Get Brake support systems Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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. Always 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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● Have conversions and modifications to your vehicle carried out only by a suitably qualified workshop.

● Always use suitable tyres. The driving stability depends on the tyre grip.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC

control intervention to reduce the risk of skidding and improve driving stability →

The indicator lamp flashes yellow.

Traction control system (TCS)

TCS

control intervention to prevent the wheels from spinning. The indicator lamp flashes yellow.

The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road surface conditions. The TCS

makes it easier to pull away, accelerate and drive up hills →

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

ABS

prevents the wheels from locking during braking so that the vehicle can still be steered →

Brake assist system (BAS)

BAS

can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system reinforces the braking force when the driver

depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency situation.

If you reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake servo function.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

EDL

brakes a spinning wheel automatically and distributes the drive force to the other drive wheels.

The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the brake from overheating. The EDL

switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

In the event of a collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to reduce the risk of

skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking.

The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only for collisions that are detected as a collision by the

airbag control unit.

The vehicle is braked automatically if the required systems have not been damaged in the collision and have

remained functional.

Requirement for automatic braking:

✓ The driver does not press the accelerator.

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WARNING

Driving without the brake servo or with restricted brake servo function can considerably increase the braking

distance and cause accidents and serious injuries.

● Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.

● If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be depressed more

forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system.

● Keep the footwell under the pedals clear so that the brake pedal can move freely.

WARNING

The effectiveness of systems can be severely inhibited if components and systems are retrofitted, e.g. by second

stage manufacturers. The proper functioning of systems may therefore be impaired or adapted in vehicles with add-

ons and modifications.

● Have the correct operation of the systems confirmed by the second stage manufacturer.

Switching the TCS on and off

Fig. 1 In the centre console: button for switching TCS on

and off manually.

Driving situations

The traction control system(TCS) can be switched off in situations where insufficient traction is achieved:

—When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.

—When rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud.

When the driving situation no longer exists, the TCS should be switched back on fully.

Switching the TCS on and off

1. Press the → Fig. 1 button to switch the TCS on and off.

TCS switched off manually. The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

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Troubleshooting

Brake system fault

The indicator lamp lights up red.

Do not drive on!

1. Seek expert assistance immediately.

Anti-lock brake system failure or fault

Indicator lamp lights up yellow.

1. Consult a suitably qualified workshop.

The vehicle can be braked without the anti-lock brake system.

ESC fault

Indicator lamp lights up yellow.ESC

has been switched off.

1. Switch the ignition on and off.

2. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15–20 km/h(9–12 mph) if necessary.

If the indicator lamp continues to light up, go to a suitably qualified workshop.

Noises from the brake support systems

The brake pedal may move or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating.

1. Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure, and steer the vehicle when required.

Unexpected reduction in engine power

Faults can occur in the ESC and TCS systems if the four wheels have different types of tyres.

Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power unexpectedly.

WARNING

The control function of the ABS may have failed if the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS

indicator lamp . This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a

loss of control of the vehicle.

● If possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest suitably qualified workshop to have

the brake system tested.

● Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

● The ABS is not working properly if the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in

motion. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS

is no longer available. Go to a suitably qualified workshop as soon as possible.

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Brake support systems for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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