Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid (2015 year). Instruction - part 15

braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.

Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others

⇒

Brake system malfunction

If you brake and find that the vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in
stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light

will light up and

a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive,
immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready
to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.

Brake booster

The brake booster works only when either the combustion engine or electric motor is running. It in-
creases the force on the brakes above and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.

If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake
pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance
⇒

WARNING

New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.

New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 185 miles (300 km) and

must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting
more pressure on the brake pedal.

Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk

of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.

Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might

require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.

WARNING

Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances
considerably.

When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed

and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use
engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could over-
heat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down
more or to stop.

A damaged front bumper or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and

make them overheat.

WARNING

Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping dis-
tances.

Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake applica-

tions when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

WARNING

Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.

Never let the vehicle coast when the ignition is switched off.
If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more

pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.

NOTICE

Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to

brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes
will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause
complete brake system failure.

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and

shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to
stop.

When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same

time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake
pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If
necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.

Braking assistance systems

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

The ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL braking assistance systems work only when the engine is run-
ning. These systems can significantly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help reduce the probability of skidding
and loss of vehicle control. It works only when the engine is running. ESC detects certain difficult
driving situations, including when the vehicle is beginning to spin (yaw) out of control. ESC then helps
you to get the vehicle back under control by selectively braking the wheels and/or reducing engine
power and by providing steering assistance to help hold the vehicle on the driver's intended course.

ESC has limitations. It is important to remember that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. It will
not always be able to help out under all conditions you may come up against. For example, ESC may
not always be able to help you master situations where there is a sudden change in the coefficient of
friction of the road surface. When there is a section of dry road that is suddenly covered with water,
slush or snow, ESC cannot perform the same way it would on a dry surface. If the vehicle “hydro-
planes” (rides on a cushion of water instead of the road surface), ESC will not be able to help you
steer the vehicle because contact with the pavement has been interrupted and the vehicle cannot be
braked or steered. During fast cornering, particularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as
effectively with difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic, and weather conditions. ESC
cannot override the vehicle's physical limits, increase the available traction, or keep a vehicle on the
road if road departure is a result of driver inattention. Instead, ESC improves the possibility of keeping
the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver's steering
inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that

causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the
benefits of ESC.

ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below).
ESC is switched on all the time and cannot be switched off.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and
control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:

Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the

force on the pedal!

  Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!
  Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.
  ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.

When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a
noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may
even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or slip-
pery surface.

Brake Assist (BAS)

The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very
quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure,
maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more
quickly and efficiently.

Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or
let up on the brake.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions.
Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.

ESC and ASR can help when driving on loose surfaces (such as gravel) and in deep snow. If you get
stuck in deep snow, you may be able to get going again by “rocking” the vehicle back and forth. ESC
and ASR recognize this special driving situation and automatically increase the speed of the front
wheels. Keep pressing the accelerator and let ESC increase the speed of the front wheels to help you
keep moving or get moving again.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)

EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost
traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL automat-
ically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down, EDL
automatically switches on again.

XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel
slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during
fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This
improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.

WARNING

Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious
personal injury for you and your passengers.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility condi-

tions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide tempt
you into taking extra risks.

Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent

loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the
other systems!

Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and “hy-

droplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.

These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for

conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many

difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire trac-
tion.

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the accel-

erator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss of
vehicle control.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that
affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems men-
tioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.

Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of

the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.

Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can

change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their effective-
ness.

The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted

⇒ Tires and wheels.

All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly.

Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power
when it is not expected.

If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.

You may hear noises when these systems are active.

Brake fluid

Fig. 118 In the engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir cap.

