jump start VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2012 Owners Manual

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables. The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine compartment
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Do not smoke.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

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Frequently asked questions
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find helpful information under “Characteristics” and “Checklist” in the index.

Description Possible causes, among others Possible remedy
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start– Charge vehicle battery
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel
AdBlue fill level too low. Refill AdBlue
Vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked using vehicle key.
– Battery in the remote control vehicle key dead. – Too far away from vehicle (out of range). – Buttons have been pressed too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote control vehicle key – Move closer to vehicle. – Synchronize vehicle key. – Lock or unlock vehicle manually
Unusual noises. Cold engine, braking assist systems, electronic steering column lock. Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior.
Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry in the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too hot. Stop vehicle as soon as you can do so safely
Outside mirrors move when vehicle is unlocked. Convenience settings are stored. Correct convenience settings
Front seats cannot be adjusted with power controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Features do not work as described in this manual.
Settings were adjusted in the Volkswagen Information System.
Check and reset to factory settings if necessary
Headlights do not light up the road as they should.
– Headlights adjusted too high.– Light bulbs burned out. – Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. – Change light bulbs – Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers do not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Fuel consumption higher than indicated.
– Short hauls. – “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving. – Drive defensively. – Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.

341
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find helpful information under “Characteristics” and “Checklist” in the index.

Description Possible causes, among others Possible remedy
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start– Charge vehicle battery
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel
AdBlue fill level too low. Refill AdBlue
Vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked using vehicle key.
– Battery in the remote control vehicle key dead. – Too far away from vehicle (out of range). – Buttons have been pressed too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote control vehicle key – Move closer to vehicle. – Synchronize vehicle key. – Lock or unlock vehicle manually
Unusual noises. Cold engine, braking assist systems, electronic steering column lock. Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior.
Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry in the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too hot. Stop vehicle as soon as you can do so safely
Outside mirrors move when vehicle is unlocked. Convenience settings are stored. Correct convenience settings
Front seats cannot be adjusted with power controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Features do not work as described in this manual.
Settings were adjusted in the Volkswagen Information System.
Check and reset to factory settings if necessary
Headlights do not light up the road as they should.
– Headlights adjusted too high.– Light bulbs burned out. – Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. – Change light bulbs – Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers do not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Fuel consumption higher than indicated.
– Short hauls. – “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving. – Drive defensively. – Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.

Jump-starting

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WARNING
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery explosion:
x All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety
precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system ⇒ page 299, Vehicle battery.
x Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance (the booster battery) has the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same amperage capacity (see battery label).
x Never jump-start a vehicle with a thawed or frozen vehicle battery. The battery can explode. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
x A battery that is frozen or was frozen, but has since thawed, must be replaced.
x When the vehicle battery is jump-started, it gives off hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive! Always keep fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking materials far away from vehicle batteries. Never use a cellular telephone while connecting or disconnecting jumper cables.
x Jump-start batteries only in well-ventilated areas. Batteries give off highly explosive hydrogen gas during jump-starting.
x Always route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the engine compartment.
x Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with each other.
x Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery, as this may cause the hydrogen gas given off by the dead battery to explode.
x Never attach the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to any part of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.
x Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
x Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal parts of the vehicle.
x Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.
NOTICE
To help prevent extensive damage to the vehicle electrical system, read and heed the following:
x Connecting jumper cables improperly can cause a short circuit and do expensive damage to the vehicle's electrical system.
x Do not let the vehicles touch each other while the jumper cables are connected. If they do, electrical current may flow between the vehicles when the positive (+) terminals are connected, causing electrical system damage.

Jump-start terminals, 1.8 liter engine

Fig. 225 In the engine compartment (1.8 liter engine): Positive jump-start terminal + and negative jump-start terminal -.

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Applicable only in the USA, Canada, and Mexico
Jump-start terminals, 3.6 liter engine

Fig. 227 In the engine compartment (3.6 liter engine): Positive jump-start terminal + and negative jump-start terminal -.

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Starting the engine
x Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery that is providing help and let it run at idle speed.
x Turn on the ignition of the vehicle with the dead battery. If the engine starts, wait 2 to 3 minutes
until it “runs smoothly” before removing the jumper cables as described below ⇒ . If the engine does not start within about 10 seconds, turn off the ignition and wait at least 1 minute; then try again.
Before removing the jumper cables
(1) Switch off the headlights (if they are on).
(2) In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected.
Removing the jumper cables
With the engine running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected.
(1) Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
(2) Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
(3) Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
(4) Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
(5) Close the battery cover or snap shut the cap on the positive jump-start terminal9, as the case may be.

WARNING
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery explosion:
x All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety
precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system ⇒ page 299, Vehicle battery.
x Always wear proper eye protection. Never lean over the vehicle battery.
x Attach the jumper cables in the correct order: first the positive cable, then the negative cable.
x Never connect the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to parts of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.
x Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
x Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal parts of the vehicle.
x Check the battery acid level indicator window on the vehicle battery. Use a flashlight, never a match, cigarette lighter, or other open flame. If you cannot see the color of the window clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert assistance.
x Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. Sparks may cause the hydrogen gas escaping from the vehicle battery to ignite.
x Never jump-start a vehicle with a battery that is damaged or frozen or that was frozen and has thawed. The battery can explode. Replace the battery instead.
x Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.
x Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance has the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same capacity (see battery label).
x Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. Always keep fire, sparks, open flame and smoking materials away from batteries.
x Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is explosive.
x Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with each other.