosion and

may damage plastic and rubber parts in the fuel system.

Never use fuels that contain lead or other metals (check listing on the fuel pump). Even lead

replacement gasoline (LRP fuels) contain metallic additives in high concentrations. They can
damage the engine.

Do not use fuels that fail to meet the criteria above, or with contents that cannot be identi-

fied.

If you cannot tell whether a particular fuel blend meets the criteria above, ask your service

station or its fuel supplier. If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance
problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel.

Using fuels that are different from those specified above can damage your vehicle's engine

and fuel system and cause performance problems.

Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels

that are different from those specified above or buy using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Even a single tank full of leaded fuel can do major damage to the catalytic converter and degrade

its effectiveness in reducing polluting emissions.

If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these

fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel. Never use fuel line antifreeze offered
for gasoline engines.

Gasoline additives

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

Additives are used to improve the quality of the gasoline.

Fuel quality impacts the operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. Therefore,
use high quality gasoline that is already blended by the fuel supplier with suitable gasoline additives
that do not contain metal. The additives provide corrosion protection, clean the fuel system, and help
prevent deposits on the engine.

Volkswagen recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. For more information on TOP TIER Deter-
gent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site http://www.toptiergas.com.

If quality gasoline with additives that do not contain metal is not available or engine malfunctions

occur, you should add the required additives while refueling

⇒ .

Not all gasoline additives are effective. Using the wrong additives can cause significant and expensive
damage to the engine and the catalytic converter. Never use additives that contain metal. Please note
that metal can be included in some aftermarket gasoline additives that are available to be added to
gasoline during or after refueling to help improve knock resistance or increase the octane rating.

Volkswagen recommends using only additives approved by Volkswagen. Appropriate additives as well
as instructions on how to use them are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Do not add any other gasoline additives.

NOTICE

You can damage the engine by using incorrect additives.

Using incorrect gasoline additives can cause extensive engine damage as well as damage

to the catalytic converter.

If you must fuel your vehicle with gasoline whose octane rating is too low, only drive with

the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range and with low engine load. Avoid high rpm and
heavy engine load. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Refuel your vehicle with gasoline
with the required octane rating as soon as possible.

Do not use fuel that is labeled at the pump as containing metal. Lead replacement fuel

contains high concentrations of metallic additives. Engine damage could result.

Fueling your vehicle just one time with leaded fuel or fuel that contains other metallic addi-

tives can affect the performance of the catalytic converter and cause extensive damage to it.

Diesel fuel

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

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

⇒ .

The ULSD must always meet ASTM D-975 specification

⇒ .

“ULSD” should be clearly marked on the pump. Before filling your vehicle, please always make sure
you are using ULSD. According to Federal regulations ULSD is the only diesel fuel type allowed for
use in your vehicle.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 5% (B5), such as B11, B20,
or B100 when B5 biodiesel is available, is contrary to the terms of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
and is strictly prohibited.

ULSD diesel fuel may not be available outside the USA and Canada. Be sure to check availability
before traveling to other countries.

Winter diesel

At temperatures below 20 °F (-7 °C), wax separation in ULSD occurs. Wax may clog the fuel filter or
tank filter and keep the engine from running.

To help prevent the filter from being clogged with wax, the fuel filter in your vehicle is heated with
warm fuel when the engine is running (filter preheating system). Heating the fuel filter makes it possi-
ble to use your vehicle with ULSD down to about -10 °F (-24 °C).

If you expect temperatures below +5 °F (-15 °C) ask your fuel dealer if their ULSD is sufficiently win-
terized.

If non-winterized or insufficiently winterized diesel fuel has already thickened to the point that the
engine will not start, move the vehicle to a heated garage or workshop until it has warmed up.

Cold diesel engines normally produce louder noises during winter conditions than during warmer
periods. In addition, the exhaust gases may be light blue in color until the engine has warmed up. The
exhaust gas volume varies depending on the outside temperature.

Do not let your diesel engine idle unnecessarily after a cold start. Driving off slowly will shorten the
warm-up period.

Illinois registered vehicles

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, clean-burning and renewable partial substitute for conventional
(petroleum) diesel fuel.

Your vehicle was originally designed to run on “ULSD” – Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975
standard Grade No. 2-D (S15)] that complies with ASTM D-975 specifications and permits up to a
maximum blend of 5 % biodiesel (B5).

