brake light VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 2012 User Guide

Brake system malfunction
If you brake and find that vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in stop-ping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light "2!+% or H will come on and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.
Brake booster
The brake booster works only when the engine is running. It increases the force on the brakes above and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.
If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance
⇒ .
WARNING
New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.
x New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 200 miles (320 km) and must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting more pressure on the brake pedal.
x Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.
x Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.
WARNING
Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances considerably.
x When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
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 over-heat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
x A damaged front spoiler or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and make them overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping dis-tances.
x Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
x Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake applica-tions when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the benefits of ESC.
ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below). ESC is switched on all the time. In certain situations when you need less traction or additional traction
cannot be achieved, you can switch off ESC by pressing the ASR button ⇒ fig. 253. Be sure to switch ASR on again when you no longer need less traction.
ESC can be switched on and off manually in Off-road Mode ⇒  Off-road mode.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:
x Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the force on the pedal!
x Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!
x Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.
x ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.
When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or slip-pery surface.
When driving forwards on loose surfaces, a special off-road ABS is automatically activated. In this mode, the front wheels could lock briefly. This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as the wheels dig into loose surfaces. This occurs only when driving straight ahead. When the front wheels are turned, the normal ABS is activated.
Brake Assist (BAS)
The Brake Assist System (BAS) can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure, maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be acti-vated more quickly and efficiently.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or let up on the brake.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions. Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.
ESC and ASR can help when driving on loose surfaces (such as gravel) and in deep snow. If you get stuck in deep snow, you may be able to get going again by “rocking” the vehicle back and forth. ESC and ASR recognize this special driving situation and automatically increase the speed of the front wheels. Keep pressing the accelerator and let ESC increase the speed of the front wheels to help you keep moving or get moving again.
ASR can be switched on or off manually ⇒  Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)
EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL automat-ically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down, EDL automatically switches on again.
XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during

mance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure. Your safety and the
safety of others depends on brakes that are working properly at all times ⇒ .
Brake fluid specifications
Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the brake system in your Volkswagen. Volkswagen recommends that you expressly use brake fluid that 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 sys-tem.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW Stand-ard 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 impossi-ble to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reser-voir, 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 per-formance, 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 ex-pressly 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.

Flashes Possible cause Proper response
locked/unlocked. switch it on again. Heed any
messages shown in the instru-
ment cluster display, if applica-
ble.
On vehicles with Keyless Ac-
cess, press the starter button
briefly twice in a row without
depressing the brake or clutch
pedal. Do not drive any farther
if the steering column remains
locked after you switch on the
ignition. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility
for assistance.

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.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Steering system information

Lights
up
Warnings in the in-
strument cluster dis-
play
Proper response
Electric driving is cur-
rently not possible.
Never leave the vehicle parked in the
ready position. Remove the remote
control vehicle key out of the ignition
or for vehicle with Keyless Access
press the starter button.
Request to start the
engine.
Start the engine with the ignition
switch or starter button.

Warning when leaving the vehicle
Switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle unattended ⇒  Starting and stopping the engine. In certain situations, a message Ignition on appears in the instrument cluster display as you are leaving the vehicle. This message warns you that the vehicle's electric drive is still enabled and that the combustion engine might start automatically.
Always switch the engine off, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the vehicle ⇒ . As a reminder to do so, the combustion engine may start automatically under the following conditions:
x The ignition is switched ON.
x AND: Electrical drive is functional (Ready).
x AND: The transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
x AND: The driver safety belt is not fastened. OR The driver door is open.
The message in the instrument cluster display also reminds you to switch the ignition off. In addition, always be sure to apply the parking brake, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
A parked vehicle that is not properly parked can roll away and cause accidents or severe injuries. When leaving the vehicle, always move the selector lever into Park (P) and engage the electronic parking brake.
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.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

any requirement for engaging Hill Hold is no longer met while the vehicle is stopped, Hill Hold disen-gages, the indicator light in the button goes out, and the brakes are automatically released and will no longer hold the vehicle.

Hill Hold is activated automatically when points 1 to 3 are met at the
same time:
1. Hold the stopped vehicle on an incline with the foot brake or elec-
tronic parking brake.
2. The engine is running “smoothly”.
3. The transmission must be in Drive (D) or Sport Drive (S) and the
foot brake must be depressed to keep the vehicle from moving.
4. To drive off, take your foot off the brake pedal and gently depress
the accelerator within 2 seconds.
Release the brake as you gently depress the accelerator.

