Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Introduction
The following systems may be installed in your vehicle:
The manual climate control system warms, cools, and removes humidity from the air.
Climatronic is an automatic air conditioning system which warms, cools and dehumidifies the air. In automatic mode, Climatronic can automatically control the air temperature, air distribution and the volume of air.
The air conditioner is most effective when the vehicle interior is kept closed. If there is a build-up of heat inside the vehicle, ventilation can help to speed up the cooling process.
Fig. 82 In the upper section of the center console: Climate control bar for the manual climate control system.
Fig. 83 In the upper section of the center console: Climate control bar for the Climatronic system.
Display of activated functions
Illuminated LEDss on the buttons indicate that the function is activated.
WARNING
Poor visibility through the windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents that can cause serious injury.
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Keep all windows free of ice, snow, and fog to have good visibility.
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Adjust the heating, air conditioner, and rear window defroster to a setting where the windows do not fog up.
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Only start driving when all windows are clear.
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Only use recirculation mode for a short time. Otherwise, the windows could fog up very quickly and greatly reduce visibility.
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Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not necessary.
NOTICE
Food, medication, and objects that are sensitive to heat or cold can become damaged or unusable from the air coming out of the vents.
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Do not place any food, medication, or other objects that are sensitive to temperature in front of the vents.
NOTICE
If the air conditioner is not working, switch it off immediately to prevent subsequent damage. Have the air conditioner checked by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Overview of the functions
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ 
and
Introduction.
Some functions and buttons, as well as a climate control bar for the rear seats, depend on the equipment.
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Adjust the blower speed.
Adjust the temperature.
The Climatronic displays show the set temperatures.
Apply temperature settings for the driver side to all seats.
The set air temperature is maintained constant. The air volume and air distribution are automatically controlled. Automatic mode switches off when the blower speed is changed manually.
Switch air recirculation on and off ⇒ Air recirculation.
The air is cooled and dehumidified in cooling mode.
Switch the maximum cooling output on and off.
Air recirculation is switched on automatically and Climatronic automatically directs air to the upper body.
The air conditioning system's defrost function clears the windshield of fog and ice.
The air must be dehumidified when the defrost function is switched on. Therefore when the defrost function is switched on, you cannot switch air recirculation on or cooling mode off.
The Climatronic defrost function clears fog and ice from the windshield.
The air is dehumidified and the blower is set to a higher speed.
Switch the rear window defroster on and off while the engine is running.
The rear window defroster switches off automatically after maximum 10 minutes.
Switch seat heating on and off ⇒ Seat heating.
Direct air to the upper body.
Direct air into the footwell.
Direct air to the upper body and into the footwell.
Direct air onto the windshield and into the footwell.
Direct air onto the windshield.
NOTICE
To reduce the risk of damage to the rear window defroster, do not apply any stickers on the heating wires on the inside of the window.
In order to save fuel, switch off the rear window defroster as soon as possible.
Air recirculation
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ andIntroduction.
No fresh air will enter the vehicle interior when recirculation mode is switched on.
Switching air recirculation on and off
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Press the
button in the climate control bar.
Air recirculation switches off automatically
If one of the following conditions is met, air recirculation switches off automatically ⇒ :
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The defrost function is switched on.
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A sensor detects that the vehicle windows could fog up.
WARNING
Lack of air circulation can lead to sudden driver fatigue and lack of concentration, which can cause collisions, accidents, and serious injuries.
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Never use recirculation mode for long periods of time, because this prevents fresh air from entering the passenger compartment.
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Only use recirculation mode for a short time. Otherwise, the windows could fog up very quickly and greatly reduce visibility.
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Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not necessary.
NOTICE
Do not smoke in the vehicle when air recirculation is switched on. The smoke can settle on the refrigerant system evaporator and the active combination filter and cause permanent odors.
Climatronic: When reverse gear is engaged or while the automatic wash and wipe system is on, recirculation mode switches on automatically so that no odors will enter the vehicle interior.
