towing VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2018 Owner's Guide

@ Kitchen unit with:
-Gas cooker ................................... . 233
242
242
-230-volt grounded safety socket ................. .
-12-volt socket .............................•..................................
-Cupboard with two sliding doors
-Drawer
-Waste water tank with drain lever and opening for cleaning ...... . 237
-First aid kit on the rear panel of the left stowage compartment in the cupboard
@ Refrigerator box ...
@ Wardrobe with:
241
-Cleaning opening for fresh water tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
-Second additional battery . . . . . ........ , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
-Lockable stowage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
@ Stowage area with:
-Residual current circuit breaker ............... , ...... . 247
233
229
-Gas bottle holder .................. .
® Tailgate with room for stowing two camping chairs
Number of seats
The vehicle has a total of 4 seats: 2 at the front and 2 at the rear. Each seat is equipped with a seat belt.
Retrofitting seats
Additional seats can be retrofitted, provided that the maximum number of seats quoted by the man-ufacturer is not exceeded. For this purpose, seat anchor points should be fitted to the vehicle floor by a specialist workshop in accordance with Volks-wagen AG guidelines.
These additional seats must also have seat belt anchor points and suitable seat belts.
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership can provide you with more information on retrofit-ting seats.
Furniture Catches
The flaps and doors are fitted with furniture catch-es to prevent them from opening when the vehicle is in motion.
Seat functions, rear, California
ClJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Bench seat/bed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . 195
Bed (bench seat/bed) . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Mattress, bench seat/bed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Components of the mattress, 3-seat bench . . 198
To open the doors in the kitchen unit, press and hold the catch. Slide the door open.
Equipment accessible only from the outside of the vehicle
• Opening for filling the fresh water tank on the rear left side of the vehicle (with lockable lid and separate key)
• 230-volt electrical feed on the rear left side of the vehicle (with flap cover)
• Fresh water tank drain opening under the vehi-cle.
• Waste water tank drain opening under the vehi-cle.
• Awning rails on the left and right side of the top of the vehicle on the roof frame.
• Awning adapter on left (if vehicle is fitted with an awning) and on right in the awning rail.
• Awning: attach to aluminium rail on right side over sliding door only. Mattress for a short bed, 3-seat bench . . . . . . 198
Mattress for a medium-length bed, 3-seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 Mattress for a long bed, 3-seat bench . . . . . . . 201 Stowing the mattress, 3-seat bench . . . . . . . . 203 .,..
Equipment, California 1193

Fig. 198 Camping chairs in the tailgate
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l.-.lo::.U Information and safety warnings & on page 229.
The camping chairs are located in the tailgate be-hind the fabric trim.
Taking out the camping chairs
• Open the tailgate.
• Open the zipper at the rear of the tailgate com-pletely
• Release the hooks one at a time 198 (}).
• Take out the camping chairs@.
• Close up the zipper and
Stowing the camping chairs
• Open the tailgate.
• Open the zipper at the rear of the tailgate com-pletely
• Fold up the camping chairs.
• Fold down the hooks(}).
• Fit the camping chairs ® properly back in their holders.
• Secure the camping chairs with the hooks (}).
• Close up the zipper and
CD
Take care not to scratch the paint on the tall-gate when opening and closing the zipper. Flyscreen element for the sliding window
r-111 First read and observe the introductory l.-.lo::.U Information and safety warnings & on page 229.
Fitting the flyscreen element
• With the sliding window closed, insert the flyscreen element starting at the bottom and work-ing toward the top of the rear window frame.
• Opening the sliding window 36.
• Push the flyscreen element carefully forward between the fixed and the movable pane of the sliding window.
• Insert the tongues of the flyscreen element be-hind the front trim so that the flyscreen element completely covers the window space.
2321 Before tile journey
The sliding window cannot be closed fully when the flyscreen element has been inserted.
Do not insert the flyscreen element in the sliding window white the vehicle is in motion.
Removing the flyscreen element
• To remove the flyscreen, follow the steps for fit-ting it in reverse order.

