Get Breakdown assistance -> Towing Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

5. Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal- of the vehicle battery providing assistance

2

→ 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

3

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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Towing with a breakdown truck

If you need to raise your vehicle on one axle for towing, you must do so only on the following axles, depending on the

gearbox/drive combination:

Front-wheel drive

Manual gearbox

Front axle

Automatic gearbox

Front axle

All-wheel drive (4Motion)

Manual gearbox

Front axle

Automatic gearbox

Front axle

WARNING

If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change significantly.

WARNING

Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.

● Never switch off the ignition when the vehicle is being towed. Otherwise the steering column lock could engage

suddenly. You will no longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, accidents

and serious injuries.

●

● If the power supply of the towed vehicle fails, stop towing immediately and seek assistance from a suitably

qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Towing with a tow-rope or tow-bar can damage the vehicle.

● Tow the vehicle carefully with a tow-rope or tow-bar.

● If possible, have the broken-down vehicle transported by a breakdown truck.

NOTICE

When pushing the vehicle by hand, the tail light clusters, side spoilers on the rear window and large panels can be

damaged and the rear spoiler may become detached.

● When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, side spoilers on the rear window, large

panels and the rear spoiler.

NOTICE

The vehicle can be damaged, e.g. paintwork, when removing and fitting the cover and towing eye.

● Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the vehicle.

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NOTICE

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

● Always use the towing eye supplied in the vehicle toolkit of your vehicle or a towing eye that is suitable for the

vehicle for towing.

Notes on towing

It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard warning lights are

switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction while the ignition is switched on. The

hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing

automatically as soon as the turn signal lever is moved back to the neutral position.

In which situations may the vehicle not be towed?

Do not have the vehicle towed in the following situations:

—The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged.

—The instrument cluster display does not work properly.

—The distance to be towed is further than 50 km(around 31 miles).

—In vehicles with a manual gearbox: In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the clutch cannot be depressedfully and

neutral selected.

—In vehicles with an automatic gearbox: The selector lever of the automatic gearbox cannot be moved to neutral(N

position).

—The handbrake cannot be released.

—The steering column lock cannot be released.

—The vehicle’s gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.

—If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an accident.

If the vehicle cannot be towed on its own wheels due to one of the above conditions, seek assistance from a

correspondingly qualified workshop and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown truck if necessary.

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Towing

Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the points provided for this purpose:

—Towing eye.

—On vehicles with a ball coupling: Ball coupling.

Preparations

—Ensure that the tow-rope is not twisted. Otherwise a towing eye may become unscrewed during towing.

—Switch on the ignition and hazard warning lights on both vehicles. However, observe any regulations to the

contrary.

—Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner’s manual for the other vehicle.

Pulling vehicle (front)

1. The tow-rope must be taut before you drive off properly.

2. Press the accelerator carefully.

3. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

4. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Engage the clutch very smoothly when driving off.

Pulled vehicle (rear)

Make sure that the ignition is switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and you can operate the turn

signals and the wipers when necessary.

1. Release the handbrake.

2. Ensure that the tow-rope is always taut.

3. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Disengage the gear.

4. In vehicles with an automatic gearbox: Select the N selector lever position.

The brake servo and power steering function only when the engine is running. Otherwise you must press the brake

pedal with significantly more force and also use more effort for steering.

WARNING

Never attach the tow-rope or tow-bar to axle or running gear components. These can be damaged as a result and

this can cause accidents and serious injuries.

● Seek expert assistance and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown truck if necessary.

NOTICE

The vehicle can be towed only if the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficient and the steering column

lock can be released. If the power supply fails or if there are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use

jump leads to start the engine in order to release the steering column lock.

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Fitting the rear towing eye

On vehicles with factory-fitted towing bracket, there isno fixed towing eye under the bumper cover. For towing,

swing out or fit the ball coupling or use the permanently mounted ball coupling .

NOTICE

Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must useonly tow-bars that are specially designed for fitting to a ball

coupling. If you use an unsuitable tow-bar the ball coupling and the vehicle could be damaged.

● Use a tow-rope instead for towing.

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Fitting the towing eye at front

Depending on the country and vehicle equipment, the mounting for the towing eye is located behind the cover in the

bumper.

1. Before towing, check whether a mounting with screw thread is available for the towing eye.

2. If this is not the case, seek technical assistance for towing and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown

truck if necessary.

The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.

Observe the notes on driving while towing (→ Tow-starting and towing).

Fitting the towing eye at front

Fig. 1 In the front right bumper: Remove the cover.

Fig. 2 In the front right bumper: screwing in the towing

eye.

1. Take the towing eye and the hook out of the vehicle toolkit.

2. Insert the hook through the opening in the cover→ Fig. 1, pull out the cover and remove.

3. Remove the cover, allow it to hang on the vehicle or place it in the vehicle if necessary.

4. Turn the towing eye as shown by the arrow into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible→ Fig. 2 , →

Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the mounting.

.

5. After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it in the opposite direction to the arrow

using a suitable object.

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

7. If necessary, clean the towing eye and place it back in the vehicle toolkit.

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

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