Signs and symbols

	Indicates a reference to a section with important information and safety warnings that should always be heeded.
	Arrow indicating that the section continues on the next page.
	Arrow marking the end of a section.
	The symbol indicates situations in which the vehicle must be stopped as quickly as possible.
®	The symbol indicates registered trademarks. However, the absence of this symbol does not constitute a waiver of any rights associated with intellectual property.
⇒	Cross-reference to a red, orange, or yellow warning in the same section or on the stated page, pointing out possible risks that can cause serious personal injuries and how to help prevent them.
⇒	Cross reference to a Notice about possible property damage, in the same section or on the stated page.
	Used on vehicle labels and indicates the availability of additional important information and warnings in this Owner’s Manual.

Danger!Texts with this symbol contain information regarding hazardous situations which will cause death or severe injuries if not avoided.WarningTexts with this symbol contain information regarding hazardous situations which could cause death or severe injuries if not avoided.CautionTexts with this symbol contain information regarding hazardous situations which could cause minor or moderate injuries if not avoided.NoteTexts with this symbol contain information regarding situations which could cause vehicle damage if not avoided.Texts with this symbol contain information about the environment and how you can help to protect it.Texts with this symbol contain supplementary information.

Thank you for your confidence

Via this Owner's Manual

• At the end of this Manual, you will find an alphabetical index.
• The list of Abbreviations at the end of the Manual explains the technical abbreviations and designations.
• Directions (left, right, front, back) refer to the driving direction unless noted otherwise.
• Illustrations are only for orientation and are merely used to help explain the text descriptions and instructions.
• Any technical modifications to the vehicle that were introduced after the editorial deadline can be found in a supplement to this Manual.

All options and models are described without identification as optional equipment or model versions. Some of the described equipment may not be installed on your vehicle or may be available at a later time or only in certain markets. Please consult the sales documents regarding your vehicle's equipment and options and contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for more information.

All information in this Manual corresponds to information available as of the editorial deadline. Due to ongoing vehicle development, there may be differences between your vehicle and the information in this Manual. No legal obligations or commitments can be derived from the information, illustrations, or descriptions in this Manual.

If you sell or lend your vehicle, please make sure that the complete Manual set is in the vehicle.

Standard Manual set includes:

• Warranty and Maintenance booklet
• Owner's Manual

The Manual set may also include:

• Supplement
• Infotainment System
• Other inserts

Vehicle overview

Exterior views

Side view

Fig. 1 Vehicle side overview.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 1 :

1. Fuel filler flap ⇒ Refueling 
2. Roof antenna ⇒ Consumer information 
3. Outside door handles ⇒ Doors 

4. 

   Outside mirror ⇒ Mirrors 

   • Additional turn signal light ⇒ Lights 
5. Lift points for the jack ⇒ Changing a wheel 

Front view

Fig. 2 Vehicle front overview.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 2 :

1. 

   Inside mirror with sensor or camera on the mirror base for:

   • Rain sensor (if equipped) ⇒ Windshield wipers and washer 
   • Low-light sensor (if equipped) ⇒ Lights 
   • Lane Assist (if equipped) ⇒ Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) 
   • Light Assist (if equipped) ⇒ Light Assist 
2. Windshield wipers ⇒ Windshield wipers and washer 
3. Engine hood release ⇒ Working in the engine compartment 
4. Headlights (on left and right) ⇒ Lights 
5. Fog lights/static cornering lights (on left and right, if equipped) ⇒ Lights 
6. Threaded hole for the front towing eye (behind cover) ⇒ Towing 
7. Side marker lights (on left and right) ⇒ Lights 

8. 

   Sensors for:

   • Park Distance Control (PDC) (if equipped) ⇒ Park Distance Control (PDC) 
   • Park Assist (if equipped) ⇒ Park Assist 

9. 

   Sensor for:

   • Adaptive Cruise Control System (if equipped) ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 
   • Front Assist (if equipped) ⇒ Forward Collision Warning (Front Assist) 

Rear view

Fig. 3 Vehicle rear overview.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 3 :

1. 

   Rear window:

   • Rear window defroster ⇒ Heating and air conditioning 
2. High-mounted brake light ⇒ Braking and parking 
3. Taillights (on left and right) ⇒ Lights , ⇒ Replacing light bulbs 
4. Volkswagen emblem for opening the trunk lid ⇒ Trunk lid 
5. License plate lights ⇒ Lights , ⇒ Replacing light bulbs 
6. Threaded hole for the rear towing eye (behind cover) ⇒ Towing 
7. Roof antenna ⇒ Consumer information 
8. Rear windshield wiper ⇒ Windshield wipers and washer 

9. 

   Sensors for:

   • Park Distance Control (PDC) (if equipped) ⇒ Park Distance Control (PDC) 
   • Park Assist (if equipped) ⇒ Park Assist 
10. Area for the Rear View Camera system (if equipped) ⇒ Rear View Camera system 
11. Sensors for the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert (approximate location on left and right, if equipped) ⇒ Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert 

Passenger compartment

Driver door overview

Fig. 4 Overview of controls in the driver door.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 4 :

1. Door handle ⇒ Doors 
2. Power locking button for locking and unlocking the vehicle  – ⇒ Power locking system 

3. 

   Knob for adjusting the outside mirrors ⇒ Mirrors 

   • Adjusting outside mirrors  –  – 
   • Outside mirror heating 

4. 

   Switches for operating the power windows ⇒ Power windows 

   • Power windows 
   • Safety switch for rear power windows (4-door models only) 
5. Indicator light for the power locking system ⇒ Power locking system 
6. Lever for releasing the engine hood ⇒ Working in the engine compartment 
7. Storage compartment ⇒ Storage areas 
8. Bottle holder ⇒ Cup holders 
9. Reflector

Driver side overview

Fig. 5 Driver side overview.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 5 :

1. 

   Instrument cluster:

   • Instruments ⇒ Instrument cluster 
   • Display ⇒ Instrument cluster 
   • Warning and indicator lights ⇒ Warning and indicator lights 

2. 

   Headlight switch ⇒ Lights 

   • Off position 
   • Automatic headlights  (if equipped)
   • Parking lights  (if equipped)
   • Low beams 
   • Fog lights   (if equipped)

3. 

   Lever for ⇒ Lights 

   • Turning high beams on or off  – 
   • Headlight flasher  x
   • Turn signals 
   • Cruise control (if equipped)  –  – ,  –  – ⇒ Cruise control 

4. 

   Windshield wiper and washer lever ⇒ Windshield wipers and washer 

   • Windshield wiper  – 
   • Intermittent operation for the front windshield wipers 
   • Interval settings for the wipers or sensitivity for the rain sensor
   • Windshield wiper 
   • One-tap wiping x
   • Windshield wiper 
   • Automatic wipe/wash for windshield 
   • Rear window wiper 
   • Rear window automatic wipe/wash 
   • Buttons for the Volkswagen Information System (vehicles without multi-function steering wheel) , ⇒ Volkswagen Information System 

5. 

   Multi-function steering wheel controls (if equipped) ⇒ Volkswagen Information System , ⇒ Cruise control 

   • Volume setting for radio, navigation system notifications (if applicable), or telephone calls  – 
   • Voice control activation 
   • Display Phone main menu or accept telephone calls 
   • Audio, navigation  – 
   • Control buttons for the Volkswagen Information System  –  – , , 
   • Cruise control buttons , , , ,  –  -,
6. Ignition switch (vehicles without Keyless Access) or location for the emergency start feature for the Keyless Access system ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine 
7. Dimmer control for the instrument and switch illumination ⇒ Lights 
8. Lever for the adjustable steering wheel ⇒ Adjusting the seating position 
9. Horn
10. Pedals ⇒ Shifting 
11. Driver front airbag ⇒ Airbag system 
12. Air vents  –  – ⇒ Heating and air conditioning 
13. Storage compartment ⇒ Storage areas 

Center console overview

Upper center console

Fig. 6 Overview of the upper center console.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 6 :

1. Button for the emergency flashers ⇒ In an emergency 
2. PASSENGER AIR BAG   light (front airbag for front seat passenger) ⇒ Airbag system 

3. 

   Infotainment system ⇒ Infotainment system 

   • User information display ⇒ Infotainment system 
   • Radio ⇒BookletInfotainment System,
   • Navigation system ⇒BookletInfotainment System,

4. 

   Controls for:

   • Manual air conditioning ⇒ Heating and air conditioning 
   • Climatronic ⇒ Heating and air conditioning 
5. Air vents  –  – ⇒ Heating and air conditioning 
6. Passenger seat heating button ⇒ Seat functions 
7. Driver seat heating button ⇒ Seat functions 

Lower center console

Fig. 7 Overview of the lower center console (Golf and Golf GTI models).Fig. 8 Overview of the lower center console (Golf R models).

Key to ⇒ Fig. 7  (Golf and Golf GTI models only):

1. 

   Lever for:

   • Manual transmission ⇒ Shifting 
   • Automatic transmission ⇒ Shifting 
2. Parking brake lever ⇒ Braking and parking 
3. Storage compartment with cup holders ⇒ Cup holders 

4. 

   Storage compartment ⇒ Storage areas 

   • With AUX-in jack  and/or USB port ⇒BookletInfotainment System,
5. Starter button (for vehicles with Keyless Access)  –  – ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine 

6. 

   Center armrest ⇒ Center armrest (Golf, Golf GTI) 

   • With storage compartment ⇒ Storage areas 
   • With 12 Volt socket ⇒ Power outlets 

7. 

   Buttons for:

   • Driving Mode Selection (if equipped) ⇒ Driving Mode Selection 
   • Anti-slip regulation (ASR) (if equipped) ⇒ Braking and parking 
   • Park Assist (if equipped) ⇒ Park Assist 
   • Park Distance Control (if equipped) ⇒ Park Distance Control (PDC) 
8. 12 Volt socket ⇒ Power outlets 
9. Coin holders ⇒ Coin holders in the front center console (Golf, Golf GTI) 

Key to ⇒ Fig. 8  (Golf R models only):

1. 

   Lever for:

   • Manual transmission ⇒ Shifting 
   • Automatic transmission ⇒ Shifting 
2. Electronic parking brake ⇒ Braking and parking 
3. Storage compartment with cup holders ⇒ Cup holders 

4. 

   Storage compartment ⇒ Storage areas 

   • With AUX-in jack  and/or USB port ⇒BookletInfotainment System,
5. Starter button (for vehicles with Keyless Access)  –  – ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine 
6. Center armrest ⇒ Center armrest (Golf R) 

7. 

   Buttons for:

   • Driving Mode Selection (if equipped) ⇒ Driving Mode Selection 
   • Anti-slip regulation (ASR) ⇒ Braking and parking 
   • Park Assist (if equipped) ⇒ Park Assist 
   • Park Distance Control (if equipped) ⇒ Park Distance Control (PDC) 
8. 12 Volt socket ⇒ Power outlets 
9. Auto Hold button  ⇒ Starting assistance systems 

Front passenger side overview

Fig. 9 Overview of the front passenger side.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 9 :

1. Passenger front airbag location in the instrument panel (approximate) ⇒ Airbag system 
2. Air vent  –  – ⇒ Heating and air conditioning 
3. Opening handle for the glove compartment ⇒ Storage areas 

Symbols on the roof console

Symbol	Meaning
	Interior and reading lights ⇒ Lights .
	Power sunroof ⇒ Power sunroof .
OR:	3-button module for vehicles with Car-Net⇒ Volkswagen Car-Net .

Instrument cluster and instrument panel

Warning and indicator lights

Warning and indicator lights notify you of warnings ⇒ , malfunctions ⇒ , or certain functions. Some warning and indicator lights come on when the ignition is switched on and should go out when the engine is running or when the vehicle is moving.

Additional text messages appear in the instrument cluster of appropriately equipped vehicles to give more information or prompt you to take certain actions ⇒ Instrument cluster .

Depending on the vehicle options, a symbol may appear in the instrument cluster instead of a warning light.

In addition, a warning chime or other acoustic warning sounds when certain warning and indicator lights go on.

Symbol	Meaning ⇒ , ⇒
	Central warning light: Read and follow the text messages in the instrument cluster display.
	Stop! Parking brake engaged ⇒ Braking and parking .
	Stop! Brake fluid level too low or brake system malfunction ⇒ Braking and parking .
	Stop! Engine coolant level too low, engine coolant temperature too high, or engine coolant system malfunction⇒ Engine coolant .
	Stop! Engine oil pressure too low⇒ Engine oil .
	Stop! Lights up: Steering system malfunction ⇒ Steering .
	Stop! Flashes: Electronic steering column lock malfunction ⇒ Steering .
	Driver and/or passenger safety belts not buckled ⇒ Safety belts .
	Alternator malfunction⇒ Vehicle battery .
	Brake or take action to avoid the vehicle ahead! Front Assist Forward Collision Warning (if equipped)⇒ Forward Collision Warning (Front Assist) .
	Brake! Depress brake pedal. ACC driver intervention warning ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .
	Lights up: ESC malfunction or ESC switched off by the system ⇒ Braking and parking . OR: the vehicle battery has been reconnected ⇒ Braking and parking .
	Flashes: ESC or ASR is working ⇒ Braking and parking .
	ASR manually deactivated ⇒ Braking and parking .
	OR: ESC Sport mode manually activated ⇒ Braking and parking .
	ABS malfunction ⇒ Braking and parking .
	Electronic parking brake malfunction (if equipped)⇒ Braking and parking .
	Central caution light: Read and follow the text messages in the instrument cluster display.
	One or more driving lights burned out⇒ Replacing light bulbs .
	Light malfunction, excluding AFS⇒ Lights .
	Not enough windshield washer fluid⇒ Windshield wipers and washer .
	Lights up: Engine control malfunction ⇒ Engine control and emission control system .
	Flashes: Misfire ⇒ Engine control and emission control system .
	Engine control malfunction ⇒ Engine control and emission control system .
	Engine speed (rpm) limited (if equipped, to help prevent overheating)⇒ Engine control and emission control system .
	Problem with the steering ⇒ Steering .
	Lights up: Tire pressure too low ⇒ Tires and wheels .
	Flashes: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) malfunction ⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .
	Fuel tank almost empty ⇒ Refueling .
	Fuel filler cap not properly closed⇒ Refueling .
	Lights up: Engine oil level too low⇒ Engine oil .
	Flashes: Engine oil system malfunction⇒ Engine oil .
	Airbag and safety belt pretensioner system malfunction ⇒ Airbag system .
	Passenger front airbag turned off (PASSENGER AIR BAG   light) ⇒ Airbag system .
	Transmission malfunction⇒ Shifting .
	Front Assist switched off (if equipped)⇒ Forward Collision Warning (Front Assist) .
	Blind Spot Monitor malfunction ⇒ Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert .
	Adaptive cruise control (ACC) currently not available⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .
	Lane Assist switched on, not active ⇒ Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) .
	Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system malfunction (if equipped)⇒ Driving Mode Selection .
	Turn signals, left or right ⇒ Lights .
	Emergency flashers switched on ⇒ In an emergency .
	Lights up: Brake pedal not depressed ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine , ⇒ Shifting , ⇒ Braking and parking .
	Flashes: The release button in the selector lever is not engaged ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine , ⇒ Shifting , ⇒ Braking and parking .
	Cruise control is regulating the vehicle speed ⇒ Cruise control .
	OR: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) switched on ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .
	Lane Assist is switched on and active ⇒ Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) .
	The vehicle is being held by the Auto Hold feature (if equipped) ⇒ Starting assistance systems .
	High beams switched on or headlight flashers in use ⇒ Lights .
	Light Assist high beam control switched on (if equipped) ⇒ Light Assist .
	Service reminder display ⇒ Service reminder display .
	Charge level of the mobile phone battery. Applies only to models with a factory-installed mobile phone package ⇒BookletInfotainment System,.
	Outside temperature colder than +39 °F (+4 °C) ⇒ Displays .
	Refer to the Owner's Manual.

WarningFailure 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.
• Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
• 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.
• Before opening the engine hood, always switch off the engine and let the engine cool down.
• Always be very careful when working in the engine compartment, which is a potentially dangerous area in any motor vehicle and can cause serious personal injury ⇒ Working in the engine compartment .

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

Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.

A separate display appears in the instrument cluster if there is an AFS malfunction.

Instrument cluster

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Instrument overview ⇒ Displays ⇒ Service reminder display WarningDriving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!

• Never use the buttons in the instrument cluster while driving.

Instrument overview

Fig. 10 Instrument cluster in the instrument panel (Golf models).Fig. 11 Instrument cluster in the instrument panel (Golf GTI, Golf R models).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Instrument explanations ⇒ Fig. 10  or ⇒ Fig. 11 :

1. Speedometer.

2. 

   Tachometer (thousands of revolutions per minute when the engine is running).

   The red zone at the end of the scale indicates maximum permissible engine rpm (revolutions per minute) for all gears after the break-in period. Before reaching the red zone, select the next higher gear or selector lever position D/S, or ease your foot off the accelerator ⇒ .

3. Displays⇒ Displays .

4. 

   Reset, set, and display button⇒ Displays .

5. Fuel gauge⇒ Refueling .
6. Engine coolant temperature gauge ⇒ Engine coolant .

Note

• To help prevent engine damage, always avoid high engine speeds, full throttle acceleration, and heavy engine loads when the engine is cold.
• To help prevent engine damage, the tachometer needle should only enter the red zone (warning zone) briefly, for example, when accelerating rapidly.

Upshifting early into the next higher gear saves fuel and reduces engine noise.

Displays

Fig. 12 In the instrument cluster display (black and white version): : Open engine hood, : Open trunk lid, : Open front driver side door, : Open rear passenger side door.Fig. 13 In the instrument cluster display (color version): : Open engine hood, : Open trunk lid, : Open front driver side door, : Open rear passenger side door.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Depending on vehicle equipment, different information may be shown in the instrument cluster display.

• Open doors, engine hood, or trunk lid ⇒ Fig. 12  or ⇒ Fig. 13 
• Warning and information texts
• Odometer displays
• Time
• Outside temperature
• Compass display
• Selector lever position ⇒ Shifting 
• Gear recommendation ⇒ Shifting 
• Driving data and menus for different settings ⇒ Volkswagen Information System 
• Service reminder display ⇒ Service reminder display 
• Engine code
• Radio and navigation information ⇒BookletInfotainment System,
• Telephone information ⇒BookletInfotainment System,

Open doors, hood, or trunk lid

The instrument cluster display indicates if any doors, the engine hood, or trunk lid are open once the vehicle has been unlocked, and while the vehicle is in motion. There may also be an audible warning chime. Different models and equipment versions may have different displays.

Key to ⇒ Fig. 12
	Stop! The engine hood is open or not properly closed ⇒ Working in the engine compartment .
	Stop! The trunk lid is open or not properly closed ⇒ Trunk lid .
,	Stop! One or more vehicle doors open or not properly closed ⇒ Doors .

Warning and information texts

The status of various vehicle functions and components is monitored when the ignition is switched on and while driving. Malfunctions are indicated by red and yellow warning symbols with text messages in the instrument cluster display (⇒ Warning and indicator lights ). In some cases, they may also be signaled acoustically. The display can vary depending on the instrument cluster model.

Type of notification	Symbol color	Explanation
Priority 1 warning message	Red	Symbol flashing or lit – sometimes with acoustic warnings. Stop!⇒ . Check malfunction and take corrective action. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance if necessary. Menus cannot be accessed when a priority 1 warning message is displayed. The warning message will turn off automatically after a few seconds. You can confirm and turn off some warning messages by pressing the button on the windshield wiper lever or the button on the multi-function steering wheel.
Priority 2 warning message	Yellow	Symbol flashing or continuously lit – sometimes with acoustic warnings. Malfunctions or low operating fluid levels may cause vehicle damage and vehicle breakdown ⇒ . Check malfunction as soon as possible. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance if necessary.
Information text	–	Information about various vehicle situations.

Odometer displays

The odometer at the bottom left corner of the instrument cluster display indicates the total distance driven by the vehicle.

The trip odometer (trip) shows the distance driven since the last time the trip odometer was reset. The last digit indicates 1/10 mile (or 100 meters, depending on the units selected).

Press the button in the instrument cluster briefly ⇒ Instrument overview  to reset the trip odometer to 0.

Time

• If a vehicle status message or the vehicle icon is displayed, push the button on the windshield wiper lever or the button on the right side of the multi-function steering wheel.
• To set the time, press and hold the button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument overview  until the word Time appears in the display. If the ignition is switched off, the doors must be closed.
• Release the button. The time is shown in the instrument cluster display and the hour setting is highlighted.
• Press the button repeatedly until the correct hour is displayed. Press and hold the button to scroll through quickly.
• Once you have set the hour, release the button and wait a few seconds until the minutes display is highlighted.
• Press the button repeatedly until the correct minutes are displayed. Press and hold the button to scroll through quickly.
• Release the button to finish setting the clock.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can also set the time in the Infotainment system when the ignition is switched on by pressing the button followed by the and Time and date function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Outside temperature display

At outside temperatures below about +39 °F (+4 °C), a snowflake symbol appears in the display. The symbol remains on until the outside temperature rises above +43 °F (+6 °C) ⇒ .

When the vehicle is not moving or when you are driving at very low speeds, the temperature displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature.

The measurement range is from -49 °F (-45 °C) to +169 °F (+76 ℃).

Compass display

On vehicles equipped with compass display, the current compass direction is indicated in the instrument cluster display when the ignition (or the navigation system, if equipped) is switched on.

Selector lever position (automatic transmission)

The selector lever position is shown both on the side of the selector lever and in the instrument cluster display. The respective gear may be shown in the instrument cluster display in Tiptronic mode ⇒ Shifting .

Gear recommendation

When the vehicle is moving, a fuel economy gear recommendation may appear in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Shifting .

Speed warning

A display in the instrument cluster indicates when the set maximum speed has been exceeded ⇒ Volkswagen Information System .

On appropriately equipped vehicles, the speed warning can also be set and changed in the Infotainment system when the ignition is switched on by pressing the button followed by the and Tires function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Engine identification code

Press and hold the button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument overview  for about 15 seconds to display the vehicle's engine identification code. You must do this when the doors are closed, the ignition is on, but the engine is not running.

WarningFailure 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.
• Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
• 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.

WarningRoads and bridges may be dangerously icy even if the outside air temperature is above freezing.

• If you use the outside temperature display to tell you about frost conditions, remember that roads can even ice over at temperatures above +39 °F (+4 °C). Always remember: even if the snowflake symbol is not displayed, there could still be black ice on the road.
• Never rely exclusively on the outside temperature display.

NoteFailure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.The instrument cluster displays and their arrangement may vary depending on the vehicle model and engine. For displays without warning and information messages, malfunctions are only signaled with indicator lights.Depending on vehicle equipment, some settings and displays may also appear in the Infotainment system.If there are multiple warning messages, the symbols are displayed for several seconds in order of importance. The symbols are displayed until the cause has been corrected.If warning messages are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear differently. If this happens, take the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.

Service reminder display

Fig. 14 In the instrument cluster display: Example of the service reminder when a service is due.Fig. 15 In the Infotainment system display: Example of the service reminder.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The maintenance service reminder is shown in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 14  and in the Infotainment system ⇒ Fig. 15 . Versions and displays can vary depending on the instrument cluster or the Infotainment system version equipped with the vehicle.

For information on maintenance intervals, please see the ⇒BookletWarranty and Maintenance,.

For vehicles with time- or distance driven-dependent service, only fixed service intervals are displayed.

Service reminder

If service is due in the near future, a service reminder is displayed when the ignition is switched on.

The number of miles (km) or amount of time shown correspond to the maximum number of miles (km) or maximum time that can still be driven before the next service.

Service event

For a scheduled oil service or a scheduled inspection there is an audible chime when the ignition is switched on. The wrench symbol also appears for several seconds in the instrument cluster display along with one of the following messages ⇒ Fig. 14 :

Viewing service message

The current service message can be accessed when the ignition is switched on and the vehicle is stopped:

• Press and hold the button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument overview  until the word Service appears in the display.
• Release the button. The current service message appears in the display for a few seconds.

You can also view service information ⇒ Fig. 15  in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Service function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Resetting the service reminder display

If the service was not performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, the service reminder can be reset as follows:

• Switch off the ignition.
• Press and hold the button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument overview .
• Switch on the ignition.
• Release the button.
• If one of the following messages appears in the display:

• Confirm the request by pressing the button in the instrument cluster. A confirmation message appears in the display when the service reminder has been reset.

Do not reset the service reminder between service intervals; otherwise, incorrect information will be displayed.

Volkswagen Information System

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Using the instrument cluster menus ⇒ Driver assistance systems button ⇒ Menu structure – overview ⇒ Main menu ⇒ Driving data ⇒ Assist systems menu ⇒ Lap timer 

When the ignition is switched on, you can display different types of information in the instrument cluster and control certain vehicle features.

Your vehicle is equipped with controls either on the windshield wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 16  or steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 17 . Vehicles equipped with a multi-function steering wheel do not have buttons on the windshield wiper lever to control the displays. Vehicles equipped with controls on the windshield wiper lever are not equipped with controls on the steering wheel.

The number of menus and information in the instrument cluster display depends on the electronics and equipment on the vehicle.

An authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility may be able to add or modify functions depending on your vehicle's equipment.

As long as a priority 1 warning message is displayed, no menus can be accessed. To display menus, acknowledge the warning by pressing the button on the windshield wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 16  or the button on the multi-function steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 17 .

WarningDriving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!

• Never access menus when the vehicle is moving.

Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle battery has been replaced may change or delete system settings (including time, date, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.

Using the instrument cluster menus

Fig. 16 On the right side of the steering column (vehicles without a multi-function steering wheel): Windshield wiper lever with controls for instrument cluster menus and displays.Fig. 17 Right side of the multi-function steering wheel (if equipped): Controls for the menus and information in the instrument cluster display.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

If your vehicle does not have a multi-function steering wheel with menu controls, the instrument cluster menus are controlled with buttons on the windshield wiper lever (⇒ Fig. 16 ). On vehicles with a multi-function steering wheel, the instrument cluster menus are controlled with buttons on the right side of the steering wheel (⇒ Fig. 17 ).

Accessing the instrument cluster menus and information displays

• Switch on the ignition.
• If a message or the vehicle icon is displayed, push the button (⇒ Fig. 16① ) on the windshield wiper lever or the button (⇒ Fig. 17 ) on the right side of the multi-function steering wheel until a main menu appears in the instrument cluster display. For a list of main menus, see ⇒ Menu structure – overview .
• For operation with windshield wiper lever: To show the main menu or to go back to the main menu from another menu, press and hold the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 16② .
• For operation with multi-function steering wheel: Push buttons  or to move to another main menu, and push the arrow up and down buttons and to navigate within the current main menu.

To open the menu or information display shown in the selection menu, press the button on the windshield wiper lever or the button on the multi-function steering wheel, or wait until the menu or information display opens automatically after a few seconds.

Selecting a setting

• Windshield wiper lever: Use the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 16②  on the windshield wiper to scroll through the available options, then press the button ① to select a setting.
• Multi-function steering wheel: Use the arrow up and down buttons or  on the multi-function steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 17  to navigate through the available options. A frame may appear around the selected option. Push the button to select a setting.

Returning to the main menu

• Windshield wiper lever: Use the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 16②  to select Back.
• Multi-function steering wheel: Press the  or button ⇒ Fig. 17 .

If warning messages are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Driver assistance systems button

Fig. 18 On the turn signal and high beam lever: Driver assistance systems button.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may have a driver assistance systems button, which allows you to switch the driver assistance systems on or off in the Assist systems menu using the button on the turn signal lever.

Switching individual driver assistance systems on or off

• Press the button ⇒ Fig. 18  (arrow) to open the Assist systems menu.
• Using the arrow up and down buttons or on the multi-function steering wheel, select the driver assistance system (for example, Lane Assist, if equipped). A check mark indicates if the selected driver assistance system is switched on.
• Confirm the selection by pressing the button on the multi-function steering wheel.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can switch driver assist systems on and off in the infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Driver Assist function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Menu structure – overview

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The following list shows how the Volkswagen information system menus in the instrument cluster display are structured. The size and layout of the Volkswagen information system menu depends on the vehicle electronics and the vehicle equipment.

• Driving data⇒ Driving data 
• Assist systems⇒ Assist systems menu 
• Navigation ⇒BookletInfotainment System,
• Audio ⇒BookletInfotainment System,
• Telephone ⇒BookletInfotainment System,
• Vehicle status⇒ Main menu 
• Lap timer (if equipped) ⇒ Lap timer 

Main menu

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Driving data

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

When the ignition is on, the Driving data menu provides a variety of travel and fuel consumption data. Navigate through the data as described on ⇒ Using the instrument cluster menus .

Switching between the displays

• Vehicles without a multi-function steering wheel: Press the rocker switch on the windshield wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 16 .
• Vehicles with a multi-function steering wheel: Use the arrow up and down buttons ( and ) on the right side of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 17 .

Trip memories

The display has 3 automatic memories:

• Since start
• Extend. period
• Since refuel

The currently selected memory is shown in the display.

The trip memories are in addition to the trip odometer, which is displayed in the bottom part of the instrument cluster and controlled using the . button ⇒ Fig. 10④  or ⇒ Fig. 11④ .

Press the button on the windshield wiper lever or the button on the multi-function steering wheel to toggle between the 3 memories when the ignition is on.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, the driving data for the trip memories can also be viewed in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the Selection function key ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Manually erasing a trip memory

• Select the memory to be erased.
• Press and hold the button on the windshield wiper lever or the button on the multi-function steering wheel for about 2 seconds.

Enabling and disabling displays

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can set which displays should appear in the instrument cluster by pressing the button followed by the and Instrument cluster function keys in the Infotainment system ⇒ Menu and system settings . The units in which data is displayed can also be changed.

Possible driving data menu displays

Display	Function
Travel time	Driving time in hours (h) and minutes (min) corresponding to trip memories 1, 2, and 3 (toggle).
Energy consumers	Displays any convenience equipment in the vehicle that is currently affecting fuel consumption in gallons per hour (or liters per hour).
Eco tips	Displays tips for better fuel economy.
Range -- mi	Estimated distance in miles (km) that the vehicle can go with the fuel left in the tank the way you are currently driving. Takes account of the current fuel consumption, among other things.
Range -- km
economy --.- mpg	Average fuel consumption in miles per gallon (l/100 km) on trips per trip memories 1, 2, and 3 (toggle). For the since start trip memory, the value is displayed once the vehicle has been driven about 330 feet (100 m). Until then, dashes appear instead of a number. The value displayed is updated every second.
economy --.- l/100km
Economy --.- mpg	Current fuel consumption in miles per gallon (l/100 km) while driving. When units are set to miles, dashes appear instead of a number when the engine is running and the vehicle is standing still. When units are set to kilometers, the display shows liters consumed per hour when the engine is running and the vehicle is standing still.
Economy --.- l/100km
Oil temperature --- °F	Digital display of the current engine oil temperature.
Oil temperature --- °C
Warning at --- mph	When the set speed (from 20–160 mph or 30–250 km/h) is exceeded, an acoustic warning sounds and a visual message may also appear in the instrument cluster display.
Warning at --- km/h
Speed --- mph	Digital display of the current vehicle speed.
Speed --- km/h
speed -- mph	Average speed on trips per trip memories 1, 2, and 3 (toggle). For the since start trip memory, the value is displayed once the vehicle has been driven about 300 feet (100 m). The value displayed is updated every 5 seconds.
speed -- km/h
Distance --- mi	Distance driven in miles (km) per trip memories 1, 2, and 3 (toggle).
Distance --- km

Storing speed for the speed warning

• Select the Warning at display.
• Press the  button on the windshield wiper lever or the  button on the multi-function steering wheel to save the current speed and to activate the warning.
• If necessary, set the desired speed within about 5 seconds with the  rocker switch on the windshield wiper lever or the  or  buttons on the multi-function steering wheel. Then press the  button on the windshield wiper lever or the  button on the multi-function steering wheel a second time or just wait a few seconds. The speed is saved and the warning is activated.
• To deactivate, press the button on the windshield wiper lever or the button on the multi-function steering wheel. The set speed is deleted.

