Get Jump starting Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

NOTICE

You can damage another position in the electrical system by using a fuse with a higher amp rating.

● Never replace a fuse with a fuse that has a higher rating.

1

1. If necessary, take the plastic pliers→ Fig. 2

out of the cover of the respective fuse box.

A

2. Push the plastic grippers clip suitable for the fuse design onto the fuse from the top→ Fig. 2

B

or the side

→ Fig. 2

.

3. Remove the fuse.

4. If the fuse has blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same amp rating(same colour and same markings) and

same size →

.

5. Once the new fuse has been inserted, put the plastic grippers back in the cover if applicable.

6. Insert the cover again or close the fuse box cover.

Introduction

For technical reasons, your vehicle may not be push-started→ . If the engine fails to start because the 12-volt

vehicle battery is flat, the discharged battery can be connected to the 12-volt battery of another vehicle to start the

engine.

WARNING

Using the jump leads incorrectly or completing the jump start procedure incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle

battery to explode, which can lead to severe or fatal injuries.

● Always read and observe the warnings and safety information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt

vehicle battery (→ 12-volt vehicle battery).

● Never confuse the positive battery terminal with the negative battery terminal or connect the jump leads

incorrectly.

● Never jump start a vehicle with a frozen or thawed 12-volt vehicle battery.

● Use only jump leads with fully insulated terminal clamps.

WARNING

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is jump started. If sparks are

generated, the gas emitted could ignite. This can cause an explosion and serious or injuries could result.

● Always keep fire, sparks, naked flames and lit cigarettes away from the 12-volt vehicle battery.

● Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the 12-volt vehicle battery.

NOTICE

Tow-starting the vehicle can damage the vehicle.

● Carry out jump starting to start the vehicle.

Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C

(+32°F).

—Always replace a 12-volt vehicle battery which is frozen or has been

frozen.

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Jump starting the vehicle

Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of approx.

0°C (+32°F).

—Do not jump start a vehicle with a frozen or thawed 12-volt vehicle

battery.

Preparations

Observe the following information when carrying out jump starting:

✓ Wear suitable eye protection and protective gloves→

✓ Observe the jump lead manufacturer's instructions.

✓ Open the bonnet.

.

✓ Always use jump leads with fully insulated terminal clamps and intact insulation for jump starting→

.

✓ Ensure that there is sufficient distance between the vehicle giving the jump start and the vehicle receiving the

jump start, as any contact could mean that electricity could flow as soon as the positive battery terminals are

connected.

✓ Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.

Jump leads

Suitable jump leads are required to provide and receive jump starts.

The following minimum wire cross-sections of jump leads must be observed for the vehicle providing the jump start.

— Vehicles with electric drive: For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire cross-

section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm²(0.038 in²).

— Vehicles with hybrid drive: For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire cross-

section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm²(0.038 in²).

— Vehicles with a petrol engine:For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire

cross-section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm²(0.038 in²).

— Vehicles with diesel engine:For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire cross-

section of the jump lead must be at least 35 mm²(0.054 in²).

Vehicle receiving jump start

1. Check that the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery is properly connected to the 12-volt electrical system.

2. If the fitted 12-volt vehicle battery has a battery window, check the colour of the window. If the battery

window is light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.

Vehicle giving jump start

1. Observe the owner’s manual issued by the vehicle manufacturer.

2. Check that the vehicle battery providing assistance has the same voltage(12 volts) and approximately the same

capacity as the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery. Check the label on the vehicle battery of the vehicle giving

the jump start.

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WARNING

Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode, which can lead to serious

injuries or death.

● Always wear suitable eye protection and gloves and never lean over the 12-volt vehicle battery.

● Always connect the positive cable first, followed by the negative cable.

● Never connect the negative lead to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.

● Make sure that there is no contact between the non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps.

● Make sure that the cable insulation is intact.

● Ensure that the lead attached to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery does not touch any

electrically conductive parts of the vehicle.

