Practical equipment for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Introduction  
WARNING  
Improper use of the cigarette lighter or the ashtray could cause fires, burns and other serious injuries.  
The cigarette lighter must always be used properly.  
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter can be used when the ignition is switched  
on.  
Never place paper or other items that may cause a fire in the ashtray.  
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Rear ashtray  
Fig. 1 In the side trim: ashtray.  
Emptying the ashtray  
Open the ashtray.  
Take hold of the sides of the ashtray insert→ Fig. 1 (arrow) and pull it up and out.  
After emptying the ashtray, insert it again from above.  
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Cigarette lighter  
Fig. 1 In the lower part of the centre console: cigarette  
lighter (depending on vehicle equipment).  
A cigarette lighter is located in the lower part of the centre console.  
1. With the ignition switched on, press in the knob on the cigarette lighter.  
2. Wait for the button to pop out.  
3. Pull out the cigarette lighter and use (→ Ashtray and cigarette lighter).  
4. Insert the cigarette lighter back into the socket.  
The cigarette lighter socket can also be used as a 12-volt  
socket.  
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Introduction  
Electrical equipment can be connected to the sockets in the vehicle.  
The electrical devices must be in good condition. Do not use faulty devices.  
WARNING  
Improper use of the sockets and electrical accessories can cause fires and severe injuries.  
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. Sockets and the devices connected to them can be used when  
the ignition is switched on.  
If the electrical device gets too hot, switch off the device immediately and disconnect it from the socket.  
NOTICE  
In order to prevent damage to the electrical system, never connect equipment that supplies electric power, such  
as solar panels or battery chargers, to the 12-volt socket for charging.  
Use only electrical devices that have been approved in accordance with current guidelines concerning  
electromagnetic compatibility.  
In order to avoid damage due to voltage fluctuations, always switch off any electrical devices before switching  
the ignition on or off and before starting the engine. When the start/stop system automatically switches off and  
restarts the engine, it is not necessary to switch off any connected electrical devices.  
Never connect electrical devices requiring more than the rated power to a 12-volt socket. The vehicle's electrical  
system can be damaged if the maximum power output is exceeded.  
Observe the operating instructions of the electrical devices!  
Do not leave the engine to run when the vehicle is  
stationary.  
Using electrical consumers with the engine switched off and the ignition switched on will drain the 12-volt  
battery.  
Unshielded devices can cause interference in the Infotainment system and vehicle  
electronics.  
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Sockets in the vehicle  
Fig. 1 12-volt socket with cover flap 1 , 12-volt socket  
with pull-out cover 2 .  
Fig. 2 On the side of the driver seat: 230-volt socket with  
earthing contact (illustration).  
Maximum power rating  
Electrical socket  
12-volt  
Maximum power rating  
120 watts  
230-volt  
300 watts (450 watts peak power)  
If two or more devices are connected at the same time, the overall power consumption of all connected electrical  
devices must never exceed 300 watts → Temperature switch-off.  
The maximum power rating of the individual sockets should never be exceeded. The power rating of each device is  
stated on its type plate.  
12-volt socket  
The 12-volt socket will work even if the ignition has been switched off.  
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off and the ignition switched on will drain the battery.  
In order to prevent damage from fluctuations in voltage, switch the connected electrical equipment off before  
switching the ignition on and before starting the engine.  
12-volt sockets can be found in the following locations in the vehicle:  
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In the right-hand stowage area on the front passenger seat.  
On the drink holder in front of the rear bench seat.  
In the luggage compartment at the rear on the right.  
230-volt socket with earthing contact  
230-volt socket with earthing contact can be located under a cover at the side of the driver seat→ Fig. 2.  
The socket is activated automatically as soon as a plug is connected when the engine is running. If there is sufficient  
energy in the system, the socket can also be used when the engine is off → Temperature switch-off.  
Connecting electrical equipment  
1. To unlock the integrated childproof lock, open the cover and push the plug all the way into the socket.  
Electricity will not flow until the child socket protection has been unlocked.  
LED display on the socket→ Fig. 2:  
Constant green light  
The child lock is disengaged. The socket is ready for use.  
Flashing red light  
There is a malfunction such as a shutoff due to excess current or temperature.  
Temperature switch-off  
The inverter in the 230-volt socket with earthing contact will switch off automatically if the temperature exceeds a  
specific value. The switch-off function prevents the connected device from overheating when the power  
consumption is too high or if the ambient temperature is too high. The 230-volt socket with earthing contact cannot  
be used again until after the cool-down phase.  
