2014-2023 Volkswagen Passat SUV Do it yourself -> Towing User Manual
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Do it yourself -> Towing for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Eight Generation (2014-2023)

authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Connecting the jumper cables  
Only connect the jumper cables in the sequence A – B – C – D fig. 133.  
Never connect the black jump-start cable to the negative terminal on the 12 V vehicle battery. Connecting to the negative terminal can lead to an incorrect  
evaluation of the status of the 12 V vehicle battery by the vehicle electronics.  
1. Switch the ignition off on both vehicles Starting and stopping the engine.  
2. If necessary, open the cover on the 12 V vehicle battery in the engine compartment  
Introduction.  
3. Connect one end of the redꢀ jumper cable A to the positive battery terminal + of the vehicle battery with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery fig. 133  
.
4. Connect the other end of the redꢀ jumper cable B to the positive battery terminal + of the vehicle supplying the power fig. 133  
.
5. Connect one end of the blackꢀ jumper cable C preferably to a jump-start point (negative connection), otherwise to a large metal part that is bolted securely to th  
cylinder block or to the cylinder block itself of the vehicle supplying the power fig. 133  
.
6. Connect the other end of the blackꢀ jumper cable D to the jump-start point (negative connection), a large metal part bolted to the engine block, or to the engine  
block itself in the vehicle with the drained 12-volt vehicle battery fig. 133 , ⇒  
.
7. Route the jumper cables so that they cannot become caught in moving parts in the engine compartment.  
Starting the engine  
1. Start the engine in the vehicle that is providing current and allow it to run at idle.  
2. Start the engine in the vehicle with the drained 12 V vehicle battery and wait two to three minutes until the motor is running “evenly”.  
Removing the jumper cables  
1. Before disconnecting the jumper cable, switch off the low beam headlights if they are switched on.  
2. In the vehicle with the drained 12 V vehicle battery, switch on the blower for the air conditioner or the heating and fresh air system and the rear window defroste  
This will reduce any voltage surges that may occur when disconnected.  
3. With the engines running, disconnect the jumper cables only in the sequence D – C – B – A fig. 133.  
4. Close the battery cover if necessary.  
5. After successful jump-starting, have the 12 V vehicle battery checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
Performing a jump-start incorrectly can cause the 12 V vehicle battery to explode, which can cause serious injuries. To reduce the risk of the 12 V vehicle  
battery exploding, note the following:  
Always wear suitable protective eyewear and protective gloves, and never bend over the 12 V vehicle battery.  
Connect the cables in the correct sequence – first the positive cable, and then the negative cable.  
Never connect the negative cable to parts of the high-voltage system, the fuel system or to the brake lines.  
Make sure that the terminal clamps without insulation do not touch each other.  
Make sure that the cable that is connected to the positive battery terminal on the 12 V vehicle battery does not come into contact with any vehicle  
components that conduct electricity.  
Avoid discharging static electricity near the 12 V vehicle battery. Sparks could form and ignite the flammable gas that is released by the 12 V vehicle  
battery.  
Never jump-start a vehicle if the 12 V vehicle battery is damaged, frozen or thawed.  
NOTICE  
After successful jump-starting, have the 12 V vehicle battery checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Towing  
Introduction  
Towing requires practice, particularly if a towing cable is used. Both drivers should be familiar with the special considerations when towing. Inexperienced drivers  
should not tow.  
Follow all applicable laws when towing.  
Always make sure the towing force does not exceed the permitted level and there are no shock loading conditions. There is always the risk of the coupling becomin  
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overloaded when driving off-road.  
Towing  
Towing refers to using a vehicle to pull another vehicle that cannot be driven.  
The vehicle can be towed using a tow bar or tow rope:  
The maximum permissible speed is 30 mph (50 km/h).  
The maximum permissible distance is 50 km (30 miles).  
The easiest and safest way to tow is using a tow bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow bar is not available.  
The towing cable should be elastic to protect both vehicles. Use a cable made of synthetic rubber or a similar elastic material.  
