Towing
Introduction
Towing requires practice, particularly if a towing cable is used. Both drivers should be familiar with the special considerations when towing. Inexperienced drivers should not tow.
Follow all applicable laws when towing.
Always make sure the towing force does not exceed the permitted level and there are no shock loading conditions. There is always the risk of the coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-road.
Towing
Towing refers to using a vehicle to pull another vehicle that cannot be driven.
The vehicle can be towed using a tow bar or tow rope:
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The maximum permissible speed is 30 mph (50 km/h).
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The maximum permissible distance is 30 miles (50 km).
The easiest and safest way to tow is using a tow bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow bar is not available.
The towing cable should be elastic to protect both vehicles. Use a cable made of synthetic rubber or a similar elastic material.
Towing with a tow truck
If your vehicle will be raised by one axle when towing, only the axle listed below may be raised, depending on the transmission and engine combination:
Front-wheel drive
- Automatic transmission
- Front axle
- Manual transmission
- Front axle
All-wheel drive (4MOTION)
- Automatic transmission
- Front axle
- Manual transmission
- Front axle
WARNING
The vehicle handling and braking efficiency will change considerably when it is towed.
WARNING
Never tow a vehicle that has no electrical power.
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Never turn off the ignition with the starter button while towing. Otherwise, the electronic steering column lock could engage suddenly. The vehicle cannot be steered if this happens. This can result in crashes, serious injuries, and a loss of control of the vehicle.
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Never remove the remote control vehicle key from the ignition lock while towing. Otherwise, the mechanical steering column lock or steering lock could engage suddenly. The vehicle cannot be steered if this happens. This can result in crashes, serious injuries, and a loss of control of the vehicle.
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If the vehicle loses power while it is being towed, stop towing the vehicle immediately and see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
NOTICE
Towing with a towing cable or tow bar can cause damage to the vehicle.
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Tow the vehicle carefully when using a towing cable or tow bar.
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If possible, have the immobilized vehicle transported with a recovery vehicle.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, the taillights, side spoiler on the rear window, and large sections of sheet metal could be damaged and the rear spoiler could detach.
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When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the taillights, side spoiler on the rear window, large sections of sheet metal, or the rear spoiler.
NOTICE
Removing and installing the towing eye and the cover can cause vehicle damage, such as paint damage.
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Remove and install the towing eye and cover carefully to reduce the risk of vehicle damage.
NOTICE
Using a towing eye that is not suitable for the vehicle can damage the vehicle.
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When towing, always use the towing eye enclosed with your own vehicle in the vehicle tool kit, or another towing eye suitable for the vehicle.
Instructions for towing
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice and
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A vehicle being towed can still signal a turn using the turn signals even if the emergency flashers are switched on. To do this when the ignition is switched on, activate the turn signal for the desired direction. The emergency flashers will stop while the turn signal is active. The emergency flashers will activate again once the turn signal lever returns to the neutral position.
When may this vehicle not be towed?
The vehicle must not be towed in the following situations:
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If the 12 V vehicle battery is drained.
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The indicator in the instrument cluster display does not function perfectly.
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If the towing distance is greater than 30 miles (50 km).
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The selector lever of the automatic transmission cannot be moved to neutral (position N).
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The electronic parking brake cannot be released.
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The steering column lock cannot be released.
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If the wheel clearance or the steering function can no longer be secured after an accident.
If the vehicle cannot be towed on its own wheels due to one of the conditions listed, contact professional assistance and have the vehicle transported by a rescue vehicle, if necessary.
Towing
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice and.
Secure the tow rope or tow bar only at the permitted points:
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Towing lug.
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Ball mount.
Preparations
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Make sure the tow rope is not twisted. Otherwise it could disconnect from the towing eye while towing.
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Switch the ignition and emergency flashers on in both vehicles. However, do not do this if it is prohibited by law.
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Read and comply with the information and instructions for towing given in the Owner's Manual for the other vehicle.
Towing vehicle (front)
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Only start to drive when the tow rope is taut.
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Be especially careful when accelerating.
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Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
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Do not exceed the permitted towing weight of the vehicle.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
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Make sure the ignition is switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that the turn signal and windshield wiper can be used if needed.
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Release the electronic parking brake.
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Make sure the tow rope is always taut.
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Select selector lever position “N”.
The brake booster and power steering only work when the engine is running. Otherwise, the brake pedal needs to be pressed much harder and more force is required to steer.
WARNING
Never secure the tow rope or the tow bar to axle or suspension components. They can be damaged and cause accidents and serious injuries.
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Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a recovery vehicle, if necessary.
NOTICE
The vehicle can only be towed if the battery charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery is sufficient and the electronic parking brake and steering column lock can be released. If there is a loss of power or the electrical system is malfunctioning, the engine may need to be jump-started or the vehicle's drive system may need to be reactivated in order to release the electronic parking brake and steering column lock.
Installing the front towing eye
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice and.
Depending on the country and vehicle equipment, the mount for the towing eye is situated behind the bumper cover.
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Before having it towed, check that your vehicle has a threaded mount for the towing lug.
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Otherwise, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away by a recovery vehicle if necessary.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Read and heed the information about towing .
Installing the front towing eye
Fig. 181 In the right front bumper: towing eye.
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Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment .
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Press on the corresponding part of the cover (arrow) to release the lock on the cover
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Remove the cover toward the front and let it hang from the vehicle.
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Rotate the towing eye counterclockwise and tighten as far as it will go to install it in the opening
. Use a suitable object to tighten the towing eye completely and securely in the mount. -
After the vehicle is towed, unscrew the towing eye clockwise.
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Insert the outer tab on the cover into the opening in the bumper and press on the opposite section of the cover until the tab locks into the bumper.
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If necessary, clean the towing eye and return it to the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.
NOTICE
The towing eye must always be installed completely and securely in the mount. Otherwise, the towing eye could pull out of the mount when towing the vehicle.
Installing the rear towing eye
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice and.
Depending on the country and vehicle equipment, the mount for the towing eye is situated behind the bumper cover.
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Before having it towed, check that your vehicle has a threaded mount for the towing lug.
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Otherwise, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away by a recovery vehicle if necessary.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Read and heed the information about towing .
Installing the rear towing eye
Fig. 182 In the right rear bumper: threaded towing eye.
- Cover in the bumper.
- Towing lug.
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Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment .
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To release the lock on the cover, press on the lower section of the cover (arrow)
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Remove the cover and let it hang from the vehicle.
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Rotate the towing eye counterclockwise and tighten as far as it will go to install it in the opening
. Use a suitable object to tighten the towing eye completely and securely in the mount. -
After the vehicle is towed, unscrew the towing eye clockwise.
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Insert the cap into the respective opening and press in until it engages.
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If necessary, clean the towing eye and return it to the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.
NOTICE
The towing eye must always be installed completely and securely in the mount. Otherwise, the towing eye could pull out of the mount when towing the vehicle.
Vehicles with a trailer hitch
In vehicles with a factory-equipped trailer hitch, there is no mount for the threaded towing eye behind the cover.
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To tow, swivel the ball mount out or attach and use it .
NOTICE
Vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch may only tow other vehicles with a towing bar that is designed specially for mounting on a ball mount. Using an unsuitable towing bar could damage the ball hitch and the vehicle.
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Use a tow rope instead of a tow bar for towing.
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