May differ depending on the instrument cluster version.

Assist systems menu

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Lap timer

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may be equipped with a lap timer that you can control via the main menu in the instrument cluster ⇒ Using the instrument cluster menus .

With the lap timer, you can time your own laps manually, store lap times, and compare the times to one another.

The following menus can be displayed:

• Lap timer
• Lap 1 (or current lap number)
• Statistics

Switching between the menus

• Press the or button on the multi-function steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 17 .

WarningDriving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!

• Never set the lap timer when the vehicle is moving.

WarningRapid 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 lap timer 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.

NoteTo help prevent engine damage, always avoid high engine speeds, full throttle acceleration, and heavy engine loads when the engine is cold.

Infotainment system

Menu and system settings

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Vehicle settings menu 

General information on operating the unit

The following section contains information on the settings that can be adjusted in the Vehicle settings menu. You can find information on operating the Infotainment system as well as warning and safety instructions in a separate manual. See ⇒BookletInfotainment System,.

Vehicle settings and information

After pressing the Infotainment button, you can tap the corresponding function key on the Infotainment screen to display information or adjust the following settings:

WarningDriving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!

• Never let yourself be distracted when setting, adjusting, or using the Infotainment system.
• Always drive attentively and responsibly. Use the Infotainment system only if road, traffic, and weather conditions permit and you will not be distracted from your driving.

After starting the engine with a discharged vehicle battery, or after the battery has been changed, system settings (time, date, and programming) may have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged.

Vehicle settings menu

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Opening the Vehicle settings menu

• Switch on the ignition.
• If necessary, switch on the Infotainment system.
• Press the Infotainment button.
• Tap the function key to open the Vehicle settings menu.
• Tap the corresponding function key to open additional menus in the Vehicle settings menu, or to adjust settings in the menu points.

If the box in the function key is checked , the respective function is switched on.

Changes made in settings menus are automatically applied immediately after entry.

Tapping the function key takes you back to the previous menu.

Menu overview

The following menu overview is an example of the Infotainment system menu structure. The size and layout of the Volkswagen information system menu depends on the vehicle electronics and the level of vehicle equipment.

Menu	Submenu	Setting options	See
ESC system	–	Turn the following systems on or off: – Anti-slip regulation (ASR) – ESC sport mode (ESC Sport) – ESC off (Golf R only)	⇒ Braking and parking
Tires	Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Store the tire pressures (SET)	⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
	Winter tires	Turn the speed warning on or off	⇒ Tires and wheels
		Set the speed warning
Lights	Light Assist	Turn the following systems on or off (if equipped): – Light Assist – Adaptive front lighting (AFS) – Automatic headlights during rain (headlights turn on with the rain sensor when the headlight switch is in position) – Convenience indicating (lane change feature)	⇒ Lights
		Adjust the following feature (if equipped): – Turn-on time for automatic headlights ()
	Interior lighting	Adjust the following features (if equipped): – Door ambient lighting – Footwell lighting
	Coming/Leaving home function	Set the following (if equipped): – Duration that the Coming Home feature is switched on – Duration that the Leaving Home feature is switched on
Assistance systems	ACC (adaptive cruise control)	Adjust the distance or save last distance selected (if equipped)	⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
	Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning)	Turn the following features on or off (if equipped): – Front Assist – Advance warning – Display distance warning	⇒ Forward Collision Warning (Front Assist)
		Adjust the warning period for the advance warning (Early, Medium, Late)
	Lane Assist	Turn Lane Assist on or off (if equipped)	⇒ Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist)
	Blind Spot Monitor	Turn the Blind Spot Monitor on or off (if equipped)	⇒ Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
Parking and maneuvering	ParkPilot	Turn automatic ParkPilot (PDC) activation on or off (if equipped)	⇒ Park Distance Control (PDC)
		Adjust the following: – Front volume – Front pitch – Rear volume – Rear pitch – Audio volume lowering
	Rear Traffic Alert	Turn the Rear Traffic Alert on or off (if equipped)	⇒ Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
Mirrors and wipers	Mirrors	Turn the following features on or off: – Synchronous mirror adjustment (if equipped) – Passenger side mirror lowering in reverse gear (if equipped)	⇒ Mirrors
	Windshield wipers	Turn the following features on or off: – Automatic wiping during rain (rain sensor) – Wipe rear window in reverse gear	⇒ Windshield wipers and washer
Opening and closing	Window operation	Turn the convenience opening feature for the power windows on or off (if equipped)	⇒ Power windows
	Central locking	Set door unlocking	⇒ Power locking system
		Turn the following features on or off: – Lock automatically (Auto lock feature) – Acoustic confirmation (horn beep after the vehicle is locked from outside)
Instrument cluster	–	Display or hide the following data in the Multifunction display: – Current economy (fuel consumption) – Average economy (fuel consumption) – Energy consumers – Eco tips – Travel time – Distance traveled – Average speed – Digital speed display – Speed warning – Oil temperature	⇒ Volkswagen Information System
	–	Reset the following data in the Multifunction display: – Driving data for Since start trip memory – Driving data for Extended period trip memory
Time and date	–	Select and set the following data: – Clock time source (manual, GPS) – Time – Daylight savings time – Time zone – Time format (12 hour, 24 hour) – Date – Date format	–
Units	–	Set the units for the following: – Distance – Speed – Temperature – Volume – Economy (fuel consumption) – Pressure	–
Service	–	Display the following data: – Vehicle identification number (VIN) – Number of miles (km) and days until next inspection service is due – Number of miles (km) and days until next oil change service is due	⇒ Instrument cluster
Factory settings	–	Reset the following features: – All settings – Lights – Assistance systems – Parking and maneuvering – Mirrors and wipers – Opening and closing – Instrument cluster	–

Volkswagen Car-Net

Volkswagen Car-Net: Connecting you and your vehicle

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service ⇒ Features ⇒ Application software (“apps”) ⇒ 3-button module 

Volkswagen Car-Net services are provided by Verizon Telematics, Inc. (VzT) and are available only on select models. Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) may be engaged for up to 6 months without activating a trial or paid subscription; Manual Emergency Call service and all other Volkswagen Car-Net services require a trial or paid subscription. Volkswagen Car-Net may collect location information. See applicable Terms of Service and Privacy Policy available at www.vw.com/carnet for details.

Data Collection and Privacy

Vehicle location information is transmitted to Volkswagen and our Volkswagen Car-Net service provider, Verizon Telematics, Inc. (VzT), anytime you press a Volkswagen Car-Net in-car button, when an ACN event occurs or periodically in connection with the operation of Volkswagen Car-Net.

Unless Volkswagen Car-Net equipment is disabled in the vehicle, it is possible for Volkswagen and VzT to determine the car’s location if required to do so by law, court order, subpoena or other legal requirement. For more information, please contact the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center at 1-877-820-2290.

Calls may be monitored or recorded.

Volkswagen collects, processes, transmits, uses, and shares information about you and your vehicle in accordance with the Volkswagen Car-Net Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. See the Volkswagen Car-Net Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at (http://www.vw.com/carnet) for more details.

WarningApplication software and Volkswagen Car-Net services that are unsuitable or improperly used can cause accidents, serious personal injury and vehicle damage.

• Volkswagen Car-Net services can be used only where adequate cellular and GPS signals are available.
• Volkswagen recommends using only services and application software that are provided by Volkswagen or Verizon Telematics, Inc. (VzT) specifically for your vehicle.
• Protect the mobile device and its application software from misuse.
• Never modify application software and Volkswagen Car-Net services.
• Always read and heed the operating instructions for the mobile device.

WarningDriver distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury! Using application software and Volkswagen Car-Net services while driving can distract the driver from traffic.

• Always drive attentively and responsibly.

Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle has equipment to enable Volkswagen Car-Net, a suite of connected vehicle services that makes driving and owning a Volkswagen vehicle more convenient. Volkswagen Car-Net allows you to seamlessly connect your car and your life by offering the following services:

• Safe & Secure – Receive support and assistance in the moment of need.
• Family Guardian – Keep track of family members driving your vehicle.
• Remote Vehicle Access – Interact with your vehicle through your Volkswagen Car-Net iPhone or Android app, computer or a Volkswagen Car-Net Customer Specialist (text and data rates apply).
• Diagnostics & Maintenance – Manage your vehicle health with diagnostic checks and service scheduling.

You can access Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service via your Volkswagen Car-Net iPhone or Android app (text and data rates apply) and the Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service website (http://www.vw.com/carnet). If you have a question or would like to subscribe, please either press the ⇒ Fig. 21①  or ⇒ Fig. 22①  button in your vehicle or contact the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center at 1-877-820-2290. For more information or to log on to your Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service account, visit http://www.vw.com/carnet.

Note: Please review the Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at http://www.vw.com/carnet.

Subscription required

Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) may be engaged for up to 6 months, starting from the date of new vehicle sale, without activating a trial or paid subscription.

The Manual Emergency Call service and all other Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service features require a trial or paid subscription. To begin your trial or paid subscription, authentication and activation are required. For more information, please visit the website (http://www.vw.com/carnet), press the ⇒ Fig. 21①  or ⇒ Fig. 22①  button in the 3-button module in your vehicle or contact the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center at 1-877-820-2290.

The LED light in the 3-button module will be green during the trial period and whenever you have an active subscription. The LED light will go off if the trial period is over and the customer has not subscribed to the Volkswagen Car-Net services. The LED light will be red only during a VW Car-Net hardware malfunction or fault ⇒ 3-button module .

Once a trial or paid Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service subscription has been activated, please advise all who use the vehicle that different kinds of data can be sent and received automatically by the vehicle, including speed, location and more.

WarningVehicle health reports do not replace the information provided by the vehicle warning and indicator lights. 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.
• Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
• 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.
• Before opening the engine hood, always switch off the engine and let the engine cool down.
• Always be very careful when working in the engine compartment, which is a potentially dangerous area in any motor vehicle and can cause serious personal injury.

NoteFailure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.Volkswagen collects, processes, transmits, uses and shares information about you and your vehicle in accordance with the Volkswagen Car-Net Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. See the Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at http://www.vw.com/carnet for more details.Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service services use a system based on a wireless communication network. If all technical and other conditions are met and Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service still does not work properly, please try using the service again later.

Features

Fig. 19 In the roof console: 3-button module to access Volkswagen Car-Net service operators (Version 1).Fig. 20 In the roof console: 3-button module to access Volkswagen Car-Net service operators (Version 2).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The following listed features are available after Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service registration either through the 3-button module ⇒ 3-button module , a mobile device ⇒ Application software (“apps”) , the Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service website (http://www.vw.com/carnet) or by contacting the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center at 1-877-820-2290. They are divided into 4 categories: Safe & Secure, Family Guardian, Remote Vehicle Access and Diagnostics & Maintenance Services. Always refer to the Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service website for the most up-to-date information regarding Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service services.

WarningRefer to your vehicle's warning and indicator lights for the most current diagnostic information. Always consult this manual for maintenance guidelines. 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.
• Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
• 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.

The Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service website (http:// www.vw.com/carnet) contains the most up-to-date information and instructions about Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service services.

• Please regularly visit the website to learn about changes to services and new features.
• Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service features can be modified, discontinued, deactivated, reactivated or expanded without any further notice.

Application software (“apps”)

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Many mobile devices are equipped to load application software (apps) into the device. Apps can make it possible to display additional information on the factory-installed Radio or Navigation system or activate, control or deactivate specific vehicle features.

Application software, its usage and the wireless connection required to use application software may be billable services. Apps may be provided by third parties. Therefore you should refer to the terms of use and privacy statements associated with the apps for information about how the apps collect, use and share information about you, your vehicle or your mobile device.

The application software provided may be designed to be used for a variety of purposes and be specific to your vehicle and country ⇒ . The content, range of software provided and application software provider can vary. Some application software is also subject to the availability of services provided by third parties. In order for some application software to work, wireless service reception must be strong enough to handle the data exchange involved (text and data rates apply).

Application software descriptions may be provided by the service provider.

Due to the multitude of mobile devices and fast pace of software development, the application software provided may not run on all mobile devices and their operating systems. This may even apply for the same model of a mobile device. For example, application software may run on version 2 of the device's operating system but not on version 3.

Application software can be modified, discontinued, deactivated, reactivated or expanded without any further notice.

In order for some application software to work, the wireless or cable connection between the factory-installed Radio or Navigation system and a compatible, functioning mobile device must be strong enough and uninterrupted.

NoteVolkswagen is not responsible for vehicle damage caused by inferior-quality or malicious application software, poorly programmed application software, insufficient wireless service reception, data loss during transmission or misuse of mobile devices.

3-button module

Fig. 21 In the roof console: 3-button module to access Volkswagen Car-Net service operators (Version 1).Fig. 22 In the roof console: 3-button module to access Volkswagen Car-Net service operators (Version 2).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The buttons in the 3-button module provide access to several Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service features and pressing a button will initiate a connection to the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center. Calls may be monitored or recorded. In general, the Volkswagen Car-Net Customer Specialist will end the call.

LED light in the 3-button module

The LED light in the 3-button module will be green during the trial period and whenever you have an active subscription. The LED light will go off if the trial period is over and the customer has not subscribed to the Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service. The LED light will be red only during a VW Car-Net hardware malfunction or fault.

WarningApplication software and Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service services that are unsuitable or improperly used can cause accidents, serious personal injury and vehicle damage.

• Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service can be used only where adequate cellular and GPS signals are available
• Volkswagen recommends using only services and application software that are provided by Volkswagen or Verizon Telematics, Inc. (VzT) specifically for your vehicle.
• Protect the mobile device and its application software from misuse.
• Never modify application software and Volkswagen Car-Net services.
• Always read and heed the operating instructions for the mobile device.

WarningDriver distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury! Using application software and Volkswagen Car-Net services while driving can distract the driver from traffic.

• Always drive attentively and responsibly.

NoteThe system does not support simultaneous Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service and mobile phone calls via the mobile phone package.

• When a Volkswagen Car-Net service is accessed through the 3-button module call buttons any calls on a mobile device connected to the vehicle’s mobile phone package will be automatically disconnected.
• Initiating or accepting a call on a mobile device connected to the vehicle's mobile phone package could end any connection to the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center made through the 3-button module.
• Calls on a mobile device connected to the vehicle's mobile phone package cannot be accepted or initiated during an automated emergency connection to the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center; for example, because an airbag has deployed.

Before driving

Some basics

Driving checklists and warnings

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Getting ready and driving safely ⇒ Driving in other countries ⇒ Driving through water on roads WarningDriving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, narcotics and some medications may cause collisions and other accidents, severe personal injuries and even death.

• Alcohol, illegal drugs, narcotics and some medications may severely affect perception, reaction times and safe driving, which may result in the loss of vehicle control.

Getting ready and driving safely

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Checklist

• 

  Check proper function of lights and turn signals.

• 

  Check tire pressure (Tires and wheels) and fuel level (Refueling).

• 

  Make sure that all windows are clean.

• 

  Make sure that the engine is not covered by blankets or other materials and that the engine air intake is free of obstacles.

• 

  Store items and all luggage safely in the storage compartments, in the luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof Transporting.

• 

  Always make sure that nothing keeps the pedals from moving freely.

• 

  Make sure that children are properly secured by a restraint system appropriate for their size and weight Child safety and child restraints.

• 

  Properly adjust front seats, all head restraints and mirrors to the correct height Adjusting the seating position.

• 

  Wear shoes that give your feet a good grip and that give you a feel for the pedals.

• 

  Make sure that the floormat on the driver side is properly fastened and cannot interfere with the pedals.

• 

  Assume a proper seating position before the vehicle starts to move and keep this position while driving. Make sure that all passengers do the same Adjusting the seating position.

• 

  Properly fasten your safety belt before driving the vehicle and wear your safety belt properly at all times while driving. Make sure that all passengers do the same Safety belts.

• 

  Only transport as many passengers as there are seats and safety belts available.

• 

  Never drive if your driving ability has been impaired, for example, by medication, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

• 

  Never let passengers or phone calls distract you while driving and never take your attention off the road while using vehicle software or adjusting vehicle equipment or accessories.

• 

  Always adapt your speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road, and traffic conditions.

• 

  Always obey traffic laws and speed limits.

• 

  On long trips make frequent rest stops – at least once every 2 hours.

• 

  Secure animals in the vehicle with a system that corresponds to their weight and size.

WarningAlways observe traffic rules and posted speed limits and use common sense. Your good judgment can mean the difference between arriving safely at your destination and being seriously injured in a crash or other kind of accident.Regular service and maintenance of your vehicle is important both for operational and driving safety and to help prolong your vehicle's service life. Always follow the scheduled maintenance intervals in the ⇒BookletWarranty and Maintenance,, especially for changing the brake fluid. Hard use, frequent stop-and-go driving, driving in very dusty areas, trailer towing, and other factors may make it necessary to have the vehicle serviced more frequently. Ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for more information.

Driving in other countries

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Checklist

• 

  Should the vehicle be technically prepared for the trip abroad, such as masking or adjusting headlights?

• 

  Are maintenance, repair facilities, necessary tools, and testing equipment as well as spare parts readily available for your vehicle?

• 

  Are there authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities in the countries where you will be driving?

• 

  Is fuel with the appropriate rating for your vehicle's engine requirements readily available Fuel?

• 

  Are engine oil (Engine oil) and other operating fluids that meet Volkswagen quality and performance requirements available where you will be driving? For more information, please see Warranty and Maintenance.

• 

  Does the factory-installed navigation system work in the countries where you will be driving, and is navigation data available?

• 

  Are special or heavy-duty tires necessary for the kind of driving expected?

NoteVolkswagen is not responsible for mechanical damage that may result from substandard fuel or service or the unavailability of Genuine Volkswagen parts.

Driving through water on roads

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Note the following to help prevent vehicle damage when driving through water, for example on flooded roads:

• Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water must not be any higher than the bottom of the vehicle body ⇒ .
• Do not drive faster than walking speed.
• Never stop the vehicle, and do not drive in reverse or switch the engine off when driving through water.
• Oncoming vehicles may create waves that raise the water level and make it too deep for your vehicle to drive through safely.

WarningAfter driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the brakes react slower and need longer stopping distances.

• Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.
• Avoid abrupt or sudden braking maneuvers immediately after driving through water.

Note

• Vehicle components such as the engine, transmission, suspension or electrical system may be severely damaged by driving through water.
• Never drive through salt water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion. Thoroughly rinse with fresh water all vehicle parts that were exposed to salt water.

Technical data

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Important vehicle labels ⇒ Engine data ⇒ Dimensions 

Your vehicle's engine type is shown on the vehicle identification label.

The specifications in this Manual refer to the base model. The stated values may vary, depending upon different equipment or models, as well as with respect to special vehicles and vehicles exported to different countries.

WarningDisregarding or exceeding stated values for weights, loads, dimensions and maximum speed may result in accidents and serious personal injuries.

Important vehicle labels

Fig. 23 Vehicle identification label: Shown in the example with engine identification code CBFA ③.Fig. 24 Vehicle identification number (VIN).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Factory-installed safety certificates, stickers, and signs containing important information regarding vehicle operation can be found in the engine compartment and on certain vehicle components, such as inside the fuel filler flap, on the passenger sun visor, in the driver door jamb, or on the luggage compartment floor.

• Do not remove, alter, or render unusable or illegible any safety certificates, stickers, and labels.
• If vehicle components bearing safety certificates, stickers, or labels are replaced, make certain that the firm doing the work attaches new conforming certificates, stickers, or labels to the same part of the new components.

Vehicle identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is on a plate on top of the instrument panel on the driver side, and is visible from the outside through the windshield ⇒ Fig. 24  (arrow). The view window is on the side at the bottom of the windshield. The vehicle identification number is also stamped into the top of the right drip channel in the engine compartment. The drip channel is between the spring strut tower and the right fender. Open the engine hood to read the vehicle identification number  ⇒ Working in the engine compartment .

The vehicle identification number can be displayed in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Service function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Vehicle identification label

The vehicle identification label ⇒ Fig. 23  is affixed to the area of the spare wheel well underneath the luggage compartment floor panel and contains the following information:

1. Vehicle identification number (VIN)
2. Vehicle type, engine output, and transmission
3. Engine and transmission identification codes, paint number, and interior type. In the example, the engine identification code is CBFA ⇒ Fig. 23 .
4. Optional equipment and part numbers

Safety Compliance Certification Label

A safety certificate affixed to the door jamb in the driver door confirms that at time of production all necessary safety standards and requirements of the traffic safety agency of the respective country were met. The month and year of production as well as the vehicle identification number may be listed as well.

Radiator fan and high voltage warning sticker

A warning sticker about the radiator fan and the high voltage of the electrical system is located in the engine compartment next to the engine hood release. The vehicle ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.

Tire inflation pressure label

A tire inflation pressure label is on the driver door jamb ⇒ Tires and wheels .

Fuel grade sticker

An information sticker listing the correct fuel grade for your vehicle ⇒ Refueling .

Engine data

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Golf models

Golf GTI models

Golf R models

Fuel recommendations for gasoline engines

Using gasoline that does not meet minimum octane requirements can cause loss of engine performance, while the use of poor quality gasoline or octane levels below 87 can also cause engine damage. If Regular gasoline is recommended for your engine, you may be able to enhance engine performance by using Premium gasoline.

Engine performance data using Premium grade gasoline ⇒ Fuel 

Dimensions

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Note

• Please be careful when parking your vehicle in areas with parking barriers or curbs. These vary in height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot.
• 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).

Slight differences to these figures are possible, depending on wheel and tire size fitted, tire inflation pressure, equipment level, driving situation, and other factors.

Opening and closing

Vehicle key set

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Remote control vehicle keys ⇒ Indicator light in the remote control vehicle key ⇒ Replacing the remote control vehicle key battery ⇒ Synchronizing the remote control vehicle key Danger!20 mm button cells and other lithium batteries will cause serious personal injury and even death within a short time if swallowed.

• Always keep remote control vehicle key fobs with batteries, spare batteries, as well as dead button cell and larger 20 mm batteries out of the reach of children.
• Get medical attention immediately if you suspect that a battery has been swallowed.

WarningImproper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.

• Always switch off the engine and the ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. It can be used to start the engine and operate vehicle systems such as the power windows, leading to serious personal injury. Children or other unauthorized persons could also lock the doors and the trunk lid.
• 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. This could leave people trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
• A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
• Never remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter button while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The electronic steering column could suddenly lock, you would not be able to steer, and you could lose control of the vehicle, crash, and seriously injure yourself and others.

Remote control vehicle keys

Fig. 25 Remote control vehicle key with panic button.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Remote control vehicle key

The remote control vehicle key can unlock and lock the vehicle from a distance ⇒ Power locking system .

The remote transmitter and battery are inside the remote control vehicle key. The receiver is inside the passenger compartment. The operating range of the remote control vehicle key for a fresh battery is several yards (meters) around the vehicle.

If the remote control vehicle key will not lock or unlock your vehicle, you probably need to replace the battery in the remote control vehicle key ⇒ Replacing the remote control vehicle key battery . If this is not the problem, the key should be resynchronized by an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop. See also ⇒ Synchronizing the remote control vehicle key .

Folding the key bit in or out

Pressing button ⇒ Fig. 25①  releases the key bit and folds it out.

To fold the key bit in press button ① while pressing the key bit back until it clicks.

Panic button

Press the panic button ⇒ Fig. 25②  only in emergencies! After pushing the panic button, the horn will sound and the turn signals will flash. Press the panic button again or press the button on the remote control vehicle key to switch off the panic feature.

Replacement vehicle keys

The vehicle identification number is required to get a replacement key or an additional remote control vehicle key.

Each new vehicle key contains a microchip and must be coded with the data from the vehicle's electronic immobilizer. A vehicle key will not work if it does not contain a microchip or contains a chip that is not coded, even if the key bit was cut correctly.

You can obtain additional or duplicate remote control vehicle keys from authorized Volkswagen dealers, authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities, and from certain independent repair facilities and locksmiths which are qualified to make remote control vehicle keys.

Each vehicle key must be programmed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility in order for it to work with your vehicle.

To find the nearest qualified independent repair facility, locksmith, or Volkswagen dealer which can cut and code replacement vehicle keys, call the VW Customer Care Hotline at 1-800-822-8987 or visit http://www.vw.com and search for replacement keys.

Canadian customers can contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or Volkswagen Service Facility or call the Volkswagen Canada Customer CARE Center at 1-800-822-8987.

NoteThe remote control vehicle keys contain electrical components. Protect them from damage, moisture and rough handling.Do not press the buttons on the remote control vehicle key unless you actually want to use the function in question. Since terrain and conditions vary, pressing a button on the remote control vehicle key when it is not necessary may unlock the vehicle or set off the panic alarm, even if you think you are out of range.Remote control vehicle key functions can be temporarily disrupted by interference from transmitters near the vehicle that use the same frequency range (such as radio equipment or mobile phones).Things between the remote control vehicle key and vehicle, bad weather, as well as a weak battery can reduce the operating range.If the remote control vehicle key buttons ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside  or the power locking buttons ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside  are pushed repeatedly in quick succession, the power locking system is switched off for a brief period to help keep it from being overloaded. The vehicle is then unlocked for about 30 seconds. Unless a door or the trunk lid is opened in this span of time, the vehicle is automatically locked afterwards.

Indicator light in the remote control vehicle key

Fig. 26 Indicator light in the remote control vehicle key.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

If a button on the remote control vehicle key is pressed briefly, the indicator light ⇒ Fig. 26  (arrow) will flash once briefly. If you push and hold a button, it flashes repeatedly.

If the indicator light in the remote control vehicle key does not come on when the button is pressed, the battery inside the key must be replaced ⇒ Replacing the remote control vehicle key battery .

A Declaration of Compliance with United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is found in the Consumer information section of this Manual ⇒ Consumer information .

Replacing the remote control vehicle key battery

Fig. 27 Remote control vehicle key: Opening the battery compartment cover and removing the old battery.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Volkswagen recommends having the battery in the remote control vehicle key changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The battery is on the back of the remote control vehicle key under a cover ⇒ Fig. 27① .

When changing the battery, pay attention to the correct polarity and use the same type of battery ⇒ .

Replacing the battery

• Unfold the key bit on the remote control vehicle key ⇒ Remote control vehicle keys .
• Remove the cover on the back of the remote control vehicle key ⇒ Fig. 27①  in the direction of the arrow using a suitable object such as a coin ⇒ .
• Use a thin object to pry the battery out of the battery compartment ⇒ Fig. 27② .
• Position the new battery in as shown and press it into the battery compartment (opposite direction of the arrow) ⇒ .
• Position the cover as shown and press it down (opposite direction of the arrow) until you hear it click into place.

Note

• Changing the battery improperly can damage the remote control vehicle key.
• Using the wrong battery can damage the remote control vehicle key. Replace a dead battery with a new one that has the same voltage, size, and specifications.
• Make sure the plus and minus poles of the battery are correctly positioned.

Dispose of old batteries in an environmentally responsible manner and keep them out of the reach of children.Batteries of the type used in your remote control vehicle key may contain Perchlorate Material. Special handling may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of these batteries. 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.

Synchronizing the remote control vehicle key

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

If the  button is pressed often while outside the operating range, it is possible that the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked anymore with the remote control vehicle key. Synchronize the vehicle key as follows:

• Unfold the key bit on the remote control vehicle key ⇒ Remote control vehicle keys .
• Remove the cap from the door handle on the driver door ⇒ Emergency closing and opening .
• Press the  button on the remote control vehicle key. Stand immediately next to vehicle while doing so.
• Manually unlock the vehicle using the key bit within 1 minute. The synchronization is complete.
• Reinstall the cap.

Power locking system

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Indicator light in the driver door ⇒ Description of the power locking system ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access ⇒ Anti-theft alarm system 

The power locking system works properly only when all doors and the trunk lid are completely closed. When the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked with the remote control vehicle key.

For vehicles equipped with Keyless Access with push-button start, the vehicle can be locked only if the ignition is switched off and the driver door is closed.

Leaving the vehicle unlocked for longer periods of non-use (for example, in your garage) can cause the vehicle battery to drain so that the engine can no longer be started.

WarningImproper use of power locks can result in serious personal injury.

• The power locking button locks all doors. Locking the doors from the inside can help prevent unintended door opening during a collision and can also prevent unwanted entry from the outside. Locked doors can, however, delay assistance to vehicle occupants and rescue from the outside in an accident or other emergency.
• Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. All doors can be locked from the inside with the power lock button. This could leave people trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
• A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
• Never allow passengers to remain in a locked vehicle. In an emergency any person still inside the vehicle might not be able to get out.

Indicator light in the driver door

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The indicator light for the power locking system is in the driver door ⇒ Passenger compartment .

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

Description of the power locking system

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The power locking system lets you unlock and lock all doors and the trunk lid:

• From the outside with the vehicle key ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside .
• From the outside with Keyless Access (if equipped) ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access .
• From the inside with the power locking button ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside .

When the vehicle is locked from the outside, the fuel filler flap is also locked.

Certain central locking functions can be turned on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Opening and closing function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings , or by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The doors and the trunk lid can be locked manually if the remote control vehicle key or the power locking system is not working ⇒ Emergency closing and opening .

Automatic locking (Auto lock)

The vehicle locks automatically when it reaches a speed of about 10 mph (15 km/h). When the vehicle is locked, the indicator light  comes on in the power locking button ⇒ Fig. 29 .

Automatic unlocking (Auto unlock)

All doors automatically unlock when you switch off the ignition or open a door from inside the vehicle. On vehicles with automatic transmission, the doors will also unlock when the selector lever is in Park (P). Auto unlock works only if the vehicle has been automatically locked with the Auto lock feature. The indicator light  goes out in the power locking button when the doors unlock ⇒ Fig. 29 .

Locking the vehicle after airbag inflation

If the airbags are activated during a collision, the entire vehicle is unlocked. Depending on the severity of the damage, the vehicle can be locked after a collision when the airbags have deployed as follows:

Function	Action
Locking the vehicle with the power locking button:	– Switch the ignition off. – Open and close a door once. – Press the power locking button .
Locking the vehicle with the remote control vehicle key:	– Switch the ignition off. OR: Remove the vehicle key from the ignition. – Open a door once. – Lock the vehicle with the remote control vehicle key.