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

Brake fluid absorbs water from the air over time. Too much water in the brake fluid will damage the
brake system. Water also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. Too much water in the brake fluid
can cause vapor lock during heavy brake use or hard braking. Vapor lock reduces braking perfor-
mance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure. Your safety and the

safety of others depends on brakes that are working properly at all times

⇒

Brake fluid specifications

Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the brake system in your
Volkswagen. Volkswagen recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly conforms to quality
standard VW Standard 501 14 for optimum performance of the brake system. Check the information
on the container for the brake fluid you want to use to make sure it meets the requirements for your
vehicle.

Brake fluid that complies with VW Standard 501 14 can be purchased from your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If this special brake fluid is not available you may – under these circumstances – use another high
quality brake fluid that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4
⇒

Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can
contain chemicals that could, over time, degrade or damage internal parts of the vehicle’s brake sys-
tem.

Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW Stand-
ard 501 14 for optimum brake system performance over the long term.

Brake fluid level

The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be between the MIN and MAX

marking

⇒

On some vehicles, engine components block the view of the brake fluid reservoir and make it impossi-
ble to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reser-
voir, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.

Changing brake fluid

Brake fluid must be changed according to the service schedule in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance. Have the brake fluid checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Refill only with new brake fluid that meets the standards listed above.

WARNING

Brake failure and reduced brake performance can be caused by not having enough brake
fluid in the reservoir or by old or incorrect brake fluid.

Check the brake system and brake fluid level regularly.
Always change the brake fluid according to the service schedule in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance.

Hard braking with old brake fluid may cause vapor lock. Vapor lock reduces braking per-

formance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure.

Always make sure that only the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that ex-

pressly conforms to VW Standard 501 14 or, if it is not available, only use a high-quality brake
fluid that conforms to U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 requirements.

Using another brake fluid, or one that is not of high quality, can impair the function of the

brake system and reduce its effectiveness. If the container does not say that the brake fluid
complies with VW Standard 501 14, or U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, do not use it.

The brake fluid must be new.

WARNING

Brake fluid is poisonous.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use food, beverage or other non-original containers

to store brake fluid. Someone might be misled by the original label on the container, or by the
shape of the container, and drink the brake fluid. This could occur even if you relabel the
container as “brake fluid.”

Only store brake fluid in the closed, original container and keep it out of the reach of chil-

dren.

NOTICE

Brake fluid will damage vehicle paint, plastic parts, and tires. Wipe any brake fluid off vehicle
paint and other vehicle parts immediately.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Brake fluid that has leaked out must be collected and

disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.

Saving fuel and helping the environment

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Efficient driving style

Fuel-efficient driving

Fuel consumption, environmental impact, and wear and tear on engine, brakes and tires depend
mainly on the following 3 factors:

  Your personal driving style.
  External conditions (weather, road conditions).
  Technical requirements.

You can reduce fuel consumption by up to 25% by using a few simple techniques and adjusting your
driving style.

WARNING

Always adjust your speed and the distance you keep between you and the vehicles ahead of
you to the road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.

See

⇒ Information on the hybrid drive system for additional tips on using your hybrid drive to help

reduce fuel consumption.

Efficient driving style

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

Sailing

If the accelerator is not depressed and the lever is in position D, the combustion engine is switched off,
even at higher speeds. The vehicle then decelerates slower than conventional vehicles. This feature
can be used to help reduce fuel consumption when you keep traffic conditions in mind and can antici-
pate the vehicle's power requirements.

Defensive driving and “flowing” with traffic

Frequent braking and acceleration increase fuel consumption significantly. Just by driving defensively
and keeping a sufficiently large distance away from the vehicle in front of you can make up for the
speed fluctuations caused by taking your foot off the accelerator. Active braking and accelerating is
then not necessarily required.

Calm and smooth driving

Consistency is more important than speed. The more smoothly you drive, the less fuel the vehicle
consumes.

When driving on the highway or freeway, a constant, moderate speed is more efficient and economical
than constantly accelerating and braking. Usually you can reach your destination just as quickly by
driving at a moderate, but steady speed.

The cruise control can assist in maintaining a uniform driving style.

