service indicator VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2012 Owners Manual

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
 One or more driving lights not working or cornering light malfunction.
Replace burned out bulb or if all light bulbs are OK, see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service facility.
Fog lights switched on (indicator light on the headlight switch).
Z

Tire labeling (example) Meaning
M+S or M/S Indicates Mud and Snow capability (also M/S).
RADIAL TUBELESS Tubeless radial tire.
E4 ... Labeling according to international regulations (E) including number of the approving country. The multi-digit approval number is listed next.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709 Tire identification number (TIN5 - In some cases the manufacturing date is only on one side of the tire:
DOT The tire complies with the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation, responsible for issuing safety standards.
BT Identification letter of the manufacturing site.
RA Manufacturer information regarding tire dimensions.
TY5 Tire characteristics provided by the manufacturer.
1709 Manufacturing date: 17th week in 2009.
TWI Marks the position of the treadwear indicator.
Made in Germany Country of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KG (1356 LBS) United States maximum load rating per wheel.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA (51 PSI) United States maximum permissible inflation pressure.
ROTATION Rotation direction (unidirectional tires)
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON Tire ply composition and materials used: 1 layer of rayon.
TREAD 4 PLIES 1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1 NYLON
Tire tread composition and materials used: In this example there are 4 layers under the tread: 1 layer of rayon, 2 layers of steel belt and 1 layer of nylon.
Consumer information regarding comparison to specified base tires (standardized test
procedure) ⇒ page 332:
TREADWEAR 220 Relative service life expectancy of the tire referenced to a US-specific standard test.
TRACTION A Traction rating under wet conditions (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE A Temperature stability of the tire at increased test bench speeds (A, B or C).
Additional numbers found on the tire could either be tire manufacturer internal labels or country-specific labels (such as for Brazil and China).
Unidirectional tires
Unidirectional tires are designed to rotate only in one direction. Unidirectional tires have arrows on the sidewalls that show the direction of rotation. Make sure you mount the tire so that it rotates in the proper direction. The tire's performance with regard to hydroplaning, traction, noise, and wear is worse if it is not mounted in the proper direction of rotation.
5 TIN represents the serial number of the tire.

WARNING
Improper use of the remote start feature can cause fire, burns and other serious injuries.
x Always park the vehicle in a place that is vented to the outdoors and has a continuous exchange of fresh, outside air.
x Only use the remote start feature when no one is around or inside the vehicle.
x Always make sure that you can see the vehicle when the engine is running.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, anyone who cannot help themselves, or pets in the vehicle. The doors are locked when the engine is running with the remote start feature. Vehicle occupants would be trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and rescue from the outside would be delayed.
x Never start the engine if children or animals are inside the vehicle. When the engine is running, electrical equipment including electrical seat adjustment controls can be operated and cause serious injuries.
x Never start the engine or let it run in a garage, in an enclosed or confined area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness and even death.
x Always make sure that the area where the engine runs in the remote start mode is well ventilated. Carbon monoxide in a garage or other enclosed area can cause dizziness, impair the ability to drive, and even result in unconsciousness.
x Never start the engine when the vehicle is covered with a protective cover. Hot vehicle components and exhaust could ignite the protective cover.
x Never start the engine near combustible or explosive materials. The exhaust could ignite flammable materials.
NOTICE
x Do not use the remote start feature if the engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), Indicator lights, has come on, smoke or unusual smells come from the vehicle, an unusual or unexpected operating condition occurs and the condition has not been diagnosed and corrected. Please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Remote start is possible when one or more windows are open. Always remember that unauthorized access to the vehicle through open windows as well as operation of HomeLink®, including access to your garage or other property, is possible when the engine is running in remote start mode. Always make sure that all of the windows are securely closed to help prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle, its features and contents.
Using the remote start feature can increase fuel consumption and drain the vehicle battery.
Use of the remote start feature may be regulated or prohibited in some areas. In some areas you may be required to be able to see the vehicle when it is running in remote start mode. Please inform yourself about state and local requirements that may apply and be sure to follow them when using the remote start feature.
Various vehicle functions, such as the low beam headlights and the windshield wipers, are disabled when the engine is running during a remote start.

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.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
WARNING
Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal injury.
x If the brake warning light "2!+% or Hdoes not go out, or comes on when driving, either the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle as soon as you can do so safely and get expert assistance, Brake fluid.
x If the brake warning light "2!+% or Hcomes on at the same time as the ABS warning light ABS or j, the ABS may not be working properly. This could cause the rear wheels to lock up relatively quickly during braking. Rear wheel brake lock-up can cause loss of vehicle control.
x If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, drive slowly and very carefully to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified workshop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard braking and steering.
x If the ABS indicator light !"3 or Jdoes not go out, or if it comes on while driving, the ABS system is not working properly. The vehicle can then be stopped only with the standard brakes (without ABS). You will not have the protection ABS provides. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible.
x If the symbol "2!+% 7%!2 or Ilights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, replaced.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Parking brake

Fig. 159 Between the front seats: Parking brake.

