Breakdown assistance -> Jump starting for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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1. If necessary, take the plastic pliers→ Fig. 2  
out of the cover of the respective fuse box.  
2. Fit the plastic pliers from above→ Fig. 2  
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for small fuses or push the plastic pliers onto the fuse from the  
side → Fig. 2  
in the case of larger fuses.  
3. Remove the fuse.  
4. If the fuse has blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same amp rating (same colour and same markings) and  
same size →  
.
5. Replace the cover.  
NOTICE  
You can damage another position in the electrical system by using a fuse with a higher amp rating.  
Introduction  
For technical reasons, your vehicle may not be push-started→  
.
If the engine fails to start because the 12-volt vehicle battery is flat, the discharged battery can be connected to the  
12-volt battery of another vehicle to start the engine.  
Suitable jump leads are required to provide and receive jump starts. The following cable cross-sections must not be  
undercut by the current-emitting vehicle.  
Vehicles with a petrol engine:For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire  
cross-section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm2 (0.038 in2).  
Vehicles with an electric drive or hybrid drive: For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle  
battery, the wire cross-section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm2 (0.038 in2).  
Vehicles with diesel engine:For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire cross-  
section of the jump lead must be at least 35 mm2 (0.054 in2).  
WARNING  
Using the jump leads incorrectly or completing the jump start procedure incorrectly can cause the battery to  
explode, which can lead to severe injuries. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of the battery  
exploding:  
Always read and observe the warnings and safety information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt  
vehicle battery (→ 12-volt vehicle battery).  
Please note that the vehicle battery providing assistance must also have the same voltage of 12 volts and  
approximately the same capacity as the flat 12-volt vehicle battery. Refer to the label on the vehicle battery for  
information on the capacity.  
Please note that the vehicles must not touch each other, as any contact could mean that electricity could flow as  
soon as the positive battery terminals are connected.  
Never confuse the positive battery terminal with the negative battery terminal or connect the jump leads  
incorrectly.  
Use only jump leads with fully insulated terminal clamps.  
Position the jump leads so that they never come into contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment.  
Observe the operating instructions provided by the jump lead manufacturer.  
Observe the owner’s manual of the vehicle providing jump starting assistance.  
WARNING  
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is jump started.  
Always keep fire, sparks, naked flames and lit cigarettes away from the 12-volt vehicle battery.  
Never use a mobile telephone when the jump leads are being connected or disconnected.  
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NOTICE  
Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C(+32°F).  
Never charge a 12-volt vehicle battery which is frozen or has been frozen.  
Always replace a 12-volt vehicle battery which is frozen or has been frozen.  
NOTICE  
Tow-starting the vehicle can damage the vehicle.  
Carry out jump starting to start the vehicle.  
Jump starting the vehicle  
The discharged 12-volt vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical system.  
The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are connected.  
Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.  
Comply with the information on jump starting contained in the owner’s manual for the other vehicle.  
WARNING  
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode, which can lead to serious  
injuries. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of the 12-volt vehicle battery exploding:  
Always wear suitable eye protection and gloves and never lean over the 12-volt vehicle battery.  
Attach the connecting cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by the negative cable.  
Never connect the negative lead to parts of the high-voltage system of the fuel system or to the brake lines.  
Do not allow the uninsulated parts of the terminal clamps to touch each other.  
Do not allow leads attached to the positive battery terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery to touch electrically  
conductive parts of the vehicle.  
Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the 12-volt vehicle battery. The gas emitted from the 12-volt  
vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.  
Do not perform jump starting if the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or if it is frozen or has been frozen.  
Attaching the jump leads in vehicles with start/stop system  
Fig. 1 How to connect the jump leads.  
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Vehicle with discharged 12-volt vehicle battery that is being jump started.  
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Vehicle with 12-volt vehicle battery that is supplying power and jump-starting the other vehicle.  
Suitable earth connection. A solid metal part that is firmly bolted to the engine block, or the engine block itself.  
1. Switch off the ignition in both vehicles .  
2. Open the battery cover in the engine compartment, if one is installed.  
3. Connect one end of thered jump lead to the positive terminal+ in the vehicle with the discharged battery  
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→ Fig. 1  
, →  
.
4. Connect the other end of thered jump lead to the positive terminal+ of the vehicle battery providing assistance  
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→ Fig. 1  
.
5. Connect one end of the black jump lead to a suitable earth connection, a solid metal part that is securely bolted  
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onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder block itself → Fig. 1  
.
6. Connect the other end of theblack jump lead to a solid metal component that is bolted securely to the cylinder  
block of the vehicle with the flat battery, to the cylinder block itself or, if necessary, to the screwed-in towing  
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eye at the front. However, do not connect it to a point near the battery → Fig. 1  
, →  
.
7. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine  
compartment.  
Attaching the jump leads in vehicles without start/stop system  
Fig. 2 How to connect the jump leads.  
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Vehicle with discharged 12-volt vehicle battery that is being jump started.  
Vehicle with 12-volt vehicle battery that is supplying power and jump-starting the other vehicle.  
Suitable earth connection. A solid metal part that is firmly bolted to the engine block, or the engine block itself.  
1. Switch off the ignition in both vehicles .  
2. Open the battery cover in the engine compartment, if one is installed.  
3. Connect one end of thered jump lead to the positive terminal+ in the vehicle with the discharged battery  
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→ Fig. 2  
, →  
.
4. Connect the other end of thered jump lead to the positive terminal+ of the vehicle battery providing assistance  
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→ Fig. 2  
.
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5. Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal- of the vehicle battery providing assistance  
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→ Fig. 2  
.
6. Connect the other end of theblack jump lead to a solid metal component that is bolted securely to the cylinder  
block of the vehicle with the flat battery, to the cylinder block itself or, if necessary, to the screwed-in towing  
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eye at the front. However, do not connect it to a point near the vehicle battery → Fig. 2  
, →  
.
7. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine  
compartment.  
Starting the engine  
1. Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.  
2. Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery and wait 2 or 3 minutes until the  
engine is running smoothly.  
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again after about 1  
minute. If the engine still does not start, seek expert assistance.  
Removing the jump leads  
1. Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights.  
2. Turn on the air conditioning system or the heating and fresh air system blower and the rear window heating in  
the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery. This helps to minimise voltage peaks which are  
generated when the leads are disconnected.  
3. When the engine is running, the jump leads should be removed only in the orderD – C – B – A.  
4. Fit the cover to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery.  
5. Go to a correspondingly qualified workshop and have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.  
Introduction  
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be familiar with the  
technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.  
Make sure that no excessive pulling forces occur and take care to avoid jerking movements. When towing offroad,  
there is always a risk of overloading the anchorage points.  
Observe any legal requirements when towing.  
Towing  
Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled with the aid of another vehicle.  
The vehicle can be towed with a tow-bar or a tow-rope. The gearbox is not lubricated sufficiently at higher speeds  
and over long distances:  
The maximum permitted towing speed is 50 km/h(30 mph).  
The maximum permitted towing distance is 50 km.  
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.  
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a tow rope made of  
synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.  
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