trailer VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2014 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN, Model Year: 2014, Model line: TRANSPORTER, Model: VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2014Pages: 486, PDF Size: 69.28 MB
Page 146 of 486

m If the vehicle battery charge level is low, the W electrical connection to the trailer will be in-terrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
ill1 First read and observe the introductory L-W.! information and safety warnings & on page 139.
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull &. The drawbar load is the weight that the towing bracket exerts on the ball coupling vertically from above.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The cor-rect values for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official vehi-cle documents take precedence over these data.
In the interest of road safety, Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles recommends that you always trans-port the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a re-sult.
Gross combination weight rating
The combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the loaded trail-er.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed even-ly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:
Towing a trailer
ill1 First read and observe the introductory L-W.! information and safety warnings & on page 139.
146 Before the Journey
m When the engine is running, electrical con-w sumers in the trailer are supplied with voltage via the electrical connection (pin 9 and pin 10 of the trailer socket).
• Secure all loads on the trailer properly.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the wheels on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre pressure 367.
A WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted gross axle weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.
• Never exceed the specified values .
• Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the gross axle weight ratings. Never exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the vehicle.
A wARNING
Loads that may slide can severely Impair sta-bility and driving safety, which can cause ac-cidents and severe injuries.
• Always load trailers correctly .
• Always secure loads using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehi-cle enough for the dipped beam to blind other road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the
Page 147 of 486

Things to note when driving with a trailer
• If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will pre-vent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
• The combination weight causes the braking dis-tance to increase.
• Select a low gear before driving down a slope. This enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle. The brake system could otherwise overheat and fail.
• The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trail-er load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
• The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable. When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Tachograph
In most European countries, a tachograph has to be installed in the vehicle and used if the gross combination weight rating of the vehicle and trailer is over 3,500 kg.
• Observe the legal requirements governing the use of tachographs.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope, de-pending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
• Depress and hold the brake pedal.
• Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
• Select first gear or D =:o page 260, Changing gears.
Trailer stabilisation
r-('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 139.
The trailer stabilisation function can de-
tect if an attached trailer is starting to
lurch from side to side and can provide
countersteer.
• Unlock hand brake and carefully release while holding down lock button. At the same time, gently depress the accelerator and, in a manual vehicle, release the clutch pedal, until you feel the vehicle moving forwards. If necessary, read the notes on the Hill Hold Assist function =:o page 282, Pull-away assist systems.
• Only let go of the handbrake lever when the en-gine has sufficient power to move off.
• Pull away slowly.
A WARNING
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of ve-hicle control and serious personal injury.
• Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle handles and increase the braking distance.
• Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
• Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking ma-noeuvres.
• Take special care when overtaking. Re-duce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.
• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
• Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.
If, however, the effects of this snaking on the vehi-cle are detected via the ESC control unit, the vehi-cle is braked automatically by the ESC in order to stabilise the trailer. In this case the ABS indicator lamp flashes .,.
Transporting items 1147
Page 148 of 486

Requirements for trailer stabilisation
• The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
• ESC is active. The indicator lamp in the in-strument cluster is not lit up.
• The trailer is electrically connected to the tow-ing vehicle via the trailer socket.
• The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
• The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
• The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
• Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
A WARNING
De not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into taking any risks when driving-this can cause accidents.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
1481 Before the JOUrney
A WARNING (Continued)
• Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
• Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
A wARNING
The trailer stabillsation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
• Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation func-tion and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
• A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehi-cle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation system.
• Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
• Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically In extreme driving situations If the trailer socket Is being used without a trail-er (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
Page 149 of 486

Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 115 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
r-1"'11 First read and observe the Introductory L-J,:.U Information and safety warnings & on page 139.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Electronic compo-
nents also have to be retro-fitted and, for example, the cooling system may need to be modified or heat shields may need to be fitted. For this and other work, specialist knowledge and tools are re-quired.
=>Fig. 115 shows the dimensions and attachment points which must be observed if you have a tow-ing bracket retro-fitted. Always observe the mini-mum distance given from the middle of the ball coupling to the surface of the road. This also ap-plies when the vehicle Is fully laden, including max-imum drawbar load.
The attachment points ® are underneath the vehi-cle.
The trailer stabilisation system can be activated if a towing bracket is retrofitted, provided compatible electronic components are fitted. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
A WARNING
Electrical accessories that are not connected properly can cause faults In the entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious Injuries.
• Never connect the trailer's electrical sys-tem directly to the electrical connections of the tall lights or to other unsuitable sources of electricity. Only a suitable connector may be used to connect the trailer.
• A towing bracket should be retrofitted to the vehicle by a qualified workshop.
A WARNING
The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket Is unsuit-able or Incorrectly fitted. This can cause seri-ous accidents and fatal injuries.
r::l Only use towing brackets which have been W approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles for your vehicle type.
Page 172 of 486

• Press the [ENTER! button to confirm your selec-tion.
• Press the [SETUP! button again to leave the main menu.
The following settings can be made in the subme-nus:
• Picture format.
• Camera perspective.
• Language.
• Subtitles.
• Screen saver.
• Saving the last item played.
Tachograph
o::D Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Notes on the tachograph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
The function and operation of the factory-fitted ta-chograph can be found in an additional operating manual delivered with the vehicle.
If you retro-fit a tachograph to the vehicle, ensure it complies with relevant legislation.
Additional information and warnings:
• Towing a trailer 139
• Accessories. modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
Notes on the tachograph
I""'""'J'n First read and observe the Introductory L-lo:.l.l Information given on page 172.
Location
Depending on the model, the factory-fitted tacho-graph could be located in the middle of the dash panel or in a console on the dash panel.
Time
For the time settings, refer to the additional operat-ing instructions for the tachograph.
Please note that in digital tachographs, the time must be displayed in local time. The time on the printouts is always given in UTC (Coordinated Uni-versal Time).
1721 Before the journey
• Various audio settings.
• Colour system.
• Playback control for video COs
• Parental lock 172.
• Reset to default settings.
• Password protection.
Childproof locks
This function is only available in the case of DVDs with restricted access for young people and chil-dren. This menu is used to specify whether a DVD with access restrictions is to be played or whether a password has to be entered first.
m Manipulation of the tachograph and its signal, l.!J and misuse of the tachograph discs can re-sult in prosecution.
The digital tachograph has a buffer battery to pre-vent data loss. The buffer battery can supply power for approx. one year without an external power supply. This function is used if, for example, the digital tachograph is removed from the vehicle and stored or if left in a vehicle with a battery fault or a flat battery.
Legal requirements
By law. the tachograph must be used in:
Page 173 of 486

• Vehicles whose gross vehicle weight rating, in-cluding trailer exceeds 3,500 kg, if the vehicle is used commercially to transport goods. This is irre-spective of whether the vehicle or the trailer or both are used for commercial transportation of goods.
• Vehicles which are built and fitted for the pur-pose of carrying more than 9 persons, including the driver.
Checking the tachograph
The tachograph must be checked by the manufac-turer or an authorised workshop if any of the fol-lowing occurs, either in isolation or as a combina-tion:
Digital voice enhancement
ClJJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Using the digital voice enhancement . . . . . . . . 173
The digital voice enhancement (DVE) enables all vehicle occupants to hear each other clearly, even at high speeds. The driver can communicate with the occupants in the passenger compartment with out having to turn around or speak loudly.
The voice signals from the driver are recorded via a microphone in the headliner. Then, the signals are amplified and mixed with the radio or media
Using the digital voice enhancement
Fig. 135 In the display of the radio or radio/navi-gation system: function button for calling up the digital voice enhancement.
• If the tachograph is repaired.
• If you are not able to correct a problem your-self.
• If you have changed a wheel.
• At least every 2 years.
Additional information and warnings:
• Booklet Radio, provision for mobile tele-phone, infotainment system, navigation system
Fig. 136 Slide control for switching on and off or
Practical equipment 1173
Page 268 of 486