Hill Hold is immediately deactivated:
x If any requirement listed in the table above is no longer met (see ⇒ table on page 453).
x If the engine is not running smoothly or the engine malfunctions.
x If the engine stalls or is switched off.
x If the transmission is in Neutral (N).
x If a tire does not have enough road contact (such as when the vehicle is tipped or at an angle).
WARNING
The intelligent technology of Hill Hold cannot overcome the laws of physics. Never let the increased convenience provided by Hill Hold tempt you into taking risks.
x The Hill Hold feature cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations (for example, if the surface is icy or slippery).
x Hill Hold can only help keep the vehicle from moving for less than 2 seconds. After that, the brakes will be released and the vehicle can roll down the hill.
Hill Descent Assist

An indicator light k comes on in the instrument cluster display whenever Hill Descent Assist is ena-bled. The indicator light blinks when Hill Descent Assist is regulating the brakes.
Hill Descent Assist is always enabled, but only regulates the brakes when certain requirements are met.
Hill Descent Assist regulates automatically:
x If the vehicle is in off-road mode and the indicator light k is on.
x And: If your speed is under 18 mph (30 km/h).
x And: If the downhill grade is 10 % or steeper.
x And: If you neither accelerate nor apply the brakes.
x And: If the vehicle's engine is running.
If you accelerate or step on the brake when Hill Descent Assist is operating, the feature switches off. Hill Descent Assist begins regulating speed again the next time the requirements are met.
Hill Descent Assist does not regulate speed:
x On downhill grades of less than 10 %.
x OR: At speeds over 18 mph (30 km/h).
x OR: If the driver brakes or accelerates.
WARNING
Always be ready to apply the brakes. Otherwise accidents and injuries can occur.
x Hill Descent Assist is merely a driving aid and cannot always slow the vehicle down enough under on downhill grades.
x The vehicle may pick up speed despite the use of Hill Descent Assist.
The Hill Descent Assist also works when you are backing down a hill.

WARNING
Improper use of the Adaptive Cruise Control can cause collisions, other accidents and seri-ous personal injury.
x Always remember that the Adaptive Cruise Control has limits – it will not slow the vehicle down or maintain the set distance when you drive towards an obstacle or something on or near the road that is not moving, such as vehicles stopped in a traffic jam, a stalled or disa-bled vehicle.
x Always remember that the Adaptive Cruise Control cannot detect a vehicle that is driving towards you in your traffic lane and that it cannot detect narrow vehicles such as motorcy-cles and bicycles.
x Never drive at speeds that are too fast for traffic, road and weather conditions.
x Never follow a vehicle so closely that you cannot stop your vehicle safely. The Adaptive Cruise Control cannot slow or brake the vehicle safely when you follow another vehicle too closely. Always remember that the Adaptive Cruise Control has a braking power that is only about 30% of the vehicle's maximum braking ability, the automatic braking function cannot bring the vehicle to a stop.
x Never use Adaptive Cruise Control when you cannot drive safely at a steady speed, in-cluding on city streets, on winding roads or when road conditions are poor (for example, on ice, gravel, in fog, heavy rain or on wet roads that increase the risk of hydroplaning).
x The radar sensor's vision can be reduced by rain, snow and heavy road spray. These and similar conditions can prevent vehicles up ahead from being accurately detected and in some cases they may not be detected at all. Do not use ACC when the radar sensors cannot accu-rately detect vehicles moving ahead of you in traffic.
x Always turn off Adaptive Cruise Control when entering turn lanes, exit lanes and construc-tion zones or in similar situations because the vehicle will automatically accelerate to the stored speed when the road ahead is clear.
x Never rest your foot on the accelerator pedal, especially when the Adaptive Cruise Control is being used because doing so will override the braking function.
x Always pay attention to traffic, especially when Adaptive Cruise Control is switched on.
x Always maintain a safe speed and distance between your vehicle and other vehicles while considering the traffic situation. This is the duty of the driver. Adaptive Cruise Control is merely an aid to the driver.
x To prevent unintended operation, always switch ACC off when it is not being used.
x It is dangerous to use the “Resume” feature when the previously set speed is too high for existing road, traffic or weather conditions.
x Always select a speed and distance to traffic ahead that is safe and appropriate under the prevailing traffic, road, weather and lighting conditions.
x Never allow the closing speed between you and other vehicles to be so high that the Adaptive Cruise Control may not be able to slow your vehicle safely. If closing speed is too high, you must apply the brakes yourself to reduce the risk of a rear-end crash.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is driving at speeds lower than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the 3%4 button is pressed or the lever is moved to 2%35-%, the vehicle will be accelerated to the lowest possible speed that can be set in ACC of 20 mph (30 km/h)
The stored speed is canceled when the ignition or the ACC is switched off.