Before using the 230-volt socket again after the cool-down phase, first remove the plug of the connected equipment  
and then reinsert it. This helps prevent the connected electrical devices being switched on accidentally.  
DANGER  
High voltage in the electrical system!  
Do not spill any liquids over the socket.  
Do not plug any adapters or extension cables into the 230-volt socket with earthing contact. Otherwise the built-  
in child lock will disengage and power will be supplied to the socket.  
Never insert any items made of conducting materials, e.g. knitting needles, into the contacts of the 230-volt  
socket with earthing contact.  
NOTICE  
Observe the operating instructions of the connected electrical devices!  
12-volt socket:  
Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the whole vehicle electrical system.  
Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with valid guidelines concerning electromagnetic  
compatibility.  
Never feed electricity into the socket.  
230-volt socket with earthing contact:  
Do not plug any heavy-duty devices or connections, such as mains adapters, directly into the socket.  
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Do not connect any lamps which use neon tubes.  
Do not connect any lamps which use neon tubes.  
Only connect devices to the socket with a voltage that matches the voltage of the socket.  
With electrical devices that require a high level of current in the start phase, the built-in excess current switch  
will prevent the device from being switched on. If this happens, disconnect the power supply from the  
electrical equipment and reconnect after waiting approximately 10 seconds.  
Unshielded devices can cause interference in the Infotainment system and vehicle  
electronics.  
Functional problems may occur with some devices when they are connected to the 230-volt socket with  
earthing contact due to the lower power output (wattage).  
Small torch  
A small torch may be located in the 12-volt socket in the dash panel depending on the equipment.  
1. To charge the small torch, hold the torch at the knurled wheel of the lens and insert it in the 12-volt socket.  
2. To switch the small torch on and off, turn the thumb wheel on the lens.  
When travelling, always leave the torch plugged into the 12-volt socket→ Small torch.  
WARNING  
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or  
braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then  
flung through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risk of accidents, observe the following guidelines:  
When travelling, always leave the torch plugged into the 12-volt socket.  
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Torch behind front passenger seat  
Fig. 1 On seat box behind front passenger seat: torch in  
holder.  
There is, depending on the scope of equipment in the vehicle, a torch in the vehicle.  
The torch is secured in a holder on the seat box behind the front passenger seat→ Fig. 1. The torch illuminates the  
floor area near the sliding door. The holder is also a charge unit for the torch.  
2
Switch position on the holder→ Fig. 1  
:
I
Torch is on and is charging.  
0
Torch is off and is charging.  
Using the torch  
1. Remove the torch from the holder by lightly pressing it on one side.  
1
2. To switch on the torch, press the button below the head→ Fig. 1  
.
3. To reduce the torch brightness, press the button below the head repeatedly until the required brightness is  
reached.  
4. To switch off the torch, press the button below the head as many times as required until the torch is no longer  
illuminated.  
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Introduction  
The cool box may be used while the vehicle is in motion only if it is fitted to the correctly installed adapter plate.  
Power for the cool box can be supplied by any of the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle. The power consumption is  
approx. 33 watts. The cool box has a capacity of 32 litres.  
Observe the installation and operating instructions of the cool box manufacturer and keep them together with the  
vehicle wallet.  
As far as possible, keep food and drinks in the cool box in leak-proof containers. To ensure air circulation in the cool  
box, do not pack too many items in the cool box.  
Battery monitor  
The 12-volt vehicle battery will be drained if the cool box is used when the engine is switched off. For this reason,  
the cool box is fitted with a battery monitor. The battery monitor will switch the cool box off if the 12-volt vehicle  
battery has a low charge level. The battery monitor will switch the cool box on again as soon as the 12-volt vehicle  
battery has reached a suitable charge level, for example, after a long journey.  
WARNING  
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or  
braking manoeuvre or accident.  
Only transport the cool box if it is fitted to the right adapter plate in the vehicle.  
Make sure that the adapter plate is properly fitted in the seat rails.  
The cool box lid must always be closed and latched when the vehicle is in motion.  
Never use the cool box as a table or stowage compartment when the vehicle is in motion.  
WARNING  
If the ambient temperature in the vehicle is too low, the temperature in the cool box could fall below +2°C(+35°F)  
degrees. This could cause the contents of the cool box to freeze and bottles and other containers to burst,  
potentially causing injuries.  