If the vehicle key buttons ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside  or the power locking buttons ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside  are pushed repeatedly in quick succession, the power locking system is switched off for a brief period to help keep it from being overloaded. The vehicle is then unlocked for about 30 seconds. Unless a door or the trunk lid is opened during this time, the vehicle is automatically locked afterwards.

Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside

Fig. 28 Remote control vehicle key with panic button.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Function	Using the buttons on the remote control vehicle key ⇒ Fig. 28
Unlock the vehicle:	Press the button.
Lock the vehicle:	Press the button.
Unlock the trunk lid:	Press the button ⇒ Trunk lid .

Note: Depending on the settings for the power locking system that have been set in the Infotainment system, it may be necessary to press the button on the remote control vehicle key twice to unlock all doors and the trunk lid ⇒ Volkswagen Information System .

The vehicle key unlocks or locks the vehicle only when the battery in the remote control vehicle key has enough power, and the remote control vehicle key is within a few yards/meters of the vehicle.

• All turn signals flash once and the horn beeps once to confirm that the vehicle has been locked. On appropriately equipped vehicles, the horn beep can be disabled in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Opening and closing function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .
• All turn signals flash twice to confirm that the vehicle has been unlocked.

If the turn signals do not flash to confirm locking, one or more doors or the trunk lid is not locked.

If the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked with the remote control vehicle key.

If the vehicle was unlocked with the remote control vehicle key and the door or the trunk lid has not been opened within several seconds, the vehicle is automatically locked again. This feature helps prevent you from leaving the vehicle unlocked unintentionally.

Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside

Fig. 29 In the driver and front passenger doors: Power locking button.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Press button ⇒ Fig. 29 :
	Unlock the vehicle.
	Lock the vehicle.

The power locking button works whether the ignition is switched on or off but only when all doors are closed.

If the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key, the power locking button is deactivated.

If the vehicle is locked with the power locking button:

• The yellow indicator light  in the power locking button comes on to indicate that all doors are locked ⇒ Fig. 29 .
• If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm, the system is not turned on.
• Opening doors or the trunk lid from the outside is not possible, at a traffic light, for example.
• Doors can be unlocked and opened separately from inside the vehicle by pulling the door handle to open the door. The indicator light  goes out. The unopened doors and trunk lid remain locked and cannot be opened from the outside.
• An open driver door will not be locked. This helps keep the driver from being locked out of the vehicle.

The vehicle is unlocked if you push the button while the vehicle is standing still. It also unlocks when you switch off the ignition or open a door from inside the vehicle (Auto unlock). On vehicles with automatic transmission, the doors will also unlock when the selector lever is in Park (P). Auto unlock works only if the vehicle has been automatically locked with the Auto lock feature.

Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access

Fig. 30 Ranges of the Keyless Access system. Outside the vehicle: Unlocking range. Inside the vehicle: Starting range.Fig. 31 Keyless Access system: Sensor for unlocking Ⓐ on the inside of the front door handles. Sensor for locking Ⓑ on the outside of the front door handles.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may be equipped with Keyless Access with push-button start, a keyless starting and locking system that unlocks and locks the vehicle without active use of a remote control vehicle key. All you have to do is touch a sensor surface on one of the front outside door handles ⇒ Fig. 31  or push the Volkswagen emblem on the trunk lid ⇒ Opening the trunk lid  when a valid remote control vehicle key is within range ⇒ .

General information

When a valid vehicle key comes within range ⇒ Fig. 30 , the Keyless Access system recognizes a valid vehicle entry request as soon as a door handle sensor is touched on the driver or front passenger door or the Volkswagen emblem on the trunk lid is pressed. The following functions are then enabled without active use of the remote control vehicle key:

• Keyless Entry: Unlocking the vehicle with the sensor surfaces on the outside door handles of the driver or front passenger door ⇒ Fig. 31Ⓐ  or by using the Volkswagen emblem on the trunk lid.
• Keyless Go: Start the engine and drive. For this, you just have to press the starter button and a valid remote control vehicle key must be inside the vehicle ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine .
• Keyless Exit: Locking the vehicle via the door handle sensor on the driver or front passenger door ⇒ Fig. 31Ⓑ .

The power locking system works like the standard unlocking and locking system. Only the way that the systems are operated is different.

All turn signals flash twice to confirm that the vehicle has been unlocked and once to confirm that it has been locked.

If the vehicle is unlocked and within the next several seconds no door or the trunk lid has been opened, the vehicle is automatically locked again.

To help prevent you from locking yourself out, the vehicle will not lock immediately in the following situation:

• When you press the lock button on the remote control vehicle key when a passenger door or the trunk lid is still open, and
• You leave the remote control vehicle key you just used inside the vehicle when you close all doors and the trunk lid.

The vehicle does not fully lock. All turn signals flash four times. Take the remote control vehicle key out of the vehicle and lock the vehicle again.

The vehicle will lock again after a short time if you do not open one of the doors or the trunk lid.

Unlocking and opening doors (Keyless Entry)

• Grasp the door handle of the driver or front passenger door so that you touch the unlocking sensor surface ⇒ Fig. 31Ⓐ .
• Open the door.

Closing and locking doors (Keyless Exit)

• Switch the ignition off.
• Close the driver door.
• Touch the sensor surface in the door handle on the driver or front passenger door ⇒ Fig. 31Ⓑ one time. The vehicle is locked. The door being locked must be closed.

Unlocking and locking the trunk lid

If the vehicle is locked and a valid remote control vehicle key is within range ⇒ Fig. 30  of the trunk lid, it unlocks automatically when opened.

Open and close the trunk lid as you would a standard trunk lid ⇒ Trunk lid .

The trunk lid locks automatically when it is closed except in the following situations:

• The vehicle is completely unlocked.
• The most recently used vehicle key is inside the vehicle. All turn signals flash four times.

Locking with a second vehicle key

If the vehicle is locked from the outside with a second valid vehicle key, any key located inside the vehicle cannot start the engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine . A key that was inside the vehicle when it was locked from the outside can be reactivated by pressing the button on the deactivated key ⇒ Fig. 28 .

Automatic deactivation of sensors

If the vehicle has not been unlocked or locked for a longer period of time, the sensors in the door handles are automatically deactivated.

If a sensor on the door handle of a locked vehicle is activated too often, for instance by a bush or hedge that rubs against the vehicle, that sensor may be switched off for a short time.

The door handle sensors become active again if one of the following events occurs:

• A short time has passed.
• OR: The vehicle is unlocked using the button on the remote control vehicle key.
• OR: The trunk lid is opened.
• OR: The vehicle is mechanically unlocked with the vehicle key.

Convenience features

Your vehicle may be equipped with the convenience closing feature.

To use the convenience closing feature to close all power windows and the sunroof, hold your finger on the lock sensor surface on the outside of the door handle ⇒ Fig. 31Ⓑ  for a few seconds until the windows and sunroof close.

Remove your finger from the lock sensor surface to stop the function.

Pinch protection is active during convenience closing of the windows and the power sunroof.

NoteThe door handle sensor surfaces can be activated by a strong stream of water or steam if a valid vehicle key is within range of the vehicle.

• All windows may open if you turn the spray of water or steam away from and then back onto the door handle sensor surface in quick succession. If at least one power window is opened and the sensor is continuously activated, convenience closing is started.

The door may not open if the outside and inside door handles are used at the same time.If the vehicle battery or the battery in the remote control vehicle key is weak or dead, it might not be possible to unlock and lock the vehicle using Keyless Access. The vehicle can still be manually locked or unlocked with the key bit ⇒ Manually unlocking and locking the driver door .To help make sure that the vehicle stays locked after you press the locking sensor on the door handle, the unlocking function on that door handle is deactivated for about 2 seconds after locking the vehicle.A driver information message may appear in the instrument cluster display if there is a Keyless Access system malfunction. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.A driver information message appears in the instrument cluster display if there is no remote control vehicle key inside the vehicle or if the system does not recognize the remote control vehicle key. The key may not be recognized, for example, if it is covered by something that interferes with the signal (such as a briefcase), or if the remote control vehicle key battery is weak. Electronic devices such as mobile phones can also interfere with the signal.Dirt on the door handles that contains a lot of salt (especially in winter) can affect the way the door handle sensors work. Cleaning the door handles can help with this problem ⇒ Exterior care and cleaning .If the automatic transmission is not in Park (P) position, the electronic steering column lock will not lock and the vehicle will not lock via sensors in the front door handles or the remote control vehicle key.By touching the unlocking sensor surface twice in a row, the entire vehicle will unlock, even if a single door was already unlocked.

Anti-theft alarm system

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may be equipped with an anti-theft alarm system or pre-equipped for anti-theft alarm system installation. If the vehicle is pre-equipped for installation of the anti-theft alarm system, the alarm system can be retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The anti-theft alarm system makes it more difficult for someone to break into or steal the vehicle.

The anti-theft alarm system is automatically activated when the vehicle is locked by pressing the lock button on the remote control vehicle key.

When is the alarm triggered?

The anti-theft alarm system sounds and the turn signals flash for up to 5 minutes if the following occurs with respect to the locked vehicle:

• In vehicles with an open lock cylinder: A door unlocked mechanically with the vehicle key bit is opened and the ignition is not switched on within about 15 seconds.
• In vehicles with a covered lock cylinder: A door unlocked mechanically with the vehicle key bit is opened.
• Forcibly opening a door.
• Forcibly opening the engine hood.
• Forcibly opening the trunk lid.
• Switching on the ignition with an invalid key.
• Disconnecting the vehicle battery.

Deactivating the alarm

Unlock the vehicle with the unlock button on the remote control vehicle key or switch on the ignition with a valid remote control vehicle key.

For vehicles with Keyless Access, the alarm can also be deactivated by grasping one of the front door handles when a valid vehicle key is in range or by holding the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim and pressing the starter button ⇒ Starter button .

After the alarm has stopped and the vehicle is opened again in the same or a different area that is protected by the alarm, the alarm is triggered again. For example, the alarm will sound again if the trunk lid is opened after one of the doors has been opened.The anti-theft alarm system is not activated when the vehicle is locked with the power lock switch on the inside of the driver or front passenger doors.If the driver door is mechanically unlocked using the vehicle key bit, only the driver door is unlocked, not the entire vehicle. Switching on the ignition deactivates the anti-theft alarm system and activates the central locking button. To unlock the doors, use the central locking button or remote control vehicle key.If the vehicle battery is dead or weak, the anti-theft alarm system will not work properly.

Doors

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Display ⇒ Child safety lock WarningA door that is not closed properly may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving and cause severe injuries.

• Stop immediately and close the door.
• Make sure that the door is safely and completely latched when closed. The closed door must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
• Open or close doors only if no one is in the way.

WarningA door kept open with the door stop may close in strong winds or on inclines and cause injuries.

• Always hold doors by the door handle while opening and closing.

Display

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Lights up	Proper response
Icon appears in the display ⇒ Displays	At least one vehicle door is open or improperly closed. Stop! Open and close the door again.

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.

If a door is not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display showing an open door ⇒ Fig. 12 .

Depending on your vehicle's equipment and options, the icon may still be displayed even after the ignition is switched off as long as the key has not been taken out of the ignition. The instrument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.

Child safety lock

Fig. 32 In the left rear door: Child safety lock Ⓐ deactivated, Ⓑ activated.Fig. 33 In the right rear door: Child safety lock Ⓐ deactivated, Ⓑ activated.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Slot position ⇒ Fig. 32  or ⇒ Fig. 33 :

1. Child safety lock disengaged.
2. Child safety lock engaged.

The child safety lock keeps the rear doors from being opened from the inside, so that children cannot open them accidentally. When the child safety lock is engaged, the rear doors can only be opened from the outside.

Engaging or disengaging child safety lock

• Unlock the vehicle and open the respective rear door.
• Unfold the key bit from the remote control vehicle key.
• Using the key bit, move the slot into the desired position.

WarningWhen the child safety lock is engaged, that rear door cannot be opened from the inside.

• Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves, in the vehicle when locking the doors. This could result in people being locked in the vehicle. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
• A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.

Trunk lid

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Display ⇒ Opening the trunk lid ⇒ Closing the trunk lid WarningAccidents and severe personal injuries can result if you unlock, open, or close the trunk lid when someone is in the way.

• Only open or close the trunk lid if no one is in the way.
• Never close the trunk lid by pushing on the rear window with your hand. The rear window could break and cause injuries.
• After closing the trunk lid, always make sure that it is properly closed and locked so that it cannot open suddenly when the vehicle is moving. The closed trunk lid must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
• Always keep the trunk lid closed while driving to help keep poisonous exhaust gas from being drawn into the vehicle.
• Never open the trunk lid when a luggage rack is installed and loaded. If, for example, there are bicycles on a carrier on the trunk lid, it is possible that the trunk lid will be difficult to open. An open trunk lid may fall on its own because of the additional weight. If necessary, prop open the trunk lid. Remove the weight from the luggage rack first.
• Close and lock the trunk lid and all doors when the vehicle is not in use. First, make sure that no one is left inside the vehicle.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around your vehicle, especially when the trunk lid is open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the trunk lid shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
• Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They may lock the vehicle with the vehicle key or the power locking button and lock themselves in.

NoteBefore opening or closing the trunk lid, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example, when the vehicle has a trailer or is in a garage.NoteNever use the gas strut to hold or clamp a load in place. This can damage the trunk lid and make it impossible to close.

Display

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Lights up	Proper response
Icon appears in the display ⇒ Displays	Trunk lid open or improperly closed. Stop! Open the trunk lid and then close it again.

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.

If the trunk lid is not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display showing an open trunk lid ⇒ Fig. 12 .

Depending on your vehicle's equipment and options, the icon may still be displayed even after the ignition is switched off as long as the key has not been taken out of the ignition. The instrument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.

WarningIf the trunk lid is not closed properly, it may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving and cause severe injuries.

• Stop immediately and close the trunk lid.
• Always make sure the trunk lid is securely latched after you close it.

Opening the trunk lid

Fig. 34 On the remote control vehicle key: Button to unlock the trunk lid.Fig. 35 Opening trunk lid from the outside.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Always remove any item(s) being transported on the trunk lid before opening it ⇒ .

Unlocking with the vehicle key

Press and hold the button on the remote control vehicle key ⇒ Fig. 34  to unlock the trunk lid. Then open the trunk lid using the Volkswagen emblem.

Opening with the Volkswagen emblem

• Unlock the vehicle or the trunk lid, or open a door.
• Using your thumb, press the top of the Volkswagen emblem ⇒ Fig. 35  and move the top of the emblem down. Grasp the bottom part of the emblem and pull to lift the trunk lid.

WarningImproper or unsupervised unlocking or opening of the trunk lid can cause severe injuries. Never open the trunk lid when someone is in the way.

• If a bicycle or luggage rack is installed on the trunk lid, it may be hard to see that the trunk lid is unlatched. An unlatched trunk lid may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.

NoteBefore opening or closing the trunk lid, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example, when the vehicle has a trailer or is in a garage.At temperatures below +32 °F (0 °C), the trunk lid may be difficult to open after you unlock it.

Closing the trunk lid

Fig. 36 Opened trunk lid: Recessed grips for closing.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Closing the trunk lid

• Grasp one of the recessed grips in the trunk lid trim ⇒ Fig. 36  (arrows).
• Pull the trunk lid down and close it securely so that the latch engages.
• Check the trunk lid to make sure it is securely latched.

Locking the trunk lid

If you unlock the vehicle with the vehicle key, but do not open either a door or the trunk lid within several seconds, the vehicle is automatically locked again. This feature helps prevent you from leaving the vehicle unlocked unintentionally.

It is only possible to lock the trunk lid when it is securely closed and latched.

• The power locking system also locks the trunk lid.
• If the trunk lid of a locked vehicle is unlocked with the button ⇒ Fig. 34  on the remote control vehicle key, it will lock again immediately after it is closed. The anti-theft alarm system, if equipped, is activated after the vehicle is locked ⇒ Power locking system .
• A closed but unlocked trunk lid automatically locks at speeds above about 5 mph (10 km/h).

WarningImproper or unsupervised closing of the trunk lid can cause severe injuries. Never close the trunk lid when someone is in the way.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around your vehicle, especially with the trunk lid left open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the trunk lid shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold depending on the season. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness or death, particularly to small children.

Make sure that the remote control vehicle key is not in the luggage compartment before closing the trunk lid.

Power windows

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Opening or closing power windows ⇒ Power windows – features ⇒ Power window pinch protection WarningImproper use of power windows can result in serious personal injury.

• Never let anyone get in the way of a power window when closing it.
• When locking the vehicle from the outside, make sure that no one, especially children, remains in the vehicle. The windows will not open in case of an emergency.
• Always switch off the engine and the ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. You can still use the power windows for several minutes after the ignition is switched off as long as the driver or front passenger door has not been opened.
• Always use the safety switch when children are in the back seat to disable the rear power windows and keep them from being opened and closed.

NoteIf you leave the windows open, rain or other precipitation may enter the vehicle from outside and can damage the vehicle interior.

Opening or closing power windows

Fig. 37 In the driver door: Switches for the front and rear power windows (4-door version shown).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Switches in the driver door

Key to ⇒ Fig. 37 :

1. For the windows in the front doors.
2. For the windows in the rear doors.
3. Safety switch.

Opening or closing windows

Function	Action
Opening:	Press the  switch.
Closing:	Pull the  switch.
Stopping automatic movement:	Press/pull the respective switch again.
	The safety switch ⇒ Fig. 37③  deactivates the power windows in the rear doors. The yellow indicator light in the switch comes on (4-door models only).

The power windows function only when the ignition is switched on.

You can still use the power windows for several minutes after the ignition is switched off as long as the driver or front passenger door has not been opened. When the vehicle key has been removed from the ignition and the driver door has been opened, the power windows cannot be opened or closed.

A separate switch for controlling the passenger side window is located in the front passenger door.

Power windows – features

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

One-touch opening and closing

The one-touch feature automatically opens/closes a power window all the way. The window switch does not have to be held down/up.

For one-touch opening: Press the switch for the window down briefly as far as it goes.

For one-touch closing: Pull the switch for the window up briefly as far as it goes.

Stopping automatic movement: Pull/press the switch again.

Reactivating the one-touch feature

If the vehicle battery is disconnected or dead and the windows are not completely closed, the one-touch feature will not work and must be reactivated:

• Switch on the ignition.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Pull the switch for the respective window up and hold it for at least 2 seconds in this position.
• Release the switch, pull up and hold again. The one-touch feature is now reactivated.

The one-touch feature can be reactivated for one or more windows at the same time.

Convenience opening and closing

Your vehicle may be equipped with the convenience opening and closing feature.

The convenience opening and closing feature lets you open and close the windows and the power sunroof when the ignition is switched off:

• Convenience opening from inside the vehicle: Push down and hold the switch for the driver window until all windows open and the sunroof tilts.
• Convenience closing for vehicles with Keyless Access: Hold your finger on the lock sensor surface on the outside of the door handle for a few seconds until the windows and power sunroof close ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access .

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can configure settings for the convenience opening feature in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Opening and closing function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

WarningImproper use of power windows can result in serious personal injury.

• Never let anyone get in the way of a power window when closing it.
• When locking the vehicle from the outside, make sure that no one, especially children, remains in the vehicle. The windows will not open in case of an emergency.
• Always switch off the engine and the ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. You can still use the power windows for several minutes after the ignition is switched off as long as the driver or front passenger door has not been opened.
• Always use the safety switch when children are in the back seat to disable the rear power windows and keep them from being opened and closed.

If the power windows malfunction, the one-touch feature, as well as pinch protection may not work properly. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility right away.Convenience closing only works when the one-touch feature is active.

Power window pinch protection

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Pinch protection can help reduce the risk of pinching injuries when closing a power window ⇒ . If one-touch window closing meets resistance or there is something in the way, the window will stop and go down again.

• Check why the window did not close.
• Try one-touch window closing again.
• If the window meets resistance a second time, so that it stops and goes back down, one-touch closing is deactivated for about 10 seconds.
• If you pull the power window button up all the way and hold it during this 10 second interval, the window will close without pinch protection⇒ .

Closing the window without pinch protection

• Try to close the window again within 10 seconds by holding the switch. Pinch protection is turned off for a short distance in the window track!
• If closing takes longer than about 10 seconds, pinch protection is turned on again. The window stops again if there is resistance.
• If the window still will not close, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WarningWithout pinch protection, power windows will close with enough force to cause serious personal injury.

• Always be careful when closing power windows.
• Always make sure that no one is in the way when overriding pinch protection to close power windows!
• Pinch protection cannot prevent fingers or other parts of the body from being pressed against the window frame; injuries may result.

Pinch protection is also active during convenience closing of the windows and the power sunroof ⇒ Power windows – features .

Power sunroof

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Opening or closing the power sunroof ⇒ Power sunroof – features ⇒ Pinch protection for the power sunroof 

Depending on equipment, your vehicle may be equipped with a Panoramic sliding and tilting sunroof.

WarningImproper use of the power sunroof can result in serious personal injury.

• Always make sure that no one is in the way of the power sunroof when it is closing.
• Always switch off the engine and the ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
• Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle – particularly if they have access to the vehicle key. Unsupervised use of the remote control vehicle key makes it possible to lock the vehicle, start the engine, turn on the ignition and operate the sunroof.
• You can still open or close the power sunroof for several minutes after you switch off the ignition, as long as the driver or front passenger door has not been opened.

Note

• To help prevent damage, remove ice and snow from the sunroof before opening or tilting it in winter weather.
• Always close the sunroof before leaving the vehicle or if it begins raining. If the sunroof is open or tilted, rain could enter the vehicle interior and cause extensive damage to the electrical system. This could result in further vehicle damage.

Remove leaves and other objects from the sunroof guiderails regularly either by hand or using a vacuum cleaner.If the power sunroof malfunctions, pinch protection may not function properly. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Opening or closing the power sunroof

Fig. 38 In the headliner: Power sunroof switch.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

You must switch on the ignition to operate the power sunroof. After switching off the ignition, you can still open or close the power sunroof for several minutes as long as the driver or front passenger door has not been opened.

The switch ⇒ Fig. 38  has 2 detents for each switch position (Ⓐ, Ⓑ, Ⓒ, and Ⓓ), which are described in the following table.

Press the switch to the first detent to completely or partially tilt, open, or close the sunroof. Press the switch briefly to the second detent to activate the one-touch feature (automatic operation). Press the switch again to stop the one-touch feature.

Tilting, opening, and closing the power sunroof

Opening and closing the sunshade

The sliding sunshade must be opened and closed manually. Use the handle at the front of the shade to slide it to the required position. It does not open or close automatically with the power sunroof.

Emergency closing of the power sunroof

If your power sunroof will not close properly, do not try to close it yourself, doing so can cause serious and expensive damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Special knowledge and tools are required to close the power sunroof if it will not close on its own. To help prevent damage to the sunroof, have an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility help you close and repair the power sunroof.

The comfort position provides sufficient ventilation without loud wind noise.

Power sunroof – features

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Convenience opening and closing

Your vehicle may be equipped with the convenience opening and closing feature.

The convenience opening and closing feature lets you open and close the windows and the power sunroof when the ignition is switched off:

• Convenience opening from inside the vehicle: Push down and hold the switch for the driver window until all windows open and the sunroof tilts.
• Convenience closing for vehicles with Keyless Access: Hold your finger on the lock sensor surface on the outside of the door handle for a few seconds until the windows and power sunroof close ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access .

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can configure settings for the convenience opening feature in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Opening and closing function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Pinch protection for the power sunroof

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Pinch protection can help reduce the risk of pinching injuries when closing the power sunroof ⇒ . If the power sunroof closing meets resistance or there is something in the way, the power sunroof opens again immediately.

• Check why the power sunroof did not close.
• Try to close the power sunroof again.
• If the power sunroof still cannot close, the power sunroof will stop where the resistance is located. The power sunroof will close the next time without pinch protection.

Closing the power sunroof without pinch protection

• Press the button ⇒ Fig. 38  within about 5 seconds after the sunroof has stopped and hold it in the direction of the arrow Ⓓ at the second detent until the power sunroof closes completely.
• The power sunroof will now close without pinch protection!
• If the power sunroof still will not close, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WarningWithout pinch protection, the power sunroof will close with enough force to cause serious personal injury.

• Always be careful when closing the power sunroof.
• Always make sure that no one is in the way when overriding the pinch protection to close the power sunroof!
• Pinch protection cannot prevent fingers or other parts of the body from being pressed against the edge of the roof; injuries may result.

Pinch protection is also active during convenience closing of the windows and the power sunroof ⇒ Power sunroof – features .If the power sunroof malfunctions, pinch protection may not function properly. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Sitting properly and safely

Adjusting the seating position

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Examples of improper seating positions ⇒ Proper seating position ⇒ Manual controls on the driver and front passenger seats ⇒ Electrical controls on the driver and front passenger seats ⇒ Adjusting the front and rear head restraints ⇒ Removing and reinstalling the front head restraints ⇒ Removing and reinstalling the rear head restraints ⇒ Adjusting the steering wheel position ⇒ Center armrest (Golf, Golf GTI) ⇒ Center armrest (Golf R) 

Number of seats

The vehicle has a total of 5 seating positions: 2 in front and 3 in the rear. Each seating position has a safety belt.

WarningImproper seating positions increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries in a crash or other accidents, especially when the airbag deploys.

• All occupants must sit properly and be properly restrained at all times.
• Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seating positions with safety belts available.
• Always secure children in the vehicle with an approved and suitable restraint system appropriate for their age, weight, and height ⇒ Child safety and child restraints , ⇒ Airbag system .
• Always keep your feet on the floor in front of the seat. Never rest them on the seat, instrument panel, out of the window, etc. The airbag system and safety belt will not be able to protect you properly and can even increase the risk of injury in a crash.

WarningAlways adjust seat, safety belts, and head restraints properly before driving and make sure that all passengers are properly restrained.

• Push the passenger seat as far back as possible. Always be sure that there are at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the front passenger's breastbone and the instrument panel.
• Always adjust the driver's seat and the steering wheel so that there are at least 10 inches (25 cm) between your breastbone and the steering wheel.
• Adjust the driver's seat so that you can easily push the pedals all the way to the floor while keeping your knee(s) slightly bent.
• If these requirements cannot be met for physical reasons, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to see whether adaptive equipment is available.
• Always hold the steering wheel on the outside of the steering wheel rim with your hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to help reduce the risk of personal injury if the driver's airbag inflates.
• Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or with your hands at other places inside the steering wheel rim or on the steering wheel hub. Holding the steering wheel the wrong way can cause serious injuries to the hands, arms, and head if the driver's airbag inflates.
• Pointing the steering wheel toward your face decreases the ability of the driver's airbag to help protect you in a collision.
• Never drive with backrests reclined or tilted back farther than necessary to drive comfortably. The farther back the backrests are tilted, the greater the risk of injury caused by incorrect positioning of the safety belts and improper seating position.
• Never drive with the front seat passenger backrest tilted forward. If the front airbag deploys, the front backrest can be forced backward and injure passengers on the rear seat.
• Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel and the instrument panel.
• Always sit upright with your back against the backrest with the front seats properly adjusted. Never lean against or place any part of your body too close to the area where the airbags are located.
• Rear seat passengers who are not properly seated and restrained are more likely to be seriously injured in a crash.

WarningImproper adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and severe injuries.

• Never adjust the seats while the vehicle is moving. Your seat may move unexpectedly and you could lose control of the vehicle. In addition, you will not be in the correct seating position while adjusting the seats.
• Adjust the front seat height, angle and longitudinal direction only if the seat adjustment area is clear.
• The adjustment of the front seats must not be restricted by things in the footwell in front or behind the seats.

WarningSome kinds of cigarette lighters can be lit unintentionally, or crushed causing a fire that can result in serious burns and vehicle damage.

• Always make sure that there are no lighters in the seat tracks or near other moving parts before adjusting the seats.
• Before closing a storage compartment, always make sure that no cigarette lighter can be activated, crushed, or otherwise damaged.
• Never leave a cigarette lighter in a storage compartment, on the instrument panel, or in other places in the vehicle. Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly in summer. High temperatures could cause the cigarette lighter to catch fire.

Examples of improper seating positions

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Not wearing or improperly fastening safety belts increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Safety belts can work only when they are properly positioned on the body. An improper seating position significantly impairs the protection provided by safety belts. This can cause severe or even fatal injuries. Improper seating positions also increase the risk of serious injury or death when an airbag deploys and strikes an occupant who is not in the proper seating position. The driver is responsible for all passengers and especially children riding in the vehicle.

The following are only some examples of seating positions that will increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Therefore, whenever the vehicle is moving:

• Never stand up in the vehicle.
• Never stand on the seats.
• Never kneel on the seats.
• Never ride with the seat backrest reclined.
• Never lean up against the instrument panel.
• Never lie down on the rear seat.
• Never sit on the edge of the seat.
• Never sit sideways.
• Never lean out the window.
• Never put your feet out the window.
• Never put feet on the instrument panel.
• Never rest your feet on the seat cushion or back of the seat.
• Never ride in the footwell.
• Never sit or stand on an armrest.
• Never ride without your safety belt properly fastened.
• Never ride in the luggage compartment.

WarningContact with parts of the vehicle interior can cause serious personal injury in a crash.

• Always make sure that all vehicle occupants stay in a proper seating position and are properly restrained whenever the vehicle is moving.
• Improper seating positions increase the risk of serious and fatal injury, especially when an airbag deploys and strikes a passenger in an improper seating position.

Proper seating position

Fig. 39 The driver should never sit closer than 10 inches (25 cm) from the steering wheel.Fig. 40 Proper safety belt positioning and head restraint adjustment.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The following describes the proper seating positions for the driver and passengers.

If you have a physical impairment or condition that prevents you from sitting properly on the driver seat with the safety belt properly fastened and reaching the pedals, special modifications to your vehicle may be necessary. Only the proper seating position ensures optimum protection by the safety belt and airbag.

Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or call the Volkswagen Customer CARE Center at 1-800-822-8987 for information about possible modifications to your vehicle.

For your own safety and to reduce injuries in the event of sudden braking maneuvers or accidents, Volkswagen recommends the following seating positions:

Applies to all vehicle occupants:

• Adjust head restraints so that the upper edge of the head restraint is at least at eye level or higher. Position the back of your head as close as possible to the head restraint ⇒ Fig. 39  and ⇒ Fig. 40 .
• Push the head restraint completely down for short people, even if the top of the head is then below the upper edge of the head restraint.
• Tall people should pull the head restraint all the way up.
• Adjust the seat backrest angle to an upright position so that your back is in full contact with it when the vehicle is moving.
• Always keep both feet on the floor and in the footwell whenever the vehicle is moving.
• Always adjust and fasten safety belts properly ⇒ Safety belts .

