Parking and manoeuvring -> Rear Traffic Alert for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Check the requirements before using the trailer manoeuvring system (→ Trailer manoeuvring system):  
1. Select reverse gear.  
2. Press the  
3. Release the steering wheel→  
4. Tilt the switch until the desired direction is reached→ Fig. 1  
button.  
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. A diagram showing the current position of the  
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trailer appears on the instrument cluster display for orientation purposes → Fig. 2  
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5. Accelerate slowly and reverse the vehicle. Keep an eye on the area around the vehicle.  
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6. Correct the angle with the switch if necessary→ Fig. 1  
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7. Push the switch to the left  
8. Pull the switch to the rear  
or right  
to select the direction of travel.  
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9. Reverse and drive forwards until the required position is reached.  
10. The manoeuvring operation has been completed when a corresponding message is displayed on the instrument  
cluster. A signal tone may also sound.  
Automatic braking intervention  
The driver is responsible for braking in time→  
.
An automatic braking intervention may occur and the function may be cancelled in the following situations:  
Speed of approximately 6–8 km/h (3–5 mph) is exceeded.  
Steering interventions by driver.  
Diver door is open.  
The  
button is pressed.  
WARNING  
Risk of injury. Fast rotational steering wheel movements can cause serious injury.  
When manoeuvring, do not reach for the steering wheel until prompted to do so by the system.  
Exception: If a dangerous situation occurs, intervene and take over the steering.  
WARNING  
Risk of injury. Do not let the automatic braking intervention tempt you to take any risks while driving, as this can  
cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.  
Trailer Assist has system-related limitations. In some situations the automatic brake intervention can only work in  
a limited way or not at all.  
If a dangerous situation occurs, take action by applying the brakes yourself.  
The automatic braking intervention is ended after approximately 1.5 seconds at vehicle standstill.  
Depress the brake pedal of the vehicle yourself following the automatic braking intervention.  
The exterior mirrors cannot be adjusted while Trailer Assist is  
active.  
Rear Traffic Alert  
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Fig. 1 Illustration of Rear Traffic Alert: Monitored area  
around the vehicle leaving the parking space.  
Fig. 2 On the Infotainment system screen: Rear Traffic  
Alert display.  
Rear Traffic Alert monitors crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space or manoeuvring.  
Also observe the information and warnings that apply to all Park Assist functions (→ Parking systems).  
Switching on and off  
1. Via the Assist systems menu in the instrument cluster .  
Or: In the vehicle settings in the Infotainment system (→ Vehicle settings menu).  
2. Switch Rear Traffic Alert on or off.  
This setting can be saved in the user accounts of the personalisation function and can therefore change  
automatically when the user account is changed (→ Personalisation).  
How the system works  
Rear Traffic Alert uses radar sensors in the rear bumper.  
The system detects approaching or moving objects at the rear and to the sides of the vehicle→ Fig. 1 and warns the  
driver when approaching an obstacle →  
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If the vehicle encounters an obstacle, the obstacle area is displayed in colour on the Infotainment system→ Fig. 2,  
and an acoustic warning may also sound.  
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If Park Distance Control is deactivated, no feedback can be given to the driver.  
Emergency braking  
An automatic braking intervention may be performed if the driver does not react to a warning (→ Automatic braking  
intervention). Observe the text messages in the instrument cluster.  
Press the brake to hold the vehicle stationary.  
Things to note for trailer towing  
Rear Traffic Alert is deactivated if the factory-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to a trailer. Observe the  
text messages in the instrument cluster.  
WARNING  
The intelligent technology used in the parking systems cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only  
within the system limits. Failure to observe this information can result in accidents, serious injuries and vehicle  
damage.  
The parking system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver. Pay attention to the traffic situation  
and the area around the vehicle.  
Always be aware of the vehicle’s surroundings as Rear Traffic Alert may not be able to detect all approaching  
objects, e.g. pedestrians or objects approaching quickly.  
The Rear Traffic Alert will not always independently bring the vehicle to a complete stop.  
Information on brake support systems  
The brake support systems can assist the driver in critical driving or braking situations. The driver is responsible for  
driving safety →  
.
If a brake support system is performing a braking intervention, continue to brake with the necessary force, and if  
necessary steer the vehicle.  
WARNING  
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only  
within the limits of the systems. Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle  
and could cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.  
Ensure that your speed and driving style are always appropriate for the current visibility, weather and road/traffic  
conditions. Never take any safety risks.  
Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if you are driving too close to the vehicle in front.  
Always use suitable tyres. The driving stability depends on the tyre grip.  
Keep the footwell under the pedals clear so that the brake pedal can move freely.  
The ESC, ABS and TCS can function properly only if all four wheels are fitted with the same tyres.  
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also stop working.  
The status of the brake functions is checked automatically when the ignition is switched on. The indicator lamps light  
up briefly and then go out again. If an indicator lamp remains lit up continuously, there is a fault (→ Brake support  
systems). Go to a suitably qualified workshop immediately.  
WARNING  
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems which affect driving  
dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly. This applies in particular to modifications made  
to the suspension and the use of non-approved wheel and tyre combinations.  
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