2014-2023 Volkswagen Passat SUV Driver information User Manual
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Driver information for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Eight Generation (2014-2023)

Driver information  
Symbols in the instrument cluster  
The warning and indicator lights can turn on individually or in combination with each other and indicate warnings, malfunctions and certain functions. Some warning  
and indicator lights come on when you switch the ignition on and must turn off after some time.  
Indicator lights that turn on in the light switch are described in the “Lights” chapter ⇒ Switching the lights on and off .  
WARNING  
Failure to respond to illuminated warning lights and messages may result in a vehicle breakdown, accidents and serious injuries.  
Never ignore illuminated warning lights and messages.  
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.  
Fasten safety belt ⇒ Warning light  
Parking brake set ⇒ Operating the parking brake  
Brake system malfunction ⇒ Brake system malfunction  
Do not continue driving!  
Brake fluid level too low ⇒ Brake fluid level  
Check brake system ⇒ Brake pad wear indicator  
Take over steering and be ready to brake. ⇒  
Introduction  
Engine oil level too low ⇒ Engine oil level very low  
Do not continue to drive!  
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒ Engine oil pressure too low  
Do not continue to drive!  
Engine coolant system malfunction ⇒ Engine coolant, ⇒ Checking and filling engine coolant  
Rear Traffic Alert has detected an obstacle to the rear ⇒ Rear Traffic Alert  
Vehicle door open ⇒ Multi-Function Display  
Hood open ⇒ Multi-Function Display  
Trunk lid open ⇒ Multi-Function Display  
Do not continue to drive!  
12 V vehicle battery ⇒ 12 V vehicle battery  
Collision warning ⇒ Warning levels and braking support  
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) malfunction ⇒ ACC not available or temporarily not available  
Do not continue to drive!  
Transmission overheating ⇒ Transmission overheating  
Airbag system or safety belt pretensioner malfunction ⇒ Airbag system or safety belt pretensioners malfunction  
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Airbag system or safety belt pretensioner deactivated with diagnostic equipment ⇒ Airbag system or safety belt pretensioners  
deactivated with diagnostic equipment  
Front passenger’s airbag disabled ⇒ Front passenger's front airbag disabled  
Emergency Call System malfunctioning ⇒ Emergency Call Service malfunction  
Emergency Call System limited ⇒ Emergency Call Service limited  
Flashes: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-slip regulation (ASR) in operation ⇒ Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ⇒ Anti-Slip  
Regulation (ASR)  
Comes on: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction ⇒ ESC malfunction  
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) malfunction ⇒ ABS failure or malfunction  
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) malfunction ⇒ ABS failure or malfunction  
Engine oil level too low ⇒ Engine oil level too low  
Engine oil level too high ⇒ Engine oil level too high  
Engine oil system malfunction ⇒ Engine oil system malfunction  
Engine oil system malfunction ⇒ Engine oil system malfunction  
Tank almost empty ⇒ Fuel tank almost empty  
Tank cap not closed ⇒ Fuel tank cap open  
Driving light failure ⇒ Exterior lighting malfunction  
Washer fluid level too low ⇒ Washer fluid level too low  
Steering malfunction ⇒ Steering malfunction  
Do not continue to drive!  
Tire pressure low ⇒ Tire pressure low  
Do not continue to drive!  
