Get Opening and closing Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Functions of the vehicle key

Buttons on the vehicle key

Lock the vehicle.

Unlock the vehicle.

Unlock only the boot lid.

Press briefly: Unlock the boot lid. Press and hold: Open the boot lid (→ Boot lid, mechanical).

Press briefly: Unlock the vehicle. Press and hold: Open the boot lid (→ Boot lid, electric).

Unlock the load compartment and lock the driver’s cab (→ Load compartment closing).

Open the right electric sliding door (→ Sliding door, electric).

Open the left electric sliding door (→ Sliding door, electric).

Single door unlocking

The single door unlocking function can be activated and deactivated via the Infotainment system.

Replacement key

You will need to quote the vehicle identification number when ordering a replacement key or additional vehicle keys.

Each new key contains a microchip which must be encoded with the data for the vehicle’s electronic immobiliser. A

vehicle key will not work if it contains an unencoded microchip. The same applies for keys that have been cut to fit

the vehicle.

New vehicle keys are available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealerships or from qualified workshops and

authorised key services which are qualified to manufacture these vehicle keys.

WARNING

Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.

● Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorised persons could

lock the doors, start the engine, or switch on the ignition and operate electrical equipment such as the electric

windows.

● Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the vehicle

in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety. Locked vehicles may be subjected to very high

or very low temperatures, depending on the season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities,

especially for small children.

● Never switch off the ignition while the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock may be activated and you

will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.

NOTICE

Every electrical vehicle key contains electronic components. Protect the key from damage, moisture and excessive

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vibration.

Changing the button cell

Fig. 1 Vehicle key: Replacing the button cell.

1

2

Cover.

Button cell.

This button cell can be changed by a suitably qualified workshop→

.

1. Fold out the key bit on the vehicle key.

1

2. Lever off the cover→ Fig. 1

.

2

3. Lever the button cell out of the battery compartment→ Fig. 1

4. Press the new button cell into the battery compartment.

5. Press the cover onto the housing.

.

DANGER

If you swallow a button cell, or if it enters your windpipe, it can cause serious or even fatal injuries within a very

short time due to choking or internal burns.

● Seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect that someone has swallowed a button cell.

● Do not use the remote control if you cannot close the battery cover.

● Always keep the remote control and key ring with button cells out of the reach of children.

NOTICE

The vehicle key may be damaged if the button cell is not changed correctly or if an unsuitable battery is used.

● Replace a discharged button cell only with a new button cell of the same voltage rating, size and specification.

● Pay attention to the correct polarity when inserting the button cell.

The type of batteries used in the remote control of your vehicle key may contain perchlorate. This may

require special handling. Please observe all the legal requirements regarding the handling and disposal of

these batteries. We recommend that you have this service carried out by a correspondingly qualified

workshop.

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Synchronising the vehicle key

If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with the vehicle key, synchronise the vehicle key or replace the button cell

(→ Vehicle key).

1. Fold out the key bit on the vehicle key.

2. Stand beside the vehicle.

3. Press the button on the vehicle key.

4. Unlock the vehicle using the vehicle key bit.

5. Switch on the ignition.

The synchronisation process is complete.

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Troubleshooting

Locking or unlocking not possible

The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked.

1. Close all doors.

2. Check whether the sensor of the vehicle key is subject to interference, such as from obstacles or transmitters

close to the vehicle.

3. Synchronise the vehicle key (→ Vehicle key).

Or: the central locking system has switched itself off temporarily to protect the system against overloading.

1. Lock or unlock the doors manually .

Or: Lock or unlock the boot lid manually (→ Boot lid, mechanical).

2. If the fault persists, the system should be checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

The indicator lamp in the vehicle key is not working

1. Change the button cell in the vehicle key (→ Vehicle key).

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Introduction

If the vehicle key or central locking fails, the doors can be locked manually and, in some cases, also unlocked

manually.

The central locking system enables you to centrally lock and unlock all the doors, the boot lid and the tank flap.

The vehicle can only be locked with the vehicle key if the ignition has been switched off or the driver has switched off

the engine before leaving the vehicle.

Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.

A symbol in the instrument cluster display indicates if one or more doors or lids are not closed properly. Do not

drive on! Close the corresponding door or lid→

.

This symbol is also visible when the ignition is switched off and will go out a few seconds after the vehicle has been

locked when all doors and lids are closed.

WARNING

Serious injuries could occur if the doors are unlocked, opened or closed incorrectly or without due care and

attention.

