Get Do it yourself -> Transporting the Vehicle Away and Towing Guide for Volkswagen Atlas SUV Second Generation (2024-2025)

Positive battery terminal of the vehicle receiving the jump-start.

Positive battery terminal of the vehicle providing the jump-start.

Suitable negative terminal of the vehicle providing the jump-start: Preferably a jump-start point (negative connection), a

large metal part that is bolted securely to the engine block, or the engine block itself.

Jump-start point (negative terminal) of the vehicle receiving the jump-start.

Only connect the jumper cables in the sequence A – B – C – D ﬁg. 159.

1. Switch the ignition off on both vehicles.

2. In the hood space, open the cover on the positive battery terminal

of the 12 V vehicle battery, if ﬁtted.

of the discharged 12 V vehicle battery ﬁg. 15

3. Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive battery terminal

.

4. Connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive battery terminal ( ) on the vehicle providing current

ﬁg. 159

.

5. Connect one end of the black jumper cable to a negative terminal jump-start point on the vehicle providing current

ﬁg. 159

.

Or: if no negative terminal jump-start point is available, connect to a large metal part that is bolted securely to the

engine block or connect to the engine block itself ﬁg. 159

.

6. Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal jump-start point

jump-start ﬁg. 159

on the vehicle receiving the

.

7. Route the jumper cables so that they cannot become caught in moving parts in the hood space.

Start the engine

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

and Introduction.

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

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

and Introduction.

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 ⇒ Connecting

the Jumper Cable.

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.

Transporting the Vehicle Away and Towing

Introduction

If a vehicle can no longer be moved under its own power, the vehicle can be transported away with a tow truck or towed with

another vehicle.

393

Make sure that both drivers are familiar with towing a vehicle. This applies especially if no tow bar is used.

Follow all applicable laws when towing.

NOTICE

Tow-starting can cause severe damage to the vehicle.

Jump-start the vehicle to start the engine.

NOTICE

When towing, there is always the risk of the coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-road, and consequently of the

vehicles being signiﬁcantly damaged

Always make sure the towing force does not exceed the permitted level and there are no shock loading conditions

when towing.

Important information about transporting the vehicle away

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

Introduction.

Transporting the vehicle away refers to using a tow truck to transport a vehicle that cannot be driven.

WARNING

Vehicle components can be badly damaged by incorrectly attached tow chains, tow ropes or tow bars. This increases the

risk of accident and could result in serious or fatal injuries.

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

Never secure the tow chain, tow rope or 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.

NOTICE

Pushing the vehicle by hand may cause damage to the vehicle, such as deformation or detachment of attachments.

When pushing the vehicle by hand, make sure that you do not apply any pressure to the taillights, large sheet

metal surfaces and side or rear spoilers.

Transporting the Vehicle Away with a Tow Truck

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

Introduction.

The vehicle can be towed with all four wheels standing on a tow truck or with a raised front axle.

Note that it may be necessary to tow the vehicle with all four wheels standing on a tow truck → page , Towing the Vehicle wit

Another Vehicle.

394

Fig. 160 Transporting the vehicle away with a tow truck.

Information about the attachment points for transporting the vehicle away at the front and rear → page , Front Attachment

Point , → page , Rear Attachment Point.

If the vehicle is transported away with a raised front axle:

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

The maximum permissible distance is 50 km (approx. 30 miles).

Deactivate the electronic parking brake.

Make sure the vehicle key is always in the vehicle during the towing process ⇒

Introduction.

Deactivate Automatic Emergency Braking (Front Assist).

NOTICE

If the electronic parking brake switches on during the towing process, wheels may lock. Serious damage to the vehicles

may result.

End the towing process immediately.

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken

away on a tow truck, if necessary.

395

Towing the Vehicle with Another Vehicle

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

Introduction.

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 50 km/h (approx. 30 mph).

The maximum permissible distance is 50 km (approx. 30 miles).

When may your vehicle not be towed by another vehicle?

If one of the following situations applies, in the event of damage, the vehicle must be transported away with all four wheels

situated on a tow truck.

If the 12 V vehicle battery is drained.

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

The towing distance is greater than 50 km (approx. 30 miles).

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

The electronic parking brake cannot be released.

The steering lock cannot be released.

If the wheel clearance or the steering function can no longer be secured after an accident.

The easiest and safest way to tow is using a tow bar. You should use a tow chain or tow rope 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.

