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

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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WARNING

If the tow-ropes or tow-bars are incorrectly fastened, vehicle parts may be seriously damaged. This increases the

risk of an accident and serious or injuries could result.

● Attach the vehicle only at the points provided for recovery and towing.

● Never fasten the tow-rope or tow-bar to axle or running gear components.

● Seek expert assistance and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown truck if necessary.

Notes on towing

It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard warning lights are

switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction while the ignition is switched on. The

hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing

automatically as soon as the turn signal lever is moved back to the neutral position.

In which situations may the vehicle not be towed?

Do not have the vehicle towed in the following situations:

—The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged.

—The instrument cluster display does not work properly.

—The distance to be towed is further than 50 km(around 30 mi).

—In vehicles with a manual gearbox: In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the clutch cannot be depressed fully and

neutral selected.

—In vehicles with an automatic gearbox: The selector lever of the automatic gearbox cannot be moved to neutral(N

position).

—The handbrake cannot be released.

—The steering column lock cannot be released.

—The vehicle’s gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.

—If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an accident.

If the vehicle cannot be towed on its own wheels due to one of the above conditions, seek expert assistance and have

the vehicle transported on a breakdown truck if necessary.

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Towing

Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the points provided for this purpose:

—Towing eye.

—Ball coupling.

WARNING

If the tow-ropes or tow-bars are incorrectly fastened, vehicle parts may be seriously damaged. This increases the

risk of an accident and serious or injuries could result.

● Attach the vehicle only at the points provided for recovery and towing.

● Never fasten the tow-rope or tow-bar to axle or running gear components.

● Seek expert assistance and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown truck if necessary.

Preparations

—Ensure that the tow-rope is not twisted. Otherwise a towing eye may become unscrewed during towing.

—Switch on the ignition and hazard warning lights on both vehicles. However, observe any regulations to the

contrary.

—Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner’s manual for the other vehicle.

Pulling vehicle (front)

1. The tow-rope must be taut before you drive off properly.

2. Press the accelerator carefully.

3. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

4. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Engage the clutch very smoothly when driving off.

5. Do not exceed the maximum permitted trailer weight.

Pulled vehicle (rear)

NOTICE

If the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is not sufficient, it will not be possible to release the steering lock.

This can cause damage to the vehicle during towing.

● To release the steering lock, activate the vehicle’s drive system by jump starting if necessary in the event of power

failure or faults.

● Seek expert assistance and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown truck if necessary.

1. Make sure that the ignition is switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and you can operate the turn

signals and the wipers when necessary. The brake servo and power steering function only when the engine is

running. Otherwise you must press the brake pedal with significantly more force and also use more effort for

steering.

2. Ensure that the vehicle key is always in the vehicle during towing.

3. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Disengage the gear.

In vehicles with an automatic gearbox: Select the N selector lever position.

4. Release the handbrake.

5. Ensure that the tow-rope is always taut.

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Fitting the rear towing eye

On vehicles with factory-fitted towing bracket, there is no fixed towing eye under the bumper cover. For towing,

swing out or fit the ball coupling or use the permanently mounted ball coupling.

NOTICE

Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must useonly tow-bars that are specially designed for fitting to a ball

coupling. If you use an unsuitable tow-bar the ball coupling and the vehicle could be damaged.

● Use a tow-rope instead for towing.

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Fitting the towing eye at front

Depending on the country and vehicle equipment, the mounting for the towing eye is located behind the cover in the

bumper.

1. Before towing, check whether a mounting with screw thread is available for the towing eye.

2. Comply with the notes on towing.

3. If this is not the case, seek technical assistance for towing and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown

truck if necessary.

The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.

NOTICE

Use of a towing eye that is not suitable for the vehicle can damage the vehicle.

● Always use the towing eye supplied in the vehicle toolkit of your vehicle or a suitable towing eye for towing.

Fitting the towing eye at front

Fig. 1 In the front right bumper: Remove the cover.

Fig. 2 In the front right bumper: screwing in the towing

eye.

WARNING

If a towing eye is not fully and firmly screwed into the mount, it can be torn out of the mount. This can result in

accidents and serious injuries during towing.

● Before starting towing, check that the towing eye is fully screwed in.

NOTICE

Improper removal and installation of the cover and towing eye can damage the vehicle’s paint and bodywork.

● Always take care when removing and installing the cover and the towing eye.

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1. Take the towing eye and the hook out of the vehicle toolkit.

2. Insert the hook through the opening in the cover→ Fig. 1, pull out the cover and remove.

3. Remove the cover, allow it to hang on the vehicle or place it in the vehicle if necessary.

4. Turn the towing eye as shown by the arrow into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible→ Fig. 2 , →

Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the mounting.

.

5. After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it in the opposite direction to the arrow

using a suitable object.

6. Insert the cap in the respective recess and press in until it engages.

7. If necessary, clean the towing eye and place it back in the vehicle toolkit.

Safety notes on working in the engine compartment

The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. You should carry out work in the engine

compartment only if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks, are aware of the general safety procedures

and have access to the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can

cause serious injuries → . Have all necessary work carried out by a suitably qualified workshop.

WARNING

The engine compartment is a hazardous area. Any work carried out in the engine compartment may result in

accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Always be extremely cautious and careful when carrying out any work.

● Perform the work in the engine compartment only if you are familiar with the necessary actions.

● Have the required work performed by a suitably qualified workshop if you are unsure how the work in the engine

compartment is to be carried out.

● Before starting work in the engine compartment, apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to the

position or move the gear lever to the neutral position.

● Switch off the ignition and keep the vehicle key in a safe place far enough away from the vehicle to prevent any

risk of the engine being switched on accidentally.

● Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the engine compartment.

● Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave children unsupervised.

WARNING

The engine compartment has rotating parts. When working in the engine compartment, in particular for a starting

action or when the engine is running, contact with rotating parts, such as the rotary blades of the radiator fan, may

cause serious or fatal injuries.

● Even when the engine or ignition is switched off, never reach into the radiator fan or in the area of the radiator

fan. The fan is temperature-controlled and could start automatically.

● Before starting work, remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid them

getting caught in the engine.

● Always take due care and pay attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle could move even if the

handbrake is applied.

WARNING

The engine compartment of every vehicle is a hazardous area due to hot parts. Hot vehicle parts can cause serious

burns.

● Never touch hot engine components.

WARNING

Escaping hot steam or hot engine coolant and hot vehicle components can cause serious burns.

● Never open or close the bonnet as long as steam or coolant is escaping.

● Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.

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

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