Braking and parking -> Introduction for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Braking and parking  
¤ Introduction  
In this section you’ll find information about:  
Warning and indicator lights  
Electronic parking brake  
Parking  
About the brakes  
Braking assistance systems  
Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off  
Brake fluid  
The braking assistance systems are the Anti-Lock Brake System  
(ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),  
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).  
More information:  
Trailer towing  
Tires and wheels  
Starting assistance systems  
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications  
WARNING  
Driving with bad brakes or worn brake pads can cause a colli-  
sion and serious personal injury.  
If the symbol "2!+% 7%!2 or I lights up in the instrument clus-  
ter display, whether alone or together with a text message, im-  
mediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-  
ized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads  
checked and, if necessary, replaced.  
WARNING  
Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.  
Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehi-  
cle is moving or rolling to a stop. The steering wheel will lock  
and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.  
Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or cata-  
lytic converter could ignite flammable materials, such as brush,  
leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.  
Always apply the electronic parking brake when parking your  
vehicle.  
Improper use of the electronic parking brake can seriously  
injure you and your passengers.  
Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it  
is moving, except in an emergency. The stopping distance is  
much longer because only the rear wheels are braked. Always  
use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.  
Never activate the throttle manually from the engine com-  
partment when the engine is running and the automatic trans-  
mission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as the  
engine speed increases even if the parking brake is on.  
Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves  
behind in the vehicle. They could switch off the parking brake  
and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could  
cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and  
serious personal injuries.  
Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The  
engine can be started and vehicle systems such as the power  
windows can be operated, leading to serious personal injury.  
Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who can-  
not help themselves in the vehicle. The doors can be locked  
with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in the  
vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time  
of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very  
high or very low temperatures.  
Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a  
parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are  
much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly in  
summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause  
unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.  
NOTICE  
Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barri-  
ers or high curbs. These vary in height and could damage your  
bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a barrier  
or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a  
parking spot. To help prevent damage, stop before the tires of  
your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.  
Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or  
down steep ramps or over curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the  
vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as bumper  
covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and ex-  
haust systems).  
Warning and indicator lights  
¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and  
heed the WARNINGS  
Lights Possible cause or  
Proper response  
up  
G
meaning  
Electronic parking brake  
engaged.  
0!2+  
› Stop!  
Brake system malfunction. Get professional assistance  
immediately  
H ‡  
"2!+%  
› Stop!  
Brake fluid level too low.  
Check brake fluid level