maintenance VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2009 Owners Manual

¥ Assume a proper seating position before the vehicle starts to move and keep this position while driving. Make sure that all passengers do the same, Adjusting the seating position.
¥ Properly fasten your safety belt before driving the vehicle and wear your safety belt properly at all times while driving. Make sure that all passengers do the same, Safety belts.
¥ Only transport as many passengers as there are seats and safety belts available.
¥ Never drive if your driving ability has been impaired, for example by medication, alcohol or illegal drugs.
¥ Never let passengers or phone calls distract you while driving, and never take your attention off the road while using vehicle software or adjusting vehicle equipment or accessories.
¥ Always adapt your speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road, and traffic conditions.
¥ Always obey traffic laws and speed limits.
¥ On long trips make frequent rest stops – at least once every 2 hours.
¥ Secure animals in the vehicle with a system that corresponds to weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic rules and posted speed limits and use common sense. Your good judgment can mean the difference between arriving safely at your destination and being seri-ously injured in a crash or other kind of accident.
Regular service and maintenance of your vehicle is important both for operational and driving safety and to help prolong your vehicle's service life. Always follow the scheduled maintenance inter-
vals in the ⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance, especially for changing the brake fluid. Hard use, frequent stop-and-go driving, driving in very dusty areas, trailer towing, and other factors may make it necessary to have the vehicle serviced more frequently. Ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for more information.
Driving in other countries

x Towing
WARNING
Accidents and serious injury may result from driving when the CSC roof has not properly locked into place or when the process of opening or closing the roof is incomplete. Even at low speeds, air resistance can twist or deform the roof or tear it off completely, endangering vehicle occupants and others.
x Never drive when the CSC roof is not completely open or not completely closed and se-curely latched unless you must move the vehicle to a safe place away from traffic.
x If you must move the vehicle to another location for safety reasons and the CSC roof is not completely open or not completely closed and securely latched, we recommend that you do not drive any faster than a slow walk.
x When opening and closing the CSC roof, always make sure no one will be injured by the supports and other moving parts.
NOTICE
x To help prevent damage, remove ice and snow from the CSC roof before opening it in winter weather.
NOTICE
x Volkswagen advises against all unauthorized changes to the CSC roof controls or to the way the roof opens and closes.
x Damage to the CSC roof system caused by changes to the CSC roof system controls will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. The terms and conditions of your
Volkswagen Limited Warranties are in the ⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
x The CSC roof has been designed to be opened and closed only when the vehicle is stopped. As your vehicle was manufactured, the roof cannot be opened or closed when the vehicle is being driven, for example, at low speeds. Roof operation even at low speeds can cause the roof to be deformed and damaged because of the increased forces from wind resistance. Wind resistance can also cause parts of the linkages and the hydraulic system to wear prematurely, and could even cause parts of the roof to separate and fall into the vehicle or onto the roadway or onto another vehicle.
x The CSC roof has been designed to open and close only when the lever on the center con-
sole ⇒ fig. 32 is pulled/pushed and held in that position until the roof has opened / closed completely. Releasing the lever stops roof movement. A chime sounds when the roof is mov-ing. As your vehicle was manufactured, the roof cannot be operated in a one-touch up or down mode. The roof was designed this way for your safety and that of your passengers. One-touch operation would make it possible for the driver to leave the vehicle unsupervised while the roof, rear lid, and windows move into position. This would increase the risk of vehicle damage and personal injury to bystanders, especially to children.
x If the way the CSC roof works on your vehicle has been changed from the way it was manu-factured, we urge you to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility change it back so that it will only open and close as originally manufactured. Mechanical changes and changes to the vehicle software must be entered in the
⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance.

¥ The battery must have enough charge; the engine should be running.
If any changes have been made in the operation of the CSC roof compared with its original factory condition, Volkswagen strongly urges you to take the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or other authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the roof restored to its original condition. Me-
chanical changes and changes to the vehicle software must be entered in the ⇒ booklet Warranty
and Maintenance.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
On vehicles with Climatronic, you can set different heating and air conditioning temperatures for operation with the roof up and down, Heating and air conditioning.
Opening and closing the CSC roof

Fig. 32 In the center console: lever for the CSC roof.