The Autonomous Emergency Braking function should be deactivated by switching off the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) in following situations:
x When the vehicle is being towed.
x When the vehicle is on a roller test stand.
x When the vehicle is off road, like on construction sites or on race tracks.
x When one of the sensors is defect.
x When the sensors have been damaged, like after a frontal collision accident.
x After several false alarms in a row.
x If the sensors are covered by additional parts, like auxiliary headlights.
x If the vehicle is driving on steep terrain or on or across slopes.
WARNING
Always remember that the Autonomous Emergency Braking function has limits – it will not release you from the responsibility to control and slow down your vehicle.
x The Autonomous Emergency Braking function alone cannot avoid accidents and fatal injuries.
x Under certain circumstances and complex traffic situations the Autonomous Emergency Braking function can perform unwanted braking maneuvers, like in construction sites.
x Soiled or misaligned radar sensors can lead to unwanted braking maneuvers
x The Autonomous Emergency Braking function does not react to people, animals, crossing traffic or vehicles that are approaching you on the same lane.
x Always adjust your speed and the distance you keep between you and the vehicles ahead of you to the road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.
x Never follow a vehicle so closely that you cannot stop your vehicle safely, under certain circumstances the automatic braking function cannot bring the vehicle to a stop in time.
x Never allow the closing speed between you and other vehicles to be so high that the Au-tonomous Emergency Braking function may not be able to slow your vehicle safely. If closing speed is too high, you must apply the brakes yourself to reduce the risk of a rear-end crash.
x Always be prepared to takeover the control of the brake and the gas pedal in every situa-tion.
NOTICE
If you notice that the Autonomous Emergency Braking function doesn't work properly or the sensors are damaged, switch off the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) and therefore the Autonomous Emergency Braking function immediately.
x Go see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance and have the system checked.
If the Autonomous Emergency Braking function initiates a braking maneuver, the hydraulic brak-ing system is under pressure. In this case the braking pedal will feel “harder” and the brake pedal travel will be shorter.
Automatic braking maneuvers can be interrupted by depressing the gas pedal or moving the steering wheel.
The Autonomous Emergency Braking function can slow your vehicle down to a standstill, but not hold your vehicle permanently. When necessary, apply the vehicle brakes!

In order to Operation
OR: If the vehicle rolls backwards.
Automatically
deactivate
the PDC:
Drive forward faster than about 5 – 10 mph (10 – 15 km/h).
OR: Shift into Reverse R.
Switch to full-
screen view:
Vehicle rolls backwards slowly.
OR: Press the lit-up button  or ∗.
OR: Tap the /03 function key ⇒ fig. 299.

The indicator light in the button  ⇒ fig. 298 comes on and stays on as long as the feature is active.
A chime sounds to tell you that the system is on. If the chime does not sound, PDC is not working. Have the system inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Special considerations when using Park Distance Control
x In some cases, the Park Distance Control system interprets water and ice on the sensors as an obstacle. To prevent automatic PDC activation in these cases, you can turn Park Distance Control off
permanently in the Infotainment System ⇒  Automatic activation in the Infotainment System.
x If the distance remains the same, the warning tone volume decreases after a few seconds. If a continuous tone sounds, its volume remains the same.
x If the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound stops automatically. The beep turns on once more automatically if the vehicle approaches the obstacle again.
x There is no beeping when the transmission is in Park (P) or the electronic parking brake is en-gaged.
x The volume of the audible signals can be adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealership or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Never rely completely on the PDC for information about people and objects that might be in the way of the vehicle and could be struck by the vehicle causing serious personal injury.
x The PDC sensors have blind spots where they cannot detect people or objects.
x Always watch for people, especially small children and animals, because the sensors may not always be able to detect them.
If you hear a long beep lasting about 3 seconds when you first turn PDC on or the indicator light in the button starts blinking, this means there is a malfunction in the Park Distance Control system. Switch off the Park Distance Control system with the button and have it immediately checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.