mount VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2011 Owner's Manual

speed fluctuations caused by taking your foot off the accelerator. Active braking and accelerating is then not necessarily required.
Calm and smooth driving
Consistency is more important than speed. The more smoothly you drive, the less fuel the vehicle consumes.
When driving on the highway or freeway, a constant, moderate speed is more efficient and economical than constantly accelerating and braking. Usually you can reach your destination just as quickly by driving at a moderate, but steady speed.
The cruise control system can assist in maintaining a uniform driving style.
Moderate use of extra electrical loads
Comfort inside the vehicle is nice and important, but it is important to use them in an environmentally conscious manner.
Some devices can increase fuel consumption when activated (examples):
x Climate control system (air conditioner): If the climate control system has to produce starkly contrasting temperatures, it requires a large amount of energy, which is generated by the engine. The temperature in the vehicle should therefore not be extremely different from that of the outside temperature. It may be helpful to ventilate the vehicle before driving and then to drive a short distance with the windows open. After that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Open windows increase fuel consumption.
x Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
x Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and ice.
Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
x Malfunctioning engine control.
x Driving in the mountains.
x Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is not running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.

WARNING
Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal injuries, especially in a crash.
x For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel container in your vehicle.
x If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please observe the following:
– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for example, in the luggage compartment or on top of the luggage compartment lid). Static electricity can build up while filling and can ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.
– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.
– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and during filling.
– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a fire.
– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and transportation of portable fuel containers.
– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as ANSI / ASTM F852-86.
NOTICE
x Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires, and wheel housings.
x Refueling with gasoline when your vehicle has a diesel engine or refueling with diesel fuel when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious and expensive engine and fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of 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. These fuels contain substances that can severely damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.
x Vehicles with diesel engines must never be refueled or driven with gasoline, kerosene, heating oil, or other non-specified fuels that have not been expressly approved for use with the diesel engine. Other kinds of fuel can cause serious damage to the fuel system and the engine that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.
There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

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.

x If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help prevent leaks and serious damage.
x Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x The vehicle is warranted to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester biodiesel in concentrations of 5 % or less. Never use methyl ester biodiesel in blend levels higher than 5 % (5 % methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5) unless your vehicle is registered in Illinois. The properties of methyl ester biodiesel blends in levels greater than 5% will void coverage for related engine damage under the Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty, unless your vehicle is registered in Illinois.
x Biodiesel especially in concentrations higher than B5, 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 and if not detected and remedied promptly, will ultimately result in engine damage.

the dipstick are located, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
5. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe the dipstick off using a clean cloth.
6. Reinsert the dipstick into the guide tube and push it all the way in. If there is an alignment tab on the engine oil dipstick, make sure it lines up with the notch in the guide tube, and that the dipstick goes all the way in.
7. Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick ⇒ fig. 179 as described below:
(A): Do not add any oil ⇒ . Continue with step 15.
(B): Oil may be added (about 1 pint / 0.5 liter). Continue with step 8 or step 15.
(C): You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.
8. After reading the oil level, reinsert the dipstick back into the guide tube and push it all the way in.
9. Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 180.
10. Only add engine oil that Volkswagen has approved for that engine. Add the oil gradually in small quantities (no more than 1 pint / 0.5 liter).
11. To help prevent overfilling, you must wait about 1 minute each time you add oil so that the oil can flow into the oil pan up to the marking on the dipstick.
12. Read the oil level on the dipstick again before adding another small amount, if necessary. Never
add too much oil ⇒ .
13. After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the ⇒ fig. 179 (B) area, but never above
(A) ⇒ .
14. After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak out while the engine is running.
15. Insert the oil dipstick back in the guide tube and push it all the way in.
16. Close the hood ⇒ 
Engine oil level ranges

Required action according to the respective engine oil level:
Range (A) Do not refill oil ⇒ .
Range (B) You may add oil (about 1 pint / 0.5 l). The oil level may go into the (A) range, but not above the (A) range.
Range (C) You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 l). After adding oil, make sure that the oil level is about in the middle of the (B) range.
WARNING
Engine oil can ignite when it touches hot engine parts. This can cause fires, burns, and other severe injuries.
x Never spill oil on the engine. Oil spilled on a cold engine can also cause a fire when the engine warms up.
x Always make certain that you screw the cap of the engine oil filler opening back on tightly after adding oil and that the dipstick has been pushed all the way back into the in the guide tube. This helps prevent engine oil from leaking onto the hot engine when the engine is running.