● Open or close the doors only when there is no-one in the movement path of the boot lid.

● After closing the doors, check to make sure that they are properly closed so that they do not open while the

vehicle is in motion. The closed doors must be flush with the surrounding body panels.

● Close and lock the doors when the vehicle is not in use. Ensure that no one remains in the vehicle.

● If the vehicle is locked from the outside, the doors and electric windows cannot be opened from the inside.

● Temperatures inside a locked vehicle can reach extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause

serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially in the case of small children.

● Never leave anyone inside a locked vehicle. People in the vehicle could become trapped in an emergency and may

not be able to get themselves to safety.

● Never close a door by pushing its window with your hand. The glass window could shatter and cause injuries.

● Always hold the door handle firmly when opening and closing doors.

WARNING

Any door that is not properly closed could open suddenly while the vehicle is in motion. This could lead to severe

injuries.

● Stop immediately and close the door.

● Make sure that the door is closed properly and that the lock has engaged. The closed door must be flush with the

surrounding body panels.

● Open or close the doors only when there is no-one in the movement path of the boot lid.

WARNING

Any door being held open by the door arrester could close unexpectedly in strong winds or if the vehicle is on a

slope. This could lead to injuries.

● Always hold the door handle firmly when opening and closing doors.

WARNING

The opening/closing paths of the doors and boot lid are potential danger areas where injury can occur.

● Open or close the doors and boot lid only when there is no-one in their movement path.

NOTICE

When carrying out manual opening or closing, remove parts carefully and install them again correctly in order to

avoid damage to the vehicle.

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Indicator lamp in the driver door

The central locking system indicator lamp is located in the driver door.

The indicator lamp shows the status of the central locking for about 30 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.

A red LED

flashes for approximately 2 seconds in short intervals.

The central locking status is then displayed for about 28 seconds:

Locking a vehicle with SAFELOCK (depending on equipment)

—If the red LED flashes in long intervals, the vehicle is locked with SAFELOCK.

—If the red LED does not light up, the vehicle is locked but without SAFELOCK.

Vehicle without SAFELOCK

—If the red LED flashes in long intervals, the vehicle is locked.

The LED starts to flash in slow intervals after approximately 30 seconds.

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Central locking button

Settings for the central locking system can be adjusted in the instrument cluster.

Central locking buttons

Lock the vehicle.

Unlock the vehicle.

Unlock and open the boot lid. All doors remain locked.

The central locking buttons will function only if all doors are closed.

If the vehicle has been locked from outside with the vehicle key, the central locking buttons do not work.

Locking and unlocking the vehicle from inside

Please note the following when using the central locking button to lock the vehicle from the inside:

—An open door will not be locked.

—If all doors and the boot lid are closed and locked, the yellow indicator lamp lights up in the button.

—It is not possible to open the doors and the boot lid from the outside.

—The doors can be opened from the inside by pulling the door release handle. The yellow indicator lamp in the

button goes out. The unopened doors and the boot lid remain locked and cannot be opened from the outside.

—The anti-theft alarm willnot be activated.

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SAFELOCK

Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the vehicle may have a SAFELOCK mechanism.

If the vehicle is locked, SAFELOCK deactivates the door release levers and central locking button so that it becomes

more difficult to break into the vehicle. The doors can no longer be opened from the inside →

Activating SAFELOCK

.

1. Press the button on the vehicle key once.

The vehicle is locked. SAFELOCK was activated.

Deactivating SAFELOCK

1. Press the button on the vehicle key twice.

Or: Deactivate the interior monitoring function in the Infotainment system before locking the vehicle (→ Interior

monitoring system and anti-tow alarm).

The vehicle is locked. SAFELOCK was not activated.

There may be an indication of the activated SAFELOCK in the display of the instrument clusterC(heck SAFELOCK!

or SAFELOCK).

The following applies when SAFELOCK is deactivated:

—The vehicle can be unlocked and opened from the inside using the door release lever.

—The vehicle can be unlocked from the inside using the central locking button.

—The anti-theft alarm isactive if the vehicle was locked with the button on the vehicle key.

—The anti-theft alarm isdeactivated if the vehicle was locked with the vehicle key in the driver door lock cylinder.

—The interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm are deactivated.

WARNING

Careless or unsupervised use of SAFELOCK can result in severe injuries.

● Never leave anybody in the vehicle if the vehicle has been locked using the vehicle key. The doors can no longer

be opened from the inside once the SAFELOCK is activated.

