Get Heating and air conditioning Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Introduction

The following systems may be installed in the vehicle:

The heating and fresh air systemwarms up and supplies fresh air to the vehicle interior. The heating and fresh air

system does not cool down the vehicle interior.

The manual air conditioning systemheats, cools and dehumidifies the air.

The Climatronic is an automatic air conditioning system that heats, cools and dehumidifies the air. Automatic mode

enables the Climatronic to control the air temperature, air distribution and air volume automatically.

The air conditioning system will function most effectively if the windows are kept closed. Opening the windows and

glass roof to allow air to enter the vehicle may accelerate cooling if high temperatures have developed in the vehicle

interior.

Fig. 1 In the upper part of the centre console: air conditioning block of the manual air conditioning system or the

heating and fresh air system.

Fig. 2 In the upper part of the centre console: Climatronic air conditioning block.

Display of active functions

Lit up LED

s on rotary knobs and buttons indicate that a function is switched on.

Fresh air intake

Before switching the air conditioner on, always make sure that there is no snow in the fresh air intake duct (→ Fresh

air intake).

WARNING

Poor visibility through the door windows, windscreen and rear window increases the risk of collisions and accidents

which can cause serious injuries.

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● Keep all door windows, the windscreen and the rear window free from ice, snow and condensation to maintain

perfect visibility.

● Adjust the heating, air conditioning and rear window heating to prevent the windows from misting up.

● Only set off once all windows are clear.

● Use air recirculation mode for a short period only. Condensation could otherwise form on the windows very

quickly so that visibility is greatly reduced.

● Switch off the air recirculation mode when it is no longer required.

WARNING

Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and affect their concentration, which in turn can cause collisions,

accidents and serious injuries.

● Never switch off the blower or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period as this prevents fresh

air from entering the vehicle interior.

NOTICE

Heat-sensitive food, medicine and other items could be either damaged or rendered useless.

● Never leave food, medicines or other temperature-sensitive objects in front of the vents.

NOTICE

Do not insert any objects in the vent slots. This could cause damage to the air outlets.

NOTICE

If the air conditioning system is not working, switch it off immediately to prevent consequential damage. Have the

air conditioning system checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

Overview of functions

Some functions of the air conditioning system and menus in the Infotainment system as well as an air conditioning

block in the rear passenger compartment depend on the equipment level.

Switch off the air conditioning system.

Adjust the blower speed.

If you turn the centre rotary knob anti-clockwise as far as it will go, the air conditioning system will be switched

off.

If automatic mode of the Climatronic is switched on, the blower speed will not be displayed in the rotary knob.

Manual air conditioning system or heating and fresh air system:Adjust the temperature using the left rotary

knob.

Climatronic: You can adjust the temperature for the driver and front passenger sides using the outer rotary

knobs. The Climatronic displays show the set temperatures.

Depending on the vehicle engine and equipment, the vehicle interior can be ventilated by the blower when

the ignition is switched off or the residual heat of the engine used to keep the vehicle interior warm. The

function is switched off after around 30 minutes or if the 12-volt vehicle battery has a low charge level.

Adopt temperature settings of driver side for all seats.

The set air temperature is kept constant. The volume of air and air distribution are controlled

automatically. Automatic mode switches itself off when the blower speed is adjusted manually.

Switch air recirculation mode on and off (→ Air recirculation mode).

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The air is cooled and dehumidified in cooling mode.

Switch maximum cooling output on and off.

Air recirculation mode is automatically switched on and the Climatronic automatically directs air to the

upper body.

The defrost function of the manual air conditioning system or the heating and fresh air system clears

condensation from the windscreen and also clears ice under extreme climatic conditions in combination with

the manually activated windscreen heating.

The air must be dehumidified when the defrost function is switched on. For this reason, you cannot switch on

air recirculation mode or switch off cooling mode when the defrost function is switched on.

The defrost function of the Climatronic clears condensation from the windscreen and also clears ice under

extreme climatic conditions in combination with the manually activated windscreen heating.

The air is dehumidified and the blower is set to a high speed.

Switch windscreen heating on and off with running engine (→ Windscreen heating).