Jump starting vehicles with start/stop system

Fig. 1 How to connect the jump leads.

1

2

3

Positive battery terminal on the vehicle being jump-started.

Positive battery terminal on the vehicle that is giving the jump start.

Suitable earth connection. Preferably the jump start connection point(earth connection), otherwise a solid

metal part which is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or the cylinder block itself.

1. Switch off the ignition in both vehicles.

2. Open the battery cover in the engine compartment, if one is installed.

3. Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal + in the vehicle with the discharged battery

1

→ Fig. 1

, →

.

4. Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal + of the vehicle battery providing assistance

2

→ Fig. 1

.

5. Connect one end of the black jump lead to a suitable earth connection, a solid metal part that is securely bolted

3

onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder block itself → Fig. 1

.

6. Connect the other end of the black jump lead to a solid metal component that is bolted securely to the cylinder

block of the vehicle with the flat battery, to the cylinder block itself or, if necessary, to the screwed-in towing

3

eye at the front. However, do not connect it to a point near the battery → Fig. 1

, →

.

7. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine

compartment.

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Attaching the jump leads in vehicles without start/stop system

Fig. 2 How to connect the jump leads.

1

2

3

Positive battery terminal on the vehicle being jump-started.

Positive battery terminal on the vehicle that is giving the jump start.

Suitable earth connection. A solid metal part that is firmly bolted to the engine block, or the engine block itself.

1. Switch off the ignition in both vehicles.

2. Open the battery cover in the engine compartment, if one is installed.

3. Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal + in the vehicle with the discharged battery

1

→ Fig. 2

, →

.

4. Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal + of the vehicle battery providing assistance

2

→ Fig. 2

.

5. Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal - of the vehicle battery providing assistance

2

→ Fig. 2

.

6. Connect the other end of the black jump lead to a solid metal component that is bolted securely to the cylinder

block of the vehicle with the flat battery, to the cylinder block itself or, if necessary, to the screwed-in towing

3

eye at the front. However, do not connect it to a point near the vehicle battery → Fig. 2

, →

.

7. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine

compartment.

Starting the engine

1. Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.

2. Wait a few minutes and then start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery. If the

engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again after about 1

minute.

If the engine still does not start, seek expert assistance.

Introduction

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Removing the jump leads

1. Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights.

2. Turn on the air conditioning system or the heating and fresh air system blower and the rear window heating in

the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery. This helps to minimise voltage peaks which are

generated when the leads are disconnected.

3. When the engine is running, the jump leads should be removed only in the order D – C – B – A.

4. Fit the cover to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery.

5. After jump starting, have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked by a suitably qualified workshop.

Towing requires experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both drivers should be familiar with the technique

required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.

Observe any legal requirements when towing.

Make sure that no excessive pulling forces occur and take care to avoid jerking movements. When towing offroad,

there is always a risk of overloading the anchorage points.

WARNING

If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change significantly. This could mean that

you lose control over the vehicle and cause serious or fatal injuries.

● Please note that more force is needed for steering and braking during towing.

WARNING

If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock during towing, the steering lock may engage suddenly. The

steering wheel can then no longer be moved. This can result in accidents and serious or even fatal injuries.

● Never switch off the ignition when the vehicle is being towed.

● Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.

NOTICE

When pushing the vehicle by hand, the tail light clusters, side spoilers on the rear window and large panels can be

damaged, and the rear spoiler may become detached.

● When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, side spoilers on the rear window, large

panels and the rear spoiler.

Towing

Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled with the aid of another vehicle.

The vehicle can be towed with a tow-bar or a tow-rope.

—The maximum permitted speed is 50 km/h(approx. 30 mph).

—The maximum permitted distance is 50 km(approx. 30 miles).

It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar. Use an elastic

tow-rope in order to protect both vehicles. A tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material is suitable

for this.

Towing with a breakdown truck

If the vehicle is to be raised at one axle for towing, the vehicle must be raised only at the front axle.

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Jump starting for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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