Steering
Steering system information
To help prevent vehicle theft, you should always make sure the steering column is locked before leaving the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electromechanical power steering system. The power steering works only when the engine is running.
The electromechanical power steering system automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers extra steering force only when you are actually turning the wheels.
In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected driving mode can affect the steering behavior .
Electronic steering column lock (vehicles with Keyless Access)
In vehicles with a starter button, the steering column is locking electronically:
- Bring the vehicle to a stop.
- Automatic or DSG transmission: Shift the transmission to Park (P).
- Switch off the ignition and then open the driver door. The steering column is locked.
If the steering column should not be locked, first open the driver door, and then switch off the ignition. The steering column will not lock until the vehicle is locked.
Mechanical steering column lock (vehicles without Keyless Access)
In vehicles with an ignition switch, the steering column is locked mechanically:
- Bring the vehicle to a stop.
- Automatic or DSG transmission: Shift the transmission to Park (P).
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition switch.
- Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering column lock clicks into place.
To disengage the steering column lock, insert the vehicle key into the ignition switch. Turn the steering wheel slightly to take pressure off the steering column lock. Hold the steering wheel in this position and turn the ignition switch.
Power steering
Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.
If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.
Counter-steering assistance
Counter-steering assistance makes it easier for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a surface that provides uneven traction, counter-steering assistance detects this situation and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power .
Progressive steering (Golf GTI, Golf R only)
Your vehicle may be equipped with progressive steering, which can adjust the force of the steering movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only works when the engine is running.
In city traffic, less steering input is required when parking, maneuvering, or turning sharply.
When driving on country roads or highways, the progressive steering provides a more sporty, direct steering response and a more dynamic feel.
WARNING
Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the power steering system is not working. This makes it harder to steer and control the vehicle.
- Power steering works only when the engine is running.
- Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off.
- Never remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter button while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The electronic steering column could suddenly lock, you would not be able to steer, and you could lose control of the vehicle, crash, and seriously injure yourself and others.
WARNING
The counter-steering assistance in ESC can do no more than help the driver steer in difficult situations. The driver must still control the vehicle. The vehicle does not steer by itself with this feature!
NOTE
If the ignition is off, the steering column lock will engage and the vehicle cannot be steered. For this reason, you must leave the ignition on when going through an automatic car wash, for example, so that the wheels will still steer.
NOTE
When towing the vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope, always leave the ignition on to prevent the steering wheel from locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, windshield wipers, and window washer system can be used.
Tips and troubleshooting
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
Power steering malfunction
The red warning light comes on or flashes.
The electronic steering column lock is malfunctioning.
Stop! Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
- When the red warning light comes on and stays on, the power steering may be reduced or lost completely. It may be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.
- When the red warning light flashes, The steering column lock cannot be unlocked. Get professional assistance.
Steering malfunction
The yellow indicator light comes on or flashes.
When the indicator light comes on and stays on, restart the engine, and slowly drive a short distance. If the indicator light stays on, have the steering checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
- Turn the steering wheel back and forth.
- Switch the ignition off and then switch it on again.
- Heed any messages shown in the instrument cluster display, if applicable.
- Do not drive any farther if the indicator light continues to flash after you switch on the ignition. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
- Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
- Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn on the emergency flashers, switch off the engine, and use other warning devices to warn approaching traffic.
- Park the vehicle where no part of the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
NOTE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
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