Switch rear window heating on and off with running engine.

The rear window heating switches off automatically after 10 minutes at the latest.

Switch the seat heating on and off (→ Seat heating).

Direct air towards upper body.

Direct air into the footwell.

Direct air to the upper body and footwell.

Climatronic: Direct air onto the windscreen.

Direct air onto the windscreen and into the footwell.

Adjust the temperature or the blower speed for the rear passenger compartment on the front air

conditioning block.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the rear window heating system, do not put stickers over the heating elements on the inside

of the window.

To save fuel, switch off the rear window heating as soon as

possible.

Additional air conditioning block functions for the rear passenger compartment

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Fig. 3 In the rear headliner: rear control panel of the

automatic air conditioning system (Climatronic).

Fig. 4 In the roof at the front: additional control panel of

the air conditioning system (manual air conditioning

system or heating and fresh air system).

Fig. 5 In the upper part of the dash panel: additional

control panel for the manual air conditioning system (for

Panel Van Plus).

1

2

Control for temperature.

Control for blower.

If you switch on the ignition and the blower of the front air conditioning block, you can adjust the temperature and

blower strength on the air conditioning block of the roof console.

Adjust the blower speed with the or buttons.

To switch off operation, press the button until only one line can be seen on the display. Wait for

approximately 3 seconds and press the button again.

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Manual air conditioning system:You can adjust the temperature if cooling mode

is switched on.

Air recirculation mode

When air recirculation mode is switched on, no fresh air enters the vehicle interior.

Switching air recirculation mode on and off

1. Press

in the air conditioning block.

Air recirculation mode switches off automatically

Air recirculation mode switches itself off automatically if one of the following conditions is met→

:

— The defrost function is switched on.

WARNING

Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and negatively affect their concentration which may cause collisions,

accidents and serious injuries.

● Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period as no fresh air will enter the vehicle interior.

● Use air recirculation mode for a short period only. Condensation could otherwise form on the windows very

quickly so that visibility is greatly reduced.

● Switch off the air recirculation mode when it is no longer required.

NOTICE

In vehicles with an air conditioning system, do not smoke when the air recirculation mode is switched on. Smoke

can leave a residue on the cooling system evaporator and on the active combi filter, producing a lasting unpleasant

odour.

Climatronic: When reversing the vehicle or when the wash and wipe system is being used, the air recirculation

mode will switch on to prevent odours from entering the vehicle interior.

Manual air conditioning system: If the outside temperature is very high, brief activation of air recirculation

mode helps to cool the vehicle interior more quickly.

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Seat heating

When the engine is running, the seats can be heated electrically in three settings.

Heating levels of the seat heating

The seat heating operating conditions are highlighted in colour:

—All three LED

s light up at the highest temperature setting.

Operating the seat heating function

1. To switch on the seat heating with the highest temperature setting, press the or button in the air

conditioning block.

2. To adjust the temperature setting, press the or button repeatedly.

3. To switch off the seat heating, press the or button repeatedly until noLED

is lit.

Seat heating switches on automatically

If you start the engine again within approximately 10 minutes, the most recent driver seat temperature setting is

switched on automatically.

When should the seat heating not be switched on?

Do not switch on the seat heating if one of the following conditions applies:

—A person with reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature is sitting on the seat→

—The seat is not occupied.

.

—A child seat is installed on the seat.

—Objects are covering the seat cushion, e.g. protective covers, jackets, blankets or bags.

—The seat cushion is damp or wet.

—The temperature in the vehicle interior or the outside temperature is above +25°C(77°F).

WARNING

Magnetic fields are produced during operation of the seat heating. These magnetic fields can affect active medical

implants (e.g. pacemakers) in isolated cases.

● Wearers of an active medical implant should consult their doctor or the implant manufacturer before operating

the seat heating.

● Also make the other vehicle occupants aware of this if necessary.

WARNING

Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis or chronic illness(e.g.

diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when using the seat heating. These burns may take a

long time to heal or may never heal fully. Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.

● Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat heating.

WARNING

Wet seat covers can cause a malfunctions in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.

● Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before using the seat heating.

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● Do not sit on the seat in damp or wet clothing.