Due to Illinois state tax incentives or regulations for biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be
available in Illinois. However, we want to assure you that Volkswagen will continue to honor the terms
and conditions of the Volkswagen Limited Warranties that came with your vehicle. Use only Biodiesel
from high quality sources, certified by the BQ-9000 label at the fuel station and complying to ASTM D
7467 S15, B6 to B20.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 20 % (B20), such as B100
is still contrary to the terms of your Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty
and remains strictly prohibited.

Biodiesel blends (up to B20) may be used in your Illinois registered TDI

®

Clean Diesel vehicle; howev-

er, please be aware that biodiesel has characteristics that are different from other kinds of fuel, espe-
cially petroleum-based fuels.

Biodiesel can attract water and also deteriorate with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the
engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in
the engine to rise and can affect the quality of the oil.

Routinely check the engine oil level. A good time to do this is when you refuel, especially if you

regularly do a lot of short distance or stop-and-go driving. This will help you see if the engine oil level
is getting higher. (A rising oil level beyond the maximum indicator means an oil change is needed due

to the dilution of the oil in the system; a potential characteristic of biodiesel use)

⇒ page 590, Checking

the engine oil level and adding oil.

If you ever notice that the engine oil level has risen or is above the maximum indicator, contact

your authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or Volkswagen Customer
CARE to schedule an oil change – regardless of the time or mileage that has elapsed since you last
had an oil change performed.

Continue to follow the oil change intervals found in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet that

came with your vehicle, and use only engine oil that expressly complies with Volkswagen quality
standard VW 507 00.

Refuel only at trusted, commercial fueling stations that are located near main highways. These

stations are more likely to have “fresh” biodiesel fuels that have not aged significantly.

If your vehicle will be in storage (or not driven) for several weeks or months, please completely fill

the fuel tank. If possible, fill the tank with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975 standard Grade
No. 2-D (S15)].

If you have additional questions about your Illinois registered TDI

®

Clean Diesel vehicle, please call or

write to us at:

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer CARE
3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel.: 1-800-444-8982

WARNING

Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason,

never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use
with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel sys-
tem and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same

applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help pre-
vent leaks and serious damage.

Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels

that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

The vehicle is warranted to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester biodiesel in concen-

trations of 5 % or less. Never use methyl ester biodiesel in blend levels higher than 5 % (5 %
methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5) unless your vehicle is regis-
tered in Illinois. The properties of methyl ester biodiesel blends in levels greater than 5% will
void coverage for related engine damage under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty, unless your vehicle is registered in Illinois.

Biodiesel especially in concentrations higher than B5, can attract water and also deteriorate

with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it
does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in the engine to rise and can affect
the quality of the oil and if not detected and remedied promptly, will ultimately result in engine
damage.

Selective catalytic reduction (AdBlue

®

)

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

AdBlue information

Refilling AdBlue

AdBlue® is the brand name of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) that is a chemical reactant to reduce
nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust emission from your Clean Diesel engine. Volkswagen recommends
AdBlue, but you can use any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to International Organiza-
tion for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does not meet the requirements
of ISO 22241 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine.

The fill level of AdBlue should be checked every time the vehicle is serviced

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance.

More information:

Luggage compartment
Fuel
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition was
switched off. It is also not possible to jump-start or emergency start the vehicle!

Refill AdBlue when the AdBlue fuel range falls to about 600 miles (1000 km).

Never let the AdBlue tank run dry.

WARNING

AdBlue is an irritating and corrosive fluid that can harm skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and
respiratory organs.

If AdBlue gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean water for

at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.

If AdBlue is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth for at least 15 minutes with plenty of

water. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. Get med-
ical attention immediately.

NOTICE

AdBlue corrodes surfaces such as painted vehicle components, plastics, clothing and

carpets. Remove spilled AdBlue immediately with a wet cloth and plenty of cold water.

Remove crystallized AdBlue with warm water and a sponge.

Warning and indicator lights

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

on

page 544.

Lights

up

Possible cause or meaning
⇒

Proper response

No engine restart possible!
AdBlue fill level too low.

Stop the vehicle at a safe and
appropriate place with level
pavement and refuel AdBlue

No engine restart possible!
AdBlue system malfunction.

Have the system checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

together

with

AdBlue level is low.