Tire Pressure Monitoring System faulty ⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System malfunction  
Front Assist is switched off ⇒ Using Front Assist  
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) not available ⇒ ACC not available or temporarily not available  
Lane Assist in control ⇒ Driving with Lane Assist  
Blind Spot Monitor active ⇒ “Blind Spot” Monitor malfunction  
Rear Traffic Alert brakes ⇒ Rear Traffic Alert  
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Engine control malfunction ⇒ Engine control malfunction  
Exhaust system malfunction ⇒ Exhaust-related malfunction  
Particulate filter clogged with soot ⇒ Particulate filter clogged with soot  
Engine RPM limited ⇒ Engine speed limited  
12 Volt vehicle battery ⇒ 12 V vehicle battery  
Press the brake pedal. ⇒ The engine is not starting  
Turn signals ⇒ Turn signal indicator light  
Daytime running lights switched on ⇒  
Speed stored, regulation active ⇒  
Speed stored, regulation active ⇒  
Introduction, ⇒ Switching ACC on and off  
Introduction, ⇒ Switching ACC on and off  
Lane Assist active ⇒ Driving with Lane Assist  
High beam or headlight flasher ⇒ Switching the high beam headlights on and off  
Outside temperature is below +39 °F (+4 °C) ⇒ Multi-Function Display  
Service due ⇒ The indicator light flashes, alternating with the selector lever position display  
Service due ⇒ Service interval display  
Distance warning ⇒ Warning levels and braking support  
Cruise control switched on ⇒  
Introduction  
Cruise control system malfunction ⇒ Cruise control system is malfunctioning  
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) regulates, vehicle driving ahead is detected ⇒ Switching ACC on and off  
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) regulates, no vehicle driving ahead is detected ⇒ Switching ACC on and off  
Mobile phone battery charge level ⇒ Multi-Function Display  
Note about information in the owner’s manual ⇒ Note about information in the Owner's Manual  
Warning and information texts  
The status of some functions inside the vehicle and vehicle components are checked when the ignition is switched on or while driving. Malfunctions are indicated by  
red and yellow warning symbols in the instrument cluster display and may also be signaled audibly in some cases. The appearance of texts and symbols may vary  
depending on the instrument cluster version.  
Any malfunctions currently occurring can also be manually called up. To do this, open the Vehicle status or Vehicle menu ⇒ Settings menu.  
Note about information in the Owner's Manual  
You can find more information about the existing warning message in the Owner's Manual.  
15  
Informational text  
Information about various processes in the vehicle.  
If there are multiple warning messages, the symbols will appear consecutively for several seconds. The symbols will appear until the malfunction is corrected.  
If warning messages about malfunctions appear when the ignition is switched on, settings or information displays may not appear as described. If this is the  
case, have malfunctions corrected by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.  
Introduction to the instrument cluster  
The vehicle is equipped with an analog instrument cluster. The instrument cluster shows essential information, such as speed.  
In addition, the following functions, among others, are available depending on the equipment:  
Various menus, such as for the assistance systems.  
Status displays for the driver assistance systems.  
Display messages.  
Warning and indicator lights.  
Information about economy and range.  
Content can be individually adapted and settings can be changed in the menus.  
WARNING  
If the driver is distracted while driving, accidents and serious injuries can occur.  
Never operate the instrument cluster while driving.  
Only adjust any settings in the instrument cluster or Infotainment system when the vehicle is stationary.  
After starting the engine when the 12 V vehicle battery is severely drained or when it has been replaced or jump-started, the system settings, e.g. personal  
convenience settings and programming, and user profiles may be changed or erased. Check and correct the settings after the 12 V vehicle battery is sufficiently  
recharged.  
Analog instrument cluster  
Overview of the analog instrument cluster  
Fig. 10 General example: Analog instrument cluster in the instrument panel.  
Speedometer.  
Tachometer (RPM of the running engine) ⇒ Tachometer.  
Displays.  
Reset, set, and display button.  
Fuel gauge ⇒ Fuel gauge.  
Reset, set, and display button.  
Coolant temperature gauge ⇒ Engine coolant temperature gauge.  
Operating the analog instrument cluster  
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Fig. 11 Right side of the multi-function steering wheel: buttons for operating the menus and information displays in the instrument cluster  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel: Menus cannot be accessed when a priority 1 warning message is displayed ⇒ Warning and information texts. Yo  
can confirm and hide some messages using the  
button on the multi-function steering wheel fig. 11.  
Opening the main menu  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Switch the ignition on.  
2. If a message or vehicle icon is displayed, press the  
fig. 11 button on the multi-function steering wheel, repeatedly if necessary.  