WARNING

The vehicle handling and braking efﬁciency will change considerably when it is towed. This may cause you to lose control

of the vehicle and result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Bear in mind that more force is required for steering and braking during towing.

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

Towing lug.

Ball mount.

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 or fatal 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.

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.

396

Observe the legal regulations and instructions for towing in the Owner's Manual of the other vehicle.

Towing vehicle (front)

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

2. Take extra caution when pressing the accelerator pedal.

3. Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.

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

Vehicle being towed (rear)

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 return

to the neutral position.

1. Make sure that the ignition is always switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and the turn signals and

windscreen wipers can be operated if necessary. 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. Deactivate Automatic Emergency Braking (Front Assist).

4. For vehicles with an automatic gearbox: Select gear

5. Release the electronic parking brake.

.

6. Make sure the tow rope is always taut.

NOTICE

If the electronic parking brake switches on during the towing process, wheels may lock. Serious damage to the vehicles

may result.

End the towing process immediately.

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken

away on a tow truck, if necessary.

NOTICE

If the battery charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery is insufﬁcient, you will not be able to release the electronic parking

brake and steering lock. The vehicle may be damaged when towed.

To release the electronic parking brake and the steering lock, switch the ignition on or start the engine, if necessary

by means of a jump-start in the event of a loss of power or malfunctions.

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken

away on a tow truck, if necessary.

Front Attachment Point

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

Introduction.

There are mounting points for a tow truck under the vehicle at the rear left and right.

1. Otherwise, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle

taken away by a tow truck if necessary.

397

Front mounting points for a tow truck

In order to be able to pull your vehicle onto a tow truck, attachment points for a tow truck are located behind the front wheels o

the left- and right-hand sides.

Fig. 161 Behind the front wheels on the left and right: attachment points for a tow truck under a cover.

1. Before attaching the vehicle at the front left and right, remove the cover for the attachment points on the left and right.

NOTICE

If you use the attachment points with a tow chain, the vehicle may be damaged.

Use the trailer hitch to pull the vehicle onto a tow truck.

Rear Attachment Point

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

Introduction.

Depending on the country and the vehicle equipment, the vehicle may have a trailer hitch, a mounting for a towing eye in the

bumper, or attachment points for a tow truck under the vehicle.

Vehicles with a trailer hitch

The trailer hitch can be used for towing.

1. Install the ball mount and use it for towing.

NOTICE

Using an unsuitable towing bar could damage the ball hitch and the vehicle.

Always use a tow bar speciﬁcally designed for mounting on a ball mount for towing.

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

398

Vehicles without a trailer hitch

1. Please note important information about transporting the vehicle away ⇒ Important information about transporting the

vehicle away.

2. Before having it towed, check that your vehicle has a threaded mount for a towing eye or rear attachment points for a tow

truck.

3. Otherwise, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle

taken away by a tow truck if necessary.

Installing the rear towing eye

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.

Always use the towing eye from the supplied vehicle tool kit or another suitable towing eye for towing.

Fig. 162 In the right rear bumper: Remove the cover, variant 1.

399

Fig. 163 In the right rear bumper: Remove the cover, variant 2.

Fig. 164 In the right rear bumper: Screw in towing eye, variant 1.

400

Fig. 165 In the right rear bumper: Screw in towing eye, variant 2.

In vehicles with a trailer hitch, there is no mount for the threaded towing eye behind the cover.

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. 162.

3. Remove the cover, let it hang from the vehicle or place it in the vehicle if necessary ﬁg. 162.

4. Rotate the towing eye in the direction of the arrow as far as possible to install it in the mount ﬁg. 164 , ⇒

. 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.

WARNING

If the towing eye is not fully and tightly screwed into the mount, it may tear out of the mount. This may result in accidents

and serious injuries during the towing process.

Before towing, check that the towing eye is fully screwed in.

NOTICE

Removing and ﬁtting the cover and towing eye incorrectly may cause damage to the vehicle's paint and body.

Always remove and ﬁt the cover and towing eye carefully.

Rear mounting points for a tow truck

In order to be able to pull your vehicle onto a tow truck, attachment points for a tow truck are located under the vehicle on the

rear left- and right-hand sides.

401

Fig. 166 Behind the front wheels on the left and right: attachment points for a tow truck.

NOTICE

If you use the rear mounting points with a tow chain, the vehicle will be damaged.

Use the trailer hitch to pull the vehicle onto a tow truck.

402

Do it yourself -> Transporting the Vehicle Away and Towing for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV Second Generation (2024-2025)

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