Driver - seat and steering wheel adjustment:

• Adjust the steering wheel so that there are at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the steering wheel and your breast bone ⇒ Fig. 39 . When adjusting the proper distance to the steering wheel, grasp the top of the steering wheel with your elbows slightly bent.
• Always hold the steering wheel on the outside of the steering wheel rim with your hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to help reduce the risk of personal injury if the driver's airbag inflates.
• Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or with your hands at other places inside the steering wheel rim or on the steering wheel hub. Holding the steering wheel the wrong way can cause serious injuries to the hands, arms, and head if the driver's airbag inflates.
• Adjust the steering wheel so that the steering wheel cover points at your chest and not at your face. Pointing the steering wheel toward your face decreases the ability of the driver's airbag to help protect you in a collision.
• Adjust the driver's seat so that you can easily push the pedals all the way to the floor while keeping your knee(s) slightly bent.
• Adjust the seat height so that the top point of the steering wheel can be reached.
• Always keep both feet in the footwell so that you are in control of the vehicle at all times.

Passenger - front seat adjustment:

• Push the passenger seat as far back as possible in order to ensure optimum protection if the airbag is deployed.

Manual controls on the driver and front passenger seats

Fig. 41 Driver seat: Manual seat adjustment controls.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The manual controls on the front passenger seat either mirror those on the driver seat or there may be different combinations of manual and electrical controls, depending on vehicle equipment.

The illustration and information in this section describes all possible seat controls. The number of controls may vary depending on the version of the seat.

There may be manual and electrical controls on the same seat.

Electrical controls on the driver and front passenger seats

Fig. 42 Driver seat: Electrical controls to move the seat backward or forward, and adjust seat cushion height and backrest angle (if equipped).Fig. 43 Lumbar support control (if equipped).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

If your vehicle is equipped with electrical controls for the front seats, the controls on the front passenger seat either mirror those on the driver seat or there may be different combinations of electrical and manual controls.

There may be manual and electrical controls on the same seat.

WarningImproper use of electrical seat controls can cause serious personal injuries.

• The front seats in your vehicle can be electrically adjusted even when the vehicle key has been removed from the ignition or, on a vehicle with Keyless Access, even if there is no key in the vehicle.
• Never leave children and persons who need help in the vehicle alone because the unsupervised use of the electric seat adjustments can result in serious personal injury.
• Always make sure that no one is in the way while the front seats are being adjusted, or while calling up the stored memory settings for the front seats. In an emergency, stop automatic seat adjustment by pressing a seat adjustment switch.

NoteTo help prevent damage to electrical parts in the seat, do not kneel on the front seats or apply concentrated pressure to a small area of the seat or backrest.If the vehicle battery is too weak, the electrical seat adjustment controls may not work.When entering and exiting the vehicle, be careful not to come into contact with any switches that could change the seat adjustment.

Adjusting the front and rear head restraints

Fig. 44 Adjusting the front head restraints.Fig. 45 Adjusting the rear head restraints.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

All seats are equipped with head restraints. The rear center head restraint is designed only for the center seat on the rear bench. Therefore, only install the center head restraint in the center position.

There are notches in the head restraint guide rods so that the head restraint can lock into place. Only properly installed head restraints can lock into place at the adjustment range notches. In order to prevent inadvertent removal of the head restraints after installation, there are stops at the top and bottom of the adjustment range.

Adjusting the height

• Pull the head restraint up in the direction of the arrow, or push it down while pressing the button ⇒ Fig. 44①  or ⇒ Fig. 45① ⇒ .
• The head restraint must lock securely in the position selected.

Proper head restraint adjustment

Adjust head restraints so that the upper edge of the head restraint is at least at eye level or higher. Position the back of the head as close as possible to the head restraint.

Adjusting the head restraint for shorter people

Push the head restraint down as far as it will go, even if this means the person's head is still below the top edge of the head restraint. A small gap may remain between the head restraint and the backrest when the head restraint is all the way down.

Adjusting the head restraint for taller people

Pull the head restraint up as far as it will go.

WarningDriving without head restraints or with improperly adjusted head restraints increases the risk of serious injuries in a collision.

• Always drive with the head restraints in place and properly adjusted to help minimize the risk of neck injury in a crash.
• Every person in the vehicle must have a properly adjusted head restraint to minimize the risk of neck injury in a crash. Each head restraint must be adjusted according to the occupants' size so that the upper edge is even with the top of the person's head, but no lower than eye level. Always sit so that the back of your head is as close as possible to the head restraint.
• Never adjust head restraint while driving.

Removing and reinstalling the front head restraints

Fig. 46 Removing the front head restraints.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

All seats are equipped with head restraints. For instructions on removing and reinstalling the rear head restraints, see ⇒ Removing and reinstalling the rear head restraints .

Removing the front head restraints

• Sit in the back seat behind the head restraint you want to remove. Pull the head restraint all the way up ⇒ . Recline the backrest with the head restraint so that there is enough overhead clearance to remove it.
• Slide a flat object, such as a plastic credit card, underneath the right side of the cap (left side if sitting behind the head restraint) on the right-hand seat guide rod ⇒ Fig. 46①  to unlock the head restraint.
• Push the flat object (plastic card) in against the guide rod to depress a release button located under the cap (not visible).
• Use one hand to hold the release button in with the flat object. With your other hand, lift the same guide rod slightly to expose a notch in the rod at the bottom (can be seen and felt with fingers). The right-hand guide rod is now released.
• To release the left-hand guide rod, press the flat object in (towards guide rod) and hold.
• Pull the head restraint out completely.

Installing the front head restraints

• Position head restraint properly over the head restraint guides of the respective seat backrest and insert the head restraint into the guides.
• Push the head restraint down ⇒ Fig. 46 .
• Adjust the head restraint according to the occupant's size ⇒ Adjusting the front and rear head restraints .

WarningDriving without head restraints or with improperly adjusted head restraints increases the risk of serious injuries in a collision.

• Always drive with the head restraints in place and properly adjusted to help minimize the risk of neck injury in a crash.
• Always reinstall head restraints as soon as possible so that vehicle occupants are properly protected.

NoteWhen removing or reinstalling the head restraint, take care that the head restraint does not strike the headliner or other parts of the vehicle. The headliner or other parts of the vehicle could otherwise be damaged.

Removing and reinstalling the rear head restraints

Fig. 47 Removing the rear head restraint (version A).Fig. 48 Removing the rear head restraint (version B).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

All seats are equipped with head restraints. The rear center head restraint is designed only for the center seat on the rear bench. Therefore, only install the center head restraint in the center position. For instructions on removing and reinstalling the front head restraints, see ⇒ Removing and reinstalling the front head restraints 

Removing the rear head restraints (Version A)

• Unlock the backrest of the rear seat bench and fold it forward ⇒ Luggage compartment .
• Pull the head restraint all the way up ⇒ .
• Push button ⇒ Fig. 47①  in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
• At the same time press button ② while a second person pulls out the head restraint completely.
• Fold the backrest of the rear seat bench back so that it locks securely.

Removing the rear head restraints (Version B)

• Unlock the backrest of the rear seat bench and fold it forward ⇒ Luggage compartment .
• Pull the head restraint all the way up ⇒ .
• If necessary, press the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit into the slit of the trim cap ⇒ Fig. 48②  in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
• At the same time press button ② while a second person pulls out the head restraint completely.
• Fold the backrest of the rear seat bench back so that it locks securely.

Reinstalling the rear head restraints (both versions)

• Unlock the backrest of the rear seat bench and fold it forward ⇒ Luggage compartment .
• Position head restraint properly over the head restraint guides of the respective seat backrest and insert the head restraint into the guides.
• Push the head restraint down while pressing button ⇒ Fig. 47②  or ⇒ Fig. 48② .
• Fold the backrest of the rear seat bench back so that it locks securely.
• Adjust the head restraint according to the occupant's size ⇒ Adjusting the front and rear head restraints .

WarningDriving without head restraints or with improperly adjusted head restraints increases the risk of serious injuries in a collision.

• Always drive with the head restraints in place and properly adjusted to help minimize the risk of neck injury in a crash.
• Always reinstall head restraints as soon as possible so that vehicle occupants are properly protected.

NoteWhen removing or reinstalling the head restraint, take care that the head restraint does not strike the headliner or other parts of the vehicle. The headliner or other parts of the vehicle could otherwise be damaged.

Adjusting the steering wheel position

Fig. 49 Manual adjustment for the steering wheel position.Fig. 50 Steering wheel: 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Adjust the steering wheel only when the vehicle is not moving.

• Push down on the lever ⇒ Fig. 49① .
• Adjust the steering wheel so that it can be held with hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions on the outside of the steering wheel rim and with the arms slightly bent at the elbow ⇒ Fig. 50 .
• Pull the lever up firmly until it is flush with the steering column ⇒ .

WarningImproper use of the steering column adjustment feature can result in serious personal injury and even death.

• Always pull the lever ⇒ Fig. 49①  firmly upward after adjusting the steering column so that the steering wheel does not change position suddenly while the vehicle is moving.
• Never adjust the steering column while the vehicle is moving. If you find that you need to adjust the steering wheel while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe place and make the proper adjustment.
• Never adjust the steering wheel so that it points toward your face. Always make sure that the steering wheel points toward your chest. Otherwise, the airbag system cannot protect you properly in the event of a crash.
• Always hold the steering wheel on the outside of the steering wheel rim with your hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions ⇒ Fig. 50  to help reduce the risk of serious personal injury if the driver's airbag inflates.
• Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or with your hands anywhere inside the steering wheel or on the steering wheel hub. Holding the steering wheel the wrong way increases the risk of severe injury to the arms, hands, and head if the driver airbag deploys.

Center armrest (Golf, Golf GTI)

Fig. 51 Front center armrest.Fig. 52 Folding down the rear center armrest (arrow).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Front center armrest

There may be a storage compartment under the front center armrest ⇒ Storage areas .

To raise the center armrest, push the release button, pull the armrest up, and latch upward in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 51① .

To lower the center armrest, first lift it all the way up. Then you can push the center armrest down until it latches in place.

To move the center armrest forward and backward, pull it forward in the direction of the arrow ②, or slide it backward until it clicks into place.

Rear center armrest

There may be a fold-down armrest in the backrest of the center rear seat ⇒ Fig. 52 .

To fold down, pull the loop in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 52 .

To fold up, push the center armrest up as far as it will go.

WarningThe center armrest can restrict the driver's arm movement and cause crashes and serious personal injury.

• Always keep storage compartments in the center armrest closed while driving.
• Never let a passenger, especially a child, ride on the center armrest. Improper seating position can increase the risk of serious personal injury in a crash.
• Never put hot drinks or other liquids in the cup holders. Hot liquids can spill when the vehicle is moving as well as during braking or other sudden maneuvers.

Center armrest (Golf R)

Fig. 53 Front center armrest.Fig. 54 Folding down the rear center armrest (arrow).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Front center armrest

There is a front center armrest between the driver and front passenger seats ⇒ Fig. 53 .

To move the center armrest forward and backward, pull it forward in the direction of the arrow or slide it backward until it clicks into place.

Rear center armrest

There may be a fold-down armrest in the backrest of the center rear seat ⇒ Fig. 54 .

To fold down, pull the loop in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 54 .

To fold up, push the center armrest up as far as it will go.

WarningThe center armrest can restrict the driver's arm movement and cause crashes and serious personal injury.

• Always keep storage compartments in the center armrest closed while driving.
• Never let a passenger, especially a child, ride on the center armrest. Improper seating position can increase the risk of serious personal injury in a crash.
• Never put hot drinks or other liquids in the cup holders. Hot liquids can spill when the vehicle is moving as well as during braking or other sudden maneuvers.

Seat functions

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Seat heating WarningImproper use of seat adjustment controls can cause severe personal injuries.

• Always sit properly at all times before starting to drive and while the vehicle is moving. Make sure all passengers, especially children, are properly seated whenever the vehicle is moving.
• Keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts away from moving parts and adjustment areas of the seats.

Seat heating

Fig. 55 In the center console: Seat heating buttons for the front seats.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may be equipped with a seat heating feature.

When the ignition is switched on, the front seats can be electrically heated by heating elements that warm the seat backrest and cushion.

Depending on vehicle equipment, the seat heating on the driver and passenger side may automatically resume at the setting that was set when the ignition was last switched off.

Do not use the seat heating if any of the following conditions apply:

• If the seat is not being used.
• If there is a child restraint installed on the front passenger seat.
• If there is a blanket or seat cover on the front passenger seat.
• If the seat is damp or wet.
• If the outside temperature or the temperature inside the passenger compartment is +77 °F (+25 °C) or more.

Function	Action for seat heating ⇒ Fig. 55
Switch on:	Press the or button. Seat heating is switched on to maximum.
Adjust the heating level:	Press the or button repeatedly until the desired heating level is set.
Switch off:	Press the or button repeatedly until all indicator lights in the button are off.

People suffering from a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain as from medication, paralysis, or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) should NEVER use the seat heating feature ⇒ !

The use of seat heating by persons with these conditions could result in burns to the back, buttocks, and legs that may take a long time to heal and may never heal completely. If you have any of these conditions, you should take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.

WarningCertain medical conditions, such as paralysis and diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk of serious burns when the seat heating feature is switched on.

• Vehicle occupants who have a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain can receive serious burns to the back, buttocks, and legs that take a long time to heal or may never heal completely.
• Never use the seat heating feature if you or your passengers are at risk of being burned because of a medical condition. Take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.
• Never let exposed skin remain in contact with the seat upholstery when the seat heating is being used.

WarningA wet seat can cause the seat heating to malfunction and increase the risk of serious burns.

• Always make sure the seats are dry before using the seat heating.
• Never sit on the seat with wet clothes.
• Never put damp or wet things including clothes on the seat.
• Never spill liquids on the seats.

Note

• To help prevent damage to electrical and other parts in the seat, do not kneel on the front seats or apply concentrated pressure to a small area of the seat or backrest.
• Liquids, sharp objects and things that do not let the heat in the seat escape into the air, including, for example, a child restraint, a blanket, or seat covers on the seat can damage seat heating.
• If you smell an odor, immediately shut off seat heating and have it checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle with seat heating that originally had cloth upholstery. The seat heating elements for seats with cloth seats will overheat if the cloth upholstery is replaced with leather upholstery.

Switch off seat heating when it is not needed to help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Safety belts

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Warning light ⇒ Frontal collisions and laws of physics ⇒ What happens to passengers not wearing a safety belt ⇒ Safety belts protect ⇒ Using safety belts ⇒ Fastening and unfastening safety belts ⇒ Safety belt position ⇒ Safety belt height adjusters ⇒ Safety belt extender ⇒ Safety belt retractor, pretensioner, load limiter ⇒ Service and disposal of belt pretensioners 

Properly worn safety belts are the single most effective means of reducing the risk of serious injury and death in a collision or other accident.

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 a safety belt shows damage to webbing, bindings, retractors or buckles, have the safety belt replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ .

WarningNot wearing a safety belt or wearing an improperly positioned safety belt increases the risk of severe personal injury or death. Safety belts offer optimum protection only when they are used properly.

• Properly worn safety belts are the single most effective means of reducing the risk of serious injury and death in a collision or other accident. For this reason, always wear your safety belt properly and make sure all passengers wear their safety belts properly as well whenever the vehicle is moving.
• The driver must always make sure that every person in the vehicle is properly seated on a seat of his or her own, properly fastens the safety belts belonging to that seat before the vehicle starts to move, and keeps the belts properly fastened while riding in the vehicle. This applies even when just driving around town. Therefore, always wear your safety belts and make sure that everybody in your vehicle is properly restrained.
• Always secure children in the vehicle with a restraint system appropriate for their age, weight and height ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .
• Always fasten safety belts correctly before driving off and make sure that all passengers are properly restrained.
• Never attach the safety belt to the buckle of another seat. Attaching the safety belt to the wrong buckle will reduce safety belt effectiveness and can cause serious personal injury.
• Never let any objects or liquids get into the safety belt latch and prevent it from working properly.
• Never remove a safety belt while the vehicle is moving. Doing so will increase your risk of being injured or killed.
• Never strap more than one person, including small children, into any single safety belt.
• Never let children or babies ride sitting on your lap, and never place a safety belt over a child sitting on your lap.
• Never wear belts over rigid or breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys, etc., as these may cause injury.
• Several layers of heavy clothing (such as a coat worn over top of a sports jacket) may interfere with proper positioning of the safety belt and reduce the overall effectiveness of the system.
• Never use comfort clips or devices that create slack in the shoulder belt. However, special clips may be required for the correct use of some child restraint systems.
• Safety belts offer optimum protection only when the seat backrest is upright and belts are correctly positioned on the body.

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

• Never let safety belts become damaged by being caught in the door or seat hardware.
• Torn or frayed safety belts can tear, and damaged safety belt hardware can break in an accident.
• Inspect belts regularly for damage. If webbing, bindings, buckles, or retractors are damaged, have the belts replaced immediately with the correct replacement belts approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle, model, and model year.
• 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 damage. Anchorages that have been loaded must also be inspected.
• 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.
• Have safety belts, bindings, retractors and buckles replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always keep the belts clean. Dirty belts may not work correctly and can impair the function of the inertia reel.

Warning light

Fig. 56 Warning light in the instrument cluster.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Lights up or flashes	Possible cause	Proper response
	Driver and front passenger have not fastened their safety belts, if front passenger seat is occupied.	Fasten safety belts.

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.

A warning chime also sounds.

The safety belt warning light  comes on for 6 seconds when the ignition is switched on. A warning chime also sounds for up to 6 seconds if the driver's safety belt is not buckled. The chime stops sooner if the driver buckles his or her safety belt. The warning light and the chime go out when both driver and front passenger have buckled their safety belts.

If the driver and front seat passenger do not both fasten their safety belts within about 24 seconds after the chime stops and the vehicle is moving at a speed of more than about 15 mph (25 km/h), the chime will again sound for about 6 seconds, then go off for about 24 seconds, then sound again for about another 6 seconds. The same thing happens if one of the safety belts is fastened and then unfastened while the vehicle is moving. The safety belt warning light  also flashes. The warning chime continues to sound at 24 second intervals for up to 2 minutes. No chime sounds at speeds of less than about 5 mph (8 km/h).

If the ignition is switched on, the safety belt warning light  stays on until the driver and front passenger have both buckled their safety belts.

WarningNot wearing a safety belt or wearing an improperly positioned safety belt increases the risk of severe personal injury or death. Safety belts offer optimum protection only when used correctly.

Frontal collisions and laws of physics

Fig. 57 A vehicle with passengers not wearing safety belts approaches a wall.Fig. 58 A vehicle with passengers not wearing safety belts hits a wall.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The physical principles of a frontal collision are simple. Both the moving vehicle and the passenger possess energy ⇒ Fig. 57 , which varies with vehicle speed and body weight. Engineers call this energy kinetic energy.

The higher the speed of the vehicle and the greater the vehicle's weight, the more energy has to be absorbed in a crash.

Vehicle speed is the most significant factor. If your speed doubles (for example, from 15 mph to 30 mph – 25 km/h to 50 km/h), the energy increases 4 times!

Because the occupants of the vehicle in the above example are not using safety belts, they are not attached to the vehicle. In a frontal collision, they will keep moving at the same speed the vehicle was moving just before the crash, until something stops them - here, the inside of the passenger compartment. Because the occupants of the vehicle in the example are not wearing safety belts, their entire kinetic energy will be absorbed by impact with the wall ⇒ Fig. 58 .

The same principles apply to people in a vehicle that is in a frontal collision on the highway. Even at city speeds of 20–30 mph (30–50 km/h), the forces acting on the body can reach one ton (2,000 lbs or 1,000 kg) or more. At greater speeds, these forces are even higher.

Of course, the laws of physics don't apply just to frontal collisions; they determine what happens in all kinds of accidents and collisions.

What happens to passengers not wearing a safety belt

Fig. 59 The unbelted driver is thrown forward.Fig. 60 Unbelted passengers in the rear seats are thrown forward on top of the belted driver.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Many people believe that it is possible to resist the forces of an impact by holding tight or bracing themselves. That is simply not true!

Even at low collision speeds, the forces acting on the body are too much for the body to be held in the seat with the arms and hands. In a frontal collision, unrestrained occupants will slam violently into the steering wheel, instrument panel, windshield or anything else in the way ⇒ Fig. 59 .

Never rely on airbags alone for protection. Even when they deploy, airbags provide only additional protection. Airbags are not supposed to deploy in all kinds of accidents. Even if your vehicle is equipped with airbags, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must wear safety belts correctly in order to minimize the risk of severe injury or death in a crash, regardless of whether a seating position has an airbag or not.

An airbag will deploy only once. Safety belts are always there to offer protection in those accidents in which airbags are not supposed to deploy or when they have already deployed. Unbelted occupants can also be thrown out of the vehicle, causing even more severe injuries or death.

It is also important for occupants in the rear seats to wear their safety belts properly since they can be thrown violently forward through the vehicle in the event of an accident. Unbelted passengers in the rear seats endanger not only themselves but also the driver and other passengers in the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 60 .

Safety belts protect

Fig. 61 Belted driver secured by the correctly worn safety belt in the event of a sudden braking maneuver.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Used properly, safety belts can make a big difference. Safety belts help to keep passengers in their seats, gradually reduce energy levels applied to the body in a collision, and help prevent the uncontrolled movement that can cause serious injuries. In addition, safety belts reduce the danger of being thrown out of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 61 .

Safety belts attach passengers to the car and give them the benefit of being slowed down more gently or softly through the give in the safety belts, crumple zones, and other safety features (such as airbags) engineered into today's vehicles. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to absorb kinetic energy. By absorbing the kinetic energy over a longer period of time, the forces on the body become more tolerable and less likely to cause injury.

Although these examples are based on a frontal collision, safety belts can also substantially reduce the risk of injury in other kinds of crashes. So, whether you're on a long trip or just going to the corner store, always buckle up and make sure that others do, too.

Accident statistics show that vehicle occupants properly wearing safety belts have a lower risk of being injured and a much better chance of surviving a collision. Properly using safety belts also greatly increases the ability of the supplemental airbags to do their job in a collision. For this reason, wearing a safety belt is required by law in most countries including the United States and Canada.

Although your Volkswagen is equipped with airbags, you still have to wear the safety belts provided. Front airbags, for example, are activated only in some frontal collisions. The front airbags are not activated in all frontal collisions, in side and rear collisions, in rollovers, or in cases when the conditions for deployment stored in the electronic control unit are not met. The same goes for the other airbag systems on your Volkswagen.

So always wear your safety belt and make sure that everybody in your vehicle is properly restrained!

Using safety belts

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Checklist

• 

  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.

• 

  Keep safety belts clean.

• 

  Keep objects and liquids away from safety belt webbing, the safety belt buckle tongue, and the safety belt buckle latch and opening.

• 

  Do not pinch or damage the safety belt or buckle tongue (for instance, when closing a door).

• 

  Never modify, disassemble or try to repair safety belts and safety belt anchorages.

• 

  Always fasten your safety belt properly before driving and keep it fastened whenever the vehicle is moving.

Twisted safety belt

If it is difficult to pull the safety belt out of the belt guide, the belt may be twisted inside the side trim because the belt retracted too quickly when it was taken off.

• Hold the safety belt tongue, slowly and carefully pull safety belt all the way out.
• Untwist the safety belt and slowly return the belt by hand.

If you cannot untwist the safety belt, wear it anyway. Make sure that the safety belt is twisted in a spot where it does not come in direct contact with your body. Have the safety belt untwisted immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Lockable safety belt

The retractors for the rear seat safety belts and the front passenger safety belt have a switchable locking feature for child restraints in addition to the emergency locking feature. Whenever a child restraint is installed with a safety belt, the safety belt must be locked so that the safety belt webbing cannot unreel. The switchable locking feature lets you lock the belt so that a child restraint can be properly installed and, for example, so that it can't tip to the side when the vehicle goes around a corner ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

To see whether a safety belt is lockable, pull the safety belt all the way out of the safety belt retractor. You should then hear a clicking sound as the belt winds back into the retractor reel. Test the switchable locking feature by pulling on the belt. When the switchable locking feature is active, you should no longer be able to pull the belt out of the retractor.

The locking feature must be deactivated when a vehicle occupant uses the safety belt.

WarningImproper use and care of safety belts increases the risk of severe personal injury or death.

• Regularly check safety belts and related parts for damage.
• Damaged safety belts must be replaced; they cannot be repaired.
• Always keep safety belts clean.
• Never catch, damage or chafe safety belt webbing on sharp edges.
• Always keep objects and liquids away from the belt buckle and buckle opening.

Fastening and unfastening safety belts

Fig. 62 Inserting the buckle tongue into the belt buckle.Fig. 63 Releasing the buckle tongue from the belt buckle.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Properly worn safety belts help to hold occupants in their seats and provide optimum protection during braking or in a collision or other accident ⇒ .

The switchable locking feature makes a clicking sound when the safety belt is winding back onto the safety belt retractor wheel after being pulled all the way out. Whenever a child restraint is installed with a safety belt, the safety belt must be locked so that the safety belt webbing cannot unreel ⇒ Child safety and child restraints . If active, deactivate the locking feature before using the safety belt to restrain a person without a child restraint system.

Fastening safety belts

Always buckle your safety belt before driving.

• Adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly ⇒ Adjusting the seating position .
• Make sure the seat backrest of the rear seat bench is in an upright position and securely latched in place before using the safety belt ⇒ .
• Hold the safety belt by the tongue and pull it slowly and evenly across the chest and pelvis. Do not twist the safety belt webbing ⇒ .
• Insert the tongue into the correct buckle for your seat until you hear it latch securely ⇒ Fig. 62 .
• Pull on the safety belt to make sure that it is securely latched in the buckle.

Unfastening safety belts

Unfasten safety belts only when the vehicle is not moving ⇒ .

• Press the red button on the buckle ⇒ Fig. 63 . The buckle tongue is ejected.
• Let the belt wind up on the retractor as you guide the belt tongue to its stowed position to help prevent the safety belt from twisting and to help avoid damage to the interior trim.

WarningImproperly positioned safety belts can cause serious personal injury or death in an accident.

• Safety belts offer optimum protection only when the seat backrest is upright and belts are correctly positioned on the body.
• A person who is not properly restrained can be seriously injured by the safety belt itself if it slips from the stronger parts of the body into sensitive areas like the abdomen.
• Unfastening safety belts while the vehicle is in motion can cause severe personal injury or death in the event of an accident or braking maneuver!

Safety belt position

Fig. 64 Proper safety belt positioning and head restraint adjustment.Fig. 65 Proper safety belt positioning for expectant mothers.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Wearing safety belts improperly can cause serious injury or death. Safety belts can only work when they are correctly positioned on the body. A properly worn safety belt also helps to position the occupant so that an airbag can provide maximum protection when deployed. Therefore, always fasten your safety belt and make sure that it is properly positioned over your body.

Improper seating positions reduce the effectiveness of safety belts and even increase the risk of injury or death by moving the safety belt to critical areas of the body. Improper seating positions also increase the risk of severe injury or death when an airbag deploys and strikes an occupant who is not seated properly ⇒ Adjusting the seating position .

Proper safety belt position

• The shoulder portion of the safety belt must always run over the center of the shoulder and never over the throat, over the arm, under the arm or behind the back.
• The lap portion of the safety belt must always run as low as possible over the pelvis and never over the abdomen.
• Always wear the safety belt flat and snug against the body. Pull on the safety belt to tighten if necessary.

Expectant mothers must always wear the lap portion of the safety belt as low as possible across the pelvis and below the rounding of the abdomen – throughout the pregnancy. The safety belt must lie flat against the body to avoid pressure against the abdomen ⇒ Fig. 65 .

Adjusting safety belt height

The safety belt position can be adjusted using the following features:

• Safety belt height adjusters for the front seats.
• Front seats with height adjustment.

WarningImproperly positioned safety belts can cause serious personal injury in an accident or a sudden braking maneuver.

• Always make sure that all vehicle occupants are correctly restrained and stay in a correct seating position whenever the vehicle is being used.
• Safety belts offer optimum protection only when the seat backrest is upright and belts are correctly positioned on the body.
• A loose-fitting safety belt can cause serious injuries by shifting its position on your body from the strong bones to more vulnerable soft tissue and cause serious injury.
• The shoulder belt portion of the safety belt must be positioned over the middle of the occupant's shoulder and never across the neck or throat.
• The safety belt must lie flat and snug on the occupant's upper body.
• Never wear the shoulder part of the safety belt under your arm or otherwise out of position.
• The lap portion of the safety belt must be positioned as low as possible across the pelvis and never over the abdomen. Make sure the belt lies flat and snug against the pelvis. Pull on the safety belt to tighten if necessary.
• Expectant mothers must always wear the lap portion of the safety belt as low as possible across the pelvis and below the rounding of the abdomen.
• Do not twist the belt when attaching it. If you cannot untwist a twisted safety belt, wear it anyway, but make sure the twisted part is not in contact with your body. Have the problem corrected right away by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Never hold the safety belt away from your body with your hand.
• Never wear belts over rigid or breakable objects, such as eyeglasses, pens or keys.
• Never modify the position of the belt using comfort clips, loops or similar devices.

If you have a physical impairment or condition that prevents you from sitting properly on the seat with the safety belt properly fastened, special modifications to your vehicle may be necessary. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or call the Volkswagen Customer CARE Center at 1-800-822-8987 for information about possible modifications to your vehicle.

Safety belt height adjusters

Fig. 66 Next to the front seats: Safety belt height adjuster.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Safety belt height adjusters for the front seats can be used to adjust the height of the shoulder portion of the safety belt so that it is positioned correctly:

• Pinch the safety belt attachment together as indicated by the arrows and hold ⇒ Fig. 66 .
• Slide the belt and upper attachment up or down until the safety belt is positioned over the center of the shoulder ⇒ Safety belt position .
• Release the safety belt attachment.
• Pull on the safety belt to make sure that the upper attachment is securely locked in place.

WarningNever adjust the height of the safety belt while driving.

Safety belt extender

Fig. 67 A safety belt extender properly attached to the factory-installed safety belt.Fig. 68 Positioning of the safety belt extender.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

If a safety belt is too short to correctly fit you or one of your passengers, even when the safety belt is pulled out all the way, you can use a safety belt extender.

Never use the safety belt extender for any other purpose – including the attachment of a child restraint.

The extender adds about 8 inches (20 cm) to the safety belt. Always remove the safety belt extender when it is not needed and stow it safely. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility if you believe you may need an extender.

Key to⇒ Fig. 67 :

1. Vehicle safety belt buckle.
2. Buckle tongue on the safety belt extender.
3. Safety belt buckle on the safety belt extender.
4. Safety belt buckle tongue on the factory-installed safety belt.

Key to⇒ Fig. 68 :

1. Safety belt buckle on the safety belt extender.
2. Distance between the safety belt buckle on the safety belt extender and the centerline of the person using the safety belt extender. The distance must be more than 6 inches (15 cm)!
3. Centerline of the person using the safety belt extender.