In all cases the automatic gearbox should be checked by a qualified workshop Immediately.
Overheating of the DSG® dual clutch gearbox
The dual clutch gearbox can overheat when the vehicle pulls off regularly, travels at a crawl for long periods, or in stop and go traffic. Gearbox over-heating is indicated by the warning lamp (j) and in some cases by a text message in the instrument cluster display. A signal tone may also be given. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down
The vehicle will not move forwards or backwards even though a gear has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direc-tion, the system may have selected the position in-correctly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
Gear-change indicator
r--f"'n First read and observe the Introductory L-lo:.l.l information and safety warnings & on page 260.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the in-strument cluster may indicate the gear which you should select in order to reduce fuel consumption while the vehicle is in motion.
Display Meaning
• The current gear is optimal.
f A higher gear is recommended.
! A lower gear is recommended.
In vehicles with a manual gearbox the recommen-ded gear will be indicated in the form of a number and a recommendation to shift up or down into the recommended gear will be displayed in the form of an arrow 263.
In vehicles with a OSG® dual clutch gearbox if the selector lever is in the Tiptronic position, the cur-rent gear will be indicated in the form of a number and a recommendation to shift up or down a gear will be displayed in the form of an arrow 266.
268 While driving
If the vehicle still does not move in the required di-rection, there is a system fault. Seek expert assis-tance and have the system checked.
CD
• If the display Indicates that the gearbox Is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 kmlh (12 mph).
• Safely park the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off if the text message and signal tone are repeated approximately every 10 seconds. Allow the gearbox to cool down.
• In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the acoustic warning stops. You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while the gearbox is overheated.
The exhaust management system detects when a diesel particulate filter is filling up and aids the fil-ter's self-cleaning process by recommending the most suitable gear when driving. This may mean driving with Increased engine speed in exceptional cases 407.
A CAUTION
The gear-change Indicator Is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the driver's own judgement.
• The driver has full responsibility for se-lecting the correct gear In all situations (e.g. when overtaking, driving up and down hills and when towing a trailer).
Driving in the correct gear can help to reduce fuel consumption.
m On vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox W DSG®, the information on the gear-change indicator disappears when disengaging from the Tiptronic position.
m On vehicles with a manual gearbox, the dis-W play on the gear-change indicator will disap-pear when the clutch pedal is depressed.
Page 269 of 486

Braking, stopping and parking
COl Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps Handbrake ............................ .
Parking . . . . . . . ............. .
Information on the brakes ................ . Brake support systems .................. .
Switching the TCS on and off ............. .
Brake fluid ............................ .
270 271
272 272
274
276
277
The brake support systems are the anti-lock brake system (ASS), the Brake Assist system (SAS), the electronic differential lock (EDS), the traction control system (TCS) and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
• Towing a trailer 139
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and seri-ous Injuries.
• If the warning lamp 0 lights up either on its own or with a text message In the display of the Instrument cluster, go to a qualified workshop Immediately, have the brake pads checked and any worn brake pads replaced.
A WARNING
Incorrect parking can cause serious Injuries.
• Never remove the vehicle key from the lg-nltlon lock when the vehicle Is In motion. The steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the vehl-cl e.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
• Always apply the handbrake when the ve-hicle Is parked.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone In the vehicle. They could release the handbrake, move the selector lev-er or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle In motion. This can lead to accidents and se-rious injuries.
• Always take all vehicle keys with you ev-ery time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be used which could cause serious injury.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergen-cy and may not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low tempera-tures, according to season. This can cause serious Injuries and illness or fatalities, espe-cially for small children.
CD
• To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake and then remove your foot from the brake ped-al.
• Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels can touch the bollards or kerbs.
• Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the running gear, engine or exhaust system could be dam-aged.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 269
Page 270 of 486