3. To scroll through the individual main menu items, press the  
or  
button several times.  
Opening the sub-menu  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Press the  
and  
arrow buttons on the multi-function steering wheel fig. 11 until your preferred submenu item is highlighted.  
2. To open the submenu item, press the  
button on the multi-function steering wheel.  
If no options have been chosen in the sub-menu after a few seconds, you are switched back to the previous menu.  
Adjusting menu-dependent settings  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Make your preferred changes using the arrow buttons on the multi-function steering wheel. Press and hold for a more rapid increase or decrease in values.  
2. Highlight and confirm your selection using the  
button on the multi-function steering wheel.  
Returning to menu selection  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Select the Back menu item.  
If warning messages about malfunctions appear when the ignition is switched on, settings or information displays may not appear as described. If this is the  
case, have malfunctions corrected by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.  
WARNING  
Driver distraction can cause accidents and injuries.  
Do not allow operating the analog instrument cluster to distract you from the traffic around you.  
Always drive attentively and responsibly.  
Tachometer  
The start of the red area on the tachometer indicates the maximum permissible engine speed for all gears when the engine is run in and at operating temperature.  
Before reaching the red area, shift to the next highest gear, select the selector lever position D/S or take your foot off the accelerator pedal.  
NOTICE  
Avoid high engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads when the engine is cold.  
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To prevent engine damage, the tachometer indicator may only be in the red area of the scale briefly.  
Shifting up early helps save fuel and reduce operating noises.  
Fuel gauge  
Analog fuel gauge  
Fig. 12 General example: Fuel gauge on analog instrument cluster.  
Troubleshooting  
Fuel tank almost empty  
The yellow indicator light turns on. The reserve supply (red marking ) is being used.  
1. Refuel at the next opportunity.  
Fuel tank cap open  
The yellow indicator light turns on.  
1. Close the fuel tank cap.  
WARNING  
Driving with low fuel level that is too low can lead to a vehicle breakdown in traffic, accidents, and serious injuries.  
If the fuel level is too low, this can result in irregular fuel supply to the engine, particularly when going uphill or downhill.  
The steering, all driver assistance systems and brake support systems will not work if the engine is “sputtering” or cuts out due to fuel shortage or  
irregular fuel supply.  
To prevent vehicle breakdown due to low fuel, always refill the fuel tank once it reaches a fill level of 1/4.  
NOTICE  
Never drive with a completely empty fuel tank. Irregular fuel supply can result in misfiring and unburnt fuel entering the exhaust system.  
The small arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the fuel gauge indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler flap is on.  
Engine coolant temperature gauge  
Analog coolant temperature gauge  
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Fig. 13 Engine coolant temperature gauge in the analog instrument cluster.  
Cold range. The engine is not at operating temperature yet. Avoid high engine RPMs and heavy engine load when the engine is not at operating temperature.  
Normal range.  
Warning range. The needle may move into the warning range when engine load is heavy, especially when outside temperatures are high.  
Troubleshooting  
Engine coolant  
The red  
warning light is blinking.  
The engine coolant level is incorrect or the engine coolant system is malfunctioning.  
Do not continue driving!  
1. Stop the vehicle, stop the engine, and let it cool down.  
2. Check the engine coolant level ⇒ Checking and filling engine coolant .  
3. If the warning light does not turn off even if the coolant level is correct, seek assistance from qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Settings menu  
The actually scope of the menus and the names of individual menu items depend on the vehicle electronics and equipment.  
Language  
To set the language for the texts on the display and in the Infotainment system.  
MFD data  
Settings for configuring which data should be shown in the driving data menu (MFD ) on the instrument cluster display ⇒ Multi-Function Display.  
Assist systems  
Settings for various driver assist systems.  
Convenience  
Settings for the convenience functions of the vehicle. Settings for the following functions can be made in the submenus:  
Anti-theft alarm system.  
Central locking.  