While driving
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking
Starting and stopping the engine
o::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Ignition lock . . ......•........ 258
Starting the engine . . . . . • . • . . . . . . . . 258
Stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Electronic immobilizer . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 260
Immobilizer display
When a vehicle key is not valid or there is a fault in the system, this will be displayed in the Instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started.
Push-starting or tow-starting
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to start the engine instead.
Additional information and warnings:
• Vehicle key set =>page 36
• Changing gear =>page 260
• Braking, stopping and parking =>page 269
• Steering =>page 281
• Pull-away assist systems =>page 282
• Filling the tank =>page 340
• Fuel =>page 343
• Manual opening and dosing =>page 413
• Jump starting =>page 443
• Tow-starting and towing =>page 446
A WARNING
Switching the engine off while the vehicle Is moving makes it more difficult to stop the ve-hicle. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe Injuries.
• Braking and steering support systems, the alrbag system, the belt tens loners and other items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
A WARNING (Continued)
• The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle Is stationary.
A WARNING
The risk of serious Injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the en-glne.
• Never start or run the engine In unventlla-ted or closed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness. it can also cause death.
• Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under or near the vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.
• Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or driving mode has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something unexpec-ted may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious Injuries.
• Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to sud-denly run at high revs.
A WARNING
The components of the exhaust system be-come very hot. This can cause fires and sari-ous Injuries.
• 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, split fuel.
• Never apply additional undersea! or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cat-a lytic converters or heat shields.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 257

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. Information on "cleaning" the diesel partlculate filter
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.

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

A WARNING (Continued)
• If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be Increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system.
CD
• Never let the brakes "rub" by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to brake. Continual pressure on the brake pedal will overheat the brakes. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, In certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
Brake support systems
r-f'n First read and observe the Introductory l..-Wl information and safety warnings&. on page 269.
The brake support systems ESC, ABS, BAS, TCS and EDL only function when the engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC de-tects critical driving situations such as oversteer, understeer and wheelspin. The system helps to stabilise the vehicle through targeted application of the brakes or by reducing engine torque.
ESC has its limitations. lt is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able to assist every time that there is a sudden change in the road surface quality. If a section of dry road is suddenly covered with water, mud or snow, ESC will not be able to assist in the same manner as on a dry road. If the vehicle aquaplanes (drives on a layer of water rather than on the road surface), ESC will not be able to assist in steering the vehicle as the contact to the road surface has been interrupted and it is therefore no longer pos-sible to steer or brake the vehicle. When driving at speed through bends, particularly on stretches of road with many bends, the ESC will not always be able to process complicated driving situations as
2741 While dnvang
• Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fall. The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
m If the front brake pads are tested, the rear L!..J brake pads should be tested at the same time. Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose. effectively as at lower speeds. When towing a trail-er, ESC is unable to assist the driver in regaining control over the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. ESC cannot defy the laws of motion, improve the availa-ble power output, or keep the vehicle on the road if insufficient care and attention on the part of the driver causes the vehicle to leave the road. In-stead, the ESC improves the chances of keeping the vehicle under control and, in extreme on-road driving situations, exploits the driver's steering in-put to keep the vehicle travelling in the desired di-rection. If the vehicle is driving at a speed that leads it to leave the road before the ESC can pro-vide any kind of support, the ESC will be unable to provide any assistance.
The ASS, BAS, TCS and EDL systems are integra-ted into the ESC. The ESC is always on. If the trac-tion achieved in certain situations is not sufficient, TCS can be switched off by pressing the ASR (TCS) button =>Fig. 224. Always ensure that ASR (TCS) is switched back on again once traction is sufficient.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of an accident, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to re-duce the risk of skidding, and the danger of secon-dary collisions, through automatic braking.