Changing oil at regular intervals is very important because the lubricating properties of oil decrease gradually during normal vehicle use. If you are not sure when to have the oil changed, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Sometimes, engine oil should be changed more often than specified for normal use. Change oil more frequently if you often drive short distances, in dusty areas or in stop-and-go traffic, or if you use your vehicle where temperatures stay below freezing for long periods.
Volkswagen recommends that you have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ . They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.
Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running a short time. This is normal and no reason to change engine oil more often.
WARNING
If you must change the engine oil yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:
x Always wear eye protection.
x To reduce the risk of burns from hot engine oil, let the engine cool down completely before beginning.
x When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, stay as far away as possible. Always keep your forearm parallel to the ground to help prevent hot oil from running down your arm.
x Drain the oil into a container designed for this purpose, one large enough to hold at least the total amount of oil in your engine.
x To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.
x Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
x Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Before changing the oil, first make sure you know where you can properly dispose of the old oil.
Dispose of the old oil an environmentally-responsible manner. Never dump the old oil on garden soil, in wooded areas, in the street, into streams, rivers, or bodies of water, or down sewage drains.
Recycle used oil by taking it to a collection facility for used engine oil in your area, or contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends that you always have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

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.

Check all wiper blades regularly. Wiper blades that grab and squeak must be replaced if worn or
damaged and cleaned if dirty ⇒ .
Replace worn or damaged wiper blades immediately. Replacement blades may be purchased from any authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Lifting and tilting windshield wiper arms
Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting them away from the windshield Windshield wiper and washer.
It is not possible to lift the wiper arms away from the windshield when they are not in the service position.
When lifting or replacing a wiper blade on a window, grip it only by its mounting and not by the blade itself.
Cleaning the wiper blades
x Lift the wiper arm(s) away from the windshield.
x Using a soft cloth, carefully remove dust and dirt from the wiper blades.
x If the blades are very dirty, carefully clean them with a sponge or cloth ⇒ .
x Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
Changing wiper blades
x Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
x Press and hold the release button ⇒ fig. 187 (1).
x While lifting the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm, pull off the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow. This may require moderate force.
x Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow until it latches.
x Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.
x Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn, and if they cannot clean the windows sufficiently.
NOTICE
x Damaged or dirty wiper blades can scratch the windshield.
x Solvents, abrasive sponges and sharp-edged objects will damage the graphite coating on the wiper blades.
x Do not clean the windows with gasoline, nail polish remover, paint thinner or similar fluids.
x To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.
Waxing and polishing vehicle paint

WARNING
Inappropriate spare parts and accessories as well as unprofessionally performed work, modifications and repairs can cause vehicle damage, accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Volkswagen strongly recommends to only use accessories approved by Volkswagen and Genuine Volkswagen Parts®. These parts and accessories have been evaluated by Volkswagen for their suitability, reliability and safety.
x Have repairs and vehicle modifications performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information, and trained personnel to properly replace any airbag in your vehicle and assure system effectiveness in a crash.
x Only install parts on the vehicle that are consistent with factory-installed parts with respect to design and characteristics.
x Never store, mount or attach objects, such as cup holders or phone cradles on or next to the airbag module covers or within the airbags deployment zones.
x Only use wheel rim / tire combinations approved by Volkswagen for the respective vehicle type.
Break-in period

Description Possible causes, among others Possible remedy
Engine control malfunctioning. Have the malfunction corrected
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Towing a trailer. – Check use. – Remove if not in use.
Driving with heavy payload. No direct corrective action possible.
Driving at high engine speed. Select a higher gear.