Volkswagen Touareg (2015 year). Instruction - part 27

On hills

Before stopping the engine, turn the steering wheel so that, if the vehicle starts to roll, its front wheels
will roll into the curb:

Facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
Facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
They can cause fires and serious personal injury.

Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite flammable materials, such as

brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

NOTICE

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in

height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a barri-
er or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help prevent
damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.

Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over

curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

About the brakes

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

New brake pads do not provide full performance during the first 100 to 200 miles (200 to 300 km) and

must first be “broken” in

⇒ . To some extent, you can make up for the somewhat reduced perfor-

mance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the break-in period, the stopping
distance for hard braking and emergency braking will be longer until the brakes are fully broken in.
Avoid hard braking and situations that might require hard braking (such as following other vehicles too
closely) – especially during the break-in period.

Brake pad wear depends mostly on operating conditions and the way the vehicle is driven. If you do a
lot of city and short-distance driving and/or have a sporty driving style, you should have the brake pads
checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility more often
than the regular service intervals.

Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will
not brake as well. Stopping distances will be longer when brake discs are wet or, in winter, even icy.
Wet or icy brakes must be dried as soon as possible by carefully applying the brakes a couple of times
while traveling at a relatively high speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endan-

ger yourself or others

⇒ .

Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on
the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any

salt coating from the brake discs and pads

⇒ .

Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt build-up on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle
is not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been
used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully
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 vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in stop-
ping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light

will come on 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 the engine is running. It increases 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 200 miles (320 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 spoiler 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 engine 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. When towing a trailer, ESC is not
able to help you regain control as it would if you were not towing a trailer.

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. In certain situations when you need less traction or additional traction

cannot be achieved, you can switch off ESC by pressing the ASR button

⇒

fig. 253

. Be sure to switch

ASR on again when you no longer need less traction.

ESC can be switched on and off manually in Off-road Mode

⇒ Off-road mode.

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.

When driving forwards on loose surfaces, a special off-road ABS is automatically activated. In this
mode, the front wheels could lock briefly. This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as
the wheels dig into loose surfaces. This occurs only when driving straight ahead. When the front
wheels are turned, the normal ABS is activated.

Brake Assist (BAS)

The Brake Assist System (BAS) 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 acti-
vated 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.

ASR can be switched on or off manually

⇒ Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off.

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, ASR, and ESC systems work and reduce their ef-
fectiveness.

The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted

⇒ page 175, 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.

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

Fig. 253 In the front center console: Button to manually switch ASR on and off.

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

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) only works when the engine is running. This system includes
ABS, EDL and ASR.

ASR can be switched off by pressing button

⇒

fig. 253

while the engine is running. Switch off ASR

only in situations where there is not enough traction, such as the following:

When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
When “rocking” the vehicle back and forth when you are stuck.

Afterward, reactivate ASR by pressing the button again.

In Off-road Mode you can also switch ESC on or off on some models by pushing the button

⇒ Off-

road mode.

Brake fluid

Fig. 254 In 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 expressly use brake fluid that 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 driving 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 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

Shifting faster

As a rule, the following applies: The higher gear is always the most efficient gear. The rule of thumb
for most vehicles is to drive in 3rd gear at about 20 mph / 30 km/h, 4th gear at about 25 mph /
40 km/h, and 5th gear at about 30 mph / 50 km/h.

If traffic and driving conditions permit, “skipping” gears when upshifting also saves fuel.

Do not run the gears up to their limit. Use 1st gear only to start moving and then smoothly shift into
2nd gear. Avoid kick-downs in vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Coasting

If you take your foot off the accelerator, fuel delivery to the engine is interrupted, which lowers fuel
consumption.

Therefore, when nearing a red stop light, for instance, allow the vehicle to coast without using the
accelerator. The engine will then continue to run at idle.

In situations where the vehicle will be stopped for a longer period of time, such as at a railroad cross-
ing, physically switch off the engine.

Defensive driving and “flowing” with traffic

Frequent braking and acceleration increases 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 system 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 climate control system has to produce starkly con-

trasting 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 tempera-
ture. 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 windshield and 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.
  Towing a trailer.

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 additional tips on using your hybrid drive to help reduce fuel consumption.

Fuel-efficient driving

Fig. 255 Fuel consumption at 2 different outside air temperatures.

Fig. 256 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 is about to turn red.

Avoid traveling short distances

A cold engine consumes significantly more fuel immediately after starting. It takes a few miles 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. 255

and

⇒

fig. 256

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 additional tips on using your hybrid drive to help reduce fuel consumption.

Steering

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Steering system information

The power steering system is not electro-mechanical, it is hydraulic. In both cases, the power steering
works only when the engine is running.

The hydraulic power steering system uses hydraulic lines, hydraulic oil, a pump, a filter, and other
parts to maintain a constant oil pressure in the hydraulic system.

The electro-mechanical power steering system automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque,
and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers extra steering force only when you are actually turning
the wheels. The electro-mechanical power steering works only when the engine is running.

More information:

  Starting and stopping the engine
  12 Volt vehicle battery
  Towing

WARNING

Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the power steering system is not working. This
makes it harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Power steering works only when the engine is running.
Power steering works only when either the combustion engine or the electric motor is

running.

Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off.
Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will be unable to control the vehicle.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Steering system malfunction.

Stop!

Have the power steering system
checked immediately by an au-
thorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

Power steering assist is re-
duced.

Stop, restart the engine, and
drive a short distance. If the yel-
low warning light does not come
on again, you do not need to
have the steering system
checked.
Otherwise, have the steering
checked immediately by an au-
thorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

Vehicle battery was discon-
nected and has been recon-
nected.

Drive a short distance at about
10 - 12 mph (15 - 20 km/h).

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

Electronic steering column
lock malfunction.

Stop!

The ignition cannot be switched
on. The vehicle must not be
towed! Get professional assis-
tance.

Steering column is twisted.

Turn the steering wheel back
and forth.

Steering column not

Switch the ignition off and then

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

locked/unlocked.

switch it on again. Heed any
messages shown in the instru-
ment cluster display, if applica-
ble.
On vehicles with Keyless Ac-
cess, press the starter button
briefly twice in a row without
depressing the brake or clutch
pedal. Do not drive any farther
if the steering column remains
locked after you switch on the
ignition. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility
for assistance.

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

WARNING

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

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

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

NOTICE

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

Steering system information

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

Electronic steering column lock

The steering column is locked by removing the remote control vehicle key from the ignition switch
when the vehicle is not moving. The electronic steering column lock does not lock if the vehicle moves
for more than 10 seconds after the remote control vehicle key is removed.

Vehicles with Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the driver door is opened with the
ignition switched off. The vehicle must be standing still and the transmission must be in Park (P) on an
automatic transmission vehicle.

If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the electronic steering column lock is
activated only after the vehicle has been locked with the vehicle key or via the sensor in the door
handle.

Power steering

Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the
wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.

If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Counter-steering assistance

Counter-steering assistance is part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature makes it easier
for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a
surface that provides uneven traction, the vehicle could pull to the right or left. ESC detects this situa-

tion and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power

⇒ .

WARNING

The counter-steering assistance in ESC can do no more than help the driver steer in difficult
situations. The driver must still control the vehicle. The vehicle does not steer by itself with
this feature!

NOTICE

If the ignition is off, the steering column lock will engage and the vehicle cannot be steered.
For this reason, you must leave the ignition on when going through an automatic car wash, for
example, so that the wheels will still steer.

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