Using a safety belt extender

• Adjust both the seat and the head restraint properly ⇒ Adjusting the seating position .
• Insert the buckle tongue on the safety belt extender ⇒ Fig. 67②  into the vehicle belt buckle for the seat where the safety belt extender is being used ⇒ Fig. 67① .
• Fastening or unfastening the vehicle safety belt ⇒ Fastening and unfastening safety belts .
• Pull the belt to make sure that the tongues are securely locked in the buckles.
• Make sure that the safety belt is positioned properly ⇒ Safety belt position .

Properly using safety belt extenders:

• Use a safety belt extender only when the factory installed safety belt is too short when worn properly by a person in proper seating position.
• Only use 1 safety belt extender per seat and vehicle safety belt.
• Always remove the safety belt extender when it is not needed.
• 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. 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 the airbag control unit during a collision that the front passenger 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 and the front passenger airbag to deploy later in collisions that would normally trigger the front airbag earlier in the collision to help protect an unrestrained front seat occupant. The airbag will not be able to provide enough protection for an occupant not wearing a safety belt.
• Only use the safety belt extender approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle.

WarningImproper 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 effectiveness 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. 68Ⓒ  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 automobile manufacturer or from an automotive parts store.
• Never use the safety belt extender you got for your vehicle for any other vehicle, regardless of make, model, or model year.

Note

• 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 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.
  • 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 replaced.

NoteIf 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

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The safety belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle's safety concept ⇒ Safety equipment  and consist of the following important features:

Automatic safety belt retractors

Every safety belt is equipped with an automatic safety 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 and rear outboard 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

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

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 licensed 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.

WarningImproper 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 causing 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 performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They have the necessary technical information, training, and special equipment ⇒ Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications .

WarningUndeployed 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 vehicles 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 Material. 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.

Airbag system

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Advanced Airbag System, infants, child restraints and children on the front seat ⇒ Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light ⇒ Airbags and how they work ⇒ The dangers of using child restraints on the front seat ⇒ Front airbags ⇒ Advanced Airbag System components ⇒ How to tell if the front passenger front airbag is on or off ⇒ Side airbags ⇒ Side Curtain Protection® airbags for 2-door vehicles ⇒ Side Curtain Protection® airbags for 4-door vehicles 

Your vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front seat passenger. The front airbags can provide additional protection for the chest and head of the driver and the front seat passenger when seats, safety belts, head restraints and, for the driver, the steering wheel, are properly used and have been properly adjusted. Airbags are only supplemental restraints. They are not a substitute for safety belts that must be worn even though the front seating positions are equipped with front airbags.

WarningNever rely on airbags alone for protection.

• Even when they deploy, airbags provide only supplemental protection.
• Airbags work most effectively when used with properly worn safety belts ⇒ Safety belts .
• The driver must always make sure that every person in the vehicle is properly seated on a seat of his or her own, properly fastens the safety belts belonging to that seat before the vehicle starts to move, and keeps the belts properly fastened while riding in the vehicle. This applies even when just driving around town. Therefore, always wear your safety belts and make sure that everybody in your vehicle is properly restrained.

WarningSitting too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel will decrease the effectiveness of the airbags and will increase the risk of personal injury in a collision.

• Never sit closer than 10 inches (25 cm) to the steering wheel or instrument panel.
• If you cannot sit upright more than 10 inches (25 cm) from the steering wheel and with your back against the backrest, investigate whether adaptive equipment may be available to help you reach the pedals and increase your seating distance from the steering wheel.
• If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, your risk of injury is much higher.
• You will also receive serious injuries and could even be killed if you are up against the airbag or too close to it when it inflates.
• To reduce the risk of injury when an airbag inflates, always wear safety belts properly. See ⇒ Safety belts  .
• An infant in a rearward-facing child restraint installed on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured and can be killed if the front airbag inflates.
• Always make certain that children age 12 or younger always ride in the rear seat. If children are not properly restrained, they may be severely injured or killed when an airbag inflates.
• Never let children ride unrestrained or improperly restrained in the vehicle.
• Never put your feet on the instrument panel or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat to help prevent serious injuries to the head, legs and hips if the airbag inflates.

WarningObjects between you and the airbag will increase the risk of injury in a crash by interfering with the way the airbag unfolds or by being pushed into you as the airbag inflates.

• Never hold things in your hands or on your lap when the vehicle is in use.
• Never transport items on or in the area of the front passenger seat. Objects could move into the area of the front airbags during braking or other sudden maneuvers and fly dangerously through the passenger compartment when an airbag inflates.
• Always make sure that the airbag deployment zones are clear at all times. Never let any thing or object, a pet, or a person, including an infant or small child, be in the space between any vehicle occupant and any airbag at any time.

WarningAn airbag works only once. Airbags that have deployed in a crash must be replaced.

• Deployed airbags and the related system parts must be replaced immediately with new parts approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle model and model year.
• 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 information, and trained personnel 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.
• Never modify any components of the airbag system.

WarningFine dust released when airbags deploy can irritate the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes as well as cause breathing problems for people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• The fine dust can irritate the skin and eye mucous membranes and cause breathing problems for people who suffer from asthma or other breathing conditions. To reduce the risk of breathing problems, those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should get fresh air right away by getting out of the vehicle or opening windows or doors.
• If you are in a collision in which airbags deploy, wash your hands and face with mild soap and water before eating.
• Be careful not to get the dust into your eyes or into any cuts, scratches, or open wounds.
• If the residue should get into your eyes, flush them with water.

WarningUsing solvents or other improper cleaning products on surfaces where airbags are located can change the way airbags deploy in a crash.

• Products containing solvents will change the properties of the plastics and may cause plastic parts to break and fly around when the airbag deploys in a crash, causing injury.
• Never use solvents or cleaners on the steering wheel horn pad or on the instrument panel because they can damage the airbag cover or change the stiffness or strength of the material so that the airbag cannot deploy and protect properly.
• When cleaning the horn pad and instrument panel, use only a soft, dry cloth or a cloth moistened with plain water.

Advanced Airbag System, infants, child restraints and children on the front seat

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Be sure to read the important information and the WARNINGS for important details about children and Advanced Airbags ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

The Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle has been certified to comply with the requirements of the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, as well as Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 as applicable at the time your vehicle was manufactured. According to requirements, the front Advanced Airbag System on the passenger side has been certified for suppression for infants of about 12 months old and younger and for low risk deployment for children aged 3 to 6 years old (as defined in the standard).

Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System, make certain that all children, especially 12 years and younger, always ride on the back seat properly restrained for their age and size. The airbag on the front passenger side makes the front seat a potentially dangerous place for a child to ride. The front seat is not the safest place for a child in a forward-facing child restraint. It is a very dangerous place for an infant or a child in a rearward-facing seat.

Danger!The front seat of any vehicle can be a dangerous place for a child - even with an Advanced Airbag System.

• If the front airbag inflates, a child or infant who
  • is unrestrained on the front seat,
  • is in an improperly installed forward-facing child restraint on the front seat, or
  • is in any rearward-facing child restraint on the front seat will be seriously injured and can be killed.
• Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System, make certain that all children, especially 12 years and younger, always ride on the back seat properly restrained for their age and size.
• Always properly install rearward-facing child restraints or infant carriers and forward-facing child restraints on the rear seat - even with an Advanced Airbag System.

Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The Advanced Airbag System (including the electronic control unit, sensors and system wiring) is monitored continuously to make sure that it is functioning properly whenever the ignition is on. Every time you turn on the ignition, the airbag system indicator light  will come on for a few seconds (function check).

The airbag system must be inspected if the airbag indicator light 

• does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
• does not go out a few seconds after you have switched on the ignition,
• goes out and then lights up again or blinks after the ignition is switched on,
• or if it lights up or blinks while driving.

If an airbag system malfunction is detected, the airbag indicator light comes on and stays on to alert the driver to the problem. It also reminds you to have the airbag system checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If a malfunction occurs that turns the front airbag on the passenger side off, the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light  will come on and stay on whenever the ignition is on.

WarningAn airbag system and safety belt pretensioner that are not working properly cannot provide supplemental protection in a frontal crash.

• If the airbag indicator light comes on, it means that there may be something wrong with the Advanced Airbag System. It is possible that the airbag will inflate when it is not supposed to, or will not inflate when it should.
• Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

PASSENGER AIR BAG   light

Fig. 69 In the instrument panel: PASSENGER AIR BAG   light.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

On	Location	Possible cause	Solution
	Instrument cluster	Airbag and safety belt pretensioner system malfunction.	See your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility immediately to have the system checked.
	Instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 69	Airbag system malfunction.	See your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility immediately to have the system checked.
		Front passenger airbag turned off by Advanced Airbag System.	Check if the airbag must stay turned off.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light ⇒ Fig. 69  will come on and stay on to tell you when the front Advanced Airbag System on the passenger side has been turned off by the electronic control unit.

If the bulb for the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light burns out, the airbag indicator light ⇒ Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System  will come on and signal a malfunction in the Advanced Airbag System. Although the burned-out bulb will not change the way the front airbag on the passenger side works, it will no longer be possible to use the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light to make sure that the airbag on/off status is correct for the occupant on the front passenger seat. Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light will blink for about 5 seconds when:

• the ignition is switched on and
• the capacitive passenger detection system, which switches the front seat passenger's front Advanced Airbag on and off, detects a change in the status of the front passenger seat.

After the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light stops blinking, always make sure that the airbag status (on or off) as shown by the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light is proper for the size, age, and weight (electrical capacitance) of the occupant on the front passenger seat. Always make sure that the safety belt for the front passenger seat is properly fastened.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light will show the status of the front seat passenger's front Advanced Airbag System a few seconds after the ignition has been switched on and the airbag monitoring light goes off. The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light:

• will stay on if the front passenger seat is not occupied;
• will stay on if the electrical capacitance measured by the capacitive passenger detection system for the front passenger seat equals the combined capacitance of an infant up to about 1 year of age and one of the rearward-facing or forward-facing child restraints listed in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 with which the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle was certified. For a listing of the child restraints that were used to certify your vehicle's compliance with the U.S. Safety Standard ⇒ Child safety and child restraints ;
• will go out if the front passenger seat is occupied by an adult as registered by the capacitive passenger detection system.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light must come on and stay on if the ignition is on and…

• a car bed has been installed on the front passenger seat, or
• a rearward-facing child restraint has been installed on the front passenger seat, or
• a forward-facing child restraint has been installed on the front passenger seat,
• and if the electrical capacitance registered on the front passenger seat is equal to or less than the combined capacitance of a typical 1 year-old infant and one of the rearward-facing or forward-facing child restraints listed in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 with which the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle was certified.

If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the front passenger airbag will not deploy, and the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light will stay on.

Never install a rearward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat. The safest place for a child in any kind of child restraint is on the rear seat ⇒ Advanced Airbag System, infants, child restraints and children on the front seat , and ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on…

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on when one of the conditions listed above is met, be sure to check the light regularly to make certain that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light stays on continuously whenever the ignition is on. If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on all the time, stop as soon as it is safe to do so AND

• reactivate the airbag system by turning the ignition off for more than 4 seconds and then turning it on again;
• remove and reinstall the child restraint. Make sure that the child restraint is properly installed and that the safety belt for the front passenger seat has been correctly routed around or through the child restraint as described in the child restraint manufacturer's instructions;
• make sure that the switchable locking feature on the safety belt for the front passenger seat has been activated and that the safety belt has been pulled tight;
• make sure that no electrical device (such as a laptop, CD player, or electronic games device) is placed or used on the front passenger seat if the device is connected to the 12 Volt socket ⇒ Power outlets ;
• make sure that no seat heater has been retrofitted or otherwise added to the front passenger seat;
• make sure that nothing can interfere with the safety belt buckles and that they are not obstructed;
• make sure that there are no wet objects (such as a wet towel) and no water or other liquids on the front passenger seat cushion.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light still does not come on…

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light still does not come on and does not stay on continuously (when the ignition is switched on), take the child restraint off the front passenger seat and install it properly at one of the rear seat positions. Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light should NOT come on…

The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light should NOT come on when the ignition is on and an adult is sitting in a proper seating position on the front passenger seat. If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on under these circumstances, make sure that:

• the adult on the front passenger seat is properly seated on the center of the seat cushion with his or her back up against the backrest and the backrest is not reclined;
• the safety belt is being properly worn and that there is not a lot of slack in the safety belt webbing;
• there are no aftermarket seat covers or cushions or other things (such as blankets) on the front passenger seat that might cause the capacitive passenger detection system to miscalculate electrical capacitance.
• the optional safety belt extender has not been left in the safety belt latch for the front passenger seat.

WarningIf the status of the Advanced Airbag System has changed while the vehicle is moving, the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light blinks for about 5 seconds to catch the driver's attention. If this happens, always stop as soon as it is safe to do so and check the steps described above.WarningIf the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not go off when an adult who is not very small is sitting on the front passenger seat after taking the steps described above, make sure the adult is properly seated and restrained at one of the rear seating positions.

• Have the airbag system inspected by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before transporting anyone on the front passenger seat.

If the capacitive passenger detection system determines that the front passenger seat is empty, the front airbag on the passenger side will be turned off, and the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light will stay on.If the optional safety belt extender is left in the buckle for the front safety belt, or the front passenger safety belt itself is buckled and the front passenger seat is not occupied, the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light will come on.

Airbags and how they work

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Front airbags and how they work

Airbags are only supplemental restraints. They are not a substitute for safety belts that must be worn even though the front seating positions are equipped with front airbags. The front airbags can provide additional protection for the chest and head of the driver and the front seat passenger when seats, safety belts, head restraints and, for the driver, the steering wheel, are properly used and have been properly adjusted.

When the airbag system deploys in a collision, a gas generator fills the airbags that break open the padded covers on the steering wheel and the instrument panel. The front airbags inflate between the steering wheel and the driver and between the instrument panel and the front passenger.

Front airbags in combination with properly worn safety belts slow down and limit the occupant's forward movement. Together they help to prevent the driver and front seat passenger from hitting parts of the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the forces acting on the occupants during a crash. In this way, they help to reduce the risk of injury to the head and upper body during a crash. Airbags do not provide protection for the arms and lower body parts. It is important to remember that the supplemental airbag system is designed to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries. However, it is possible that a deployed airbag may cause other injuries such as swelling, bruising, friction burns, and abrasions.

Airbags inflate in the blink of an eye, so fast that many people don't even realize that the airbags have deployed. The airbags will deflate immediately after deployment so that the front occupants can see through the windshield again without interruption.

Airbags inflate with a great deal of force. Airbags can cause serious injuries when they inflate and hit those who are sitting too close, are out of position, or are not properly restrained. By keeping room between your body and the steering wheel and the front of the passenger compartment, the airbag can inflate fully and completely and provide supplemental protection during certain frontal collisions ⇒ Safety belts .

Make sure that nothing is in the way of the airbags when they deploy. For example, things on your lap or on the seat could be pushed into your body or fly dangerously through the passenger compartment when the airbag inflates and cause serious personal injury.

The areas outlined in red (dotted lines) ⇒ Fig. 70  and ⇒ Fig. 71  indicate the airbag deployment zone. Never place or attach accessories or other objects (such as cup holders, telephone brackets, note pads, large, heavy or bulky objects) on the doors, on the windshield, over or near the area marked in red (dotted lines).

Physical impairments and airbags

If you have a physical impairment or condition that prevents you from sitting properly on the driver seat with the safety belt properly fastened and reaching the pedals, special modifications to your vehicle may be necessary. The safety belt and airbag can only provide optimum protection if you are seated correctly and can reach the pedals.

Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or call the Volkswagen Customer CARE Center at 1-800-822-8987 for information about possible modifications to your vehicle.

When airbags deploy

Deployment of the front airbags and the activation of the safety belt pretensioners depend on the deceleration measured by the crash sensors and registered by the electronic control unit. Crash severity depends on speed and deceleration as well as the mass and stiffness of the vehicle or object involved in the crash.

The front airbags will not inflate in side or rear collisions, in rollovers or if the ignition is switched off. The front airbags will not inflate in all frontal collisions. The triggering of the airbag system depends on the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the collision and registered by the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value programmed into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle damage is not necessarily an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds that will cover every possible kind and angle of impact that will always trigger the airbags, since the circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. Important factors include, for example, the nature (hard or soft) of the object that the vehicle hits, the angle of impact, vehicle speed, etc.

When an airbag deploys, fine dust is released. This is normal and is not caused by a fire in the vehicle. This dust is made up mostly of a powder used to lubricate the airbags as they deploy. This dust could irritate skin and eyes and cause breathing problems for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Always remember: Front airbags only supplement the 3 point safety belts in some frontal collisions only when the vehicle deceleration is high enough to deploy the airbags. Airbags only deploy once, and only in certain kinds of collisions. The safety belts are always there to offer protection in situations in which airbags should not deploy or when they have already deployed, for example, when your vehicle strikes or is struck by another vehicle after an initial collision.

This is just one of the reasons why an airbag is a supplementary restraint and is not a substitute for a safety belt. The airbag system works most effectively when used with the safety belts. Therefore, always buckle up properly and wear your safety belts.

The airbags are part of the overall passive vehicle safety system. The airbag system works most efficiently when used with properly worn safety belts and a proper seating position ⇒ .

Safety equipment

Your safety and the safety of your passengers shouldn't be left to chance. Advances in technology have made a number of features available to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. The following are just a few of the safety features for your Volkswagen:

• Sophisticated safety belts for all seating positions.
• Safety belt pretensioners for the driver and front passenger.
• Safety belt load limiters for the front and rear outboard seating positions.
• Safety belt height adjusters for the front seats.
• Safety belt warning light.
• Advanced front airbag system for the driver and front passenger.
• Sensors for the capacitive front seat passenger detection system.
• Side airbags for the driver and front passenger.
• Side Curtain Protection airbags.
• Airbag indicator light .
• PASSENGER AIR BAG   light.
• Electronic control unit and associated sensors.
• Head restraints with height adjustment optimized for rear-end collisions.
• Adjustable steering column.
• LATCH/UCRA lower universal and top tether anchorages for child safety seats at the rear outboard seating positions.

These individual safety features can work together as a system to help protect you and your passengers in a wide range of collisions. These features can't work as a system if they are not always correctly adjusted and properly used!

How the Advanced Airbag System components work together…

On the passenger side, regardless of safety belt use, the front passenger front airbag will be turned off if the electrical capacitance measured by the capacitive passenger detection system on the front passenger seat is less than the amount programmed in the electronic control unit. The front airbag on the passenger side will also be turned off if the capacitance measured by the system for the front passenger seat equals that of an infant of about 1 year of age in one of the child restraints that was used to certify the Advanced Airbag System under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208. The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on to tell you when the front Advanced Airbag System on the passenger side has been turned off ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light .

WarningNever rely on airbags alone for protection.

• Even when they deploy, airbags provide only supplemental protection.
• Airbags work most effectively when used with properly worn safety belts ⇒ Safety belts .
• The driver must always make sure that every person in the vehicle is properly seated on a seat of his or her own, properly fastens the safety belts belonging to that seat before the vehicle starts to move, and keeps the belts properly fastened while riding in the vehicle. This applies even when just driving around town. Therefore, always wear your safety belts and make sure that everybody in your vehicle is properly restrained.

WarningSitting too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel will decrease the effectiveness of the airbags and will increase the risk of personal injury in a collision.

• Never sit less than 10 inches (25 cm) from the steering wheel or instrument panel.
• If you cannot sit upright more than 10 inches (25 cm) from the steering wheel, investigate whether adaptive equipment may be available to help you reach the pedals and increase your seating distance from the steering wheel.
• If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways, or out of position in any way, your risk of injury is much higher.
• You can also be seriously injured and even be killed if you are sitting too close to the airbag when it inflates.
• To reduce the risk of injury when an airbag inflates, always wear safety belts properly.
• An infant in a rearward-facing child restraint installed on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured and can be killed if the front airbag inflates – even with an Advanced Airbag System.
• Always make certain that children age 12 or younger always ride in the rear seat. If children are not properly restrained, they may be severely injured or killed when the airbag inflates.
• Never let children ride unrestrained or improperly restrained in the vehicle.
• Adjust the front seats properly.
• Never ride with the backrest reclined.
• Always sit as far as possible from the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
• Always sit upright with your back against the backrest of your seat.
• Never put your feet on the instrument panel or on the seat.
• Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat to help prevent serious injuries to the head, legs and hips if the airbag inflates.

WarningObjects between you and the airbag will increase the risk of injury in a crash by interfering with the way the airbag unfolds and/or by being pushed into you as the airbag inflates.

• Never hold things in your hands or on your lap when the vehicle is in use.
• Never place accessories or other objects (such a cup holders, telephone brackets, or things that are large, heavy, or bulky) on the doors or attach them to the doors; never place them over or near the area marked AIRBAG on the steering wheel, instrument panel, or seat backrests or between those areas and someone in the vehicle. These objects could cause injury in a crash, especially if an airbag inflates.
• Never recline the front passenger seat to transport objects. Items can also move into the deployment area of the side airbags or the front airbag during braking or in a sudden maneuver. Objects near the airbags can fly dangerously through the passenger compartment and cause injury, particularly when the seat is reclined and the airbags inflate.
• Never place or transport objects on the front passenger seat. Always make sure that there is nothing on the front passenger seat that will cause the capacitive sensor in the seat to signal to the airbag system that the seat is occupied by a person when it in fact is not, or that the person on the seat is heavier than he or she actually is. The change in electric capacitance because of such objects can cause the passenger front airbag to be turned on when it should be off, or can cause the airbag to work in a way that is different from the way it would have worked without objects on the seat.
• Always make sure that the status signaled by the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light is correct for the way that the front passenger seat is being used.

WarningThe fine dust created when airbags deploy can cause breathing problems for people with asthma or other breathing conditions.

• To reduce the risk of breathing problems, those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should get fresh air right away by getting out of the vehicle or opening windows or doors.
• If you are in a collision in which airbags deploy, wash your hands and face with mild soap and water before eating.
• Be careful not to get the dust into your eyes, or into any cuts, scratches, or open wounds.
• If the residue should get into your eyes, flush them with water.

WarningTo reduce the risk of serious injury, make sure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light is on and stays on whenever a child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat and the ignition is switched on.

• If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not stay on, take the child restraint off the front passenger seat and install it properly at one of the rear seating positions.
• Always make sure that the child restraint is correctly registered by the capacitive passenger detection system.
• Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility if the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on whenever a child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat and the ignition is switched on.

WarningAirbags that have deployed in a crash must be replaced.

• Use only original equipment airbags approved by Volkswagen and installed by a trained technician who has the necessary tools and diagnostic equipment to properly replace any airbag on your vehicle and assure system effectiveness in a crash.
• Never permit salvaged or recycled airbags to be installed in your vehicle.

The dangers of using child restraints on the front seat

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The airbag on the front passenger side makes the front seat a potentially dangerous place for a child to ride, even if the vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System. The front seat is a very dangerous place for an infant or small child in a rearward facing child restraint. The front seat is also not the safest place for a child in a forward-facing child restraint. All children, especially 12 years and younger, must always ride on the back seat and be properly restrained for their age and size.

During a frontal collision, a child restraint or infant carrier on the front seat could be hit and knocked out of position by the inflating front passenger airbag. The airbag could significantly reduce the effectiveness of the child restraint and even seriously injure a child while deploying.

Because of this danger, and because children are generally better protected on the rear seat when properly restrained for their age and size, we strongly urge you to always make sure that children ride on the rear seat ⇒ Child safety and child restraints , and ⇒ Advanced Airbag System, infants, child restraints and children on the front seat .

Danger!A front seat passenger, especially an infant or small child, will be seriously injured and can even be killed if too close to the airbag when it deploys – even an Advanced Airbag.

• All vehicle occupants and especially children must be restrained properly whenever riding in a vehicle. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child could be injured by striking the interior or by being ejected from the vehicle during a sudden maneuver or impact. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child is also at greater risk of injury or death through contact with an inflating airbag.
• Accident statistics show that children are safer on the rear seat than on the front seat.
• A suitable child restraint properly installed and used at one of the rear seating positions provides the highest degree of protection for infants and small children in most accident situations.
• Although the Advanced Airbag System has been designed to switch off when an infant or small child is on the front passenger seat in a child restraint that was used during the certification process for the Advanced Airbag System, no one can guarantee with absolute certainty that the airbag will never deploy under these particular conditions in all conceivable situations for the duration of your vehicle's use.
• The Advanced Airbag System can deploy in accordance with the low risk option for 3 to 6 year-old children under the U.S. Federal Standard if a child with electrical capacitance greater than the combined capacitance of a typical 1 year-old infant restrained in one of the forward facing or rearward-facing child restraints with which your vehicle was certified is on the front passenger seat and the other conditions for airbag deployment are met.
• For their own safety, all children, especially 12 years and younger, must always ride on the back seat properly restrained for their age and size.
• When installing a child restraint, always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Danger!Children on the front seat of any vehicle, even one with Advanced Airbags, can be seriously injured or even killed when an airbag inflates.

• A child in a rearward-facing child restraint installed on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured and can be killed if the front airbag inflates.
• The inflating airbag will hit the child restraint or infant carrier with great force and will smash the child restraint and the child against the seat backrest, center armrest, door, or roof.
• Always install rearward-facing child restraints on the rear seat.
• Although the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle is designed to turn off the front airbag when a rearward-facing child restraint has been installed on the front passenger seat, nobody can absolutely guarantee that deployment is impossible in all conceivable situations that may happen during the useful life of your vehicle.
• If you have, in exceptional circumstances, nevertheless decided to install a rearward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on whenever the ignition is on, immediately install the rearward-facing seat in a rear seating position and have the airbag system inspected immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WarningForward-facing child restraints installed on the front passenger seat may interfere with the deployment of the airbag and cause serious personal injury to the child.

• If exceptional circumstances require the use of a forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, the following special precautions must be taken for the safety and well-being of the child:
  • Always make sure that the forward-facing child restraint has been designed and certified for use on a front passenger seat with a front airbag and a side airbag.
  • Always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions provided for the child restraint or infant carrier.
  • Never install a child safety seat without a properly attached top tether strap if the child restraint manufacturer's instructions require the top tether strap to be used.
  • Never put the forward-facing child restraint up against or very near the instrument panel.
  • Always set the safety belt upper anchorage to the adjustment position that permits proper installation in accordance with the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
  • Always move the front passenger seat to the highest position in the up and down adjustment range and move it back to the rearmost position in the seat's fore and aft adjustment range, as far away from the airbag as possible, before installing the forward-facing child restraint.
  • Always make sure that the safety belt upper anchorage is behind the child restraint and not next to or in front of the child restraint so that the safety belt will be properly positioned.
  • Always make sure that nothing is in the way that prevents the front passenger seat from being moved all the way back to the rearmost position in its fore and aft adjustment range.
  • Always make sure that the backrest is in the upright position.
  • Never place additional items on the seat that can influence the electrical capacitance measured by the capacitive passenger detection system.
  • Always make sure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on all the time whenever the ignition is switched on.
  • If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on, immediately install the forward-facing child restraint in a seating position on the rear seat and have the airbag system inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always buckle the child restraint firmly in place even when no child is sitting in it. A loose child restraint can fly around the vehicle during a sudden stop or in a collision.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in the vehicle: ⇒ Safety belts , ⇒ Airbag system , and ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

Front airbags

Fig. 70 Location and deployment zone of the driver front airbag.Fig. 71 Location and deployment zone of the front passenger front airbag.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System in compliance with the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208 or the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 applicable at the time your vehicle was manufactured. The airbag for the driver is in the steering wheel hub ⇒ Fig. 70  and the airbag for the front passenger is in the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 71 . The general location of the airbags is marked AIRBAG.

The safety belts for the front seating positions have safety belt pretensioners which help take up slack in the belts. The airbag control unit also activates the belt pretensioners ⇒ Airbags and how they work .

The safety belts for the front and rear outboard seating positions also have belt load limiters to reduce the forces acting on a body during an accident.

The areas marked in red (dotted lines) ⇒ Fig. 70  and ⇒ Fig. 71  indicate the airbag deployment zone. Never place or attach accessories or other objects (such as cup holders, telephone brackets, note pads, navigation systems, large, heavy or bulky objects) on the doors, on the windshield, over or near the area marked in red (dotted lines).

Front airbags will not deploy:

• if the ignition is switched off when a crash occurs,
• in side collisions,
• in rear-end collisions,
• in rollovers,
• when the crash deceleration measured by the airbag system is less than the minimum threshold needed for airbag deployment as registered by the electronic control unit.

The front passenger front airbag will also not deploy:

• when the front passenger seat is not occupied,
• when the electrical capacitance measured by the capacitive passenger detection system for the front passenger seat indicates that the passenger side front airbag must be switched off by the electronic control unit (the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on ⇒ Airbags and how they work ).

Danger!Children on the front seat of any vehicle, even one with Advanced Airbags, can be seriously injured or even killed when an airbag inflates.

• A child in a rearward-facing child restraint installed on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured and can be killed if the front airbag inflates.
• The inflating airbag will hit the child restraint or infant carrier with great force and will smash the child restraint and the child against the seat backrest, center armrest, door, or roof.
• Always install rearward-facing child restraints on the rear seat.
• Although the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle is designed to turn off the front airbag when a rearward-facing child restraint has been installed on the front passenger seat, nobody can absolutely guarantee that deployment is impossible in all conceivable situations that may happen during the useful life of your vehicle.
• If you have, in exceptional circumstances, nevertheless decided to install a rearward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on whenever the ignition is on, immediately install the rearward-facing seat in a rear seating position and have the airbag system inspected immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Danger!A front seat passenger, especially an infant or small child, will be seriously injured and can even be killed if too close to the airbag when it deploys – even an Advanced Airbag.

• All vehicle occupants and especially children must be restrained properly whenever riding in a vehicle. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child could be injured by striking the interior or by being ejected from the vehicle during a sudden maneuver or impact. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child is also at greater risk of injury or death through contact with an inflating airbag.
• Accident statistics show that children are safer on the rear seat than on the front seat.
• A suitable child restraint properly installed and used at one of the rear seating positions provides the highest degree of protection for infants and small children in most accident situations.
• An Advanced Airbag System can deploy with the low risk option for 3 to 6 year-old children when a child who is heavier than the combined capacitance of a typical 1 year-old child plus child restraint is secured on the passenger seat in a forward-facing or rear-facing child restraint that was used to certify your vehicle, and when the other conditions for airbag deployment are met.
• For their own safety, all children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always sit on the back seat, properly restrained for their age and size.
• When installing a child restraint, always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• If the airbag indicator light goes on while driving, have the system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. A lit indicator light means the airbags may not work properly if activated in a crash.
• Always make sure that the status signaled by the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light is correct for the way that the front passenger seat is being used.

WarningObjects between you and the airbag will increase the risk of injury in a crash by interfering with the way the airbag unfolds and/or by being pushed into you as the airbag inflates.