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Electric childproof lock

The electric childproof lock prevents the sliding doors from being opened from inside.

When the childproof lock is switched on, a locked sliding door is unlocked from inside by pulling the door release

lever so that it can then be opened from outside. The electric childproof lock remains active, i.e. it is still not possible

to open the door from inside.

Fig. 1 In the driver door: button for the electric childproof

lock.

Switching the childproof lock on or off

1. To switch on: press the

2. To switch off: press the

button → Fig. 1.

button again.

The yellow indicator lamp lights up continuously in the button when the function is switched on.

WARNING

The door in question cannot be opened from inside when the electric childproof lock is switched on.

● Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the doors are locked. This can lead

to people becoming trapped in the vehicle. In an emergency they would not be able to leave the vehicle on their

own or help themselves. People locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.

● Temperatures inside a locked vehicle can reach extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause

serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially in the case of small children.

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Automatic locking and unlocking

Automatic locking (Auto Lock)

The vehicle can lock itself automatically at speeds above approximately 15 km/h(9 mph). The indicator lamp in the

central locking button lights up yellow when the vehicle is locked.

The vehicle will be locked again if you do not open one of the doors or the boot lid within a few seconds

automatically after unlocking the vehicle. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked if the

unlocking button is pressed by mistake.

The Auto Lock function can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system(depending on vehicle

equipment).

Automatic unlocking (Auto Unlock)

All vehicle doors and the boot lid are automatically unlocked if one of the following conditions applies:

—The vehicle is at a standstill and the vehicle key has been removed.

Or: The vehicle is stationary and the button has been pressed (→ Central locking button).

Or: the door release lever has been pulled.

Or: In an accident where the airbags have been triggered (→ Doors).

Automatic unlocking gives emergency responders access to the vehicle.

Depending on the selected central locking settings, it may be the case that all of the doors and the boot lid

are unlocked only when the button is pressed twice.

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Locking and unlocking doors manually

The doors can be locked or unlocked manually in the event of a fault in the vehicle key or central locking.

Locking the doors manually

1. Insert the vehicle key bit into the lock cylinder of the left front door.

2. Turn the vehicle keyclockwise.

3. Check to make sure that the front left door is locked.

The locked front left door is unlocked again when the vehicle is unlocked or the door is opened from the inside.

Unlocking the doors or boot lid manually

1. From the inside: Pull the door release lever.

2. From the outside: insert the vehicle key bit into the lock cylinder of the doors.

3. Turn the vehicle keyanticlockwise.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, the alarm may be triggered when you open the door.

4. Switch on the ignition immediately with the valid vehicle key to deactivate the alarm.

WARNING

Serious injuries can result if manual opening and closing are not performed with due care and attention.

● If the vehicle is locked from the outside, the doors and windows cannot be opened from the inside.

● Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the vehicle

in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety.

● Temperatures inside a locked vehicle can reach extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause

serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially in the case of small children.

WARNING

It is dangerous to stand in the path of the doors as injuries could be sustained.

● Open or close the doors only when there is no-one in the movement path of the boot lid.

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Locking the front passenger door and rear doors manually

The front passenger door and the rear doors can be locked manually.

1. Open the door.

2. If necessary, remove the rubber seal from the end face of the door.

3. Insert the key bit into the slot and turn.

4. Secure the rubber seal again if necessary.

5. Ensure that the door is locked.

6. Have the vehicle checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop as soon as possible.

7. A door that has been locked manually will be unlocked again if the vehicle is unlocked or the door in question is

opened from the inside.

The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling the door release

lever.

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Opening and closing the sliding doors manually

Fig. 1 In the sliding door: Door release lever.

Opening the sliding door from the outside

1. Unlock the vehicle using the vehicle key (→ Vehicle key).

2. Pull the door handle and push the sliding door open until it is held open by the arreste→r

.

Opening the sliding door from the inside

1. Pull the door release lever → Fig. 1 and push the sliding door open until it is held open by the arrester→

.

Vehicles without power closing

Closing the sliding door manually

1. Pull the door handle or door release lever and push the sliding door closed with a little force. Ensure that the

sliding door is completely closed →

.

Vehicles with power closing

Closing the sliding door manually

1. Pull the door handle or door release lever and push the sliding door using a little force until power closing closes

it automatically →

.

WARNING

If the sliding door is not fully opened it could close suddenly. This could lead to severe injuries.

