Get Lane change assist system (Side Assist) Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

Introduction

The lane change assist system(Side Assist) provides assistance when checking for traffic behind the vehicle.

Radar sensors behind the rear bumper cover monitor the area behind the vehicle. The system measures the distance

and speed difference in relation to other vehicles and informs the driver by means of visual signals in the housings of

the exterior mirrors.

Use Side Assist only on paved roads.

Speed range

When switched on, Side Assist is active from speeds of around 15 km/h(around 9 mph). Side Assist is deactivated at a

speed of around 10 km/h (around 6 mph).

WARNING

The intelligent technology used in Side Assist cannot overcome the physical limits specified, and functions only

within the limits of the system. Never let the extra convenience afforded by Side Assist tempt you into taking safety

risks when driving. Careless or unintentional use of Side Assist can cause accidents and serious injuries. The system

is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.

● Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

● Your hands must always remain on the steering wheel so that you can steer at any time.

● Observe the signals on the exterior mirror housing and in the instrument cluster display, and respond to the

prompts.

● Always pay close attention to the area around your vehicle.

● Never use Side Assist if the radar sensors are dirty, covered or damaged. These circumstances can impair the

proper functioning of the system.

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System limits of Side Assist

Limits of the sensors

Side Assist detects driving situations by means of radar sensors in the rear area of the vehicle.

Observe the limits of the radar sensors (→ Sensors) and always pay due

attention.

Function limitations

In addition to the situations specified in the section on the limits of the sensors, Side Assist may not interpret the

traffic situation correctly in the following situations, among others:

—When driving in between two lanes

—When road lanes are not the same width

—Where there are special roadside structures, e.g. high or offset crash barriers.

Limited visibility

It may be hard to see the display in the exterior mirror in direct sunlight.

Calibration

The radar sensors calibrate themselves once during the first kilometres after vehicle delivery and after sensor repairs.

The sensor range may be restricted during the calibration phase.

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Driving with Side Assist

Switching on and off

You can view the activation status of Side Assist on the instrument cluster display and in the Infotainment system.

You can also switch Side Assist on and off there.

On the display of the instrument cluster:

1. Press the

button.

2. Switch Side Assist on or off.

Depending on the equipment level, in the Infotainment system:

1. Open the Assist systems menu.

2. Switch Side Assist on or off in the corresponding submenu.

When it is switched on, the yellow indicator lamp in the exterior mirror housing lights up once briefly.

If there is a system fault, Side Assist can switch itself off

automatically.

Automatic deactivation

If you use the factory-fitted trailer towing coupling and have set up the necessary electrical connection, Side Assist

switches off automatically. Once a trailer is electrically connected to the vehicle and the driver pulls away, a

notification appears in the instrument cluster display to inform the driver that Side Assist has been deactivated. After

you have disconnected the electrical connection, Side Assist is switched back on automatically.

If the trailer towing coupling is not factory-fitted, you must manually switch off Side Assist and then switch it back

on again.

Displays in the exterior mirror

Fig. 1 In the exterior mirror housing: Side Assist visual

displays.

Flashing: A vehicle was detected in the blind spot and the turn signal was activated in the direction of the

detected vehicle.

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Lit up: Your vehicle is being overtaken or you are overtaking another vehicle with a speed difference of up to

around 15 km/h (about 9 mph).

No display will be shown if the takeover manoeuvre is much faster.

The quicker the vehicle approaches, the earlier the indicator in the exterior mirror housing lights up.

Troubleshooting

No sensor visibility, fault message, system switches itself off

—Clean the radar sensors and remove any stickers or accessories from the radar sensors and the bumper (→ Vehicle

care, exterior).

—Check for any visible damage.

—If the problem persists, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop.

If Side Assist has been deactivated automatically, the system cannot be activated until the ignition has been

switched off and back on again.

The system behaves differently than expected

—The radar sensors are dirty. Clean the radar sensors (→ Vehicle care, exterior).

—The radar sensors are covered by water.

—The radar sensors’ view has been impaired by the weather(e.g. snow) or cleaning agent residue or coatings. Clean

the radar sensors (→ Vehicle care, exterior).

—The system limits have been exceeded (→ Lane change assist system (Side Assist)).

—The vehicle is damaged in the area of the radar sensors, e.g. caused by parking collisions. Check for any visible

damage (→ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts).

—The radar sensors’ view is impaired by add-on parts, bicycle carrier systems or stickers. Keep the area around the

radar sensors clear (→ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts).

—Paintwork or structural modifications have been carried out in the area around the radar sensors, on the rear of the

vehicle or on the running gear.

—Tinted window film has been applied to the side windows after delivery.

—If the problem persists, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop.

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Lane change assist system (Side Assist) for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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