• Never hold things in your hands or on your lap when the vehicle is in use.
• Never place accessories or other objects (such a cup holders, telephone brackets, notepads, navigation systems, or things that are large, heavy, or bulky) on the doors or attach them to the doors; never place them over or near the area marked AIRBAG on the steering wheel, instrument panel, or seat backrests, or between those areas and someone in the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 70  and ⇒ Fig. 71 . Such objects could cause serious injury in a collision, especially if an airbag inflates.
• Never attach accessories to the windshield above the passenger front airbag, such as GPS navigation units or music players. Such objects could cause serious injury in a collision, especially if an airbag inflates.
• Never recline the front passenger seat to transport objects. Items can also move into the deployment area of the side airbags or the front airbag during braking or in a sudden maneuver. Objects near the airbags can fly dangerously through the passenger compartment and cause injury, particularly when the seat is reclined and the airbags inflate.
• Always make sure that there is nothing on the front passenger seat that will cause the capacitive passenger detection system in the seat to signal to the Airbag System that the seat is occupied by a person when it is not, or to signal that it is occupied by someone who is heavier than the person actually sitting on the seat. The presence of an object could cause the passenger front airbag to be turned on when it should be off, or could cause the airbag to work in a way that is different from the way it would have worked without the object on the seat.
• Always make sure that nothing is on the front passenger seat when the backrest is folded forward.
• Always make sure that the status signaled by the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light is correct for the way that the front passenger seat is being used.

WarningHolding the steering wheel the wrong way can cause serious injuries to the hands, arms, and head if the driver's airbag inflates.

• Always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the steering wheel rim at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to help reduce the risk of personal injury if the driver's airbag inflates.
• Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or with your hands anywhere inside the steering wheel or on the steering wheel hub. Holding the steering wheel the wrong way increases the risk of severe injury to the arms, hands, and head if the driver airbag deploys.

WarningThe fine dust created when airbags deploy can cause breathing problems for people with asthma or other breathing conditions.

• To reduce the risk of breathing problems, those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should get fresh air right away by getting out of the vehicle or opening windows or doors.
• If you are in a collision in which airbags deploy, wash your hands and face with mild soap and water before eating.
• Be careful not to get the dust into your eyes, or into any cuts, scratches, or open wounds.
• If the residue should get into your eyes, flush them with water.

WarningAirbags that have deployed in a crash must be replaced.

• Use only original equipment airbags approved by Volkswagen and installed by a trained technician who has the necessary tools and diagnostic equipment to properly replace any airbag on 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 Material. 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.

Advanced Airbag System components

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The front passenger seat in your vehicle has a lot of very important parts of the Advanced Airbag System in it ⇒ Airbags and how they work . These parts include the capacitive passenger detection system, wiring, brackets, and more. The control unit monitors the system in the front passenger seat when the ignition is switched on and turns the airbag indicator light on when a malfunction in the one of the system components is detected ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light . Because the front passenger seat contains important parts of the Advanced Airbag System, you must take care to prevent it from being damaged. Damage to the seat may prevent the Advanced Airbag System for the front passenger seat from doing its job in a crash.

The front Advanced Airbag System also includes:

• Crash sensors in the front of the vehicle that measure vehicle acceleration/deceleration to provide information to the Advanced Airbag System about the severity of the crash.
• An electronic control unit, with integrated crash sensors for front and side impacts. The control unit decides whether to fire just the front airbags based on the information received from the crash sensors. The control unit also decides whether the safety belt pretensioners should be activated.
• An Advanced Airbag with gas generator for the driver inside the steering wheel hub.
• An Advanced Airbag with gas generator inside the instrument panel for the front passenger.
• A capacitive passenger detection system underneath the front passenger seat cover. This system measures the electrical capacitance of the person in the seat. The information registered is sent continuously to the electronic control unit to regulate deployment of the front Advanced Airbag on the passenger side.
• An airbag system indicator light in the instrument cluster ⇒ Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System  .
• The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light in the center of the instrument panel that tells you when the front Advanced Airbag System on the passenger side has been turned off ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light .
• A switch in the safety belt buckle for the driver and for the front seat passenger that senses whether that safety belt is latched or not and transmits this information to the electronic control unit.

WarningAn airbag system and safety belt pretensioner that are not working properly cannot provide supplemental protection in a frontal crash.

• If the airbag indicator light comes on, it means that there may be something wrong with the airbag system. It is possible that the airbag will inflate when it is not supposed to, or will not inflate when it should.
• Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• 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.

WarningDamage to the front passenger seat can prevent the front airbag from working properly.

• Improper repair or disassembly of the front passenger and driver seat can prevent the Advanced Airbag System from working properly.
• Repairs to the front passenger seat should be performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Never remove the front passenger seat or driver seat from the vehicle.
• Never remove the upholstery from the front passenger seat.
• Never disassemble or take parts off the seat or disconnect wires from it.
• Never carry sharp objects in your pockets or put them on the seat. If the capacitive passenger detection system in the front passenger seat is punctured it cannot work properly.
• Never carry things on your lap or carry objects on the front passenger seat. Such objects can influence the capacitance registered by the capacitive passenger detection system, so that incorrect information is provided to the airbag control unit. These things can also cause serious personal injury if the airbag inflates.
• Never store items under the front seats. Parts of the Advanced Airbag System under the front seats could be damaged, preventing them and the airbag system from working properly.
• Never put seat covers or replacement upholstery on the front seats that have not been approved by Volkswagen for your specific vehicle.
• Seat covers can prevent the Advanced Airbag System from recognizing child restraints or occupants on the passenger seat and prevent the side airbag in the seat backrest from deploying properly.
• Never use cushions, pillows, blankets, or similar items on the front passenger seat. The additional layers prevent the capacitive passenger detection system from accurately measuring the capacitance of the child safety seat and/or the person on the seat and thus keep the Advanced Airbag System from working properly.
• Never place or use any electrical device (such as a laptop, CD player, or electronic games device) on the front passenger seat if the device is connected to the 12 Volt socket. Such devices can influence the capacitance registered by the capacitive passenger detection system, so that incorrect information is provided to the airbag control unit.
• If a seat heater has been retrofitted or otherwise added to the front passenger seat, never install any child restraint system on this seat.
• If you must use a child restraint on the front passenger seat and the child restraint manufacturer's instructions require the use of a towel, foam cushion or something similar to properly position the child restraint, make certain that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on whenever the child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat.
• If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on, immediately install the child the restraint at a seating position on the rear seat and have the airbag system inspected by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WarningIf the front passenger seat gets wet, dry it immediately.

• If liquid soaks into the front passenger seat, this can keep the airbag system from working properly and may, for instance, deactivate the passenger front airbag. If this happens, the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light will come on and stay on together with the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster.
• If liquid is pooled on the seat, but has not soaked in, this may also keep the airbag system from working properly and cause the front passenger front airbag to be enabled (turned on), even though there is a properly installed child restraint system on the seat. Wet towels or other wet things on the seat cushion can have the same effect. The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light goes out when the front passenger's front airbag is active.

Note

• To help prevent damage to electrical and other parts in the seat, do not kneel on the front seats or apply concentrated pressure to a small area of the seat or backrest.
• 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 manufactured.

How to tell if the front passenger front airbag is on or off

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Passenger front airbag

Regardless of safety belt use, the airbag in front of the front passenger seat will be switched off if the electrical capacitance measured on this seat is less than the value programmed in the electronic control unit.

The front airbag on the passenger side of the front seat will also be turned off if the electrical capacitance measured on the seat (by the capacitive passenger detection system) is less than or equal to the combined capacitance of:

• a typical 1 year-old infant and
• any of the child restraints listed in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 for which the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle is certified.

For a listing of the child restraints that were used to certify your vehicle's compliance with U.S. Safety Standard 208, see ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System . The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on to tell you when the front Advanced Airbag on the passenger side has been turned off.

Passenger front airbag active

• Switch on the ignition.
• The capacitive passenger detection system measures the electrical capacitance of the front passenger seat. If that capacitance is above the reference value, the passenger front airbag will be switched on by the Advanced Airbag control unit.
• If the ignition is on, and the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light in the instrument panel does not come on, the passenger front airbag is generally active. If the   light has burned out (see below), you will be unable to tell whether the passenger front airbag is active or not.

Using child restraints on the front passenger seat

The airbag on the front passenger side makes the front seat a potentially dangerous place for a child to ride. Because of this danger, and because children are generally better protected on the rear seat when properly restrained for their age and size, we strongly advise that you always place children on the rear seat ⇒ The dangers of using child restraints on the front seat . For a list of the child restraints used to certify compliance of the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle with the suppression requirements of FMVSS 208, see ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System .

For more information, see ⇒ Child safety and child restraints ; note ⇒  below!

How do I know when the passenger front airbag has been turned off by the control unit?

The PASSENGER AIR BAG   light in the instrument panel will come on and stay on to tell you when the front Advanced Airbag on the passenger side has been turned off by the electronic control unit. Unless the yellow   light comes on and stays on, the passenger front airbag is still active ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light .

For safety reasons, you must never use a child restraint system on the front passenger seat unless the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on, perhaps in combination with the  indicator light in the instrument cluster. If the passenger front airbag deployed in an accident, it would severely injure and possibly kill the child in the restraint system. If the bulb for the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light burns out, the airbag indicator light will come on and signal a malfunction of the Advanced Airbag System. Although the burned-out bulb will not change the way the front airbag on the passenger side works, it will no longer be possible to use the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light to make sure that the airbag on/off status is correct for the occupant on the front passenger seat. Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Danger!A front seat passenger, especially an infant or small child, will be seriously injured and can even be killed if sitting too close to the airbag when it deploys.

• All vehicle occupants and especially children must be restrained properly whenever riding in a vehicle. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child could be injured by striking the interior or by being ejected from the vehicle during a sudden maneuver or impact. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child is also at greater risk of injury or death through contact with an inflating airbag.
• A child in a rearward-facing child restraint installed on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured and can be killed if the front airbag inflates.
• The inflating airbag will hit the child restraint or infant carrier with great force and will smash the child restraint and the child against the seat backrest, center armrest, door, or roof.
• Accident statistics show that children are safer on the rear seat than on the front seat.
• A suitable child restraint properly installed and used at one of the rear seating positions provides the highest degree of protection for infants and small children in most accident situations.
• For their own safety, all children, especially 12 years and younger, must always ride on the back seat properly restrained for their age and size.
• When installing a child restraint, always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.

WarningTo reduce the risk of serious injury, make sure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on whenever a child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat and the ignition is switched on. Take the child restraint off the front passenger seat and install it properly at one of the seating positions on the rear seat if the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not stay on. Have the airbag system inspected immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

• If you must use a child restraint on the front passenger seat and the child restraint manufacturer's instructions require the use of a towel, foam cushion or something similar to properly position the child restraint, make certain that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on whenever the child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat.
• Otherwise, install the child restraint system on the rear seat!

WarningChanges in the electrical capacitance of the passenger seat while driving can switch the passenger front airbag on or off so that it does not deploy when it should or deploys when it should not, resulting in an increased risk of serious personal injury.

• Do not carry anything on your lap or transport things on the passenger seat. Things on the passenger seat can influence the capacitance registered by the capacitive passenger detection system, sending the wrong information to the airbag control unit. These objects can also cause serious personal injury if the airbag inflates.
• Always make sure that a child restraint has been correctly registered by the capacitive passenger detection system. If the status of the Advanced Airbag System changes while the vehicle is moving, the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light blinks for about 5 seconds to catch the driver's attention. If this happens, always stop as soon as it is safe to do so and check to make sure that the airbag on/off status is correct for the passenger riding on the front passenger seat.

Side airbags

Fig. 72 On the driver side. : Location and deployment zone of the side airbags. : Location and deployment zone of the side airbags in the padding on the outboard side of the front seat backrests.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The side airbags are in the backrest padding of the driver and passenger seats ⇒ Fig. 72 . The general location is shown by the word AIRBAG. The area marked in red (dotted lines) indicates the deployment zone of the side airbags.

In a side collision, the side airbag in the seat backrest can deploy and help reduce the risk of injury to the driver or the front seat passenger.

The side airbags installed for the front seating positions have been designed and certified to help reduce the risk of injury that can be caused by airbags when they inflate, particularly when the occupant sitting next to it is not seated properly.

The side airbag for the front passenger seat can be used with properly installed child restraints. Always read and heed all important information and WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in the vehicle: ⇒ Safety belts , ⇒ Airbag system , ⇒ Child safety and child restraints , and ⇒ .

The side airbag system includes:

• An electronic control module and side impact sensors.
• Side airbags in the front seat backrests.
• An airbag system indicator light in the instrument cluster ⇒ Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System .

When a side airbag deploys in a collision, a gas generator fills the side airbag between the vehicle occupant and the door. The side airbag system supplements the safety belts and can help to reduce the risk of injury to the occupant's upper torso.

In order to help provide this additional protection, the side airbag must inflate within the blink of an eye at very high speed and with great force. The supplemental side airbag could injure you if your seating position is not proper or upright or if items are in the area where the supplemental side airbag inflates. This applies especially to children ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

The airbag system is monitored electronically to make sure it is working properly at all times. Every time you turn on the ignition, the airbag system indicator light  will come on for a few seconds (function check).

The airbag system is not a substitute for your safety belt. Rather, it is part of the overall occupant restraint system in your vehicle ⇒ Adjusting the seating position , ⇒ Safety belts .

It is important to remember that the side airbag system is designed to help reduce the likelihood of serious injury. However, it is important to remember that a deploying airbag may also cause other injuries, such as swelling, bruising, friction burns, and abrasions. Also remember that side airbags will deploy only once and only in certain kinds of accidents. After the side airbag inflates, the system must be replaced. Your safety belts are always there to offer protection in those accidents in which side airbags are not supposed to deploy or when they have already deployed.

The side airbag system will not inflate:

• if the ignition is switched off when a crash occurs,
• in side collisions when the acceleration measured by the sensor is too low,
• in front-end collisions,
• in rear-end collisions,
• in rollovers, unless the deployment threshold for deployment stored in the control unit is met.

In some types of accidents the front airbags, Side Curtain Protection airbags and side airbags may be triggered together.

WarningAn inflating side airbag can cause serious or even fatal injury. Improperly wearing safety belts and improper seating positions increase the risk of serious personal injury and death whenever a vehicle is being used.

• To help reduce the risk of injury when the supplemental side airbag inflates,
  • Always sit in an upright position and do not lean against the area where the side airbag is located.
  • Never let a child or anyone else rest their head against the side trim panel in the area where the side airbag inflates.
  • Always make sure that safety belts are worn correctly.
  • Never let anyone sitting in the front seat put their hand out of the window.
• Objects between you and the airbag can increase the risk of injury in a collision by interfering with the way the airbag unfolds or by being pushed into you as the airbag inflates.
• Never place or attach accessories or other objects (such as cup holders, telephone brackets, or even large, bulky objects) on the doors or over or near the area marked AIRBAG on the seat backrests ⇒ Fig. 72 .
• Accessories or other objects can fly dangerously through the passenger compartment and cause serious injury if the supplemental side airbag inflates.
• Never position or hold any objects or pets in the area where an airbag inflates or allow any children or other passengers to ride in that space.
• Never use the built-in coat hooks for anything but lightweight clothing. Never leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets. Such objects may interfere with side airbag deployment and cause serious personal injury in a collision.

WarningImproper use, repair, or disassembly of the driver and front passenger seats can prevent side airbags from working properly and result in severe injuries.

• Always make sure that the side airbag can inflate without interference:
  • Never install seat covers or replacement upholstery over the front seat backrests that have not been specifically approved by Volkswagen. Otherwise, the side airbag may not be able to deploy properly.
  • Never put seat cushions, blankets, or other coverings over the areas where the side airbags inflate.
  • Damage to the original seat covers or to the seam in the area of the side airbag module must always be repaired immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always prevent the side airbags from being damaged by heavy objects hitting the sides of the seat backrests or force being put on the seat backs, especially in the area where the side airbag module is located.
• The airbag system can only be triggered once. If the airbag has been triggered, the system must be replaced.
• Always have work involving the side airbag system, including removal, replacement, and installation of airbag components, or other repairs performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, the airbag system may not work correctly.
• Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or modify parts of the front seats.
• Never attempt to modify any components of the airbag system in any way.
• If too much force is exerted on the seat backrest bolsters, the side airbags may deploy improperly, not at all, or when they should not.

Side Curtain Protection airbags for 2-door vehicles

Fig. 73 On the left vehicle side (2-door vehicles only): Installation location and deployment zone of the Side Curtain Protection airbag.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The Side Curtain Protection airbags are in the header area on both sides of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 73 . The general location is identified by the word AIRBAG. The red lines show the deployment zone of the Side Curtain Protection airbags.

The Side Curtain Protection airbag system includes:

• An electronic control module and side impact sensors.
• The Side Curtain Protection airbags above the front and rear side windows.
• An airbag system indicator light in the instrument cluster ⇒ Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System .

The Side Curtain Protection airbags inflate downwards between the occupant and the side window on that side of the vehicle that is struck in certain side collisions ⇒ Fig. 73 . The Side Curtain Protection airbag system supplements the safety belts and can help to reduce the risk of injury for occupants' heads and upper torsos on the side of the vehicle that is struck in a side collision.

In order to help provide this additional protection, the Side Curtain Protection airbag must inflate within the blink of an eye at very high speed and with great force. The Side Curtain Protection airbag could injure you if your seating position is not proper or upright or if items are located in the area where the supplemental Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates. This applies especially to children ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

The airbag system is monitored electronically to make sure it is working properly at all times. Every time you turn on the ignition, the airbag system indicator light  will come on for a few seconds (function check).

The airbag system is not a substitute for your safety belt. Rather, it is part of the overall occupant restraint system in your vehicle ⇒ Adjusting the seating position , ⇒ Safety belts .

It is important to remember that the Side Curtain Protection airbag system is designed to help reduce the likelihood of serious injury. However, it is possible that a deployed Side Curtain Protection airbag may cause other injuries such as swelling, bruising, friction burns, and abrasions. Remember too, Side Curtain Protection airbags will deploy only once and only in certain kinds of accidents. Side Curtain Protection airbags that have deployed in a crash must be replaced. Your safety belts are always there to offer protection in those accidents in which Side Curtain Protection airbags are not supposed to deploy or when they have already deployed.

The Side Curtain Protection airbag will not inflate:

• if the ignition is switched off when a crash occurs,
• in side collisions when the acceleration measured by the sensor is too low,
• in front-end collisions,
• in rear-end collisions,
• in rollovers, unless the deployment threshold for deployment stored in the control unit is met.

In some types of accidents the front, Side Curtain Protection and side airbags may be triggered together.

WarningAn inflating Side Curtain Protection airbag can cause serious or even fatal injury. Improperly wearing safety belts and improper seating positions increase the risk of serious personal injury and death whenever a vehicle is being used.

• A deploying airbag inflates within a fraction of a second with a lot of force and at very high speed.
• Always make sure that the Side Curtain Protection airbag can inflate without interference.
• Always sit in proper seating position and wear safety belts while traveling so that the Side Curtain Protection airbags can help provide protection.
• Never let occupants place any parts of their bodies in the area where the Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates.
• Always keep the area where the Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates clear. Never carry any objects or pets in the area between them and where the airbags inflate and never let children or other passengers ride in this area.
• Never use hangers to hang clothes on the hooks.
• Never use the built-in coat hooks for anything but lightweight clothing. Never leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets that may interfere with airbag deployment and can cause personal injury in a collision.
• Only use factory-installed sunshades or, if shades installed after the vehicle leaves the factory, use only genuine Volkswagen sunshades.
• Never swing the sun visors over to the side windows if things such as pens, garage door openers, hands-free speakers, etc. are attached to the sun visors. They could come loose and cause serious injury if the Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates.

WarningThe airbag system can only be triggered once.

• If the airbag has been triggered, the system must be replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always have work involving the curtain airbag system, removal and installation of the airbag components, or other repairs performed by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the airbag system may not work correctly.
• Never attempt to modify any components of the airbag system in any way.
• Never attach objects to the cover or in the deployment zone of a Side Curtain Protection airbag.
• Always make sure that the airbag deployment zones are clear at all times. Never let anything or object, a pet, or a person, including an infant or small child, be in the space between any vehicle occupant and any airbag.
• Do not attach any accessories to the doors.

Side Curtain Protection airbags for 4-door vehicles

Fig. 74 On the left vehicle side (4-door vehicles only): Installation location and deployment zone of the Side Curtain Protection airbag.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The Side Curtain Protection airbags are in the header area on both sides of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 74 . The general location is identified by the word AIRBAG. The red lines show the deployment zone of the Side Curtain Protection airbags. The Side Curtain Protection airbags contain features that provide ejection mitigation to help prevent vehicle occupants or parts of their bodies from being completely or partially ejected from the vehicle interior in certain side impacts and vehicle rollovers.

The Side Curtain Protection airbag system includes:

• An electronic control module and side impact sensors.
• The Side Curtain Protection airbags above the front and rear side windows.
• An airbag system indicator light in the instrument cluster ⇒ Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System .

The Side Curtain Protection airbags inflate downwards between the occupant and the side window on that side of the vehicle that is struck in certain side collisions ⇒ Fig. 74 . The Side Curtain Protection airbag system supplements the safety belts and can help to reduce the risk of injury for occupants' heads and upper torsos on the side of the vehicle that is struck in a side collision. The Side Curtain Protection airbags also contain features to help prevent vehicle occupants or parts of their bodies from being completely or partially ejected from the vehicle interior in certain vehicle rollovers.

In order to help provide this additional protection, the Side Curtain Protection airbag must inflate within the blink of an eye at very high speed and with great force. The Side Curtain Protection airbag could injure you if your seating position is not proper or upright or if items are located in the area where the supplemental Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates. This applies especially to children ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

The airbag system is monitored electronically to make sure it is working properly at all times. Every time you turn on the ignition, the airbag system indicator light  will come on for a few seconds (function check).

The airbag system is not a substitute for your safety belt. Rather, it is part of the overall occupant restraint system in your vehicle ⇒ Adjusting the seating position , ⇒ Safety belts .

It is important to remember that the Side Curtain Protection airbag system is designed to help reduce the likelihood of serious injury. However, it is possible that a deployed Side Curtain Protection airbag may cause other injuries such as swelling, bruising, friction burns, and abrasions. Remember too, Side Curtain Protection airbags will deploy only once and only in certain kinds of accidents. Side Curtain Protection airbags that have deployed in a crash must be replaced. Your safety belts are always there to offer protection in those accidents in which Side Curtain Protection airbags are not supposed to deploy or when they have already deployed.

The Side Curtain Protection airbag will not inflate:

• if the ignition is switched off when a crash occurs,
• in side collisions when the acceleration measured by the sensor is too low,
• in front-end collisions,
• in rear-end collisions,
• in rollovers, unless the deployment threshold for deployment stored in the control unit is met.

In some types of accidents the front, Side Curtain Protection and side airbags may be triggered together.

WarningAn inflating Side Curtain Protection airbag can cause serious or even fatal injury. Improperly wearing safety belts and improper seating positions increase the risk of serious personal injury and death whenever a vehicle is being used.

• A deploying airbag inflates within a fraction of a second with a lot of force and at very high speed.
• Always make sure that the Side Curtain Protection airbag can inflate without interference.
• Always sit in proper seating position and wear safety belts while traveling so that the Side Curtain Protection airbags can help provide protection.
• Never let occupants place any parts of their bodies in the area where the Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates.
• Always keep the area where the Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates clear. Never carry any objects or pets in the area between them and where the airbags inflate and never let children or other passengers ride in this area.
• Never use hangers to hang clothes on the hooks.
• Never use the built-in coat hooks for anything but lightweight clothing. Never leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets that may interfere with airbag deployment and can cause personal injury in a collision.
• Only use factory-installed sunshades or, if shades installed after the vehicle leaves the factory, use only genuine Volkswagen sunshades.
• Never swing the sun visors over to the side windows if things such as pens, garage door openers, hands-free speakers, etc. are attached to the sun visors. They could come loose and cause serious injury if the Side Curtain Protection airbag inflates.

WarningThe airbag system can only be triggered once.

• If the airbag has been triggered, the system must be replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always have work involving the curtain airbag system, removal and installation of the airbag components, or other repairs performed by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the airbag system may not work correctly.
• Never attempt to modify any components of the airbag system in any way.
• Never attach objects to the cover or in the deployment zone of a Side Curtain Protection airbag.
• Always make sure that the airbag deployment zones are clear at all times. Never let anything or object, a pet, or a person, including an infant or small child, be in the space between any vehicle occupant and any airbag.
• Do not attach any accessories to the doors.

Child safety and child restraints

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Child restraints – Overview ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System ⇒ Important safety instructions for using child restraints ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat ⇒ Infant seats ⇒ Convertible child restraints ⇒ Booster seats and safety belts ⇒ Installing child restraints with a safety belt ⇒ Securing the child restraint with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap ⇒ Sources of information about child restraints and their use 

The physical principles of what happens when your vehicle is in a collision or other accident also apply to children ⇒ Safety belts . But unlike adults and teenagers, their muscles and bones are not fully developed. In many respects children are at greater risk of serious injury in accidents than are adults.

Because children's bodies are not fully developed, they must use restraint systems especially designed for their size, weight, and body structure. Many countries and all states of the United States and provinces of Canada have laws requiring the use of approved child restraint systems for infants and small children.

In a frontal crash at a speed of 20–35 mph (30–56 km/h), the forces acting on a 13 pound (6 kg) infant will be more than 20 times the weight of the child. This means the effective weight of the child would suddenly increase to more than 260 pounds (120 kg). Under these conditions, only an appropriate child restraint properly used can reduce the risk of serious injury. Child restraints, like adult safety belts, must be used properly to be effective. Used improperly, they can increase the risk of serious injury in an accident.

All children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always ride in the back seat properly restrained for their age and size. If you must install a child restraint on the front passenger seat in exceptional circumstances, be sure to read and heed the important information and warnings in the section of this Manual that begins on ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System . Infants and other children who are properly restrained in an appropriate child restraint that is for their size and age can benefit from the protection that supplemental side airbags provide in some kinds of crashes.

For more information, please see information provided by the:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), currently at: http://www.safercar.gov (for the USA)
• Transport Canada Information Centre, currently at: http://www.tc.gc.ca (for Canada)

Consult the child restraint manufacturer's instructions to be sure the seat is right for your child's size ⇒ Sources of information about child restraints and their use . Please be sure to read and heed all of the important information and WARNINGS about child safety, Advanced Airbags, and the installation of child restraints in this Manual.

There is a lot you need to know about the Advanced Airbags in your vehicle and how they work when infants and children in child restraints are on the front passenger seat. Because of the large amount of important information, we cannot repeat it all here. We urge you to read the detailed information in this Manual about airbags and the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle and the very important information about transporting children on the front passenger seat. Please be sure to heed the WARNINGS - they are extremely important for your safety and the safety of your passengers, especially infants and small children.

Danger!Children on the front seat of any car, even with Advanced Airbags, can be seriously injured or even killed when an airbag inflates.

• A child in a rearward-facing child restraint installed on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured and can be killed if the front airbag inflates.
• The inflating airbag will hit the child restraint or infant carrier with great force and will smash the child restraint and child against the backrest, center armrest, door or roof.
• Always install rearward-facing child restraints on the rear seat.
• If you have, in exceptional circumstances, nevertheless decided to install a rearward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on whenever the ignition is on, immediately install the rearward-facing child restraint on the rear seat and have the airbag system inspected right away by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WarningAccident statistics have shown that children are generally safer in the rear seat area than in the front seating position. Always restrain any child age 12 and under in the rear.

• All vehicle occupants and especially children must be restrained properly whenever riding in a vehicle. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child could be injured by striking the interior or by being ejected from the vehicle during a sudden maneuver or impact. An unrestrained or improperly restrained child is also at greater risk of injury or death through contact with an inflating airbag.
• A suitable child restraint properly installed and used at one of the rear seating positions provides the highest degree of protection for infants and small children in most accident situations.

WarningForward-facing child restraints installed on the front passenger seat may interfere with the deployment of the airbag and cause serious personal injury to the child.

• If exceptional circumstances require the use of a forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger's seat, the child's safety and well-being require the following special precautions to be taken:
  • Always make sure that the forward-facing seat has been designed and certified by its manufacturer for use on a front passenger seat with a front and side airbag.
  • Always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions provided with the child restraint or infant carrier.
  • Never install a child restraint without a properly attached top tether strap if the child restraint manufacturer's instructions require the top tether strap to be used.
  • Never put the forward-facing child restraint up against or very near the instrument panel.
  • Always set the safety belt upper anchorage to the adjustment position that permits proper installation in accordance with the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
  • Always move the front passenger seat to the highest position in the up and down adjustment range and move it back to the rearmost position in the seat's fore and aft adjustment range, as far away from the airbag as possible before installing the forward-facing child restraint.
  • Always make sure that the safety belt upper anchorage is behind the child restraint and not next to or in front of the child restraint so that the safety belt will be properly positioned.
  • Always make sure that nothing is in the way that prevents the front passenger's seat from being moved to the rearmost position in its fore and aft adjustment range.
  • Always make sure that the backrest is in the upright position.
  • Never place objects on the seat (such as a laptop, CD player, or electronic games device). These may influence the electrical capacitance measured by the capacitive passenger detection system and can also fly around in an accident and cause serious personal injury.
  • Never place or use any electrical device (such as a laptop, CD player, or electronic games device) on the front passenger seat if the device is connected to the 12 Volt socket ⇒ Power outlets .
  • If a seat heater has been retrofitted or otherwise added to the front passenger seat, never install any child restraint system on this seat.
  • Make sure that there are no wet objects (such as a wet towel) and no water or other liquids on the front passenger seat cushion.
  • Always make sure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on all the time whenever the ignition is switched on.
  • If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on, immediately install the forward-facing child restraint in a rear seating position and have the airbag system inspected by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always buckle the child restraint firmly in place even if a child is not sitting in it. A loose child restraint can fly around during a sudden stop or in a collision.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in a vehicle. See ⇒ Safety belts , ⇒ Airbag system , and ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

Always replace child restraints that were installed in a vehicle during a crash. Damage to a child restraint that is not visible could cause it to fail in another collision situation.

Child restraints – Overview

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

All children and especially infants must be properly restrained in a child restraint appropriate for their size and age whenever riding in a vehicle. Their safety also requires that the child restraint be properly installed. There are many car seat choices on the market. You can use the information below to help you choose a car seat that best meets your child’s needs.

Child restraints are designed to be secured to the vehicle with the lap belt portion of the 3 point lap and shoulder belt installed for the passenger seats. The outboard rear seating positions also have special fixtures for child restraints that can be used with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages. Many child restraints use also require the use of a top tether strap. The top tether strap reduces the forward movement of the child restraint in a crash, to help reduce the risk of head injury if the child hits the vehicle interior.

The LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage attachment points are on the lower part of the rear seat backrest for the 2 outboard seating positions. Each lower universal anchorage point has a cover. The circular markings on the covers help you to locate the lower anchorages⇒ Securing the child restraint with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages ⇒ Fig. 80 .

The top tether anchorages are behind each of the rear seating positions⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap ⇒ Fig. 83 .