● Always open the sliding doors fully.

WARNING

Vehicles with power closing: The sliding door’s automatic closing function can cause serious injury.

● When closing the sliding door, make sure that the area around the door is clear.

● You can stop the closing procedure at any time by pulling the door handle or door release lever.

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Automatically opening and closing the sliding doors

Fig. 1 In the dash panel and in the vehicle key: buttons for

the automatic sliding doors.

Fig. 2 In the dash panel: button for locking the automatic

sliding doors.

Automatically opening and closing the sliding doors

1. Press the

Or: Press the

or

button on the dash panel→ Fig. 1.

or

button on the vehicle key (→ Vehicle key).

Or: Operate the door handle or door release lever.

The sliding door opens or closes automatically and with active roll-back function until the corresponding button is

pressed again.

Acoustic warnings are given during closing.

Blocking and releasing the sliding door

1. Locking: Press the → Fig. 2 button.

The yellow indicator lamp in the button lights up. The sliding doors can now only be opened and closed manually.

1. Unlocking: Press the → Fig. 2 button again.

The yellow indicator lamp in the button will go out.

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Roll-back function

The roll-back function for the automatic sliding doors can reduce the risk of injuries while opening and closing the

sliding doors →

.

If it is still stiff or obstructed, the sliding door will immediately open or close again.

WARNING

Closing the automatic sliding doors without the roll-back function could lead to severe injuries.

● Always take care when closing the automatic sliding doors.

● Ensure that nobody obstructs the path of the automatic sliding doors, especially if the roll-back function is not

active.

● The roll-back function does not prevent fingers or other body parts getting pinched against the door frame and

becoming injured.

NOTICE

The vehicle must be locked with the central locking button or the button on the vehicle key before entering a car

wash. Otherwise the automatic sliding doors could open unexpectedly and any water entering the vehicle could

cause damage.

Opening and closing the automatic sliding doors manually

Opening and closing a sliding door without roll-back function

1. Switch the ignition off and then back on again.

2. Press and hold the

or

button. The sliding door closes with maximum force and without the roll-back

function →

.

WARNING

Closing the automatic sliding doors without the roll-back function could lead to severe injuries.

● Always take care when closing the automatic sliding doors.

● Ensure that nobody obstructs the path of the automatic sliding doors, especially if the roll-back function is not

active.

● The roll-back function does not prevent fingers or other body parts getting pinched against the door frame and

becoming injured.

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Electric steps of sliding doors

Extending and retracting electric step

1. Press the buttons for the electric sliding door in the dash panel.

Or: Briefly pull the interior or exterior door handle.

Obstacle shut-off

If the electric step strikes against an obstacle, it is retracted automatically→

.

CAUTION

Using the step incorrectly can cause accidents.

● Always retract the step before starting a journey.

● Do not bounce or jump on the step.

● Never allow two people to stand on the step at once.

● Never exceed the maximum load of 200 kg.

NOTICE

Using the step incorrectly can cause damage to the vehicle.

● Always retract the step before starting a journey.

● Do not bounce or jump on the step.

● Never allow two people to stand on the step at once.

● Never exceed the maximum load of 200 kg.

108

Load compartment closing

Button in the driver door

The button for the luggage compartment locking function in the driver door locks the luggage compartment.

Fig. 1 In the driver door: button for locking the luggage

compartment.

You can only unlock the vehicle with the

doors are closed.

button if the ignition is switched on and if all of the load compartment

The

button does not work if the vehicle has been locked manually with the vehicle key.

The following information applies when using the

—The yellow indicator lamp in the button lights up.

button to lock the load compartment:

—The unlock button in the driver door is disabled when the ignition is switched off. The unlock button is enabled

again as soon as the ignition is switched on.

—The anti-theft alarm isnot activated.

— It is not possible to open the doors and the boot lid from the outside.

—The rear doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling the door release levers.

Button on the vehicle key

The

button on the vehicle key→ Fig. 2 locks the passenger compartment while the load compartment is

simultaneously unlocked.

Fig. 2 On the vehicle key: button for unlocking the load

compartment.

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When the

button is used to lock the driver's cab:

—The anti-theft alarm in the driver cab is activated.

—It is not possible to open the driver and passenger doors.

—The driver and passenger doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling the door release levers.

—You can open the doors and the boot lid from the outside and inside.

Troubleshooting

Indicator lamp lights up continuously

The red LED

for the central locking system in the driver door flashes at short intervals and then lights up continuously.

