Get Steering Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

Steering

ꢀIntroduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Steering system information

The power steering system is either hydraulic or electro-mechanical. In both cases, the power steering

works only when the engine is running.

The hydraulic power steering system uses hydraulic lines, hydraulic oil, a pump, a filter, and other

parts to maintain a constant oil pressure in the hydraulic system.

The electro-mechanical power steering system automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque,

and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers extra steering force only when you are actually turning

the wheels. The electro-mechanical power steering works only when the engine is running.

More information:

ꢀ

Starting and stopping the engine

Vehicle battery

Towing

WARNING

Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the power steering system is not working. This

makes it harder to steer and control the vehicle.

ꢀ

Power steering works only when the engine is running.

Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off.

Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will be unable to control the vehicle.

Warning and indicator lights

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

page 224.

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

ꢁ Stop!

Have the power steering system checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Power steering malfunction.

ꢀ

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short

distance. If the yellow warning light does not

come on again, you do not need to have the

steering system checked.

Otherwise, have the steering checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Power steering assist is reduced.

ꢀ

Vehicle battery was disconnected and

has been reconnected.

Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph

(15–20 km/h).

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

ꢁ Stop!

Electronic steering column lock

malfunction.

The ignition cannot be switched on. The

vehicle must not be towed! Get professional

assistance.

ꢀ

Steering system stiff.

Turn the steering wheel back and forth.

Switch the ignition off and then switch it on

again. Heed any messages shown in the

instrument cluster display, if applicable.

On vehicles with Keyless Access, press the

starter button briefly twice in a row without

depressing the brake or clutch pedal.

Do not drive any farther if the steering

column remains locked after you switch on

the ignition. Contact your authorized

ꢀ

Steering column not locked / unlocked.

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function

check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to

break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

ꢀ

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Steering system information

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

To help make it more difficult to steal your vehicle, you should always make sure the steering column

is locked before leaving the vehicle.

Electronic steering column lock

Vehicles with Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the driver door is opened with the

ignition switched off. The vehicle must be standing still and the transmission must be in Park (P) on an

automatic transmission vehicle.

If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the electronic steering column lock is

activated only after the vehicle has been locked with the vehicle key or via the sensor in the door

handle.

Mechanical steering column lock

Vehicles without Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the vehicle is stationary and the

vehicle key is removed from the ignition switch.

Engaging the steering column

lock

Disengaging the steering column

lock

Parking the vehicle

Turn the steering wheel slightly to

take pressure off the steering

column lock.

Remove the vehicle key.

Insert the vehicle key into the

ignition switch.

Turn the steering wheel slightly until

you hear the steering column lock

engage.

Hold the steering wheel in this

position and turn the ignition switch.

Power steering

Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the

wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.

If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Counter-steering assistance

Counter-steering assistance is part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature makes it easier

for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a

surface that provides uneven traction, the vehicle could pull to the right or left. ESC detects this

situation and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power ⇒ꢀ

WARNING

The counter-steering assistance in ESC can do no more than help the driver steer in difficult

situations. The driver must still control the vehicle. The vehicle does not steer by itself with

this feature!

NOTICE

If the ignition is off, the steering column lock will engage and the vehicle cannot be steered.

For this reason, you must leave the ignition on when going through an automatic car wash, for

example, so that the wheels will still steer.

Steering for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals