Towing -> Introduction for Your 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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