There is a fault in the locking system.

1. Go to a correspondingly qualified workshop and have the system checked.

Turn signals do not flash

The turn signals do not flash to confirm that the vehicle has been locked.

1. Close all windows and doors.

2. Close the boot lid.

3. If the turn signals still do not flash, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop to have the system checked.

Locking the vehicle after airbags have been triggered

The entire vehicle is unlocked if the airbags are activated during an accident. Depending on the extent of the damage,

the vehicle can be locked as follows after an accident:

1. Switch off the ignition.

2. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.

3. Open and close any vehicle door.

4. Lock the vehicle using the vehicle key.

Or: Press the central locking button in the driver door (→ Central locking button).

Vehicle with seats in the rear area after airbag triggering

In vehicles with seats in the rear area, the sliding doorcannot be locked after airbags have been triggered.

Electric step does not work.

The electric step cannot be extended or is retracted automatically.

1. Remove the obstacle in front of the step.

2. Press the button again to extend the electric step fully.

Electric sliding door does not work.

The sliding door cannot be opened or closed electrically.

110

1. Pull the outer door handle and carefully close the door manually→

.

Or: Tap and hold the

force →

or

button. The sliding door closes without roll-back function and with maximum

.

2. If the fault persists, the system should be checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

WARNING

An electrical sliding door which is opened or closed manually moves very quickly, does not engage in the open

position and can cause severe injuries.

● Open and close the sliding door carefully, particularly on uphill and downhill gradients.

● Always close the sliding door immediately.

● Ensure that nobody obstructs the path of the electric sliding doors, especially if the roll-back function is not

active whilst closing or opening.

Anti-theft alarm.

Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the vehicle may have an anti-theft alarm.

The anti-theft alarm is activated automatically when the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key.

The anti-theft alarm outputs acoustic and visual warning signals for up to five minutes.

When does the system trigger an alarm?

—When a manually unlocked door is opened without switching on the ignition.

—When the bonnet is opened.

—When the boot lid is opened.

—If the ignition is switched on using an invalid key.

—If the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected.

Vehicles with interior monitoring and anti-tow alarm:

—In the event of movement in the vehicle.

—If the vehicle is raised or towed.

—If the vehicle is transported on a ferry or train.

—If a trailer that is connected to the anti-theft alarm system is removed.

Switching off the alarm

1. Unlock the vehicle using the unlocking button on the vehicle key.

Or: Switch on the ignition using a valid vehicle key. A short alarm lasting around one second may sound.

The anti-theft alarm will not function correctly if the 12-volt vehicle battery is weak or

discharged.

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Interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm

Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the vehicle may have interior monitoring and an anti-tow alarm.

If movements are detected in the vehicle interior when the vehicle is locked, the interior monitoring triggers an

alarm.

The anti-tow alarm will be triggered if the vehicle is lifted.

Switching on the interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm

1. Lock the vehicle.

When the anti-theft alarm is switched on, interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm are also active.

Depending on the equipment, the function of interior monitoring may be impaired if a load guard is used.

Temporarily switching off the interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm

Depending on equipment, the interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm can be switched off temporarily in the

Opening and closing submenu in the Infotainment system (→ Vehicle settings menu).

The interior monitoring and anti-towing alarm are deactivated until the next time the vehicle is locked.

We recommend switching off the interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm in the following situations:

—If any people or animals are to remain in the vehicle interior for a short period.

—If the vehicle is to be loaded onto another vehicle.

—If the vehicle is to be transported.

—If the vehicle is going to be towed with one axle off the ground.

—If the vehicle is to be parked in a two-storey garage.

—If the vehicle is to be parked in a car wash.

Risk of false alarms for the interior monitoring system

Interior monitoring can only work properly if all the vehicle doors are fully closed. Observe the legal requirements.

A false alarm can be triggered in the following situations:

—If one or more windows are fully or partially open.

—If lightweight items are left in the vehicle, such as loose pieces of paper or items hung from the interior mirror.

—If the vibration alarm of a mobile telephone is switched on.

Permanent deactivation of interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm is not

possible.

If doors or the boot lid are still open when the anti-theft alarm is activated, only the anti-theft alarm is

activated. Interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm are not activated until all doors and the boot lid are

closed.

The SAFELOCK is also deactivated when the interior monitoring and anti-tow alarm are switched

off.

Depending on equipment, the load compartment is also monitored. Retrofitted equipment or loads that are

inadequately secured can restrict correct functioning of the system and increase the risk of a false alarm.

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Introduction

The boot lid is unlocked and locked together with the doors.

In vehicles with Keyless Access, the boot lid is unlocked automatically when the vehicle is opened .

If single door unlocking is activated in the opening and closing settings in the Infotainment system, the button on

the vehicle key must be pressed twice to release the boot lid.

On vehicles with Keyless Access, it is necessary to operate the sensor on the inside of the driver door handletwice for

this.

A symbol in the instrument cluster display indicates if the boot lid is not closed properly. Do not drive on! Close the

boot lid →

.

This symbol is also visible when the ignition is switched off and will go out a few seconds after the vehicle has been

locked when all doors and lids are closed.

WARNING

Incorrect and unsupervised unlocking, opening or closing of the boot lid can cause accidents and serious injuries.

● Open or close the boot lid only when there is no-one in the movement path.

● Always check that the boot lid is properly closed after closing it. The closed boot lid must be flush with the

surrounding body panels.

● Always keep the boot lid closed while the vehicle is in motion.

● Never open the boot lid when loads are secured to it. The boot lid may close under its own weight due to the

additional load. Support the boot lid as necessary or remove the load beforehand.

● Close and lock the boot lid and all doors when the vehicle is not in use. Ensure that no one remains in the vehicle.

● Never leave children playing unattended in or around the vehicle, especially when the boot lid is open. Children

could climb into the interior and shut the boot lid, thereby trapping themselves inside. Temperatures inside a

locked vehicle can reach extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness

or fatalities, especially in the case of small children.

WARNING

Serious injuries can occur if the boot lid is unlocked or opened incorrectly or without due care and attention.

● It may not always be apparent that the boot lid is unlocked, for example when a loaded luggage carrier is

attached to it. If unlocked, the boot lid may open suddenly while the vehicle is in motion.

● After closing the boot lid, always check that the catch is engaged securely in the lock carrier.

WARNING

If there is a large amount of snow or a heavy load on the boot lid, the boot lid may lower by itself and cause serious

injuries due to the additional weight.

● Never open the boot lid if it is covered by a large amount of snow or a load is attached to it, e.g. a luggage carrier.

● Remove the snow or load before opening the boot lid.

WARNING

Never close the boot lid by pressing with your hand on the rear window. The rear window could shatter and cause

injuries.

NOTICE

Never use the opening mechanism to fix or hold a load. This could lead to damage that makes it impossible to close

the boot lid.

NOTICE

Never use the rear window wiper, the gas struts or the rear spoiler to attach or hold a load. This may result in

damage where the components are torn off.

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Manually opening and closing the boot lid

Manually opening the boot lid

Before opening the boot lid, always remove any items of luggage that are on the luggage carrier attached to the boot

lid →

1. Press the button on the vehicle key to unlock the whole vehicle.

Or: To unlock the boot lid, press the or button on the vehicle key. The doors remain locked.

.

2. Open the boot lid with the handle until it is held at the stop in a fixed position.

If the boot lid is not opened within the next few minutes after unlocking, it automatically locks again.

Vehicles with power closing

Closing the boot lid manually

1. Grab the loop on the boot lid. Pull the tailgate down with some force until the power closing function closes it

automatically →

.

2. Check that the boot lid is engaged securely.

Vehicles without power closing

Closing the boot lid manually

1. Grab the loop on the boot lid. Pull the boot lid down with some force until it engages in the lock →

2. Check that the boot lid is engaged securely.

.

The boot lid is also locked by the central locking system.

The instrument cluster display indicates if the boot lid is open or not closed properly.

WARNING

Serious injuries can occur if the boot lid is opened or closed incorrectly or without due care and attention.

● It may not always be apparent that the boot lid is unlocked, for example when a loaded luggage carrier is

attached to it. If unlocked, the boot lid may open suddenly while the vehicle is in motion.

● When opening the boot lid, make sure the boot lid is moved fully up.

● When closing the boot lid, make sure that no-one has their hands in the direct path of the boot lid as it moves.

At outside temperatures of less than 0°C(+32°F), the gas-filled struts cannot always lift the opened boot lid

automatically. If necessary, guide the boot lid up by hand.

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Opening and closing the boot lid electrically

Fig. 1 In the open boot lid: Button for electrically closing

the boot lid.

Fig. 2 In the open driver door: button for electrically

opening the boot lid.

