sensor VOLKSWAGEN CC 2012 User Guide

Push the lever into the desired position ⇒ fig. 94:
(A) Rain sensor off (windshield wiper lever home position).
(B) Rain sensor active – automatic wiping as needed.
(1) Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain sensor:
– Move switch to the right – high sensitivity.
– Move switch to the left – low sensitivity.
After switching the ignition off and back on again, the rain sensor
stays on and works again with the wiper lever in position (B).
Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works
The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone
of its sensitive rain-sensor surface ⇒ fig. 95 (arrow) and not work for a
number of reasons, which include:
Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of
water or wiping streaks; this can cause the wipers to run longer, to
wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.
Insects: Insects hitting the sensor may trigger the wipers.
Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can
cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.
Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lo-
tus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's
sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the wind-
shield while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After
that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to
respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending
on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not
change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the
wipers.
Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield
reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface ⇒ fig. 95 (arrow) regular-
ly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.

(2) Switch
(3) Sensor for recognizing entry of light
The auto-dimming feature can be switched on and off with the switch
on the inside mirror (2) A or (2) B. When auto-dimming is activated,
the indicator light (1) is on.
If the ignition is switched on, the sensor (3) automatically darkens the
inside mirror depending on the amount of light shining into the vehicle
from the rear.
The auto-dimming feature is deactivated when you shift the transmis-
sion into reverse or switch on the interior lights or the reading light.
Do not attach external navigation devices to the windshield or in the
vicinity of the auto-dimming inside mirror ⇒ .
WARNING
The illuminated display on an external navigation device can
cause the auto-dimming inside mirror to malfunction, which
can result in crashes and serious injuries.
Malfunctions in the auto-dimming function can result in the
inside mirror being unable to evaluate the exact distance of ve-
hicles in the rear or other objects.
If the light striking the sensor is filtered or blocked (such as by a
sunshade), the auto-dimming inside mirror will not work properly or
may not work at all.

Install only radial tires only of the same make, the same dimen-
sions (tread circumference), and similar tread profile on all 4 wheels.
The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and
manufacturers because of different design features and tread design.
Replacing tires
Tires should be replaced in pairs and not individually (both front
tires or both rear tires at the same time) ⇒ .
Replace tires only with tires that have the same specifications, in-
cluding width and diameter, load and top speed rating as the tires
approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.
Never use tires that are larger or wider than the dimensions of the
tires approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model. Larger
tires could scrape and rub on the vehicle body or other parts of the
vehicle.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) considerations
Factory-installed wheels are equipped with a sensor that constantly
monitors tire pressure, then transmits this information to the TPMS ⇒ 
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If you are going to replace
the wheels, make sure that the new wheels also have sensors that
are compatible with the TPMS on your vehicle. New wheels with sen-
sors have to be recognized and integrated into the system. The new
wheels and sensors are recognized and integrated when driving off
the first time.
If you install wheels that do not have sensors, or have sensors that
are not compatible, the TPMS will not work properly. In this case, the
TPMS will not be able to monitor tire pressure or warn you if pressure
is low. An error message may appear in the instrument cluster display
or the TPMS will switch itself off.
Whenever you change sensors, you have to install new valves and
seals. Please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer of an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
Always drive with the valve caps securely installed. We recom-
mend using factory-supplied valve caps. Ask an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to
replace lost caps.
If you install new tires that differ the original Volkswagen specifica-
tions, for your vehicle and model, the benchmark tire inflation pres-

sure values stored in your vehicle's TPMS may have to be adjusted
(reprogrammed). This requires professional assistance. For more
information, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
Installing replacement tires with steel cord body plies in the tire side-
wall may cause malfunction of the TPMS, and is not recommended
(cord material information in molded on the tire sidewall).
Always check the TPMS indicator light after replacing one or more
tires on your vehicle. If the indicator light is on, the TPMS is not work-
ing properly. Your replacement tire might be incompatible with the
system, or some component of the TPMS may be damaged.
For detailed information about TPMS, how it works and what you
need to know ⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
WARNING
New tires tend to be slippery and must be broken in.
Always drive with special care for the first 350 miles (560 km)
to help reduce the risk of losing control, a collision, and serious
personal injuries.
WARNING
Tires must have the required clearance. Tires that do not have
enough clearance can rub against parts of the vehicle body,
suspension, and brake system, causing brake system failure,
tread delamination, and sudden blowouts.
Always make sure that new tires are not larger than the tires
approved for your vehicle and that the new tires do not rub
against parts of the vehicle.
NOTICE
When switching to different tires, make certain the valves and
sensors are not damaged.
Never drive without valve stem caps. The valves and sensors
could be damaged.