WARNING
Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility to the front, sides, and rear.
x Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.
x Always make sure you know how to properly use the heating and ventilation systems as well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.
x Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation a long period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
NOTICE
x If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor) switched on. Press the A/C button. The indicator light in the button must come on.
When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow and leaves in order to maintain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.
Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature.

and conditions of the Volkswagen Limited Warranties that came with your vehicle. Use only Biodiesel from high quality sources, certified by the BQ-9000 label at the fuel station and complying to ASTM D 7467 S15, B6 to B20.
Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 20 % (B20), such as B100 is still contrary to the terms of your Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty and remains strictly prohibited.
Biodiesel blends (up to B20) may be used in your Illinois registered TDI® Clean Diesel vehicle; however, please be aware that biodiesel has characteristics that are different from other kinds of fuel, especially petroleum-based fuels.
Biodiesel can attract water and also deteriorate with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in the engine to rise and can affect the quality of the oil.
x Routinely check the engine oil level. A good time to do this is when you refuel, especially if you regularly do a lot of short distance or stop-and-go driving. This will help you see if the engine oil level is getting higher. (A rising oil level beyond the maximum indicator means an oil change is needed due
to the dilution of the oil in the system; a potential characteristic of biodiesel use) ⇒ page 285, Engine oil.
x If you ever notice that the engine oil level has risen or is above the maximum indicator, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or Volkswagen Customer CARE to schedule an oil change – regardless of the time or mileage that has elapsed since you last had an oil change performed.
x Continue to follow the oil change intervals found in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet that came with your vehicle, and use only engine oil that expressly complies with Volkswagen quality standard VW 507 00.
x Refuel only at trusted, commercial fueling stations that are located near main highways. These stations are more likely to have “fresh” biodiesel fuels that have not aged significantly.
x If your vehicle will be in storage (or not driven) for several weeks or months, please completely fill the fuel tank. If possible, fill the tank with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975 standard Grade No. 2-D (S15)].
If you have additional questions about your Illinois registered TDI® Clean Diesel vehicle, please call or write to us at:
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer CARE
3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel.: 1-800-444-8982
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason, never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel system and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Lights up Possible cause or meaning ⇒  Proper response
b No engine restart possible! AdBlue fill level too low.
Stop the vehicle at a safe and appropriate place with level pavement and refuel AdBlue
b
No engine restart possible! AdBlue system malfunction.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
together with
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b AdBlue level is low.
Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated number of miles or kilometers. Volkswagen recommends taking the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
b
AdBlue system malfunctioning or not filled with standard AdBlue.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
together with
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b AdBlue level is low.
Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated number of miles or kilometers. Volkswagen recommends taking the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
b
AdBlue system malfunctioning or not filled with standard AdBlue.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
together with
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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.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x 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.

Checking the vehicle battery acid level
x If the lighting conditions are poor, use a flashlight so that you can clearly see the battery acid level indicator and tell what color it is. Never use an open flame or an unprotected light source.
x The round battery window (“acid level indicator”) on the top of the battery changes color, depending on the battery's electrolyte level.

Color indication Action
Light yellow or colorless Battery electrolyte level is too low. The vehicle battery may need to be replaced. Have it checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Black Battery electrolyte level is satisfactory.
WARNING
Working on the batteries can cause serious acid burns, explosion, or electrical shock.
x Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
x Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the battery vents and burn you.
x Never open a vehicle battery.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several minutes and then get immediate medical attention.
x If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery

x First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+) ⇒ .
Connecting the vehicle battery
x Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
x Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-) ⇒ .
After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may come on. They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator lights do not go out , contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked.
If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly
calculated and displayed ,Instrument cluster The maximum permissible service and maintenance
intervals are shown in the ⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
Vehicles with Keyless Access
If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and unlock it again, Unlocking and locking vehicles with Keyless Access. Then try to start the ignition again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.
Automatic electrical load deactivation
If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical system management automatically takes steps to help prevent battery drain.
x The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.
x The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.
x When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets and the cigarette lighter, Cigarette lighter is temporarily interrupted.
The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking lights are left on for a long time when parked.
Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment
In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the battery is disconnected automatically in a collision with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.
What drains the vehicle battery?
x Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.
x Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.
x Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
x The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than P when the ignition is switched off, Automatic transmission: Selector lever.
WARNING
Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.
x Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof batteries with the same specifications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the battery housing.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
%0# Engine control malfunction (Electronic Power Control).
Have engine checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine start-up.
B
Engine control / monitoring system malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have engine checked.