When the towing bracket is electrically connected with a trailer, the boot lid cannot be electrically opened using the

remote control or door button →

.

Electrically opening the boot lid

Before opening the boot lid, always remove any items of luggage that are on the luggage carrier attached to the boot

lid →

.

1. Unlock the vehicle.

2. Pull the boot lid briefly by the handle.

Or: Press and hold the

Or: Pull up and hold the

Or: Press and hold the

button in the vehicle key.

button in the driver door.

button in the vehicle key.

The boot lid opens automatically.

Opening is confirmed by the hazard warning lights flashing when the boot lid is opened with the remote control or

button in the driver’s door.

If the boot lid is not opened within the next few minutes after unlocking, it automatically locks again.

Electrically closing the boot lid

115

1. Briefly press the

button on the open boot lid.

Or: grab the loop on the boot lid and pull it gently. Acoustic warnings are given during closing.

Or: Pull the boot lid briefly by the handle.

The boot lid closes automatically.

The boot lid is also locked by the central locking system.

Interrupting the opening or closing procedure

If the boot lid is blocked by an obstacle, the opening and closing procedure will be interrupted immediately→

.

Opening and closing of the boot lid can be interrupted by pressing one of the buttons during the procedure.

You need to press and hold the

The boot lid can now be moved by hand. You will need to use increased force to do this.

Pressing the button again moves the boot lid back into the starting position.

button in the vehicle key to stop the procedure.

Adjusting the opening angle

If the area behind or above the vehicle is smaller than the path of the boot lid, the opening angle can be changed, e.g.

in a garage.

The boot lid must be at least half open in order to store a new opening angle.

1. Stop the opening procedure at the desired position.

2. Press the

button in the open boot lid for at least three seconds.

The changed opening angle will be stored.

The hazard warning lights flash and an acoustic signal sounds to confirm that the changed opening angle has been

stored.

Resetting the opening angle

The opening angle will have to be reset and stored again in order to fully open the boot lid again.

1. Open the boot lid automatically up to the stored height.

2. Press the open boot lid up by hand to the stop. You will need to use increased force to do this.

3. Press the

button in the open boot lid for at least three seconds.

The opening angle is reset to the factory setting and stored.

The hazard warning lights flash and an acoustic signal sounds to confirm that the data has been stored.

WARNING

Serious injuries can occur if the boot lid is opened or closed incorrectly or without due care and attention.

● Never open the boot lid if it is covered by a large amount of snow or a load is attached to it. The boot lid may

close under its own weight due to the additional load and cause serious injuries.

● Remove the snow or load before opening the boot lid.

● It may not be apparent that the boot lid is unlocked, for example when a loaded luggage carrier is attached to it. If

unlocked, the boot lid may open suddenly while the vehicle is in motion.

● When closing the boot lid, make sure that no-one has their hands in the direct path of the boot lid as it moves.

Opening the boot lid manually

116

Fig. 1 Inside of the boot lid: Remove the cover.

Fig. 2 Inside of the boot lid: release lever.

Opening the boot lid manually from the inside

1. Remove the round cover in the interior trim of the boot lid→ Fig. 1.

1

2. Push the release lever→ Fig. 2

in the direction of the arrow to open the boot lid.

The boot lid opens.

Opening the boot lid manually from the outside

1. Insert the vehicle key bit into the lock cylinder and turn itclockwise as far as it will go.

The boot lid opens.

In some vehicles, there is a rubber stopper instead of the cover. Carefully lever it out with the screwdriver

from the vehicle toolkit.

117

Troubleshooting

Boot lid cannot be opened or closed automatically

If the boot lid is blocked by an obstacle, the opening procedure will be interrupted.

The drive switches off automatically in order to prevent overheating if the boot lid is operated too frequently within a

short space of time.

The boot lid must be closed by hand if the 12-volt vehicle battery or fuse is disconnected or faulty.

1. Check whether the boot lid is blocked by an obstacle.

2. Manually open or close the boot lid (→ Boot lid, mechanical).

Boot lid is stiff

At outside temperatures around freezing point, the opening mechanism cannot always lift the partially opened boot

lid automatically.

1. Guide the boot lid further upwards by hand.

118

Opening and closing windows

The buttons for operating the windows are located in the driver door (→ Driver door).

Open window: Press the button.Or: Close window: Pull the button.

One-touch opening and closing

One-touch opening and closing makes it possible to fully open and close the windows. The individual buttons do not

have to be held down to do this.