More information:

• Important safety instructions for using child restraints ⇒ Important safety instructions for using child restraints 
• Using a child restraint on the rear seat ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat 
• Infant seats ⇒ Infant seats 
• Convertible child restraints ⇒ Convertible child restraints 
• Booster seats and safety belts ⇒ Booster seats and safety belts 
• Installing child restraints with a safety belt ⇒ Installing child restraints with a safety belt 

Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Advanced front airbag system and children

Your vehicle is equipped with a front Advanced Airbag System that complies with United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208 and with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 as applicable at the time your vehicle was manufactured.

The Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle has been certified to meet the low risk requirements for 3 to 6 year-old children (as defined in the standard) on the passenger side and small adults on the driver side. Low risk deployment occurs in those crashes that take place at lower decelerations as defined in the electronic control unit. The low risk deployment criteria are intended to reduce the risk of injury through interaction with the airbag that can occur in these collisions, for example, by being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel when the airbag inflates.

In addition, the system has been certified to comply with the suppression requirements of the Safety Standard, to turn off the front airbag automatically for infants up to 12 months who are restrained on the front passenger seat in child restraints that are listed in the Standard.

Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System, all children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always ride in the back seat properly restrained for their age and size. The airbag on the passenger side makes the front seat a potentially dangerous place for a child to ride. The front seat is not the safest place for a child in a forward-facing child restraint. It is a very dangerous place for an infant or a larger child in a rearward-facing seat.

The vehicle's Advanced Airbag System has a capacitive passenger detection system in the front passenger seat cushion that can detect the presence of a baby or a child in a child restraint system on this seat.

The capacitive passenger detection system measures the capacitance of the child and the child restraint and a child blanket on the front passenger seat. The capacitance due to the presence of a child, a child restraint, and a baby blanket on the front passenger seat is related to the child restraint system resting on the seat. The capacitance of a child restraint system varies depending on the type of system and specific make and model.

The electrical capacitance of the various types, makes, and models of child restraints specified by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the relevant safety standard are stored in the Advanced Airbag System control unit together with the capacitances typical of infants and a 1 year-old child. When a child restraint is used on the front passenger seat with a typical 1 year-old infant, the Advanced Airbag System compares the capacitance measured by the capacitive passenger detection system with the data stored in the electronic control unit.

Child restraints and Advanced Airbags

No matter what child restraint you use, make sure that it has been certified to meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) or, if you live in Canada, Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). Also make sure that the child restraint you are using has been certified by its manufacturer for use with an airbag. Always be sure that the child restraint is properly installed at one of the rear seating positions. If in exceptional circumstances you must use it on the front passenger seat, carefully read all of the information on child safety and Advanced Airbags and heed all of the applicable WARNINGS. Make certain that the child restraint is correctly recognized by the capacitive passenger detection system inside the front passenger seat, that the passenger front airbag is switched off, and that the airbag status is always correctly signaled by the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light.

Many types and models of child restraints have been available over the years, new models are introduced regularly incorporating new and improved designs and older models are taken out of production. Child restraints are not standardized. Child restraints of the same type typically have different weights and sizes and different footprints, the size and shape of the bottom of the child restraint that sits on the seat, when they are installed on a vehicle seat. These differences make it virtually impossible to certify compliance with the requirements for Advanced Airbags with each and every child restraint that has ever been sold in the past or will be sold over the course of the useful life of your vehicle.

For this reason, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has published a list of specific types, makes and models of child restraints that must be used to certify compliance of the Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle with the suppression requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208. These child restraints are:

Subpart A. Car bed child restraints

Subpart B. Rear-facing child restraints

Subpart C. Forward-facing and convertible child restraints

WarningTo reduce the risk of serious injury, always make sure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on whenever a child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat and the ignition is switched on.

• Take the child restraint off the front passenger seat and install it properly at one of the rear seat positions if the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on.
• Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Important safety instructions for using child restraints

Fig. 75 Never let babies or older children ride in a vehicle while sitting on the lap of another passenger.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Proper use of child restraints greatly reduces the risk of injury in a collision or other kind of accident!

All children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always ride in the back seat properly restrained for their age and size.

Always use the right child restraint for each child and always use it properly.

Always carefully follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions on how to route the safety belt properly through the child restraint and how to restrain the child in the child restraint.

When using the vehicle safety belt to install a child restraint, you must activate the switchable locking feature on the safety belt to help prevent the child restraint from moving ⇒ Installing child restraints with a safety belt .

Push the child restraint down with your full weight to get the safety belt really tight so that the seat cannot move forward or sideways more than about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Important additional information about installing a child restraint system on the front passenger seat:

If you must install a child restraint on the front passenger seat in exceptional circumstances, be sure to read and heed the important information and warnings in the section of this Manual that begins on ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System .

There are also additional adjustments that must be made in order to be able to properly install a child restraint on the front seat:

Set the safety belt upper anchorage for the front passenger seat so that the available safety belt is long enough to properly install the child restraint. Always follow the child restraint manufacturer's installation instructions ⇒ .

Move the front passenger seat to the highest position in the seat's up and down adjustment range and to the rearmost position in the seat's fore and aft adjustment range, as far away from the airbag as possible before installing the forward-facing child restraint and make sure the backrest is in the upright position ⇒ .

When using the vehicle safety belt to install a child restraint, you must activate the switchable locking feature on the safety belt to help prevent the child restraint from moving ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat . Always follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions when installing a child restraint.

Do not use the switchable locking feature when using the vehicle's safety belt to restrain a child on a booster seat.

Always remember: Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System, all children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always ride in the back seat properly restrained for their age and size.

Danger!Never install rearward-facing child restraints or infant carriers on the front passenger seat.

• A child will be seriously injured and can be killed when the passenger airbag inflates – even with an Advanced Airbag System.
• The inflating airbag will hit the child restraint or infant carrier with great force and will smash the child restraint and child against the backrest, center armrest, door or roof.
• Always install rearward-facing child restraints and infant carriers on the rear seat.

WarningNot using a child restraint, using the wrong child restraint, or improperly installing a child restraint increases the risk of serious personal injury and death in a collision or other emergency situation.

• All vehicle occupants and especially children must always be restrained properly whenever riding in a vehicle.
  • An unrestrained or improperly restrained child can be injured or killed by being thrown against the inside of the vehicle or by being ejected from it during a sudden maneuver or impact.
  • An unrestrained or improperly restrained child is at much greater risk of injury or death by being struck by an inflating airbag.
• Commercially available child restraints are required to comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 213 (in Canada CMVSS 213).
  • When buying a child restraint, select one that fits your child and the vehicle.
  • Only use child restraint systems that fully contact the flat portion of the seat cushion. The child restraint must not tip or lean to either side. Volkswagen does not recommend using child restraints that rest on legs or tube-like frames. They do not provide adequate contact with the seat.
  • Always heed all legal requirements pertaining to the installation and use of child restraints and carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the seat you are using.
• For safety reasons, children under 4 ft. 9 in. (57 inches / 1.45 meters) may not wear safety belts. Children must always be restrained by a proper child restraint system. Otherwise, they could sustain injuries to the abdomen and neck areas during sudden braking maneuvers or accidents.
• Never let more than one child occupy a child restraint.
• Never let babies or older children ride in a vehicle while sitting on the lap of another passenger.
  • Holding a child in your arms is never a substitute for a child restraint system.
  • The strongest person could not hold the child with the forces that exist in an accident. The child will strike the interior of the vehicle and can also be struck by another passenger.
  • The child and the passenger can also injure each other in an accident.

WarningForward-facing child restraints installed on the front passenger's seat can interfere with the airbag when it inflates and cause serious injury to the child.

• Always install child restraints on the rear seat.
• If exceptional circumstances require the use of a forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger's seat, the child's safety and well-being require the following special precautions to be taken:
  • Always make sure that the forward-facing seat has been designed and certified by its manufacturer for use on a front passenger seat with a front and side airbag.
  • Always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions provided with the child restraint or carrier.
  • Never install a child restraint without a properly attached top tether strap if the child restraint manufacturer's instructions require the top tether strap to be used.
  • Never put the forward-facing child restraint up against or very near the instrument panel.
  • Always set the safety belt upper anchorage to the adjustment position that permits proper installation in accordance with the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
  • Always move the front passenger seat to the highest position in the up and down adjustment range and move it back to the rearmost position in the seat's fore and aft adjustment range, as far away from the airbag as possible before installing the forward-facing child restraint.
  • Always make sure that the safety belt upper anchorage is behind the child restraint and not next to or in front of the child restraint so that the safety belt will be properly positioned.
  • Always make sure that nothing is in the way that prevents the front passenger's seat from being moved to the rearmost position in its fore and aft adjustment range.
  • Always make sure that the backrest is in the upright position.
  • Never place additional items on the seat that can influence the capacitance registered by the capacitive passenger detection system and can cause injury in a crash.
  • Never place or use any electrical device (such as a laptop, CD player, or electronic games device) on the front passenger seat if the device is connected to the 12 Volt socket ⇒ Power outlets .
  • If a seat heater has been retrofitted or otherwise added to the front passenger seat, never install any child restraint system on this seat.
  • Make sure that there are no wet objects (such as a wet towel) and no water or other liquids on the front passenger seat cushion.
• Always buckle the child restraint firmly in place even if a child is not sitting in it. A loose child restraint can fly around during a sudden stop or in a collision.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in a vehicle. See ⇒ Safety belts , ⇒ Airbag system , and ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

WarningTo reduce the risk of serious injury, always make sure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on whenever a child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat and the ignition is switched on.

• If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not stay on, perform the checks described ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light .
• Take the child restraint off the front passenger seat and install it properly at one of the rear seat positions if the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not stay on.
• Have the airbag system inspected immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Using a child restraint on the rear seat

Fig. 76 Keep unused safety belts away from children in child restraints.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Important special steps when installing a child restraint with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages or with the vehicle safety belt.

You must take special precautions when installing a LATCH/UCRA child restraint behind the front passenger or driver seats. Always route the center safety belt and the unused safety belt for the seating position where the child restraint is being installed securely out of the child’s reach. Securing the safety belts will help prevent a child from playing with an unused safety belt and becoming entangled with it ⇒ Fig. 76 .

Securing a safety belt for an outboard seating position

When routing a safety belt for an outboard seating position, do not activate the switchable locking feature, otherwise it will be very difficult to wind the safety belt back into its normal position. You should not hear a clicking sound when the safety belt retracts.

• Route the safety belt around the head restraint for the center seating position.
• Make sure the safety belt is out of the child’s reach, so that the child cannot grab and play with it.

Securing the center seat safety belt

When routing a center seat safety belt, you must activate the switchable locking feature. When the safety belt retracts, a clicking sound indicates that the switchable locking feature is active.

• Buckle the safety belt ⇒ Fig. 76 .
• Pull the shoulder belt portion of the safety belt all the way out of the retractor to activate the switchable locking feature. You should hear a clicking noise as the belt winds back into the retractor.
• Let the safety belt fully retract and then pull on it to make sure the switchable locking feature is active and the safety belt is properly fastened and tight so that the child cannot grab and play with the safety belt.

When a child safety seat is secured on the rear bench, adjust the position of the front seat to provide the child with sufficient space. Therefore, adjust the front seat to the size of the child safety seat and the child. Consider the proper seating position of the passenger ⇒ .

When child restraints are not needed, be sure to remove the safety belt(s) from around the head restraint(s), unbuckle the center safety belt, and return all safety belts to their normal stored positions so that they will be available for regular use.

WarningA child in a child restraint installed with the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages or with the standard safety belt on the rear seat may play with unused rear seat safety belts and become entangled, resulting in serious personal injury and even death.

• Always secure unused rear seat safety belts out of the reach of children in child restraints such as by properly routing them around the head restraint adjacent to the seating position where the child restraint is installed.

Note

• Be careful not to activate the switchable locking retractor when routing the unused safety belt around the head restraint adjacent to the seat where a child restraint has been installed.
• Only pull the unused safety belt out far enough to allow you to route the belt around the head restraint.
• When installing a child restraint, be careful not to get the belt caught in the structure of the child restraint and become damaged, especially when the switchable locking feature has been activated.

Infant seats

Fig. 77 Rearward-facing infant seat properly installed on the rear seat.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants should ride in rear-facing car safety seats (in which the child faces the back of the vehicle) starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers (generally up to age 3) should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible – or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their child restraint’s manufacturer. These infant seats support the baby's back, neck and head in a collision. Rear-facing child restraints can be used safely only on the rear seat of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 77 .

Before installing a child restraint on the front passenger seat, be sure to follow the special instructions and heed the warnings ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System  and ⇒ The dangers of using child restraints on the front seat .

• When using the vehicle safety belt to install a child restraint, you must activate the switchable locking feature on the safety belt to help prevent the child restraint from moving ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat . Always follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions when installing a child restraint.
• Attach the tether strap to the tether anchorage for the seating position where the child restraint is being installed ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap .

The airbag on the passenger side makes the front seat a potentially dangerous place for a child to ride. The front seat is not the safest place for a child in a forward-facing child restraint. It is a very dangerous place for an infant or a larger child in a rearward-facing seat.

You must take special precautions when installing a child restraint with the vehicle safety belt or with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages behind the front passenger seat or behind the driver seat. Always route the center safety belt and the unused safety belt for the seating position where the child restraint is being installed securely out of the child’s reach. Securing the safety belts will help prevent a child from playing with an unused safety belt and becoming entangled with it ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat , ⇒ Fig. 76 .

Danger!Not using a child restraint, using the wrong child restraint or improperly installing a child restraint increases the risk of serious personal injury and death in a collision or other emergency situation.

• Never install rearward-facing child restraints or infant carriers on the front passenger seat, even with an Advanced Airbag System. A child will be seriously injured and can be killed when the inflating airbag hits the child restraint or infant carrier with great force and smashes the child restraint and child against the backrest, center armrest, door or roof.
• Always install rearward-facing child restraints and infant carriers on the rear seat.
• Never install a rearward-facing child restraint in the forward-facing direction. These restraints are designed for the special needs of infants and very small children and cannot protect them properly if the seat is forward-facing.
• If you must install a rearward facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because of exceptional circumstances, but the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on, immediately install the rearward-facing child restraint at a seating position on the rear seat and have the airbag system inspected right away by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in a vehicle. See ⇒ Safety belts , ⇒ Airbag system , and ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

WarningA child in a child restraint installed with the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages or with the standard safety belt on the rear seat may play with unused rear seat safety belts and become entangled, resulting in serious personal injury and even death.

• Always secure unused rear seat safety belts out of the reach of children in child restraints such as by properly routing them around the head restraint adjacent to the seating position where the child restraint is installed.

Note

• Be careful not to activate the switchable locking retractor when routing the unused safety belt around the head restraint adjacent to the seat where a child restraint has been installed.
• Only pull the unused safety belt out far enough to allow you to route the belt around the head restraint.
• When installing a child restraint with a safety belt, be careful not to get the belt caught in the structure of the child restraint and become damaged, especially when the switchable locking feature has been activated.

Convertible child restraints

Fig. 78 Some child restraints have lower anchors and a top tether. Figures Ⓐ and Ⓑ show how to correctly install a LATCH/UCRA seat. Figure Ⓒ shows the set up of a seat using the vehicle's safety belt system.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Children between 1 and about 7 years old must always be properly restrained in a child restraint certified for their size and weight ⇒ Fig. 78 .

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat (generally up to age 3), your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.

Before installing a child restraint on the front passenger seat, be sure to follow the special instructions and heed the warnings ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System  and ⇒ The dangers of using child restraints on the front seat .

• When using the vehicle safety belt to install a child restraint, you must activate the switchable locking feature on the safety belt to help prevent the child restraint from moving ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat .
• Push the child restraint down with your full weight to get the safety belt really tight so that the seat cannot move forward or sideways more than about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• Fasten the harness webbing that is part of the child restraint system securely and pull it tight so that you can only slip one finger underneath the shoulder belt portion at the child's chest.
• Attach the tether strap to the tether anchorage for the seating position where the child restraint is being installed ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap .

The airbag on the passenger side makes the front seat a potentially dangerous place for a child to ride. The front seat is not the safest place for a child in a forward-facing child restraint. It is a very dangerous place for an infant or a larger child in a rearward-facing seat.

You must take special precautions when installing a child restraint with the vehicle safety belt or with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages behind the front passenger seat or behind the driver seat. Always route the center safety belt and the unused safety belt for the seating position where the child restraint is being installed securely out of the child’s reach. Securing the safety belts will help prevent a child from playing with an unused safety belt and becoming entangled with it ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat , ⇒ Fig. 76 .

Danger!Not using a child restraint, using the wrong child restraint or improperly installing a child restraint increases the risk of serious personal injury and death in a collision or other emergency situation.

• Children on the front seat of any car, even with Advanced Airbags, can be seriously injured or even killed when an airbag inflates.
• A child in a rearward-facing child restraint installed on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured and can be killed if the front airbag inflates – even with an Advanced Airbag System.
• The inflating airbag will hit the child restraint or infant carrier with great force and will smash the child restraint and child against the backrest, center armrest, door or roof.
• Always install rearward-facing child restraints on the rear seat.
• If you must install a rearward facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because of exceptional circumstances, but the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on, immediately install the rearward-facing child restraint at a seating position on the rear seat and have the airbag system inspected right away by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in a vehicle. See ⇒ Safety belts , ⇒ Airbag system , and ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

WarningAn improperly installed child restraint can interfere with the airbag as it deploys and seriously injure or even kill the child – even with an Advanced Airbag System.

• If exceptional circumstances require the use of a forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger's seat, the child's safety and well-being require the following special precautions to be taken:
  • Forward-facing child restraints installed on the front passenger seat may interfere with the deployment of the airbag and cause serious personal injury to the child.
  • Always make sure that the forward-facing seat has been designed and certified by its manufacturer for use on a front passenger seat with a front and side airbag.
  • Always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions provided with the child restraint or carrier.
  • Never install a child restraint without a properly attached top tether strap if the child restraint manufacturer's instructions require the top tether strap to be used.
  • Never put the forward-facing child restraint up against or very near the instrument panel.
  • Always set the safety belt upper anchorage to the adjustment position that permits proper installation in accordance with the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
  • Always move the front passenger seat to the highest position in the up and down adjustment range and move it back to the rearmost position in the seat's fore and aft adjustment range, as far away from the airbag as possible before installing the forward-facing child restraint.
  • Always make sure that the safety belt upper anchorage is behind the child restraint and not next to or in front of the child restraint so that the safety belt will be properly positioned.
  • Always make sure that nothing is in the way that prevents the front passenger's seat from being moved to the rearmost position in its fore and aft adjustment range.
  • Always make sure that the backrest is in the upright position.
  • Never place objects on the seat (such as a laptop, CD player, or electronic games device). These may influence the electrical capacitance measured by the capacitive passenger detection system and can also fly around in an accident and cause serious personal injury.
  • Never place or use any electrical device (such as a laptop, CD player, or electronic games device) on the front passenger seat if the device is connected to the 12 Volt socket ⇒ Power outlets .
  • If a seat heater has been retrofitted or otherwise added to the front passenger seat, never install any child restraint system on this seat.
  • Make sure that there are no wet objects (such as a wet towel) and no water or other liquids on the front passenger seat cushion.
  • Make sure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light comes on and stays on all the time whenever the ignition is switched on.
  • If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on, immediately install the forward-facing child restraint at a seating position on the rear seat and have the airbag system inspected by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always buckle the child restraint firmly in place even if a child is not sitting in it. A loose child restraint can fly around during a sudden stop or in a collision.

WarningA child in a child restraint installed with the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages or with the standard safety belt on the rear seat may play with unused rear seat safety belts and become entangled, resulting in serious personal injury and even death.

• Always secure unused rear seat safety belts out of the reach of children in child restraints such as by properly routing them around the head restraint adjacent to the seating position where the child restraint is installed.

Note

• Be careful not to activate the switchable locking retractor when routing the unused safety belt around the head restraint adjacent to the seat where a child restraint has been installed.
• Only pull the unused safety belt out far enough to allow you to route the belt around the head restraint.
• When installing a child restraint with a safety belt, be careful not to get the belt caught in the structure of the child restraint and become damaged, especially when the switchable locking feature has been activated.

Booster seats and safety belts

Fig. 79 Child properly restrained in a booster seat on the rear seat.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Children between about 8 to 12 years old are best protected in child safety seats designed for their age and weight ⇒ Fig. 79 . Experts say that the skeletal structure, particularly the pelvis, of these children is not fully developed, and they must not use the vehicle safety belts without a suitable child restraint.

The vehicle's safety belts alone will not fit most children until they are at least 4 ft. 9 in. (57 inches / 1.45 meters) tall. Booster seats raise these children up so that the safety belt will pass properly over the strong parts of their bodies and the safety belt can help protect them in a collision.

• Do not use the switchable locking feature when using the vehicle's safety belt to restrain a child on a booster seat.
• Always position the shoulder portion of the safety belt midway over the child's shoulder. If you must transport an older child in a booster seat on the front passenger seat, you can use the safety belt height adjustment to help adjust the shoulder portion properly.
• Always make sure that the shoulder portion is snug across the shoulder and chest and never rests against or across the child's neck or face.
• Always make sure that the child can wear the lap belt portion across the upper thighs and never over the stomach or abdomen.

Children who are at least 4 ft. 9 in. (57 inches / 1.45 meters) tall can generally use the vehicle's 3 point lap and shoulder belts. Never use the lap belt portion of the vehicle's safety belt alone to restrain any child, regardless of how big the child is. Always remember that children do not have the pronounced pelvic structure required for the proper function of lap belt portion of the vehicle's 3 point lap and shoulder belts. The child's safety absolutely requires that a lap belt portion of the safety belt be fastened snugly across the upper thighs. Never let the lap belt portion of the safety belt pass over the child's stomach or abdomen.

It is usually best to put these children in appropriate booster seats and keep them in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit in a safety belt properly. Be sure the booster seat meets all applicable safety standards.

Booster seats raise the seating position of the child and reposition both the lap and shoulder parts of the safety belt so that they pass across the child's body in the right places. The routing of the belt over the child's body is very important for the child's protection, whether or not a booster seat is used. Children age 12 and under must always ride in the rear seat.

Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is at least 4 ft. 9 in. (57 inches / 1.45 meters) tall AND your child is:

• tall enough to sit without slouching; and
• able to keep his or her back against the vehicle seat; and
• able to keep his or her knees naturally bent over the edge of the vehicle seat; and
• able to keep his or her feet flat on the floor; and
• able to sit in that position during the entire trip.

The way the safety belt passes over the child’s body is important for their safety and protection in a crash. Always make sure you child can wear the safety belt properly:

• The lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
• The shoulder belt must lie snugly across the shoulder and chest, and never cross the neck or face.
• Never let a child put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back, because it could cause severe injuries in a crash.

Always check belt fit on the child in every vehicle. A booster seat may be needed in some vehicles and not in others. If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child must continue to use a booster seat. Regardless of whether the child is using a booster or is able to properly wear the standard safety belt properly without a booster seat, keep your child in the back seat. Accident statistics show that children are safer on the rear seat than on the front seat.

In a collision, airbags must inflate within a blink of an eye and with considerable force. In order to do its job, the airbag needs room to inflate so that it will be there to protect the occupant as the occupant moves forward into the airbag.

Even Advanced Airbags can injure children when they inflate. A vehicle occupant who is out of position and too close to the airbag gets in the way of an inflating airbag. When an occupant is too close, he or she will be struck violently and will receive serious or possibly even fatal injuries.

In order for the airbag to offer protection, it is important that all vehicle occupants, especially children, who must be in the front seat under exceptional circumstances, be properly restrained and as far away from the airbag as possible. By keeping room between the child's body and the front of the passenger compartment, the airbag can inflate completely and provide supplemental protection in certain frontal collisions.

You must take special precautions when installing a booster seat with the vehicle safety belt behind the front passenger seat or behind the driver seat. Always route and secure the unused center safety belt to help prevent a child from playing with the unused safety belt and becoming entangled in it ⇒ Using a child restraint on the rear seat , ⇒ Fig. 76 .

WarningNot using a booster seat, using the booster seat improperly, incorrectly installing a booster seat or using the vehicle safety belt improperly increases the risk of serious personal injury and death in a collision or other emergency situation. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury and/or death:

• Always make sure to position the shoulder portion of the 3 point belt over the middle of the child's shoulder.
• Never let the shoulder portion of the safety belt rest against or across the neck, face, chin, or throat of the child.
• Always make sure the lap belt portion of the 3 point belt is worn snugly across the upper thighs. Never let the lap belt portion of the safety belt pass over the child's stomach or abdomen.
• Never let a child put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back, because it could cause severe injuries in a crash.
• Failure to properly route safety belts over a child's body will cause severe injuries in a collision or other emergency situation.
• Children on the front seat of any car, even with Advanced Airbags, can be seriously injured or even killed when an airbag inflates.
• Never let a child stand or kneel on any seat, for example, the front seat.
• Never let a child ride in the cargo area of your vehicle.
• Always remember that a child leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way during a collision can be struck by a deploying airbag. This will result in serious personal injury or death.
• If you must install a booster seat on the front passenger seat because of exceptional circumstances, the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light must come on and stay on, whenever the ignition is switched on.
• If the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not come on and stay on, perform the checks described ⇒ PASSENGER AIR BAG   light .
• Take the child restraint off the front passenger seat and install it properly at one of the seating positions on the rear seat if the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light does not stay on whenever the ignition is switched on.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in a vehicle. See ⇒ Safety belts , ⇒ Airbag system , and ⇒ Child safety and child restraints .

WarningA child in a child restraint installed with the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages or with the standard safety belt on the rear seat may play with unused rear seat safety belts and become entangled, resulting in serious personal injury and even death.

• Always secure unused rear seat safety belts out of the reach of children in child restraints such as by properly routing them around the head restraint adjacent to the seating position where the child restraint is installed.

Installing child restraints with a safety belt

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Safety belts for the rear seats and the front passenger seat must be locked with the switchable locking feature to properly secure child restraints.

Child restraints are designed to be secured to the vehicle with the lap belt portion of the 3 point lap and shoulder belt installed for the passenger seats. The outboard rear seating positions also have special fixtures for child restraints that can be used with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages.

Regardless of the kind of child restraint that you use, always make sure that the child restraint is properly secured in the vehicle; otherwise the child could be seriously injured in a crash. Always follow legal requirements regarding the installation of child restraints.

Whenever a child restraint (except a booster seat) is installed with a safety belt, the safety belt must be locked so that the safety belt webbing cannot unreel. The switchable locking feature lets you lock the belt so that a child restraint can be properly installed and, for example, so that it cannot tip to the side when the vehicle goes around a corner.

Place the child restraint on a seat, preferably on a rear seat⇒ .

Installing the child restraint on a rear seat

Always carefully follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions when installing a child restraint in your vehicle ⇒ .

• Route the safety belt around or through the child restraint using the proper path for the safety belt as specified by the child restraint manufacturer.
• Insert the belt tongue into the buckle for that seating position.
• Make sure that the red release button faces away from the child restraint so that it can be unbuckled quickly.
• Remove all slack from the lap belt portion of the safety belt and hold it tightly against the child restraint.
• Push the child restraint down with your full weight to make sure that the child restraint will be properly installed with the safety belt really tight.
• Activate the belt's switchable locking feature ⇒ Activating the switchable locking feature .
• Pull on the safety belt to make sure the safety belt is properly fastened and tight.
• Check the child restraint for proper installation by pulling on the child restraint at the place where the vehicle's safety belt goes into the child restraint. The child restraint should not move forward or sideways by more than about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Special instructions for installing child restraints if the child restraint must be installed on the front seat

Always carefully follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions when installing a child restraint in your vehicle ⇒ .

Place the child restraint on a seat, preferably on a rear seat⇒ . If in exceptional circumstances you must install the child restraint on the front seat, be sure to follow the special instructions and heed the WARNINGS below.

• Make sure the front seat backrest is in the upright position.
• Move the front passenger seat to the rearmost position in the seat's fore and aft adjustment range, as far away from the airbag as possible.
• Set the front passenger's safety belt height adjuster so that available safety belt length is sufficient to properly install the child restraint.
• Route the safety belt around or through the child restraint using the proper path for the safety belt as specified by the child restraint manufacturer.
• Insert the belt tongue into the buckle for that seating position.
• Make sure that the red release button faces away from the child restraint so that it can be unbuckled quickly.
• Remove all slack from the lap belt portion of the safety belt and hold it tightly against the child restraint.
• Push the child restraint down with your full weight to make sure that the child restraint will be properly installed with the safety belt really tight.
• Activate the belt's switchable locking feature ⇒ Activating the switchable locking feature .
• Pull on the safety belt to make sure the safety belt is properly fastened and tight.
• Check the child restraint for proper installation by pulling on the child restraint at the place where the vehicle's safety belt goes into the child restraint. The child restraint should not move forward or sideways by more than about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• After checking to make sure that the child restraint is properly installed, make certain that the child restraint is correctly recognized by the capacitive passenger detection system in the front passenger seat and that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light signals the correct front passenger front airbag status. Please be sure to read the additional important information and heed the WARNINGS about the Advanced Airbag System and the function of the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light in this Manual.

Always remember: Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System, all children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always ride in the back seat properly restrained for their age and size.

Activating the switchable locking feature

• Slowly pull the shoulder belt portion of the safety belt all the way out of the retractor.
• While keeping your weight on the child restraint, guide the shoulder belt portion of the safety belt back into the retractor until the belt lies flat and is tightened against the child restraint.
• You should hear a clicking noise as the belt winds back into the inertia reel of the safety belt retractor. Test the switchable locking feature by pulling on the belt. You should no longer be able to pull the belt out of the retractor. The switchable locking feature is now active.
• Pull on the safety belt to make sure the safety belt is properly fastened and tight.
• Check the child restraint for proper installation by pulling on the child restraint at the place where the vehicle's safety belt goes into the child restraint. The child restraint should not move forward or sideways by more than about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• After checking to make sure that the child restraint is properly installed, make certain that the child restraint is correctly recognized by the capacitive passenger detection system in the front passenger seat and that the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light signals the correct front passenger front airbag status. Please be sure to read the additional important information and heed the WARNINGS about the Advanced Airbag System and the function of the PASSENGER AIR BAG   light in this Manual.

Always remember: Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Airbag System, all children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always ride in the back seat properly restrained for their age and size.

Deactivating the switchable locking feature

The switchable locking feature for child restraints will be deactivated automatically when the belt is wound all the way back into the retractor.

• Press the red button on the safety belt buckle. The belt tongue will pop out of the buckle.
• Guide the safety belt back by hand so that it rolls easily onto the retractor and the trim around the retractor will not be damaged.

Always let the safety belt retract completely into its stowed position. The safety belt can now be used as an ordinary safety belt without the switchable locking feature for child restraints.

If the switchable locking feature should be activated inadvertently, the safety belt must be unfastened and guided completely back into its stowed position to deactivate this feature. If the switchable locking feature is not deactivated, the safety belt will gradually become tighter and uncomfortable to wear.

WarningUsing the wrong child restraint or an improperly installed child restraint can cause serious personal injury or death in an accident.