Towing with a tow truck  
If your vehicle will be raised by one axle when towing, only the axle listed below may be raised, depending on the transmission and engine combination:  
Front-wheel drive  
Automatic transmission Front axle  
Manual transmission Front axle  
All-wheel drive (4MOTION)  
Automatic transmission Front axle  
Manual transmission Front axle  
WARNING  
The vehicle handling and braking efficiency will change considerably when it is towed.  
WARNING  
Never tow a vehicle that has no electrical power.  
Never turn off the ignition with the starter button while towing. Otherwise, the electronic steering column lock could engage suddenly. The vehicle cannot  
be steered if this happens. This can result in crashes, serious injuries, and a loss of control of the vehicle.  
Never remove the remote control vehicle key from the ignition lock while towing. Otherwise, the mechanical steering column lock or steering lock could  
engage suddenly. The vehicle cannot be steered if this happens. This can result in crashes, serious injuries, and a loss of control of the vehicle.  
If the vehicle loses power while it is being towed, stop towing the vehicle immediately and see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.  
NOTICE  
Towing with a towing cable or tow bar can cause damage to the vehicle.  
Tow the vehicle carefully when using a towing cable or tow bar.  
If possible, have the immobilized vehicle transported with a recovery vehicle.  
NOTICE  
When pushing the vehicle by hand, the taillights, side spoiler on the rear window, and large sections of sheet metal could be damaged and the rear spoiler could  
detach.  
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the taillights, side spoiler on the rear window, large sections of sheet metal, or the rear spoiler.  
NOTICE  
Removing and installing the towing eye and the cover can cause vehicle damage, such as paint damage.  
Remove and install the towing eye and cover carefully to reduce the risk of vehicle damage.  
NOTICE  
Using a towing eye that is not suitable for the vehicle can damage the vehicle.  
When towing, always use the towing eye enclosed with your own vehicle in the vehicle tool kit, or another towing eye suitable for the vehicle.  
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Instructions for towing  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice   
and Introduction.  
A vehicle being towed can still signal a turn using the turn signals even if the emergency flashers are switched on. To do this when the ignition is switched on,  
activate the turn signal for the desired direction. The emergency flashers will stop while the turn signal is active. The emergency flashers will activate again once the  
turn signal lever returns to the neutral position.  
When may this vehicle not be towed?  
The vehicle must not be towed in the following situations:  
If the 12 V vehicle battery is drained.  
The indicator in the instrument cluster display does not function perfectly.  
The towing distance is greater than 30 miles (50 km).  
The selector lever of the automatic transmission cannot be moved to neutral (position N).  
The parking brake lever cannot be released.  
The steering column lock cannot be released.  
If the wheel clearance or the steering function can no longer be secured after an accident.  
If the vehicle cannot be towed on its own wheels due to one of the conditions listed, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility and have the vehicle transported by a rescue vehicle, if necessary. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Towing  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and Introduction.  
Secure the tow rope or tow bar only at the permitted points:  
Towing lug.  
Preparations  
Make sure the tow rope is not twisted. Otherwise it could disconnect from the towing eye while towing.  
Switch the ignition and emergency flashers on in both vehicles. However, do not do this if it is prohibited by law.  
Read and comply with the information and instructions for towing given in the Owner's Manual for the other vehicle.  
Towing vehicle (front)  
1. Only start to drive when the tow rope is taut.  
2. Be especially careful when accelerating.  
3. Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.  
4. Do not exceed the permitted towing weight of the vehicle.  
Vehicle being towed (rear)  
1. Make sure the ignition is switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that the turn signal and windshield wiper can be used if needed.  
2. Release the parking brake.  
3. The brake booster and power steering only work when the engine is running. Otherwise, the brake pedal needs to be pressed much harder and more force is  
required to steer.  
4. Make sure the tow rope is always taut.  
5. Select selector lever position N.  
WARNING  
Never secure the tow rope or the tow bar to axle or suspension components. They can be damaged and cause accidents and serious injuries.  
Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a recovery vehicle, if  
necessary.  
NOTICE  
The vehicle can only be towed if the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficient and the steering column lock can be released. If there is a loss of  
power or the electrical system is malfunctioning, the engine may need to be jump-started in order to release the steering column lock.  
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