Moderate use of extra electrical loads

Comfort inside the vehicle is nice and important, but it is important to use them in an environmentally
conscious manner.

Some devices can increase fuel consumption when activated (examples):

Climate control system (air conditioner): If the air conditioner has to produce starkly contrasting

temperatures, it requires a large amount of energy, which is generated by the engine. The temperature
in the vehicle should therefore not be extremely different from that of the outside temperature. It may
be helpful to ventilate the vehicle before driving and then to drive a short distance with the windows
open. After that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep the windows closed when
driving at high speeds. Open windows increase fuel consumption.

Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and ice.

Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):

Malfunctioning engine control.
Driving in the mountains.

NOTICE

Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is not
running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.

See

⇒ Information on the hybrid drive system for additional tips on using your hybrid drive to help

reduce fuel consumption.

Fuel-efficient driving

Fig. 119 Fuel consumption in miles per gallon (mpg) at 2 different outside air temperatures.

Fig. 120 Fuel consumption in l/100 km at 2 different outside air temperatures.

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

Driving defensively and economically can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15%.

The vehicle consumes the most fuel when accelerating. Defensive driving requires less braking and
therefore less acceleration. If possible, coast the vehicle to a stop, for example, when you can see that
the next traffic light is red or about to turn red.

Avoid traveling short distances

A cold engine consumes significantly more fuel immediately after starting. It takes a few miles (km)
before the engine is warmed up and fuel consumption is stabilized.

To reduce fuel consumption and the emission of pollutants effectively, the engine and catalytic con-
verter must reach their optimal operating temperature. Critical in this context is also the outside air
temperature.

fig. 120

and

⇒

fig. 120

display the varying fuel consumption rates for the same distance driven, once at

+68 °F (+20 °C) and once at +14 °F (-10 °C).

Therefore, avoid driving short distances unnecessarily and consolidate routes.

Under the same conditions, the vehicle consumes more fuel in winter than in summer.

“Letting the engine run to warm up” is not only illegal in some places, but also technically not neces-
sary and wastes fuel.

Adjust the tire pressure

The proper tire pressure helps reduce rolling resistance as well as fuel consumption.

When purchasing new tires, always make sure that the tires are optimized for lower rolling resistance.

Use low viscosity engine oil

Fully “synthetic,” low viscosity engine oils that expressly comply with Volkswagen oil quality standards
reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils reduce the frictional resistance on the engine and
are distributed more evenly and quickly, particularly when cold-starting the engine. The effect is partic-
ularly apparent in vehicles that frequently travel short distances.

Always ensure the right engine oil level is maintained and keep to the scheduled service intervals
(engine oil changes).

Make sure the engine oil that you purchase expressly complies with Volkswagen oil quality standards
and is the oil approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle.

Avoid unnecessary weight

The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and eco-friendly it will be. For example, an extra 220 lbs
(100 kg) of weight increases fuel consumption by up to 1 pint per 60 miles (0.3 l/100 km).

Remove all unnecessary items and unnecessary dead weight from the vehicle.

Remove unnecessary aftermarket components

The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the less fuel it will consume. Aftermarket components such as
bicycle racks reduce its aerodynamic performance.

Therefore, remove unnecessary structures and unused rack systems, particularly if planning to drive at
higher speeds.

See

⇒ Information on the hybrid drive system for additional tips on using your hybrid drive to help

reduce fuel consumption.