Refill the AdBlue tank within the
indicated number of miles or
kilometers. Volkswagen rec-
ommends going to an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

AdBlue system malfunction-
ing or not filled standard
AdBlue.

Have the system checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

together

with

AdBlue level is low.

Refill the AdBlue tank within the
indicated number of miles or
kilometers. Volkswagen rec-
ommends taking the vehicle to
an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

AdBlue system malfunction-

Have the system checked by an

Lights

up

Possible cause or meaning
⇒

Proper response

together

with

ing or not filled standard
AdBlue.

authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

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.

AdBlue information

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

In vehicles with selective catalytic reduction, a special urea solution (AdBlue) is injected into the ex-
haust system ahead of the catalytic converter in order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

AdBlue is stored in a separate tank of the vehicle and should be refilled under normal driving condi-
tions during service according to the maintenance schedule. The AdBlue tank holds slightly less than 5
gallons (20 liters).

AdBlue consumption depends on the individual driving style, system operating temperature, and
outside air temperature. Therefore in rare cases AdBlue may have to be refilled between service
events.

Starting with a remaining range of about 1500 miles (2400 km), a reminder to refill AdBlue is displayed

in the instrument cluster

⇒ Refilling AdBlue. If you ignore the last refill reminder, it is impossible to

start the engine again after it is switched off

⇒ Warning and indicator lights.

Volkswagen recommends that you have the AdBlue tank refilled by an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If no authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop is available, you should refill at least 1.5
gallons (5.7 liters) of AdBlue (3 AdBlue bottles). Refill only the type of AdBlue that Volkswagen has
explicitly approved for your vehicle.

If warning lights and

both come on together, there is a malfunction. Volkswagen recommends

that you take the vehicle to the closest qualified workshop.

AdBlue

®

is a registered trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in the

United States, Germany, the European Union and in other countries. AdBlue meets International
Organization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1.

Refilling AdBlue

Fig. 308 Luggage compartment with collapsible spare tire and AdBlue tank.

Fig. 309 AdBlue tank with filler neck cap and refill container.

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

Key to

⇒

fig. 308

and

fig. 309

:

(1)

Luggage compartment floor.

(2)

Collapsible spare tire.

(3)

Fastening screw with washer.

(4)

Plug.

(5)

Cap on the tank filler neck.

(6)

AdBlue refill container.

When refilling AdBlue, the vehicle must be parked on a level surface, not on an incline or with the
wheels on one side up on the curb. If the vehicle is not on level ground, the gauge that shows the fill
level may not register the added quantity.

Opening the tank filler neck

Open the rear hatch.

Fold up the luggage compartment floor panel

⇒

fig. 308

(1)

and hook it open or, if you have a

reversible luggage compartment floor panel, take this out

Take out the collapsible spare tire

(2)

- Unscrew the fastening screw

(3)

with washer counterclock-

wise and take out the collapsible spare tire.

Pull off the plug

(4)

in the spare tire well.

Unscrew the tank filler neck cap

⇒

fig. 309

(5)

counterclockwise and remove.

Refilling AdBlue

Only use Volkswagen-approved AdBlue or any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to
International Organization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does
not meet the requirements of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine. Only
use fluid in original, unopened packaging.

Read and heed the information provided by the AdBlue refill manufacturer

⇒ .

Note the expiration date.
Unscrew the cap of the refill container.
Vertically insert the neck of the refill container

(6)

into the tank filler neck and turn clockwise to

hand-tighten.

Press the refill container down into the tank filler neck and hold it there.
Add at least 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of AdBlue which is 3 refill bottles. Adding a smaller amount

is not sufficient.

Wait until the contents of the refill container has flowed into the AdBlue tank. Do not squeeze or

damage the refill container!

Unscrew the refill container counterclockwise and lift it out carefully

⇒ .

AdBlue stops flowing from the refill bottle when the AdBlue tank is completely full.

Closing the fuel filler neck

Screw in the fuel filler neck cap

(5)

clockwise until the cap locks into place.

Put the plug

⇒

fig. 308

(4)

back in the spare wheel recess and make certain it is properly placed

and secure.

Put the collapsible spare tire

(2)

back in the spare wheel recess and secure it with the fastening

screw

(3)

and washer.

Unhook the luggage compartment floor panel

(1)

and fold down or, if you have a reversible lug-

gage compartment floor panel, put this back in

⇒ Luggage compartment.