Steering
CJ:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Additional information and warnings:
• Starting and stopping the engine 257
• Battery 362
• Tow-starting and towing 446
Information on steering
r--f"n First read and observe the introductory L-la.LI infonmation and safety warnings & on page 281.
Locking the steering wheel
• When the vehicle key has been removed, turn the steering wheel slightly until you hear the lock-ing pin engage.
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make il more difficult for the vehicle to be stolen.
Unlocking the steering wheel
• Turn the steering wheel slightly to lake the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and tu m the vehicle key clockwise out of position 217 @.
A WARNING
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it difficult to steer the vehicle.
• The power steering only functions when the engine Is running.
• Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
• Never remove the vehicle key from the ig-nition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle. Power steering
With power steering, the steering assistance is au-tomatically matched to vehicle speed, the steering wheel torque and the steering wheel angle. The power steering will only function when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than nor-mal to steer the vehicle if lhe power steering is re-duced or has failed completely. Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 281

CD
• In some cases water and ice on the ultra-sound sensors could be registered as an ob-struction.
• Any equipment that has been retrofitted to the vehicle, e.g. bicycle carriers or number plate holders, can prevent the ParkPIIot from fu nctlonlng properly.
m Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-L!J mends that drivers practise using the ParkPi-lot in a traffic-calmed area or car park to allow them to familiarise themselves with the system and its functions.
ParkPilot only at rear
,....-m First read and observe the introductory L-J.:.I.I Information and safety warnings & on page 287.
Switching ParkPilot on and off
m If an ultrasound sensor fails, the correspond-L!J ing area of the ultrasound sensor cluster is switched off and cannot be reactivated until the fault has been rectified (depending on the equip-ment level). Consult a qualified workshop in the event of a system fault. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose. The Park Pilot uses ultrasound sensors to deter-mine the distance between the rear bumper and an obstacle. There are 4 ParkPilot ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper (arrows).
Function What to do when the Ignition Is switched on
Switching on the ParkPilot:
Switching off the ParkPilot:
Switching off the ParkPilot display manually (sound output remains active)
Switching to the rear view camera system picture as required
Select reverse gear or move the selector lever to position R.
Deselect the reverse gear or selector lever position R. If the ParkPilot screen display is activated, the ParkPilot is switched off approximately 10 seconds after the reverse gear has been disengaged or the selector lever has been moved out of the R position.
OR: (depending on the equipment level) immediately after shifting out of re-verse gear, or selector lever position R, with an inactive ParkPilot screen dis-play.
OR: accelerate forwards to a speed greater than approximately 1 0-15 km/ h (6-9 mph).
Press a button, e.g.(RADIOl. on the factory-fitted radio or navigation system.
OR: touch the 0 function button.
Select reverse gear or move the selector lever to position R.
OR: touch the button.
Special features of ParkPilot • No acoustic signal is given in vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG® if the selector lever is in position P. • In some cases, the ParkPilot registers water and ice on the ultrasound sensors as an obstacle.
• The acoustic warning will become quieter after a few seconds if the distance remains the same. The volume will remain constant if the signal tone is continuous.
• The intermittent signal tone switches off auto-matically as soon as the vehicle moves away from an obstacle again. If the vehicle approaches the obstacle again, the acoustic warning is switched on automatically.
288 I While driving
• The ParkPilot ultrasound sensors cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to the trailer.
• A Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership can adjust the volume of the acoustic warning sig-