WARNING
Improper use of the trailer hitch can cause accidents and injuries. An improperly installed, incorrect, or damaged trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.
x Only use an undamaged, properly mounted trailer hitch.
x Never repair or modify the trailer hitch.
x To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball mount when you are not towing a trailer.
x Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch attachment can fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.
WARNING
Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
x Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or large things can change the way the vehicle handles, increase the distance it needs to stop safely, and cause accidents.
x Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will not shift.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.
x Trailers with a high center of gravity tip more easily than trailers with a low center of gravity.
x Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
x Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
x Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.
x Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
x Always obey speed limits. In some areas, the speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers. Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h; under exceptional circumstances 60 mph - 100 km/h) when towing a trailer. This applies even if the local speed limit is higher.
If you are driving a new vehicle or a vehicle with a new or rebuilt engine, do not tow a trailer during the break-in period, about 600 miles (1000 km), Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications.
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need maintenance more often because of the extra load it has to move.
When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch ball. This helps keep the trailer hitch from causing damage to your vehicle and to others if your vehicle is hit from behind.
Some models need a trailer hitch to tow or tow-start other vehicles. You may want to always carry the ball mount in the vehicle after it has been removed. Be sure to stow it securely.

WARNING
x An improperly installed or incorrect trailer hitch can cause a trailer to separate from the tow vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.
x If you don't have to tow a trailer any more, remove the entire trailer hitch. Always seal all bolt holes to prevent water and deadly exhaust fumes from getting into the vehicle.
NOTICE
x If the trailer lights are not connected properly, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
x If the trailer uses too much electricity, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
x Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.
If you tow a trailer frequently, Volkswagen recommends having the vehicle serviced between the regular maintenance and inspection intervals because of the extra load it has to pull.
Hitching up and connecting a trailer

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 system.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW Standard 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 impossible to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir, 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.
x Check the brake system and brake fluid level regularly.
x Always change the brake fluid according to the service schedule in your
⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
x Hard braking with old brake fluid may cause vapor lock. Vapor lock reduces braking performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure.
x Always make sure that only the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that expressly 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.
x 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.
x The brake fluid must be new.

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 ⇒ page 42, Unlocking or locking the vehicle 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 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.
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 Operating the CSC roof when the engine is switched off.
x The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than P when the ignition is switched off, Starting and stopping the engine.
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.
WARNING
When the vehicle battery is charged, it produces highly explosive hydrogen gas.
x Charge vehicle batteries only in well-ventilated areas.
x Never charge a frozen or thawed battery. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
x You must replace the vehicle battery if it was frozen.
x Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short-circuit. First connect the positive cable (+) and then the negative cable (-).
NOTICE
x Never disconnect the vehicle battery or connect 2 vehicle batteries to each other when the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Doing this may damage the electrical system or electronic components.

Care of the power sunroof seals (A)
x Briefly press the  button in the center console to tilt open the power sunroof
x Press the  button again briefly one more time. The power sunroof is opened.
x Hold down the lever in the center console to start opening the CSC roof, but only until the sunroof moves to the rear as far open as possible to expose the seals. The roof frame must not separate from the top of the windshield frame. The rear window element must not lift up!
x Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a light cleaning solution to remove dust and dirt from the roof seals,
shown in green ⇒ fig. 160 (A).
x If necessary, also remove dust and dirt from the painted sealing surfaces.
x Dry the roof seals thoroughly
x Volkswagen recommends the sparing application of suitable care products ⇒ page 383 to the
rubber seals ⇒ .
Care of the rubber seals around the power windows (B)
x Use a soft, lint-free cloth and lots of water to remove dust and dirt from the window seals, shown in yellow (B).
x Do not use any care products on the (B) seals ⇒ . The care product could wash down on the glass and smudge it!
Care of the rubber seals around the luggage compartment lid and the doors (C)
x Use a soft, lint-free cloth and lots of water to remove dust and dirt from the door and rear lid seals, shown in blue (C).
x If necessary, also remove dust and dirt from the painted sealing surfaces.
x Dry the roof seals thoroughly
x Volkswagen recommends the sparing application of suitable care products to the rubber seals
⇒ .
Recommended rubber care product overview

Seal Recommended product
(A) Maintenance set (original accessory) 000.096.331 or special lubricant (liquid)G 052 172 A1
(B) Clean only! Use no care products.
(C) Silicone-free rubber care product or special lubricant (liquid)G 052 172 A1
NOTICE
x Using the wrong care product can damage the seals. Check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for information about suitable products.
x Do not use any rubber cleaning or treatment products containing silicone, or any products containing acids, such as industrial dust removers or insect removal products, on the seals around the power sunroof (A).