If a sensor for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be
replaced, the corresponding valve must be replaced at the same
time.
Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal require-
ments.
TPMS wheel sensors are classified as Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. Obey all legal requirements regarding
handling and disposal of these components – see
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all appli-
cable legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehi-
cle or parts of its restraint system, including airbag modules and safe-
ty belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and au-
thorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the require-
ments, and we recommend that you have them perform this service
for you.
If the replacement wheel is different from the tires that you have
mounted on your vehicle — for example, winter tires, wider, low-
profile tires or a compact spare — only use the replacement wheel for
a short time and drive cautiously.
Replace it with a tire matching the others on your vehicle as soon
as possible.
Although tire size specifications can be the same, the actual di-
mensions may differ from those nominal values for different tire
makes, or the tire contours may be significantly different.

inflation pressure sensors ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS).
Driving without valve caps, with the wrong valve caps, or with
valve caps that are not properly screwed on can damage the tire
valves and the sensors on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). To help prevent
damage, always use valve stem caps like those originally in-
stalled at the factory. The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do
not use metal valve caps or “comfort” valve stem caps.
Underinflation increases fuel consumption.
There may be differences between the pressure readings from a
tire pressure gauge and the pressures registered by the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System. The electronic Tire Pressure Monitoring System
is more accurate.
When the TPMS warns that the pressure in at least one tire is too
low, check the tire pressure in all 4 tires with an accurate tire pressure
gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be spotted by looking at the
tire. This is especially true for low-profile tires. When checking the tire
pressures, refer to ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Tire inflation pressure in cold tires

Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer
better handling characteristics for temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C).
They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, and reduce fuel consump-
tion.
If factory-installed wheels and/or tires are replaced when in-
stalling winter tires, make sure that the wheels are equipped with
sensors that are compatible with the factory-installed Tire Pressure
Monitoring System and that the tires are also compatible with the sys-
tem. If new tires are not identical to those that were removed and re-
quire different cold tire inflation pressure, the tire inflation pressure
values must be reprogrammed for the TPMS. Please see your author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ 
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated whenever
you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle,
even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are identical to
those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not
change.
If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility about permissible winter tire dimen-
sions.
Snow chains

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with
TPMS always read and heed the information and all WARNINGS
regarding tires and wheels ⇒  Tires and wheels.
NOTICE
The wheel electronics are attached to special aluminum valves
on the wheels. These valves are screwed on rigidly. Never bend
the valves “into position” when checking and adjusting tire
pressure.
Missing valve stem caps can cause damage to the valves as
well as to the TPMS sensors. To help prevent damage, always
use valve stem caps like those originally installed at the factory.
The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do not use metal valve
stem caps.
Do not use “comfort valve caps.” They do not seal properly
and can damage the sensors.
When replacing or rotating tires, make certain the valves and
sensors are not damaged.
The aluminum valves that are installed should be replaced
after about 6 years of use because of aging in the rubber seals.
The valves can be replaced when a tire is changed. Do not reuse
aluminum valves after they are removed. They must be replaced.
The tire pressure sensor can be reused.
When replacing the valve cores, use only nickel-plated re-
placement cores.
The batteries in the wheel electronics last up to 10 years. It is
not possible to replace the batteries. The entire device must be
replaced.
Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.
Dispose of the wheel electronics and the old batteries in an envi-
ronmentally responsible manner. Batteries of the type used in the
wheel electronics may contain Perchlorate Material. Special handling
may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hadardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey
all applicable legal requirements regarding proper disposal.

Do not rely only on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Check
your tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated and have
no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and blisters.
Remove any objects that become embedded in the tire tread but have
not penetrated into the body of tire itself.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System checks for the factory-
recommended inflation pressure, as shown on the label inside the
driver door ⇒  Tire inflation pressure.
For replacement tires that require a different inflation pressure, the
TPMS must be adjusted to the new pressure specification by an au-
thorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility. Only one value can be entered for each tire; see the tire infla-
tion pressure label on the driver door pillar ⇒  Tire inflation pressure.
To help prevent damage to the sensor and valve, do not put exces-
sive force on the valve when checking the tire pressure. Do not try to
bend the valve.
If sensors have to be replaced, have the valves changed at the
same time.
The tire valve gaskets must be replaced whenever a tire is mount-
ed on the rim. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility has a valve seal and gasket kit for this
purpose. Always make sure that a valve seal and gasket kit is also
used whenever a sensor is replaced.
If you have to adjust the tire pressure on a “warm” tire, fill the tire
with 2.0 - 4.35 psi (20 - 30 kPa) more than the pressure specified on
the tire pressure label.
When the TPMS determines that the air pressure in at least one
tire is too low, carefully check the pressure in all 4 tires with an accu-
rate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be deter-
mined by looking at the tire. This is especially true of low-profile tires.
A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and
Industry Canada regulations is found in the Consumer Information
section of this Manual ⇒  Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunica-
tions and Electronic Systems.

There may be differences between the pressure readings from a
tire pressure gauge and the pressures registered by the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System. The electronic TPMS is more accurate.
If you have work done on your wheels or tires, inform the work-
shop that the vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System that has sensors in the wheels.
Indicator light (telltale)