Braking assistance systems
Information about braking assistance systems
Braking assistance systems can assist the driver in critical driving and braking situations. The driver is always responsible for safe driving .
If a braking assistance system is regulating, continue braking with the necessary force and, if necessary, steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the braking assistance systems cannot overcome the natural laws of physics and it can only operate within the limits of the system. Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to loss of vehicle control and serious injuries to the driver and passengers.
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Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Do not take any risks.
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Braking assistance systems cannot prevent a collision, for example if you are driving too close to other vehicles.
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Always use suitable tires. Driving stability depends on the tires' ability to grip the road.
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Always keep the footwell beneath the pedals clear so that the brake pedal is unobstructed and can move freely.
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ESC, ABS and ASR only function correctly when all four wheels have the intended tires .
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If the ABS malfunctions, the ESC, ASR and EDS also fail.
When the ignition is switched on, the condition of the braking functions is automatically checked. The indicator lights will come on briefly and then turn off. If an indicator light remains on permanently, there is a malfunction. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility immediately. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems that affect driving dynamics are not maintained correctly or are malfunctioning. This applies in particular to changes made to the suspension and any non-approved wheel and tire combinations.
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Ensure that conversion and modifications to the vehicle are only performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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Always use suitable tires. Driving stability depends on the tires' ability to grip the road.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ESC is regulating the vehicle to reduce the risk of skidding and improve driving stability . The indicator light flashes yellow.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- ASR is regulating the vehicle to reduce the risk of the wheels spinning. The indicator light flashes yellow.
ASR reduces drive power at wheels that are spinning and adapts the drive power to the road conditions. ASR makes it easier to start, accelerate, and drive up hills .
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking so that the vehicle can be steered .
Brake Assist System (BAS)
BAS can help to reduce the vehicle braking distance. BAS increases braking power when the driver presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency situations .
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)
EDS automatically applies the brakes to a wheel that starts spinning and transfers the drive power to the other driving wheels.
XDS improves traction with braking support to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
Multi Collision Brake
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System automatically brakes the vehicle if the airbag control module has detected a collision in an accident situation.
Requirements for automatic braking:
The driver does not press the accelerator pedal.
Brake booster
The braking support only functions when the engine is running and it enhances the pressure applied to the brake pedal by the driver.
If the braking support is not working or the vehicle is being towed, you will need to press the brake pedal harder because the lack of braking assistance will increase the braking distance .
WARNING
Driving without the brake booster or when the brake booster’s functionality is limited can increase the braking distance significantly, increasing the risk of accidents and serious injury.
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Never stop the engine or switch the ignition off while the vehicle is moving.
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If the braking support is not working or the vehicle is being towed, you will need to press the brake pedal harder because the lack of braking assistance will increase the braking distance.
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Always keep the footwell beneath the pedals clear so that the brake pedal is unobstructed and can move freely.
Switching the braking support system on and off
Driving situations
In order to avoid risks, the brake systems should not be switched off under normal conditions .
WARNING
When ESC is switched off, the risk of the vehicle swerving is significantly higher. The vehicle can be difficult for inexperienced drivers to handle at high speeds. Accidents and serious injuries could result.
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Only switch off ESC if you are driving on a closed track and are experienced in sporty driving.
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Only switch on ESC Sport if you are driving on a closed track and are experienced in sporty driving.
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Never take risks, and note the physical limits of the vehicle.
Switching on and off
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Open the vehicle settings of the Infotainment system .
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Open the settings for parking systems.
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Select the function.
If the driving situation no longer exists, the brake system should be switched on again completely .
ASR
It can be helpful to switch off ASR when the vehicle is driven on loose ground or when “rocking” the vehicle out of place because it is stuck .
- ASR manually switched off. The yellow indicator light turns on.
ESC Sport
The function assists with sporty driving. The ESC intervenes later to stabilize the vehicle, e.g. during fast cornering .
- ESC Sport is switched on. The yellow indicator light turns on.
ESC Off
The function assists with sporty driving for experienced drivers. The ESC is switched off and stabilizing interventions are not performed. Always read the safety instructions .
- ESC manually switched off. The yellow indicator light turns on.
Troubleshooting
or 
ABS failure or malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on.
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Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
ESC malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on. ESC has been switched off.
There is a fault or malfunction.
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Switch the ignition off and on.
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Drive a short distance at a speed of approximately 15 km/h (approx. 9 mph) to 20 km/h (approx. 12 mph).
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If the
indicator light stays on, contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Noises in the braking assistance systems
When the braking assistance systems are actively regulating, the brake pedal may move or noises may occur.
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Continue braking with the necessary force and, if necessary, steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If the brake warning lamp 
or 
turns on together with the 
or 
indicator light, the regulating function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. This could cause the rear wheels to lock relatively quickly when braking. Locked rear wheels can lead to loss of vehicle control.
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If possible, reduce your speed and drive slowly and carefully to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
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If the ABS indicator light does not turn off, or turns on during the journey, the ABS is not working correctly. The vehicle can only be stopped with the normal brakes (without ABS). The security provided by the ABS is not available. Visit an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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