Get Towing Guide for Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

Or: If there is no negative terminal (–) jump-start point, connect the end of the black jumper cable to a large metal part that is bolted securely to the engine

block, or the engine block itself, on the vehicle with the 12 V vehicle battery providing current ﬁg. 183

6. Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal (–) jump-start point on the vehicle with the discharged 12 V vehicle battery ﬁg. 183

⇒

7. Route the jumper cables so that they cannot become caught in moving parts in the engine compartment.

Start the engine

1. Start the engine in the vehicle that is providing current and allow it to idle.

2. Wait a few minutes and then start the vehicle's engine with the discharged 12 V vehicle battery. If the engine does not start, stop the starting process after ten

seconds, and try again after approximately one minute.

If the engine still will not start, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Removing the jumper cables

1. Before disconnecting the jumper cables, switch off the low beam headlight if necessary.

2. In the vehicle with the drained 12 V vehicle battery, switch on the blower for the air conditioner and the rear window defroster. This will reduce any voltage

surges that may occur when disconnected.

3. Once the vehicle has been jump-started, always disconnect the jumper cables in the order D – C – B – A ﬁg. 183.

4. Close the cover of the positive terminal (+), if ﬁtted.

After successful jump-starting, have the 12 V vehicle battery checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen

recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Performing a jump-start incorrectly can cause the 12 V vehicle battery to explode, which can cause serious injuries.

Always wear suitable protective eyewear and protective gloves, and never bend over the 12 V vehicle battery.

Always connect the positive cable ﬁrst and then the negative cable.

Never connect the negative terminal to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.

Ensure that there is no contact between the non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps.

Make sure the cable insulation is free from any defects.

Make sure that the cable that is connected to the positive battery terminal on the 12 V vehicle battery does not come into contact with any vehicle

components that conduct electricity.

NOTICE

A drained 12 V vehicle battery can freeze at temperatures around +32°F (0 °C).

Do not jump-start a frozen or thawed 12 V vehicle battery.

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 becomin

overloaded when driving off-road.

WARNING

The vehicle handling and braking efﬁciency will change considerably when it is towed.

WARNING

Never tow a vehicle that has no electrical power.

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.

Never remove the remote control vehicle key from the ignition lock while towing. Otherwise, the mechanical steering column lock or steering lock could

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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.

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

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.

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.

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:

The maximum permissible speed is 30 mph (50 km/h).

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

Vehicle components can be badly damaged by incorrectly attached tow ropes or tow bars. This increases the risk of accident and could result in serious injuries.

Only ever secure the vehicle to be recovered and towed at the points designed for this purpose.

Never secure the tow rope or the tow bar to axle or suspension components.

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a tow truck, if necessary.

Instructions for towing

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and Introduction.

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 automatically activate

again once the turn signal and high beam lever returns to the neutral position.

When may this vehicle not be towed?

The vehicle must not be towed in the following situations:

If the 12 V vehicle battery is drained.

The indicator in the instrument cluster display does not function perfectly.

If the towing distance is greater than 30 miles (50 km).

The selector lever of the automatic transmission cannot be moved to neutral (position N).

The electronic parking brake cannot be released.

The steering column lock cannot be released.

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 tow truck

if necessary.

Towing

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Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and Introduction.

Secure the tow rope or tow bar only at the permitted points:

Towing lug.

Ball mount.

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.

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a tow truck, if necessary.

Preparations

Make sure the tow rope is not twisted. Otherwise it could disconnect from the towing eye while towing.

Switch the ignition and emergency ﬂashers on in both vehicles. However, do not do this if it is prohibited by law.

Read and comply with the information and instructions for towing given in the Owner's Manual for the other vehicle.

Towing vehicle (front)

1. Only start to drive when the tow rope is taut.

2. Be especially careful when accelerating.

3. Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.

4. Do not exceed the permitted towing weight of the vehicle.

Vehicle being towed (rear)

1. Make sure the ignition is always switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that the turn signal and windshield wiper can be used if needed.

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.

2. Make sure the vehicle key is always in the vehicle during the towing process

⇒

Introduction.

3. For vehicles with an automatic gearbox: Select the selector lever position

4. Release the electronic parking brake.

5. Make sure the tow rope is always taut.

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 rear towing eye

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and Introduction.

Depending on the country and vehicle equipment, the mount for the towing eye is situated behind the bumper cover.

1. Before having it towed, check that your vehicle has a threaded mount for the towing lug.

2. Read and heed the information about towing.

3. Otherwise, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away by a tow truck if necessary.

The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle ⇒

NOTICE

Using a towing eye that is not suitable for the vehicle can damage the vehicle.

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.

Installing the rear towing eye

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Fig. 184 In the right rear bumper: Remove cover.

Fig. 185 In the right rear bumper: Screw in towing eye.

1. Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.

2. Press on the marked area of the cover in the direction of the arrow to release the catch on the cover ﬁg. 184.

3. Remove the cover, let it hang from the vehicle or place it in the vehicle if necessary

⇒

4. Rotate the towing eye in the direction of the arrow as far as possible to install it in the mount ﬁg. 185 , ⇒

. Use a suitable object to tighten the towing eye

completely and securely in the mount.

5. After the vehicle has been towed, unscrew the towing eye with a suitable object in the opposite direction to the arrow.

6. Insert the cap into the respective opening and press in until it engages.

7. If necessary, clean the towing eye and return it to the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.

NOTICE

Removing and installing the towing eye and the cover can cause vehicle damage, such as paint damage.

Remove and install the towing eye and cover carefully to reduce the risk of vehicle damage.

NOTICE

If the towing eye is not fully and tightly screwed into the mount, it may tear out of the mount when tow-starting or towing the vehicle.

Always screw the towing eye completely and securely into the mount.

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.

1. To tow, swivel the ball hitch out or mount and use it.

NOTICE

Using an unsuitable towing bar could damage the ball hitch and the vehicle. Vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch may only tow other vehicles with a

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towing bar that is designed specially for mounting on a ball mount.

Use a suitable tow bar to tow the vehicle.

If you do not have a suitable tow bar, use a tow rope for towing.

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Towing for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

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