• Always make sure that the safety belt retractor is locked when installing a child restraint, except a booster seat. An unlocked safety belt retractor cannot hold the child restraint in place during normal driving or in a crash.
• Always buckle the child restraint firmly in place even if a child is not sitting in it. A loose child restraint can fly around during a sudden stop or in a collision.
• Always make sure the seat backrest to which the child restraint is installed is in an upright position and securely latched into place and cannot fold forward. Otherwise, the seat backrest with the child restraint attached to it could fly forward in a collision or other emergency situation.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS whenever using a child restraint in a vehicle ⇒ Child safety and child restraints . Special precautions apply when installing a child restraint on the front passenger seat ⇒ The dangers of using child restraints on the front seat , and ⇒ Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System , and ⇒ Important safety instructions for using child restraints .

WarningImproperly installed child restraints increase the risk of serious personal injury and death in a collision.

• Never unfasten the safety belt to deactivate the switchable locking feature for child restraints while the vehicle is moving. You would not be restrained and could be seriously injured in an accident.

NoteWhen installing a child restraint, be careful not to get the belt caught in the structure of the child restraint and become damaged, especially when the switchable locking feature has been activated.

Securing the child restraint with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages

Fig. 80 On the rear outboard seat backrests: Markings on the covers of the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages.Fig. 81 On the rear outboard seat backrests: LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages (covers removed).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

LATCH is used in the United States for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, Universal Child Restraint Anchorages (UCRA) is used to describe the combination of top tether straps and lower anchorages.

All child restraints manufactured after September 1, 1999 must have LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages.

The LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage attachment points are on the lower part of the rear seat backrest for the 2 outboard seating positions. Each lower universal anchorage point has a cover. The circular markings on the covers help you to locate the lower anchorages ⇒ Fig. 80 . Remove the covers to access the lower anchorage points ⇒ Fig. 81  (arrows).

LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages secure the child restraint system in the seat without using the vehicle's safety belts. Anchorages provide a secure and easy-to-use attachment and minimize the possibility of improper child restraint installation.

Remember that the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage points are only intended for installation and attachment of child restraints specifically certified for use with these lower universal anchorages. Child restraints that are not equipped with the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage attachments can still be installed with vehicle safety belts according to the child restraint manufacturer's instructions. You must never mount 2 child restraint systems to one LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage point at the same time. For instance, you must not install a child restraint with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage points on one of the outboard seating positions and then use the inboard anchorage to also install a child restraint in the center of the rear seat that itself is not equipped with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage points.

There are 2 ways to attach an appropriate child restraint to the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages:

Rigid connectors on bars at the back of the child restraint:

Depending on your vehicle's seats, you may want to use guidance fixtures when installing a child restraint that has rigid mountings. Installation with guidance fixtures is easier and protects the upholstery. Guidance fixtures are included with the child restraint in some cases. If not, they can be purchased from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The guidance fixtures must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions at the anchorage points between the seat cushion and the seat backrest.

• Make sure the seat backrest of the rear seat bench is in the upright position and securely latched in place.
• Release or deploy the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer) to secure the seat ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap .
• Guide the upper tether strap under the rear head restraint (raise the head restraint if necessary).
• Attach the tether strap anchorage hook into the opening of the tether anchorage.
• Attach the connectors onto the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages.
• Make sure you hear the child restraint click securely into place.
• Tighten the top tether strap (if there is one) to secure the seat ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap .
• Pull on both sides of the child restraint once you've installed it to make certain it is secure and properly attached.

Releasing

• Release the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer).
• Release the lower latch from the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

Hooks attached to adjustable straps (hook-on connectors)

• Make sure the seat backrest of the rear seat bench is in the upright position and securely latched in place.
• Attach the hook-on connectors with the spring catch release onto the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage so that the connectors lock into place.
• Pull on the connector attachments to make sure that it is properly attached to the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage.
• Pull straps tight following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
• Release or deploy the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer) to secure the seat ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap .
• Guide the upper tether strap under the rear head restraint (raise the head restraint if necessary).
• Guide the tether strap between the rear seat back and the luggage compartment cover.
• Attach the tether strap anchorage hook into the opening of the tether anchorage and pull the top tether strap tight.
• After you have installed the child restraint, pull on both of the adjustable straps on the child restraint and pull also on the tether strap to make certain the seat is secure and properly attached.

Releasing

• Loosen the tension on the hook-on connector straps following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
• Release the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer).
• Depress the spring catch on the hook.
• Hold the spring catch in the depressed position.
• Move the hook in the direction of the vehicle floor so that there is enough space to release the connector from the lower anchorage.

You must take special precautions when installing a child restraint with the vehicle safety belt or with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages behind the front passenger seat or behind the driver seat. Always route the unused center seat safety belt and the unused safety belt for the seating position where the LATCH/UCRA child restraint is being installed around the rear head restraint behind the child restraint to help prevent a child from playing with the unused belt and becoming entangled in it.

WarningImproper use of the LATCH/UCRA system can increase the risk of serious personal injury and death in an accident.

• Always carefully follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for proper installation of the child restraints and proper use of tether straps as well as the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages or safety belts in your vehicle.
• Never mount 2 child restraint systems on 1 LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage point.
• These anchors were developed only for child restraints using the LATCH/UCRA system.
• Never attach other child restraints, belts, luggage or other things to the LATCH/UCRA anchorages.
• Always make sure that you hear a click when latching the seat in place. If you do not hear a click, the seat is not secure and could fly forward and hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from the vehicle.

Note

• To help prevent permanent indentations from forming in the cushion, remove the guidance fixtures from the anchorage points when there is no child restraint secured in the vehicle anchorage points.
• To help prevent damage to the seat upholstery, always remove the guidance fixtures from the anchorage points before folding the backrest on the rear bench seat forward.

Be careful not to activate the switchable locking retractor when routing the safety belts around the head restraints. Only pull the safety belt out far enough to allow you to route the belt around the head restraint.

Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap

Fig. 82 Example of a mounted upper tether strap: The top tether strap reduces the forward movement of the child restraint in a crash, to help reduce the risk of head injury if the child hits the vehicle interior.Fig. 83 Anchorages for the top tether strap on the back of the rear seat.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Installing the tether strap

• Release or deploy the tether strap on the child restraint according to the child restraint manufacturer's instructions ⇒ .
• Remove the luggage compartment cover, if necessary.
• Locate the tether anchor behind the rear seat backrest ⇒ Fig. 83 .
• Outer seating position: Guide the upper tether strap under the outer rear head restraint (raise the head restraint if necessary). For child restraints with V-tether straps: Always make sure that the head restraint guide rods do not interfere with any part of the top tether strap.
• Center seating position: Guide the upper tether strap under the center rear head restraint only when it is pushed all the way up. If the tether strap hook is too big to pass under the center head restraint, push the head restraint all the way down and guide the strap over the center head restraint.
• Guide the tether strap between the rear seat backrest and the luggage compartment cover.
• Attach the tether strap anchorage hook into the opening of the tether anchorage ⇒ Fig. 83 .
• Pull on the tether strap hook so that the spring catch of the hook is engaged.
• Tighten the tether strap firmly following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
• Move the head restraint back into the original position, if necessary ⇒ Adjusting the seating position .

Releasing the tether strap

• Loosen the tension on the tether strap following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
• Depress the spring catch on the hook and release it from the anchorage.

WarningImproper installation of child restraints will increase the risk of injury and death in a crash.

• Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child restraint when installing it in your vehicle.
• Never install a child restraint without a properly attached top tether strap if the child restraint manufacturer's instructions require the top tether strap to be used. The use of a top tether strap for forward-facing child restraints is required by law in Canada.
• Improper use of top tether straps and anchors can lead to injury in a collision. The anchors are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints.
• Never attach 2 child restraint systems to 1 top tether strap or top tether anchorage.
• Never attach a child restraint tether strap to a tie-down hook in the luggage compartment.
• Never use child restraint top tether anchorages to secure safety belts or other kinds of occupant restraints.
• Never secure or attach any luggage or other items to the top tether anchorages.

NoteIf you leave the child restraint with the tether strap firmly installed for several days, this could leave a mark on the upholstery on the seat cushion and backrest in the area where the tether strap was installed. The upholstery would also be permanently stretched around the tether strap. This applies especially to leather seats.

Sources of information about child restraints and their use

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The following are some sources of additional information about child restraint selection, installation and use:

Safety authorities advise that the best child safety seat is the one that fits your child and fits in your vehicle, and that you will use correctly and consistently.

Try before you buy!

Transport Canada Information Centre

1-800-333-03711-613-998-8616 (Ottawa)http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153)http://www.nhtsa.govhttp://www.safercar.gov

National SAFE KIDS Campaign

1-202-662-0600http://www.safekids.org

SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.

1-800-745-SAFE or 1-800-745-7233 (English)1-800-747-SANO or 1-800-747-7266 (Spanish)http://www.carseat.org

Volkswagen Customer CARE

1-800-822-8987

Lights and vision

Lights

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Indicator lights ⇒ Turn signal lever and high beam switch ⇒ Switching lights on and off ⇒ Lights and vision – features ⇒ Coming Home/Leaving Home features (orientation lighting) ⇒ Light Assist ⇒ Instrument panel lighting and headlight range adjustment ⇒ Interior and reading lights 

Always obey local vehicle lighting laws.

The driver is always responsible for the correct headlight settings.

WarningCrashes 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.

WarningHeadlights 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 drivers.

Indicator lights

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Indicator lights in the instrument cluster

Lights up	Possible cause	Proper response
	Central caution light.	Read and follow the text messages in the instrument cluster display.
	One or more driving lights not working, excluding the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).	Replace the burned out bulb ⇒ Replacing light bulbs . If all light bulbs are OK, see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
	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.
	High beams switched on or headlight flashers in use.	⇒ Turn signal lever and high beam switch .
	Light Assist high beam control switched on.	⇒ Light Assist .

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.

Indicator lights in the light switch

Lights up	Possible cause
	The fog lights are switched on ⇒ Switching lights on and off
	The parking lights are switched on ⇒ Switching lights on and off .
	The automatic headlights and, if applicable, the daytime running lights are switched on ⇒ Switching lights on and off .

WarningFailure 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 approaching 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.

NoteFailure 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 MFD. This is your reminder to see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service facility to check the headlights.

Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.

A separate display appears in the instrument cluster if there is an AFS malfunction.

Turn signal lever and high beam switch

Fig. 84 On the left side of the steering column: Turn signal lever and high beam switch.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

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 indicator 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.

Convenience turn signal (lane change feature)

To use the convenience turn signal, move the lever up or down slightly, just to the point of resistance and then release it. If you have the convenience turn signal 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.

The convenience turn signal can be switched on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Lights function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

WarningImproper 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 the low beams are on.

Switching lights on and off

Fig. 85 Headlight switch next to the steering wheel.Fig. 86 Headlight switch next to the steering wheel (with fog lights and automatic headlights, if equipped).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Adjust the light switch to the desired position ⇒ Fig. 85  or ⇒ Fig. 86 :
Symbol	When the ignition is switched off	When the ignition is switched on
	Fog lights and low beams switched off.	Headlights off, daytime running lights (DRL) on.
	Orientation lighting may be switched on.	Automatic headlights active; DRL on.
	Low beams switched off. The DRL may stay on. The length of time they stay on depends on the vehicle battery charge.	Headlights and taillights switched on.
	Parking lights and taillights switched on.	Parking lights, DRL, and taillights switched on.
	Fog lights switched off. The DRL may stay on for some time.	Headlights and fog lights switched on.

Fog lights (if equipped)

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

• To switch on the fog lights : first turn the light switch to position  or , then pull the light switch out to the detent.
• To switch off the fog lights, push the switch back in. To then turn off the headlights, 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 .

WarningDaytime 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 rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.

Lights and vision – features

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Parking lights

If the ignition is switched off and the vehicle is locked from the outside with the headlight switch in the position, the parking lights in both headlights come on together with both taillights.

If the headlight switch is in the position before you switch off the ignition, and you do not switch the parking lights off when leaving the vehicle, the parking lights stay on for about 30 minutes before automatically switching off. This feature helps prevent the parking lights from draining the vehicle battery if they were left on unintentionally.

If you move the headlight switch to the position after switching off the ignition, the parking lights stay on when you leave the vehicle and will not switch off automatically ⇒ .

Daytime running lights (DRL)

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

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

When the daytime running lights are switched on, only these separate lamps come on if the headlight switch is in position  or ⇒ .

If the light switch is in position , a low-light sensor switches the low beams as well as 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 parking brake is engaged 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 back on:	– Release the parking brake.

Static cornering lights

Your vehicle may have fog lights under the front bumper, which on some models are also static cornering lights. On some models the static cornering lights may 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 comes on; turn left and the left fog light comes on. 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. 86 ), they work only when the headlights have been automatically 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 ()

Your vehicle may be equipped with automatic headlights (), which 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 ⇒ :

You can adjust the level of darkness the vehicle must register before automatically switching on the headlights in the Infotainment system by pressing the  button followed by the function keys and Lights⇒ Menu and system settings . You can also turn the automatic activation of the headlights with the rain sensors on and off via this menu.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) works only with the low beams switched on and only at speeds above about 6 mph (10 km/h). The swivel-mounted lamps automatically improve road illumination during cornering.

In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected driving mode can affect the turning of the lights ⇒ Driving Mode Selection .

In some models, the headlights will turn independently, even when driving straight ahead. They can adjust according to the weather conditions and the speed of the vehicle to better light up the road ahead. The bulbs return to their original position after a short period of time, depending on the vehicle speed.

On vehicles equipped with AFS, the feature can be switched on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Lights function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

WarningCrashes 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 and the headlight switch is in position  or . 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.

NoteLeaving the parking lights on when the ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily 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)

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may be equipped with Coming Home/Leaving Home features, which are controlled automatically by a low-light sensor.

Coming Home	Action
Switch on:	– Switch off the ignition. The Coming Home feature is switched on when the headlight switch is in the  position and the low-light sensor registers darkness. The delay period starts once the last vehicle door or the trunk lid is closed.
Switch off:	– Automatically after delay period is over. – Automatically, if a vehicle door or the trunk lid is still open about 30 seconds after activation. – Turn light switch to the  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 length of time the lights stay on can be adjusted or the feature can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Lights function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .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.

Light Assist

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may be equipped with the Light Assist automatic high beam control system.

Light Assist high beam control

Light assist switches the high beam headlights on at speeds above about 37 mph (60 km/h), depending on the surroundings and traffic conditions, and off again at speeds below about 18 mph (30 km/h), within the limits of the system. ⇒ . The system is controlled by a camera mounted in the rearview mirror base.

Light Assist generally detects well-lit areas such as towns and switches the high beam headlights off when driving through these areas.

Switching Light Assist on and off

Function	Action
Switch on:	- Switch the ignition on and turn the light switch to the position. - Push the turn signal lever forward (out of the home position) ⇒ Turn signal lever and high beam switch .
	If the indicator light appears in the instrument cluster display, Light Assist is switched on.
Switch off:	- Switch the ignition off. - OR Turn the light switch to a position other than⇒ Switching lights on and off . - OR When the high beam headlights are on, pull the turn signal lever back to the home position. - OR Push the turn signal lever forward to switch the high beam headlights on manually. Light Assist switches off.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, Light Assist can be turned on or off via the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Lights function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Light Assist malfunction

The following conditions can prevent Light Assist from switching the high beam headlights off in time or from switching them off at all:

• Poorly lit roads with highly reflective signs.
• If there are others on the road with insufficient lighting, such as pedestrians or bicycles.
• In tight curves, when traffic is partially hidden, on steep hills, or in valleys.
• On roads with a center barrier where the driver can clearly see oncoming traffic above the barrier, for example, a truck driver.
• If the camera is not working properly or the power is interrupted.
• In fog, snow, or heavy rain.
• When there is dust or sand in the air.
• If the windshield is hit by a stone and damaged in the area of the camera.
• If the camera's visual field is fogged over, dirty, or covered by a sticker, snow, or ice.

WarningNever let the additional comfort provided by Light Assist tempt you into taking extra risks. The system is not a substitute for careful and attentive driving.

• Always be prepared to control the headlights yourself and to adapt them to road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.
• Light Assist may not detect all traffic situations correctly and function may be restricted in certain situations.
• If the camera's area of view is dirty, covered, or damaged, Light Assist may not work properly. Changes to the vehicle lighting system, such as by adding additional headlights, can also change the way the systems work.

NoteTo help the Light Assist system function properly, note the following:

• Always keep the windshield in front of the camera clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the camera's area of view.
• Check the windshield for damage in the area of the camera.

The headlight flasher and the high beams can be switched on and off manually at any time with the turn signal lever ⇒ Turn signal lever and high beam switch .The illuminated display on an electronic device, for example, an external navigation device, may prevent the Light Assist system from functioning properly.

Instrument panel lighting and headlight range adjustment

Fig. 87 To the left of the steering wheel: Thumbwheel to adjust instrument panel lighting ①.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Instrument cluster and switch brightness

You can adjust the brightness of the instrument cluster and switch lighting when the lights are on by turning the thumbwheel ⇒ Fig. 87① . On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can adjust other interior lights by pressing the button followed by the and Lights function keys in the Infotainment system ⇒ Menu and system settings .

In some vehicles with daytime running lights (DRL), the instrument cluster lighting switches off automatically when it is dark outside or when driving through tunnels, for example. You will need to switch the headlights on manually when this happens, so that the vehicle's taillights will turn on ⇒ Lights and vision – features .

Headlight range adjustment

For vehicles equipped with halogen headlights: The headlight range cannot be manually adjusted. If you believe the headlights are not properly adjusted or are not sure, have them checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ .

For vehicles equipped with HID (Xenon) headlights: The headlights are equipped with an automatic leveling feature that automatically adjusts the headlight range to the vehicle loading condition once the low beams are switched on ⇒ .

WarningHeadlights 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.

WarningIf the automatic leveling feature of the headlights does not work properly or at all, the headlights could blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

• Have headlight range adjustment checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Interior and reading lights

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Button	Function
	Door contact button. Press the button, and the interior lights come 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. Press the button back out again to switch the door contact feature off.
	Reading light on or off.
	Rear interior lights on.

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 (if equipped)

When the ignition and the headlights are switched on, ambient lights in the doors and footwells light up.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can adjust the brightness of the ambient lighting in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Lights function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

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 to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Sun visors ⇒ Windshield made of heat-insulating glass WarningSun visors can reduce visibility.

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

Sun visors

Fig. 88 In the headliner: Sun visor.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Sun visor adjustment

• Flip the sun visor down toward the windshield.
• Lift it out of the retaining clip ⇒ Fig. 88Ⓐ  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. Your vehicle may also be equipped with a light ⇒ Fig. 88①  that comes on when you slide the cover Ⓑ open.

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

The interior light above the sun visor goes out after several minutes. This helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

Fig. 89 Heat-reflective windshield with communications window (blue shaded area).Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

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. 89 . 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 wipers and washer

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Indicator light ⇒ Windshield wiper lever ⇒ Windshield wiper functions ⇒ Windshield wiper service position ⇒ Rain sensor ⇒ Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid WarningWindshield 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.

WarningWorn 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.

NoteTo help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, always 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 ⇒ Windshield wiper service position .

Indicator light

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Your vehicle may be equipped with an indicator light that comes on when the windshield washer fluid level is low.

Lights up	Proper response
	Not enough windshield washer fluid. Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next opportunity ⇒ Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid .

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.

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

Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.

Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 90 Operating the front windshield wipers.Fig. 91 Operating the rear wiper.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Move the lever to the desired position ⇒ :
Ⓐ		Wiper switched off.
Ⓑ		Intermittent wiping for the front windshield. Rain sensor active (if equipped).
Ⓒ		Slow wiper speed.
Ⓓ		Fast wiper speed.
Ⓔ	x	One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more often.
Ⓕ		Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the front windshield washers, then release.
Ⓖ		Intermittent wiping for the rear window. The wiper wipes about every 6 seconds.
Ⓗ		Press the lever forward as far as it will go to activate the rear window washers, then release to stay in intermittent wiping mode (position Ⓖ). Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to turn the rear wiper off.
①		Switch for adjusting the windshield wiper interval settings (vehicles without a rain sensor) or the sensitivity of the rain sensor (vehicles with a rain sensor).

NoteTo help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, always 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 windshield ⇒ 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 recommends using a deicing spray.

NoteNever switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can be scratched.On some vehicles, 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 rear window wiper turns off when the trunk lid 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 front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically when backing up.

• On appropriately equipped vehicles, this feature can be turned on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Mirrors and wipers function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.

Windshield wiper functions

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Heated washer nozzles (if equipped)

Some vehicles are equipped with 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.

Headlight washer system (if equipped)

The headlight washer system cleans the headlight glass.

If the ignition and the headlights (high or low beams) are switched on, the headlights are cleaned the first time and every fifth time the front windshield washers are activated. This happens only when the low or high beams are on when the windshield wiper lever is pulled towards the steering wheel. However, the headlights must still be washed by hand periodically (for instance, during refueling) to get rid of hard-to-remove dirt (like insect splatter).

To help make sure that the headlight washer system works during winter weather, always keep the headlight washer nozzles free of snow and remove any ice with a deicer spray before driving. Use a deicer spray to remove any ice.

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.

Windshield wiper service position

Fig. 92 Windshield wiper in service position.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

In the service position, the wiper arms can be lifted away from the windshield ⇒ Fig. 92 . The wipers are moved to the service position as follows:

• The engine hood must be closed ⇒ Working in the engine compartment .
• Switch the ignition off, turn it on briefly, and then off again.
• Press the windshield wiper lever down briefly ⇒ Fig. 90Ⓔ  when the ignition is off.
• Wipers move into service position.

Lifting the wiper blades and tilting them away from the windshield

• Put the wiper arms in service position ⇒ .
• Do not handle the wiper blades, handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.

Carefully fold the wiper arms back onto the windshield before driving! Switch the ignition on and press the windshield wiper lever down briefly ⇒ Fig. 90Ⓔ . The wiper arms move back to their original position.

Note

• To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.
• Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.

The windshield wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the vehicle is not moving.

Rain sensor

Fig. 93 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting the rain sensor ① (if equipped).Fig. 94 Inside the front windshield above the inside mirror: Sensitive rain sensor surface.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

When switched on, the rain sensor automatically shortens or lengthens the time between wiping intervals depending on how hard it is raining ⇒ . The rain sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted manually ⇒ Fig. 93① .

On appropriately equipped vehicles, the automatic wipe function of the rain sensor can be turned on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the button followed by the and Mirrors and wipers function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .

Push the lever into the desired position ⇒ Fig. 93 :

1. Rain sensor off (windshield wiper lever home position).
2. Rain sensor active – automatic wiping as needed.

3. 

   Adjust the sensitivity of the rain sensor:

   • Move switch to the right – high sensitivity.
   • Move switch to the left – low sensitivity.

After switching the ignition off and back on again, the rain sensor stays on and works again when the wiper lever is in position Ⓑ.

Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works

The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor surface⇒ Fig. 94  (arrows) and not work for a number of reasons, which may include:

• Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this can cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.
• Insects: Insects hitting the windshield may trigger the wipers.
• Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.
• Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
• Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.

WarningThe rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.

• Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.

Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface ⇒ Fig. 94  (arrows) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 95 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Check the windshield washer fluid level regularly and refill as necessary.

There is a filter screen in the filler neck of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The screen helps to keep large particles and debris from getting into and clogging the windshield washer nozzles when adding windshield washer fluid. Take the screen out only to clean it. If the screen is damaged or missing, have it replaced immediately, otherwise the system may become clogged and not work properly.

• Open the engine hood  ⇒ Working in the engine compartment .
• The windshield washer fluid reservoir can be identified by the  symbol on its cap ⇒ Fig. 95 .
• Check if there is still enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
• Refill with clear water (not distilled water) and an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is recommended by Volkswagen ⇒ . Follow the directions on the container.
• In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the water from freezing ⇒ .

Recommended cleaners

• For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear Summer- G 052 184 A1 - or equivalent. Mixing ratio 1:100 (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield washer reservoir.
• All-season Windscreen Clear- G 052 164 A2 - or equivalent. Mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C) about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise, mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer reservoir.

Filling capacity

Depending on vehicle equipment, the windshield washer fluid reservoir holds between 3.1–5.2 quarts (3–5 liters).

WarningNever mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably reduce visibility.

• Use clear water (not distilled water) with a cleaning solution recommended by Volkswagen.
• If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.

Note

• Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can clog the windshield washer nozzles.
• When refilling, do not confuse one type of operating liquid with another! Otherwise serious malfunctions and engine damage can occur!

Mirrors

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Inside mirror ⇒ Outside mirrors 

For your driving safety, it is important that you properly adjust the outside mirrors and the inside mirror before you start driving ⇒ .

The outside mirrors and the inside mirror help you see and adapt your driving to traffic behind you. Remember that the inside and outside rearview mirrors will not show everything behind you. There can be blind spots. Blind spots can be significantly larger if the mirrors are not properly adjusted.

WarningAdjusting mirrors when the vehicle is moving can cause driver distraction, accidents, and serious personal injury.

• Always adjust the rearview mirrors when the vehicle is not moving.
• Always be aware of what is happening around the vehicle when changing lanes, passing, turning, or parking. Another vehicle, pedestrian, or object could be in your blind spot.
• Always make sure mirrors are properly adjusted and the view to the rear is not reduced by moisture, ice, snow, or other things.

WarningSelf-dimming rearview mirrors contain an electrolyte fluid which can leak if the mirror glass is broken. Electrolyte fluid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

• Repeated or prolonged exposure to electrolyte fluid can irritate the respiratory system, especially among people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Get fresh air immediately by leaving the vehicle or, if that is not possible, open windows and doors all the way.
• If electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.
• If electrolyte fluid contacts skin, flush affected area with clean water for at least 15 minutes and then wash affected area with soap and water; medical attention is recommended. Thoroughly wash affected clothing and shoes before reuse.
• If swallowed, and the person is conscious, rinse mouth with water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.

NoteBroken glass in the self-dimming rearview mirrors can cause electrolyte fluid leakage. Liquid electrolyte leaked from a broken mirror glass will damage any plastic surfaces it comes in contact with. Clean up spilled electrolyte fluid immediately with clear water and a sponge.

Inside mirror

Fig. 96 Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped).Fig. 97 Manually adjustable inside mirror.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Adjust the inside mirror to make sure that there is good visibility through the rear window.

For example, visibility through the rear window could be impaired if there is a sunshade on the rear window or clothing on the luggage compartment cover, or if the rear window is covered with ice, snow, or dirt.

Manually adjustable inside mirror

• Home position: Lever on the bottom edge of the mirror points forward.
• To adjust to non-glare visibility, move the lever so that it points backward ⇒ Fig. 97 .

Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped)

There are two sensors in the interior mirror housing:

• One sensor on the side facing the interior to measure light from the rear of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 96① .
• One sensor on the side facing the windshield to measure light from the front of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 96② .

If the ignition is switched on, the mirror automatically darkens depending on the amount of light shining into the vehicle from the rear.

The self-dimming feature is deactivated when you shift the transmission into reverse or switch on the interior lights or the reading light.

Do not attach external navigation devices to the windshield or in the vicinity of the self-dimming inside mirror ⇒ .

WarningThe illuminated display on an external navigation device can cause the self-dimming inside mirror to malfunction, which can result in crashes and serious injuries.

• Malfunctions in the self-dimming function can result in the inside mirror being unable to evaluate the exact distance of vehicles in the rear or other objects.

If the light striking the sensor is filtered or blocked (such as by a sunshade), the self-dimming inside mirror will not work properly or may not work at all.

Outside mirrors

Fig. 98 In the driver door: Adjusting knob for the outside mirrors.Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

When the ignition is switched on, turn the knob in the driver door ⇒ Fig. 98  to adjust the outside mirrors.

Turn the knob to the desired position:
	Switch on outside mirror heating. Heats only at outside air temperatures below +68 °F (+20 °C).
	Adjust the left outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down.
	Adjust the right outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down.
	Neutral position. No heating or adjustment possible.

Synchronous mirror adjustment (if equipped)

• To turn on the synchronous mirror adjustment feature in the Infotainment system, press the button followed by the and Mirrors and wipers function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .
• Turn the outside mirror adjusting knob to the L position.
• Adjust the left outside mirror. The right (passenger) outside mirror will automatically adjust at the same time.
• If needed, correct the position of the right mirror by turning the adjusting knob to the R position.

Passenger side mirror lowering in reverse gear (if equipped)

• Select a valid remote control vehicle key on which the settings should be saved.
• Unlock the vehicle using this key.
• Set the parking brake.
• Switch on the ignition.
• To turn the passenger side mirror lowering feature on in the Infotainment system, press the button followed by the and Mirrors and wipers function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings .
• Shift the transmission to Reverse (R).
• Adjust the passenger outside mirror for a clear view of the curb, for example.
• The adjusted mirror position is automatically stored and assigned to the vehicle key used to unlock the vehicle.

Recalling the passenger side mirror settings

• Turn the adjusting knob for the outside mirrors to the R position.
• Shift the transmission into Reverse (R) with the ignition switched on.
• The passenger mirror moves back to the regular position when the vehicle moves forward faster than about 10 mph (15 km/h) or the adjusting knob is moved from R to another position.

WarningImproper use of the folding outside mirrors can cause personal injury.

• Always make sure that nobody is in the way when folding the mirrors in or out.
• Make sure that you do not get your finger caught between the mirror and the mirror base when moving the mirrors.

WarningIncorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and serious injury.

• The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision. But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than they really are.
• If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.
• Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.
• Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.

NoteAlways fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash.To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.When first switched on, outside mirror heating works with maximum heat for about 2 minutes.If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on the edges of the mirror surface.

Transporting

Driving tips

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:⇒ Stowing luggage ⇒ Driving with an open trunk lid ⇒ Driving a loaded vehicle ⇒ Weights and axle weights 

Always stow heavy objects in the luggage compartment and make sure that the rear seat backrests are securely latched. Always use the tie-downs in the luggage compartment and secure the objects with suitable straps. Never overload the vehicle. Remember that the vehicle load, as well as how it is distributed, can affect vehicle handling and braking ⇒ .

WarningUnsecured or incorrectly stowed items can fly through the vehicle, causing serious personal injury during hard braking or sharp steering or in an accident. Loose items can also be struck and thrown through the passenger compartment by the front airbags if they inflate. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:

• Always stow all objects securely in the vehicle.
• Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.
• Do not stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in open bins in the vehicle or on top of the instrument panel.
• Remove hard, heavy, and sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interior and stow securely. Always put heavy items in the luggage compartment.
• Always secure objects in the passenger compartment properly with suitable straps so that they cannot move into the deployment area of a side or front airbag during braking, in a sudden maneuver, or in a collision.
• Always make sure that there is nothing on the front passenger seat when the backrest is folded forward.
• Passengers must never ride in an incorrect seating position because objects are being transported in the vehicle.
• Never let anybody sit in a seat that is blocked by objects being carried in the vehicle.

WarningHeavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious injury.

• Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
• Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a change in the center of gravity also changes the way your vehicle handles:
  • Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
  • Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
  • Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps using the tie-downs in the luggage compartment.
• Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
• Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and handle differently.
• Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
• Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
• Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.