check engine VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC 2014 1.G Owners Manual

Checklist
Some countries have special safety standards and emissions requirements that your vehicle may not meet. Before taking your vehicle to another country, Volkswagen therefore recommends that you ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about the following issues with regard to the country to which you would like to travel:
d S h o u l d t h e v e h i c l e b e t e c h n i c a l l y p r e p a r e d f o r t h e t r i p a b r o a d , s u c h a s m a s k i n g o r a d j u s t i n g h e a d -lights?
d A r e m a i n t e n a n c e , r e p a i r f a c i l i t i e s , n e c e s s a r y t o o l s a n d t e s t i n g e q u i p m e n t a s w e l l a s s p a r e p arts readily available for your vehicle?
d A r e t h e r e a u t h o r i z e d V o l k s w a g e n d e a l e r s a n d a u t h o r i z e d V o l k s w a g e n S e r v i c e F a c i l i t i e s i n t h e countries where you will be driving?
d F o r g a s o l i n e e n g i n e s : I s u n l e a d e d f u e l w i t h t h e r i g h t o c t a n e r a t i n g r e a d i l y a v a i l a b l e ?
d A r e e n g i n e o i l (Engine oil) and other operating fluids that meet Volkswagen quality and perfor-mance requirements available where you will be driving? For more information, please see
⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
d D o e s t h e f a c t o r y - i n s t a l l e d n a v i g a t i o n s y s t e m w o r k i n t h e c o u n t r i e s w h e r e y o u w i l l b e d r i v i n g , a n d i s navigation data available?
d A r e s p e c i a l o r h e a v y - d u t y t i r e s n e c e s s a r y f o r t h e k i n d o f d r i v i n g e x p e c t e d ?
NOTICE
Volkswagen is not responsible for mechanical damage that may result from substandard fuel or service or the unavailability of Genuine Volkswagen parts.
Driving through water on roads

Lights up Possible cause Proper response

One or more driving lights not working or cornering light malfunction. Replace burned out bulb
Cornering light malfunction. If all light bulbs are OK, see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) malfunction.
Fog lights switched on (indicator light on the headlight switch). Refer to 2014 owners manual



Left or right turn signal. The indicator light blinks twice as fast if a turn signal is not working on the vehicle or the trailer.
Check the turn signals on the vehicle and the trailer.
 Daytime running lights (DRL) on. Refer to 2014 owners manual
$2,
 High beams switched on or headlight flashers in use. Refer to 2014 owners manual

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.
x Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, stop the engine, turn on the emergency flashers, and use other warning devices to warn approaching traffic.
x Never park the vehicle in areas where the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, oil, or other material that can catch fire.
x A broken down vehicle presents a high accident risk for itself and others. Switch on emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn oncoming traffic.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights provide bright, uniform lighting to help you see and be seen. The light comes from an electric arc between two electrodes in the gas-filled bulb. Over time, the electrodes can wear down and the gap between them will get wider. The HID lamp’s control unit then increases the voltage to keep the arc’s brightness constant. However, the commonly called “Xenon” bulbs will also ultimately burn out. Before they burn out, HID lamps can flicker. A message will then appear in the MFI. This is your reminder to see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service facility to check the headlights.

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. 90 (arrow) and not work for a number of reasons, which include:
x 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.
x Insects: Insects hitting the sensor may trigger the wipers.
x Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.
x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield 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.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface (arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 91 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

WARNING
Using an outlet or power cables that are incorrect or damaged, using electrical appliances incorrectly, or ignoring safety precautions can result in short circuits, accidents, injuries, and life-threatening electrical shocks.
x Never use a damaged outlet or a damaged power cable.
x Always plug the preheating system into a 120 Volt Ground Fault Circuit (GFI) wall outlet that is properly protected against rain and other moisture.
x Always check the fuse protection of the 120 Volt power source before using the connecting cable.
x Always use a 12 gauge or heavier heavy-duty extension cable that can be properly grounded to a three-prong GFI outlet. The extension cable must not be longer than 100 ft (30 meters).
x Check the cables for damage before every use. Never use a damaged cable. Damaged cables must be replaced. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Only use the cables provided.
x Always remove the connecting cable before starting the engine.
x Never attempt to alter or repair cables or other electrical components.
x Never let plugs or connectors come into contact with water, moisture, or any other fluids.
If the engine preheating system is used occasionally, test the GFI circuit breaker (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) once a month. Test it once a week if the system is used regularly.

Emergency shift program
If all selector lever position indicators in the instrument cluster display are highlighted against a bright background, there is a system malfunction. The automatic transmission and the DSG automatic transmission will then operate in the emergency shift program. The emergency shift program lets you drive the vehicle, but at a reduced speed and without being able to use all of the forward gears.
In some cases, vehicles with a DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission may not be able to shift into reverse. It is then impossible to drive the vehicle backwards.
In any event, have the automatic transmission checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Overheating of Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) automatic transmission
The DSG® automatic transmission may overheat, for example, due to frequent starts, extended “creeping,” or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning light Á and, if applicable, by a text message in the instrument cluster. An additional warning chime may sound. Stop and let the
transmission cool down ⇒ .
The vehicle does not move forward or in reverse even though a drive position is selected with the selector lever
If the vehicle does not move in the desired direction, the system may not have engaged the drive position correctly. Press the brake pedal and select the drive position again.
If the vehicle still does not move in the desired direction, there is a system malfunction. See your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance to have the system checked.
NOTICE
x As soon as you get any of these warnings about transmission overheating, you must either park the vehicle in a safe place or drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).
x If the text message and acoustic warning repeat themselves every 10 seconds or so, you must park the vehicle in a safe place as soon as you can safely do so and stop the engine. Let the transmission cool down.
x To help prevent damage to the transmission, do not drive the vehicle again until the acoustic warning has stopped. As long as the engine is overheated, avoid stop and start driving and avoid low speeds (“walking pace”).
Gear recommendation

WARNING
Improper use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and severe injuries.
x Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an emergency. Braking distance is much longer, since only the rear wheels are braked. Alwa ys use the foot brake.
x Never press the accelerator pedal when a selector lever position or gear is engaged and the engine is running. The vehicle could begin moving, even if the electronic parking brake is set.
x Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is engaged.
NOTICE
Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the vehicle without first firmly setting the parking brake.
Vehicles with manual transmission: the electronic parking brake releases automatically when you release the clutch pedal and press the accelerator pedal at the same time.
If the vehicle battery is dead, the electronic parking brake cannot be released. Use a jump-start, Jump-starting.
You may hear noises when setting or releasing the electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake is not used for a while, an automatic system check will occasionally run when the vehicle is parked. This system check makes audible noises.
Parking

WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping distances.
x Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
x Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake applications when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
x If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.
NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause complete brake system failure.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.
Braking assistance systems

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.

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 climate control system 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 for 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 an 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 !

Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle battery has been replaced may change or delete system settings (including time, date, personal convenience settings, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.
Climatronic controls

Fig. 153 In the center console: Climatronic controls.