battery light VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2006 User Guide

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.

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.

Replacing taillight bulbs in the vehicle body

Fig. 223 A: In the side of the luggage compartment: On vehicles with 3.6 liter engines, the vehicle battery is on the left side of the luggage compartment. The trim panel that separates the battery from the luggage compartment has to be removed to get the left taillight bulbs. B: Removing the taillight assembly.

Fig. 224 A: Removing bulb socket assembly. B: Removing the light bulbs.

383
Changing light bulbs

7. Release the bulb socket assembly from the locking tabs ⇒ fig. 224 A (arrows) and remove the bulb socket assembly from the taillight assembly.
8. Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type B.
9. Put the bulb socket assembly in the taillight assembly. The locking tabs A must latch with an audible “click.”
Installing the taillight assembly

10. Carefully put the taillight assembly in the opening in the vehicle body.
11.
Carefully reinsert the taillight assembly into the opening in the luggage compartment lid. Hold the rear light assembly with one hand in the installation position, and with the other
hand tighten fastening screw ⇒ fig. 223 B (4).
12. Plug connector plug B (1) into the bulb socket assembly and push latch B (2) in the direction opposite to the arrow.
13. Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.
14. Replace the small carpeted taillight access cover; and the battery trim panel, if any (see step 3 above).
15. Close the luggage compartment lid
Different models may have different taillights, and the light bulb may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.
Replacing license plate lights

389
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.