Warning and indicator lamps
[Q First read and observe the Introductory information and safety warnings & on page 269.
Lit up Possible cause=>&
Handbrake is applied.
Brake system fault.
Together with ABS indicator lamp El: ABS not functioning.
-...-Brake pads worn .
ESC switched off by the system.
ESC fault.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp CS>: ABS fault.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected.
TCS switched off manually.
In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp
((oil ABS fault.
In conjunction with warning lamp ID: ABS not functioning.
Brake pedal not depressed.
Flashes Possible cause
'• ESCITCS is taking corrective action.
Trailer stabilisation controlled.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
A WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause acci-dent and serious injury.
270 I While driving
Solution
f; Do not drive on I Seek expert assistance immediately =>page 273.
a:. Do not drive on I Check the brake fluid level =>page 277.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary.
Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary, drive a short distance.
Go to a qualified workshop.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 -20 km/ h (10 -12 mph). if the indicator lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop =>page 362.
Switch on TCS =>page 276. Switch on TCS au-tomatically by switching the ignition off and on.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
To select a position, press the brake pedal.
Solution
Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt driv-ing style to suit road conditions.
Remove foot from accelerator pedal. If possible, do not turn the steering wheel =>page 139.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
A WARNING
Driving with poor brakes can result in acci-dents and serious injuries.
Page 279 of 486

Changing gear earlier
In principle, the highest gear is always the most economical gear. A rule of thumb for most vehicles: at a speed of 30 kmlh (19 m ph} drive in third gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in 4th gear and at 50 km/h (31 mph) In 5th gear.
If the traffic and driving situation allows it, skipping gears when changing up a gear will also save fuel.
Do not drive gears to their upper limit. Use first gear only for pulling away then quickly change up to second gear. Avoid using the kickdown func-tion in vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to improve fuel economy by indicating the optimum time to change gear.
Rolling to a stop
Taking your foot off the accelerator will interrupt the supply of fuel to the engine and decrease fuel con-sumption.
Therefore, in situations such as approaching a red traffic light, let the vehicle roll without applying the accelerator.
Only press on the dutch pedal to disengage if the vehicle becomes too slow or if the stopping dis-tance is longer. The engine will then run at idling speed 263.
Switch off the engine in situations when the vehicle might be stationary for a long time, e.g. at a level crossing. In vehicles with an active start/stop sys-tem, the engine will switch off automatically when the vehicle Is stationary.
Thinking ahead when driving, and driving with the flow of traffic
Applying the brake and accelerator too often will significantly increase fuel consumption. If you think ahead when driving and maintain a sufficient dis-tance from the vehicle in front, simply keeping your foot off the accelerator should stop the speed from fluctuating. This means that active braking and ac-celerating is not always necessary.
Driving smoothly and evenly
Smoothness is even more important than speed. The more evenly you drive, the lower your fuel consumption will be.
When driving on a motorway, it is much more ef-fective to drive at a constant moderate speed than to drive with constant acceleration and braking. As a rule, driving with a constant style will get you to your destination just as quickly.
The cruise control system will help you to maintain a constant driving style.
Using additional equipment in moderation
lt is always important to be comfortable in your ve-hicle, but it is also important to consider the envi-ronment.
Some equipment will increase fuel consumption when switched on:
• The cooling function of the air conditioning sys-tem: if the air conditioning system is set to a very high or low temperature it will require a lot of ener-gy, which is generated by the engine. Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside temperature. lt may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short distance with the win-dows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once the windows have been closed. Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel consumption.
• Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.
• Switch the windscreen and rear window heating off as soon as the windows have defogged and are clear of ice.
• Do not leave the supplementary heating system on when the vehicle is moving 332.
Other factors that Increase fuel consumption (examples):
• Fault in engine management.
• Driving in hilly regions.
• Driving with a trailer.