Information on the hybrid drive system

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and display messages

Special considerations for hybrid vehicles

Special driving tips

Hybrid functions and modes

High-voltage battery

The vehicle's high-voltage network is made up of the following high-voltage components:

  High-voltage battery
  Power electronics
  Electric motor
  High-voltage air conditioning compressor
  Orange-colored high-voltage cables and connectors

All work on the high-voltage system is dangerous, requires specialized knowledge, and should be
carried out solely by authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities that
are qualified to do work on hybrid vehicles and have the training, know-how, tools, and equipment
required to properly maintain, diagnose, and repair the hybrid electrical system in accordance with the

standards and guidelines established by Volkswagen

⇒

More information:

  Instruments
  System settings (CAR)
  Starting and stopping the engine
  Braking, stopping and parking
  Saving fuel and helping the environment
  Preparations for working in the engine compartment
  Changing a light bulb
  Jump-starting

DANGER

The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system and high-voltage battery are dangerous and can
cause burns, other serious personal injuries, electrocution, and death.

Always assume that high-voltage battery and parts of the high-voltage system are fully

charged and energized.

Never touch or let jewelry or other metal objects contact high-voltage cables or the high-

voltage battery and battery poles, especially if the cables, battery, and battery poles have
been damaged in any way.

Never do any work yourself on the high-voltage electrical system, the orange-colored

high-voltage wiring, or on the high-voltage battery.

Never open, service, repair, or disconnect any part of the hybrid electrical system.
Never damage the orange-colored high-voltage cables. Never remove them and never

disconnect them from the high-voltage electrical system.

Never open or remove the orange-colored cover on the high-voltage battery.
Always have work on the hybrid electrical system and systems that could be indirectly

affected by it done by qualified, trained technicians who have the know-how, experience,
documentation, and tools to do the work safely.

All work on the high-voltage electrical system and the high-voltage battery must be done

in compliance with Volkswagen standards and guidelines.

Vehicle keys must be safely stored a safe distance from vehicle so that the ignition cannot

be switched on and energize the electrical system.

Gases vented or released from the high-voltage battery vapors are potentially poisonous

and can burn.

Physical damage to the vehicle or the high-voltage battery can result in immediate or de-

layed release of poisonous gases that can also cause a fire.

Always avoid contact with leaking fluids and gases escaping from the battery, particularly

one that has been damaged.

Always tell emergency responders that the vehicle has a high-voltage battery.

WARNING

Driver distraction causes accidents and serious personal injury. Using the instrument cluster
or accessing Infotainment System menus while driving can take your attention off the road
and cause accidents.

To help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, never change settings in the instrument

cluster display or use Infotainment System functions unless the vehicle is standing still.

WARNING

When powered by the electric motor, the vehicle makes much less noise, both when idling
and driving, than when it is running on the internal combustion engine. It is much harder or
even impossible for the drivers of other vehicles and above all for cyclists, pedestrians, and
children to hear the vehicle when it is running on electrical power.

Pedestrians and others can be struck and seriously injured because they cannot hear the

vehicle and tell that it is getting close to them, for instance when you are parking, backing up,
or driving in a low-speed zone where there is likely to be pedestrian traffic.

Always watch out for pedestrians, especially small children, cyclists, and others who may

not hear the vehicle or realize that it is about to move or will cross their path of travel.

Always be especially careful in residential areas, school zones, and other places where

the speed of motor vehicles is restricted and pedestrians may be at greater risk.

Make sure the ignition and the hybrid drive system have both been turned off before leav-

ing the vehicle.

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle when READY is displayed in the Instrument cluster or when hybrid
drive system indicator lights are still lit. The vehicle can move if the accelerator is depressed
even though the combustion engine has been stopped. This can cause accidents and severe
or fatal injuries.

Make sure the transmission is in Park (P) before you get out of the vehicle.

WARNING

Never support the vehicle with cinder blocks, bricks, or other objects to inspect it. The vehi-
cle could slip or move suddenly and cause an accident with serious personal injury.

WARNING

Never let the hybrid battery get wet. Liquids and other fluids can cause short circuits, electri-
cal shock, burns, and explosions.

Never carry large amounts of liquids or other fluids in the luggage compartment.
Always make sure that any containers with liquids and other fluids are properly secured

and tightly closed to prevent leakage during normal driving as well as hard cornering, brak-
ing, and other vehicle maneuvers. Leaking liquids can get into the cover of the high-voltage
battery and the high-voltage cable connections. This can damage the electrical system and
the high-voltage battery.

Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. There may not always be enough charge in

the high-voltage battery to get to the next gas station.

When outside temperatures are low, a cold high-voltage battery can affect how the combustion

engine starts up and can also reduce the vehicle's range in electric drive.

Warning and display messages

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

Warning messages

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

Warning lights and text messages are shown in the instrument cluster display. Acoustic warnings may
also sound at the same time.

Lights

Warnings in the instrument

cluster display

⇒

Proper response

∋

Error: Hybrid system

Park vehicle!

Stop the vehicle in a safe place

as soon as it is safe to do so.

∋

Error: Hybrid system

Contact dealer now!

See an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

∋

Hybrid system:

Vehicle still ready to

drive.

–

Hybrid system current-

not available.

Never leave the vehicle parked

in the ready position. Remove
the remote control vehicle key

out of the ignition or, for vehicles

with Keyless Access, press the

starter button.

Restart engine!

Start the engine with the ignition

switch or starter button.

Hybrid battery charg-

ing

...Leave engine run-

ning!

While this message appears, do

not stop the engine.

Warning when leaving the vehicle

Switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle unattended

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine. In

certain situations, a message Ignition on appears in the instrument cluster display as you are
leaving the vehicle. This message warns you that the vehicle's electric drive is still enabled and that
the combustion engine might start automatically.

Always switch the ignition off, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the vehicle

⇒

. As

a reminder to do so, the combustion engine may start automatically under the following conditions:

  The ignition is switched ON.
  AND: Electrical drive is functional (Ready).
  AND: The transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
  AND: The driver safety belt is not fastened OR The driver door is open.

The message in the instrument cluster display also reminds you to switch the ignition off. In addition,
always be sure to apply the parking brake, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.

WARNING

A parked vehicle that is not properly parked can roll away and cause accidents or severe
injuries. When leaving the vehicle, always move the selector lever into Park (P) and engage
the parking brake.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

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

Special considerations for hybrid vehicles

Fig. 121 High-voltage warning labels: Typical examples of labels found on every high-voltage component.

Fig. 122 General warning label for high-voltage.

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

Hybrid vehicles are different from vehicles that have only a gasoline engine. Besides the functions and
equipment already described, they differ from non-hybrid vehicles in other ways as well.

Noises in hybrid vehicles

When the combustion engine is not running, you may hear sounds that you do not notice when the
engine is running, but would not hear when the gasoline engine in a conventional vehicle was running.
These sounds are normal. If you have any doubts, please contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility that is qualified to do work on hybrid vehicles.

Jump-starting

If the 12 Volt electrical system is not working because the 12 Volt vehicle battery is dead, the hybrid

vehicle can be jump-started like a conventional vehicle

⇒ Jump-starting hybrid vehicles. For this

purpose, the vehicle has a jump start terminal in the engine compartment. You must open the fuse box

cover in the engine compartment to get to the jump-start terminal

⇒ Fuses.

Hybrid warning labels

There are additional warning labels that warn against touching hybrid system components. The warn-
ing labels are placed:

On each high-voltage component, for example, in the engine compartment or underneath the

luggage compartment

⇒

fig. 121

A or B.

In the engine compartment on the hood latch carrier

⇒

fig. 122

For procedures regarding stickers and labels, see Important vehicle labels.

Special driving tips

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

This short overview cannot replace the detailed description in this entire chapter, especially not the
warnings or safety instructions.

Driving situa-

tions

Requirements and

conditions

Vehicle behavior

Electrical driving.

– Selector lever in

position D.

If all operative requirements of

the Hybrid system are fulfilled,

the vehicle starts and drives

electrically. The combustion

engine is switched on only at

higher speeds.

– Foot brake re-

leased.

– Accelerator is slight-

ly depressed.

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