Special features of ParkPilot
• In some cases, the ParkPilot registers water and ice on the ultrasound sensors as an obstacle.
• The acoustic warning will become quieter after a few seconds if the distance remains the same. The volume will remain constant if the signal tone is continuous.
• The intermittent signal tone switches off auto-matically as soon as the vehicle moves away from an obstacle again. If the vehicle approaches the obstade again, the acoustic warning is switched on automatically.
• No acoustic signal is given in vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG® if the selector lever is in position P.
ParkPilot signal tones and displays
Fig. 232 ParkPilot screen display (colour display).
r--f"'n First read and observe the introductory L-.I=.U Information and safety warnings & on page 287.
Key to diagram
Fig. 232 Meaning
® Monitored area behind the vehide.
® Scanned area in front of the vehicle.
l J
•
0
•
290 I
The yellow segment represents an obstacle in the vehicle's path.
Red segment depicts an obstacle close to the vehicle.
The grey segment represents an obstacle outside of the vehicle's path.
Black segment depicts an obstacle (monochrome display).
While droving
• The rear ultrasound ParkPilot sensors cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to the trailer.
• A Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership can adjust the volume of the acoustic warning sig-nals.
CD
Failure to observe the illuminated text messag-es can lead to the vehicle being damaged. The areas to the front and rear of the vehicle that are scanned by ultrasound sensors are shown on the screen of the factory-fitted radio or navigation system. The positions of potential obstacles are displayed relative to the vehicle &.
The areas to the front (only with ParkPilot front and rear) and rear of the vehicle are fully scanned by the ultrasound sensors.
Acoustic signals and screen
Acoustic signals are given when the vehicle ap-proaches an obstacle located in the range of the ultrasound sensors. An intermittent signal tone is given if a sufficiently short distance between the vehicle and an obstacle is detected. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals. The signal tone will sound continuously if the obstacle is very close.
If you continue to drive the vehide closer to the ob-sta de despite the continuous signal tone, the sys-tem will no longer be able to measure the distance.
With some vehicle equipment levels the scanned areas may be displayed as several segments in a display. The closer the vehicle drives lowards an obstacle, the closer the segment will move to the vehicle in the display. The collision area has been reached when the penultimate segment is dis-played, if not before. Do not drive onl .,..

Vehicles with ParkPilot at the front and rear
Segment colour if an
Area of the vehicle Distance of the vehicle Acoustic sig-obstacle has been de-from an obstacle nal tected (colour display only)
® Rear centre approx. 31 -160 cm
Rear side approx. 31 -60 cm Intermittent Yellow
® Front centre approx. 31 -120 cm tone
Front side approx. 31 -60 cm
@and@ Obstacle close approx. 0 -30 cm Constant tone Red to the vehicle8)
•) The distance range for the constant lone to the rear of the vehicle is slightly larger for vehicles w1th a factory-filled towing bracket.
When towing a trailer
In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket and a trailer connected via the vehicle electrics, a cor-responding display appears on the screen of the factory-fitted radio or navigation system, depend-ing on the vehicle equipment level. The distance behind the vehicle will then no longer be shown.
Muting the ParkPilot signal tones
The acoustic signals for the ParkPilot can be mut-ed by touching the @function button on the screen (in colour display only). Touch the function button again to switch the acoustic signals back on.
Reversing camera (Rear Assist)
o:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
General information ..................... . Camera.
292 293
Operating the rear view camera system . . . . . 294
....................... 2%
The reversing camera (Rear Assist)
makes it easier for the driver to see be-
hind the vehicle when parking or revers-
ing.
A camera in the tailgate 233 helps the driver when reverse parking or manoeuvring the vehicle. The camera picture and the orientation lines pro-jected by the system are displayed on the screen of the factory-fitted radio or navigation system.
The mute setting will be cancelled if the ParkPilot system is switched off and on again. Error warn-ings cannot be switched off.
If the ParkPilot display has been switched off man-ually and ParkPilot remains active, the mute set-ting is also cancelled.
A WARNING
Do not allow the Images shown on the screen to distract you from the traffic around you.
m it can take a few seconds for the acoustic or W optical signals to be given. The functions and displays of the rear view camera system may differ between vehicles, depending on whether or not they are fitted with ParkPilot.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views =>page 5
• ParkPilot 287
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
• Radio or navigation system Radio, provision for mobile telephone, infotainment sys-tem, navigation system
A WARNING
Using the rear view camera system to esti-mate the distance from obstacles (people, ve-hicles etc.) Is Inaccurate and could cause ac-cidents and severe injuries. 11>
Driver assist systems I 291