Lane Change System (Side Assist)
Introduction
The Lane Change System (Side Assist) helps the driver by detecting traffic behavior behind the vehicle.
Radar sensors monitor the area behind the vehicle. The system measures the distance and difference in speed to other vehicles and informs the driver through visual signals in the outside mirrors.
System limitations
Only use the Lane Change System on secure roads.
The Lane Change System may not interpret the traffic situation correctly in some situations, for example:
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In tight curves.
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When driving in the center of two lanes.
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When lanes have different widths.
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When driving at the top of a hill.
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In poor weather conditions.
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When certain types of equipment are on the side of the road, such as high or offset guard rails.
WARNING
The intelligent technology of the Lane Change System (Side Assist) cannot overcome the laws of physics and it can only operate within the limits of the system. Do not allow the increased convenience of the Lane Change System (Side Assist) to tempt you into taking risks. Careless or unintended use of the Lane Change System (Side Assist) can cause accidents and serious injuries. The system cannot replace the driver's attention.
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Always adapt your speed and remain a safe distance to vehicles driving ahead according to the visual, weather, road, and traffic conditions.
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Always keep your hands on the steering wheel so that you are prepared to steer at any time.
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Pay attention to the displays in the outside mirror glass and in the instrument cluster display, and act accordingly.
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Always pay attention to the area around your vehicle.
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Never use the Lane Change System (Side Assist) if the radar sensors are dirty, covered up, or damaged. The function of the system may be impaired in such cases.
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Sunlight may reduce the visibility of the visual display in the outside mirror.
The radar sensors calibrate once, on the first kilometer of a journey after the vehicle is delivered, and then again if the sensor technology has been repaired. The range of the sensors may be limited during the calibration phase.
Driving with the lane change system
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice .
Switching on and off
You can view the switched on condition of Side Assist in the instrument cluster display and in the Infotainment system. You can also switch Side Assist on and off there.
In the instrument cluster display:
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Press the
button. -
Switch the Lane Change System (Side Assist) on or off.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the button is located either on the multi-function steering wheel or the turn signal and high beam lever.
In the Infotainment system:
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Open the Assistance systems menu.
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Switch the Lane Change System (Side Assist) on or off in the corresponding submenu.
Fig. 135 In the outside mirror: Visual indicators for Side Assist.
When the Lane Change System (Side Assist) is switched on, the yellow indicator light 
comes on once briefly in the outside mirror.
System function
The switched on lane change system is active from approximately 9 mph (approximately 15 km/h). The lane change system deactivates at a speed below approximately 6 mph (approximately 10 km/h).
In the following driving situations, the yellow indicator light in the outside mirror will come on:
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When your vehicle is passed.
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When passing another vehicle and the difference in speed between the two vehicles is up to approximately 9 mph (approximately 15 km/h). There is no indicator if the passing speed is clearly faster.
If a vehicle was detected in the blind spot and the turn signal on the side where the vehicle was detected is activated , then the yellow indicator light flashes.
The faster another vehicle approaches, the sooner the display in the outside mirror will turn on.
Lane change system “Side Assist Plus”
When driving with the Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), a corrective steering intervention warns drivers when a possibly critical situation is detected when changing lanes (level, warning level), if the Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) is switched on. Corrective steering also occurs if the turn signal is activated for the respective side. If the corrective steering is overridden by the driver, an additional warning is given with a steering wheel vibration.
Automatic deactivation
The lane change system switches off automatically if the radar sensors are permanently covered. For example, this could be from ice or snow covering the radar sensor.
A message will appear in the instrument cluster display.
If the Lane Change System (Side Assist) is automatically deactivated, the system can be activated only after switching the ignition off and back on.
If you use the trailer hitch installed at the factory and have made the required electrical connection, the Lane Change System (Side Assist) will switch off automatically. Once you have disconnected the electrical connection, the Lane Change System (Side Assist) will be automatically switched on again. For trailer hitches that were not installed at the factory, you must switch the Lane Change System (Side Assist) off and on again manually.
Brightness
The brightness of the visual display adapts it self automatically to the ambient brightness.
You can set the default brightness of the display in the Assistance systems menu of the Infotainment system. The lane change system is not active while making the settings.
Troubleshooting
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice .
Lane change system malfunctioning
Malfunction or fault. The yellow indicator light turns on. In addition, the yellow central warning light 
comes on.
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Contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Malfunctioning sensor view, malfunction message, system switches off automatically
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Clean the radar sensors and remove labels or accessories from the radar sensors .
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Check if there is any noticeable damage.
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If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The system is functioning differently than expected
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The radar sensors could be dirty . In addition to dirt and snow, the sensor range can also be impaired by soap residue or other coatings.
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The system conditions are not met .
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The radar sensors could be covered by water.
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The vehicle could be damaged in the radar sensor area, for example from parking barriers.
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The coverage areas of the radar sensors could be blocked by attachments, for example by bicycle carriers.
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The paint may have been changed or other structural modifications may have bee made near the radar sensors, for example to the front of the vehicle or to the suspension.
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The side mirrors may be covered with after-market tinting films.
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If the problem persists, contact 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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