Never use the cool box if the ambient temperature is too low.  
NOTICE  
This could damage the cool box if the bed extension is fitted(multi-flex board).  
Always fold up the front part of the bed extension(MultiFlex board) and lock it securely.  
NOTICE  
Handling the cool box incorrectly could damage it.  
When adjusting seat positions, make sure there is sufficient clearance between the adapter plate or the cool box  
and the bench seat.  
Do not place any objects, blankets or items of clothing on the heater/cooler of the cool box. These objects could  
cut off the air supply or ventilation and the cool box may switch off.  
Do not place containers, food or other objects which are warmer than +50°C(+122°F) in the cool box.  
Do not place corrosive substances or solvents in the cool box.  
Never expose the cool box to rain or moisture.  
To prevent mould and mildew from forming in the cool box when it is not being used for long periods, place a  
folded dry towel between the box and its lid.  
The cool box is not intended to cool or heat the vehicle interior. Only use the cool box to keep food cool or  
warm and for transporting heat-sensitive objects on short journeys.  
When the bed extension(multi-flex board) is fitted, the lid of the cool box cannot be opened fully. For easier access  
to the contents of the cool box, take the lid out of the holder.  
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Installing and removing the cool box  
Fig. 1 In the luggage compartment: Remove the cool box.  
The adapter plate can be mounted in the seat rails in or opposite the direction of travel.  
Fitting the adapter plate  
1. Turn the adapter plate so that the T-shaped retaining pins are positioned lengthwise.  
2. Place both T-shaped retaining pins of the adapter plate into the seat rails.  
3. Push both handles down.  
4. Turn both handles through 90° so that the T-shaped retaining pins are across the seat rails→ Removing the  
adapter plate.  
5. Tighten both the thumb wheels firmly.  
6. When fitting the adapter plate ensure sufficient clearance between the adapter plate or the cool box and the  
bench seat → Removing the adapter plate.  
Fitting the cool box  
1. Fit the adapter plate.  
2. Pull out the handle on the adapter plate.  
3. Place the cool box on the adapter plate.  
4. Make sure that all retaining pins on the cool box are fully engaged in the corresponding holes on the adapter  
plate → Removing the adapter plate.  
5. Pull the handle on the adapter plate right out.  
6. When fitting the cool box ensure sufficient clearance between the adapter plate or the cool box and the bench  
seat → Removing the adapter plate.  
Removing the cool box  
1. To unlock the cool box, pull the handle on the adapter plate in the direction of the arrow→ Fig. 1.  
2. Lift up the cool box to remove it.  
3. Pull the handle on the adapter plate right out.  
Removing the adapter plate  
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1. Remove the cool box.  
2. Turn the adapter plate so that the T-shaped retaining pins are positioned lengthwise.  
3. Lift up the adapter plate to remove it.  
WARNING  
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or  
braking manoeuvre or accident.  
Make sure that the T-shaped retaining pins in the seat rails are at right-angles to the adapter plate and correctly  
engaged.  
The T-shaped retaining pins should never be inserted in the seat rails near the removable covers.  
Make sure that the cool box is properly engaged on the adapter plate.  
NOTICE  
Handling the cool box incorrectly could damage it.  
When adjusting seat positions, make sure there is sufficient clearance between the adapter plate or the cool box  
and the bench seat.  
Do not place any objects, blankets or items of clothing on the heater/cooler of the cool box. These objects could  
cut off the air supply or ventilation and the cool box may switch off.  
Do not place containers, food or other objects which are warmer than +50°C(+122°F) in the cool box.  
Do not place corrosive substances or solvents in the cool box.  
Never expose the cool box to rain or moisture.  
To prevent mould and mildew from forming in the cool box when it is not being used for long periods, place a  
folded dry towel between the box and its lid.  
Switching the cool box on and off  
Fig. 1 Cool box: controls.  
The interior temperature of the cool box is dependent on the temperature in the vehicle. In cooling mode, the interior  
temperature can be max. 20°C (68°F) below the temperature in the vehicle. In heating mode it can be max. 35°C  
(95°F) degrees above the temperature in the vehicle. If you switch directly from cooling to heating it will take a  
relatively long time for the interior to reach the desired temperature.  
Switching the cool box on  
1. Connect the 12-volt power supply.  
1
2. To switch on heating, press the  
red button.  
2
Or: To switch on cooling, press the  
blue button.  
An indicator lamp in the button lights up above the button which was pressed.  
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