One-touch closing: pull the button for the appropriate window briefly up into the second position.

One-touch opening: push the button for the appropriate window briefly down into the second position.

Stopping the one-touch function:Press or pull the button for the appropriate window again.

Convenience opening and closing

The windows can be opened and closed from outside the vehicle using the vehicle key when the ignition is switched

off and the vehicle is locked:

1. Press and hold the locking or unlocking button on the vehicle key.

Or: hold the vehicle key in the driver door lock cylinder in either the locking or unlocking position until all

windows are either opened or closed.

Or: Press and hold the

button in the vehicle key.

To interrupt the function:

1. Release the locking or unlocking button on the vehicle key.

Or: turn the vehicle key in the opposite direction.

The windows in the doors are closed at the same time as part of the convenience closing function.

Set the convenience opening settings in theVehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system.

WARNING

Careless or unsupervised use of the electric windows can cause serious injuries.

● Open or close electric windows only when there is no-one in the operating path of the windows.

● Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the vehicle is locked. The windows

can no longer be opened in an emergency.

● Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The windows can still be operated using

the buttons several minutes after the ignition has been switched off, provided that the driver door and front

passenger door are not opened.

NOTICE

During sudden rain showers, water can enter the vehicle interior via open windows and cause damage to the vehicle.

One-touch opening and closing and the roll-back function will not work if there is a fault in the electric

windows. Go to a qualified workshop.

To convenience-open the windows using the key in the door lock, you must first unlock the vehicle using the

vehicle key.

119

Electric window roll-back function

The roll-back function of the electric windows can reduce the risk of crush injuries when the windows are closed.

If a window cannot close properly due to stiff movement or an obstacle, the window will open again immediately→

.

1. Check to see why the window has not closed.

2. Try to close the window again.

If closing of the window is interrupted again, the roll-back function will be deactivated for several seconds.

If the window still cannot be closed, it will stop at the corresponding position→

.

The window will close without roll-back function if the button is pressed again within a few seconds→

Please go to a suitably qualified workshop if the window still cannot be closed.

.

WARNING

Closing the electric windows without the roll-back function can cause serious injuries.

● Always take care when closing the electric windows.

● There must never be anyone in the movement path of the electric windows, particularly if the windows are closed

without roll-back function.

● The roll-back function does not prevent fingers or other body parts from being pressed against the window

frame and sustaining injury.

The roll-back function is also active for convenience closing of the windows with the vehicle

key.

120

Opening and closing the sliding window

There are two sliding window variants:

—Press the window handle together from top to bottom(arrows on the handle).

—Pull together window handle while pulling inwards(without arrows on the handle).

Opening the sliding window in the side panel

1. Press together the window handle.

Or: Press the window handle and pull it towards the inside of the vehicle.

2. Keep the window handle in this position and open the sliding window.

3. Make sure that the sliding window is securely engaged in one of the available positions.

4. Release window handle.

Closing the sliding window in the side panel

1. Press together the window handle.

Or: Press the window handle and pull it towards the inside of the vehicle.

2. Keep the window handle in this position and close the sliding window.

3. Release window handle.

Opening and closing the sliding window in the partition

1. Pull the window handle and open or close the sliding window.

WARNING

In the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or accident, a sliding window that is not securely engaged could move

forward and cause injuries.

● Always allow the sliding window to engage securely.

121

Troubleshooting

One-touch opening and closing do not work

If the 12-volt vehicle battery has been disconnected or discharged when the windows were not fully closed, the one-

touch opening and closing function does not work and must be reactivated:

1. Switch on the ignition.

2. Close all windows and doors.

3. Pull and hold the button for the respective window for several seconds.

4. Release the button.

5. Pull and hold the button again.

The one-touch opening and closing function is now ready for operation again.

The automatic electric window functions can be reactivated either individually or for several windows at the same

time.

Window cannot be closed

1. Check whether there is an obstacle in the movement path.

2. Try to close the window again within a few seconds by pulling and holding the button.

The roll-back function is then deactivated for a small operating range of the closing path. The roll-back function will

be activated again if the closing operation takes longer than a few seconds.

The window will then stop if movement is again stiff or if there is an obstacle and opens automatically again.

1. If the fault persists, the system should be checked by a suitably qualified workshop.

Touch panels do not react as expected

Moisture, dirt and grease can impede the functioning of the touch panels.

—Always keep touch panels clean and dry.

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Opening and closing for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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