Manual air conditioning system: At very high outside temperatures, air recirculation helps to briefly cool down the vehicle interior faster.
Seat heating
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ andIntroduction.
When the engine is running, the front seats and outer rear seats may be electrically heated in three stages.
Seat heating levels
The operating status of the seat heating is shown in colors:
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At the highest heating level, all three LEDss come on.
Using the seat heating function
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In order to switch on the seat heating at the highest heating level, press the
or 
button in the climate control bar. -
To set the heating level, press the
button or the button repeatedly. -
To turn off the seat heating, press the
or button repeatedly until the LEDs turns off.
If the engine is restarted within approximately ten minutes, the last heating level set for the driver seat is automatically turned on.
When should the seat heating function not be turned on?
Do not turn on the seat heating function under any of the following conditions:
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The seat is occupied by a person with a limited perception of pain or temperature →
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The seat is not occupied
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The seat is covered with a seat cover
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A child restraint is installed on the seat
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The seat surface is damp or wet
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The interior or exterior temperature is higher than +77 °F (+25 °C).
WARNING
Magnetic fields are generated when the seat heating is operated. In individual cases, these magnetic fields can have effects on active medical implants (e.g. pacemakers).
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Wearers of an active medical implant should consult their doctor or the manufacturer of their implant before operating the seat heating.
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If necessary, make your vehicle occupants aware of this as well.
WARNING
People who cannot feel pain or perceive temperature or can do so only to a limited extent, due to medication, paralysis or chronic illnesses such as diabetes, could develop burns or hypothermia on the back, buttocks and legs when using seat heating. Such injuries may take a very long time to heal or may never heal completely. Contact a medical doctor for questions about personal health conditions.
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People with a limited perception of pain and/or temperature must never use the seat heating function.
WARNING
If the seat cover is soaked through, this can cause the seat heating to malfunction and increase the risk of burns.
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Make sure the seat surface is dry before using the seat heating function.
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Never sit on the seat while wearing damp or wet clothing.
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Do not place any damp or wet objects and clothing on the seat.
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Do not pour any fluids on the seat.
NOTICE
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To prevent damage to the seat heating elements, never kneel on the seats or exert pressure on the seating surface and backrest with sharp or pointed objects.
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Fluids, sharp objects, and insulating materials, for example a protective cover or child restraint, can damage the seat heating function.
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If any odor starts to develop, turn off the seat heating immediately and have it checked by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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If the original seat cover is replaced with a different material, the seat heating may overheat or the operation of the seat heating may be restricted.
In order to save fuel, switch off the seat heating as soon as possible.
Troubleshooting
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ andIntroduction.
The cooling mode cannot be switched on or the function is limited
The cooling mode only works when the engine is running and at ambient temperatures above +3 °C (+38 °F).
If the engine gets very hot, cooling mode will be switched off.
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Switch on the fan.
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Check the safeguard on the air conditioning system ⇒ Replacing fuses.
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Change active combination filters ⇒ Service.
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If the malfunction persists, contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The heat cannot be switched on or the function is limited
The heating and defrost function operates better when the engine is warm.
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If the malfunction persists, contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The windows are fogged up
The windows fog up when they are colder than the ambient temperature and the air is very humid. Cold air does not absorb as much moisture as warm air which is why windows fog up more frequently during cold seasons.
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Keep the air intake in front of the windshield free of ice, snow, and leaves to improve the heat and cooling output ⇒ Vehicle care.
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Leave the air duct in the rear section of the luggage compartment uncovered so that air can flow through the vehicle from front to back.
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Switch on the defrost function ⇒ Overview of the functions.
The temperature unit has changed
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Changing the temperature units for all temperature displays in the vehicle using the instrument cluster menu ⇒ Settings menu.
Water or water vapor under the vehicle
In the case of high outside humidity and temperatures, condensation can drip from the air conditioning system evaporator and pool under the vehicle. This is normal and does not mean there is a leak in the system.