Things to do before driving again

After refilling, switch on only the ignition.
Leave the ignition switched on for at least 30 seconds so that system can detect the refill.
Do not start the engine for 30 seconds!

WARNING

Store AdBlue only in its closed original container and in a safe place.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never keep AdBlue in empty food or beverage containers

that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always store AdBlue outside the reach of children.

NOTICE

Use only AdBlue® or any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to International

Organization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does not meet the
requirements of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine.

Never mix water or any other substances or additives with AdBlue. Damage caused by such

additives will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Never put AdBlue into the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise the engine may be damaged!
Do not carry a refill container in the vehicle all the time or routinely. Due to temperature

fluctuations and damage, the container could start leaking and the AdBlue could damage the
vehicle interior.

Dispose of the refill container in an environmentally-responsible manner.

Appropriate AdBlue refill containers can be obtained from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Some basics

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Rollover warning

Before driving off-road

General rules and good driving practices

Technical terms explained

Useful off-road driving equipment

Safety and off-road driving

Your vehicle can be driven on and off-road. In this chapter you will find important information on driv-
ing your vehicle. It is very important to review this chapter before taking your vehicle off-road.

Driving off the beaten path is challenging - for the driver, the passengers, and the vehicle itself.

It requires special knowledge and skills different from those needed for highway driving. Successful
off-roading comes from a combination of theory and practice. This includes knowing the right way to

handle the expected and the unexpected

⇒ .

Safety must always have top priority. Never overestimate your own abilities or underestimate the
difficulties that come with driving off-road. Never let determination get the better of your common
sense. If the going gets too difficult, turn back and find a better route to your destination.

The wide range of terrain you can come up against, and the many risks and dangers the terrain may
hide, make it impossible to foresee and deal in this Manual with every conceivable off-road situation
you may face. For this reason, it is vital for you to know what lies ahead and evaluate possible dan-
gers before trying to drive over difficult or unfamiliar terrain.

The vehicle is not designed for trips with “an expedition-like character”.

More information:

Driving instructions
Adjusting the seating position
Safety belts
Off-road driving situations

WARNING

Inadequate experience and knowledge of the demands of off-road driving can lead to critical
situations and cause serious personal injury.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on, or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

The intelligent technology of the vehicle cannot change the laws of physics. Despite the

ABS, adverse terrain can cause instability through blocked wheels – for example, if you brake
hard when driving on a loose gravel road. Difficult terrain may also prevent the ESC from
doing its job.

Never operate the vehicle at the limit of its performance ability. Always leave a good safety

margin.

To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise

control when driving off-road.

Even terrain that looks easy can be difficult and dangerous, putting you and your passen-

gers in a critical situation. It is often best to check an area out on foot first.

Drive with special care and think ahead in off-road terrain. If you drive too fast, or fail to

maneuver the vehicle properly, you could cause personal injury and damage the vehicle.

Never drive faster than is appropriate for the prevailing terrain and the road, traffic, and

weather conditions.

Never drive too fast across embankments, ramps, or slopes. The vehicle could become

airborne. If that happens, you will not be able to steer and can lose control.

If your vehicle becomes airborne, always keep the front wheels pointing straight ahead. If

the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll over.

Never allow people to stand in front of or behind the vehicle if you have put items such as

stones or pieces of wood under the wheels to improve traction on slippery ground. Spinning
wheels can turn these items into dangerous flying objects causing serious personal injury.

Even areas that look harmless can be dangerous. Potholes, ditches, trenches, drop-offs,

different kinds of obstacles, and soft or swampy ground often cannot be seen and can be
partially or fully covered by water, grass, branches, or other things. Driving over such terrain
can cause accidents and severe injuries. Before crossing an unknown area, carefully explore
the route you plan to take on foot.

WARNING

Never drive off-road if you are low on fuel. Too little fuel in the tank can cause an accident
and serious injuries. You can also run out of fuel in a remote area where getting help is diffi-
cult or impossible.

When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted, especial-

ly when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills. The interruption in fuel
flow could stall the engine during a maneuver in difficult terrain and make you lose control of
the vehicle.

Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the

engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel. This can cause loss of vehicle control, espe-
cially in difficult terrain.

Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.

NOTICE

If the power sunroof or the windows are open when it rains or snows, the interior of the vehicle
will get wet and the vehicle may be damaged. Always keep the windows and the power sunroof
closed when driving off-road.