Steering
Steering information
To make it more difficult to steal the vehicle, the steering must always be locked before leaving the vehicle.
Steering
The power steering is either hydraulic or electromechanical. Neither variant works when the engine is not running.
Hydraulic power steering works with hydraulic hoses, hydraulic fluid, a pump, a filter and other parts, which generate constant oil pressure in the hydraulic system.
Electromechanical power steering supplies energy only during the steering process and adjusts automatically based on the vehicle speed, steering torque and the steering wheel angle.
Electronic steering column lock on vehicles with a starter button
On vehicles with a starter button, the steering column is electronically locked:
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Stop the vehicle and, if necessary, move the selector lever to position P.
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Switch the ignition off and then open the driver's door. The steering column will be locked.
If the steering column does not lock, first open the driver's door and then switch the ignition off. As long as the vehicle is unlocked, the steering column also stays unlocked.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lock)
On vehicles with an ignition lock, the steering column is locked mechanically:
Locking the steering column:
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Stop the vehicle and, if necessary, move the selector lever to position P.
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Remove the vehicle key.
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Turn the steering wheel slightly, until you hear the steering lock engage.
Unlocking the steering column:
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Turn the steering wheel slightly to release the steering lock.
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Insert the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
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Hold the steering wheel in position and switch on the ignition.
Electromechanical steering
Power steering on an electromechanical steering system adjusts automatically based on the driving speed, the steering torque, and the steering angle of the wheels. Electromechanical power steering works only when the engine is running.
If the power steering system is impaired or malfunctioning, a significantly greater amount of force than normal must be used to steer.
Countersteering assist
The countersteering assist provides the driver with steering assistance in critical driving situations. Additional steering power supports the driver when countersteering ⇒ 
.
WARNING
If the power steering is not functioning, the steering wheel becomes stiff, making it much more difficult to steer, which can in turn result in loss of control of the vehicle, accidents, serious injuries or death.
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Depending on the equipment, power steering may only work when the engine is running.
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Never let the vehicle roll when the engine is stopped.
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Never remove the remote vehicle key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock could engage and you would not be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The countersteering assist together with the ESC assists the driver when steering the vehicle in critical driving situations. The driver must always steer the vehicle in every scenario. The vehicle is not steered by the countersteering assist.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is being towed, switch on the ignition so that the turn signals, horn, windshield wipers, and the windshield washer system can be activated.
Troubleshooting
Steering malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on or flashes.
The steering is stiffer or more sensitive than usual.
The indicator light comes on and remains on:
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Restart the engine and drive the vehicle slowly for a short distance.
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If the indicator light stays on, contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.
The indicator light flashes:
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Turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly.
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Switch the ignition off and back on.
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Pay attention to the messages in the instrument cluster display.
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If the indicator light continues to flash after switching the ignition back on, do not continue driving. Contact professional assistance qualified in this respect.
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