● Do not place any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.

● Do not spill any liquids on the seat.

NOTICE

● To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seats and do not apply sharp pressure at a single

point to the seat cushion and backrest.

● Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials, such as a protective cover or child seat, may damage the seat

heating.

● If odours develop, switch off the seat heating immediately and have it checked by a correspondingly qualified

workshop.

● If the original seat covers are replaced with another material, the seat heating can overheat or the seat heating

function may be restricted.

To save fuel, switch off the seat heating as soon as

possible.

Windscreen heating

The windscreen heating will only work when the engine is running.

Switch the windscreen heating on and off.

1. Press the

button in the centre console.

The windscreen heating switches itself off depending on the outside temperature or after around 8 minutes at

the latest.

Windscreen heating using the defrost function

The windscreen heating will be switched on when the defrost function is switched on and a sensor detects that

condensation may form on the windscreen.

Windscreen heating switches off automatically

The windscreen heating switches itself off automatically if one of the following conditions is met:

—The power consumption is too high.

—There is a fault in the air conditioning system.

—The specified time has elapsed.

If the windscreen is not completely free of ice after the heating switches off, the windscreen heating must be

switched on again.

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Roof ventilator

The roof ventilator can be used to ventilate the luggage compartment. The mechanical roof ventilator or the electric

roof ventilator is available, depending on the equipment level.

Fig. 1 In the dash panel: buttons for air extraction(left)

and ventilation (right).

Fig. 2 In the headliner: vents for the roof ventilator.

Mechanical roof ventilator

The mechanical roof ventilator can be opened and closed with the rotary knob.

Switching electric air extraction on and off

Electric ventilation must be switched off.

1. Open the vents of the roof ventilator→

.

2. Press the

3. Press the

button to switch on electric air extraction→ Fig. 1.

button again to switch off electric air extraction.

Switching electric ventilation on and off

Electric air extraction must be switched off.

1. Open the vents of the roof ventilator→

2. Press the button to switch on electric ventilation→ Fig. 1.

.

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3. Press the

NOTICE

button again to switch off electric ventilation.

Open at least one vent if air extraction or ventilation is switched on. The blower could otherwise be damaged.

NOTICE

The 12-volt vehicle battery will be drained if the roof ventilator is switched on when the engine is not running.

Fresh air intake

Fig. 1 Illustration: area for fresh air intake in front of the

windscreen in left-hand drive vehicles (mirrored for right-

hand drive vehicles).

The vehicle has a fresh air intake duct in front of the windscreen→ Fig. 1.

NOTICE

If snow is drawn in, it can cause damage to the vehicle.

● Before starting a journey, make sure there is no snow in the area of the fresh air intake.

● Remove any snow as required.

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Troubleshooting

Cooling mode

or heating cannot be switched on or its function is restricted

Cooling mode

works only when the engine is running and at ambient temperatures above +3°C(+38°F).

Operation of cooling mode

, the heating and the defrost function may be restricted if the engine is very hot or at

extreme outside temperatures.

—Switch on the blower.

—Check the fuse of the air conditioning system .

—Replace the enhanced air filter with activated carbon .

—If the fault persists, consult a suitably qualified workshop.

Condensation on the windows

Condensation forms on the windows if they are colder than the ambient temperature and the air is very humid. Cold

air can absorb less moisture than warm air, which is why condensation frequently forms on windows in cold weather.

1. Keep the air intake in front of the windscreen free from ice, snow and leaves to improve the heating or cooling

output (→ Vehicle care).

2. Do not cover the air vents in the rear of the load compartment so that air can flow through the vehicle from the

front to the rear.

3. Switch on the defrost function (→ Heating, ventilation and cooling).

The wrong unit of temperature has been set

1. Change the unit of temperature for all temperature displays in the vehicle using the Infotainment system

(→ Vehicle settings menu).

Water or water vapour under the vehicle

If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the evaporator in the cooling

system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.

If the outside humidity is high and the outside temperature low, condensation may evaporate when the auxiliary

heater is running. If this is the case, steam may appear underneath the vehicle. The vehicle is not damaged.

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Heating and air conditioning for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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