Window controls.  
Front passenger exterior mirror lowering function.  
Mirror adjustment.  
Lights and vision  
Settings for the vehicle lighting. Settings for the following functions can be made in the submenus:  
“Coming Home” function.  
“Leaving Home” function.  
Footwell lighting.  
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3-blink turn signal.  
Time  
To set the hours and minutes of the clock in the instrument cluster and in the Infotainment system. The time can be displayed in the 12- or 24-hour format. Where  
applicable, an S at the top of the display indicates that daylight-saving time is set.  
Parking and maneuvering  
To enable or disable automatic activation of Park Distance Control.  
Winter tires  
Set a visual and acoustic speed warning. Only use this function when winter tires that are not designed for the vehicle's maximum speed are fitted.  
Units  
To set the units for temperature values, fuel consumption values and distances.  
Secondary speed  
Switch the secondary speed display on or off.  
Service  
To view service notifications.  
Factory settings  
To reset the functions in the Settings menu to the factory setting.  
Multi-Function Display  
Possible displays  
Different information may be shown in the driving data menu (MFD) of the instrument cluster depending on the vehicle equipment:  
Open doors, hood and trunk lid.  
Driving data menu.  
Warning and information texts ⇒ Warning and information texts.  
Odometer displays.  
Time.  
Radio and navigation information ⇒ Radio mode.  
Phone information ⇒ Mobile phone interface.  
Outside temperature.  
Compass display.  
Selector lever position.  
Gear recommendation ⇒ Gear recommendation.  
Service interval display ⇒ Service interval display.  
Speed warning.  
Secondary speed ⇒ Settings menu.  
Engine code ().  
Open doors, hood and trunk lid  
If the doors  
and hood  
or trunk lid  
are open after unlocking the vehicle and while driving, this will be shown in the driving data menu and may also be  
indicated audibly. The display may vary depending on the instrument cluster version.  
Driving data menu  
The driving data menu shows driving and consumption data.  
Depending on the vehicle equipment, various driving data can be displayed. The displayed driving data is dependent on the current driving style, the vehicle status  
(e.g. particle filter regeneration) and the current driving situation (e.g. city traffic, highway journeys). The driving data is determined as an average value over  
sections of different distances and the currently displayed value may therefore differ from the actual average value.  
Switching between the displays  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Press the  
or  
button on the multi-function steering wheel.  
Switching memories  
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Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Press the  
button on the multi-function steering wheel.  
Since start memory  
If the trip is interrupted for more than two hours, the memory is erased.  
Extended period memory  
The memory collects the driving data up to 19 hours and 59 minutes or 99 hours and 59 minutes driving time or 1999.9 miles (km) or 9999.9 miles (km) distance  
driven. If one of these maximum thresholds is met, the memory is erased. The maximum thresholds may vary depending on the version of the instrument cluster.  
Erasing the driving data memory  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Select the memory to be erased.  
2. Press the  
button on the multi-function steering wheel.  
Possible driving data menus  
fuel consumption display The average fuel consumption is displayed after approximately 984 ft (approximately 300 meters).  
Range display This indicates the approximate distance in miles (km) the vehicle can travel under the same driving conditions.  
speed display The average speed is displayed after approximately 328 ft. (approximately 100 meters).  
Odometer displays  
The odometer registers the total distance that the vehicle has driven.  
The trip odometer (trip) shows the miles that were driven since the trip odometer was last reset.  
Outside temperature display  
When outside temperatures are colder than approximately +4°C (+39°F), a snowflake symbol also appears on the outside temperature display  
remains on until the outside temperature rises above +43 °F (+6 °C).  
. This symbol  
In the following situations, the temperature displayed may be higher than the actual outside temperature due to heat radiating from the engine:  
When the vehicle is stationary  
When the driving speed is very low  
The measurement range is from -40 °C (-40 °F) to +122 °F (+50 °C)  
WARNING  
Streets and bridges may be icy when outside temperatures are above the freezing point.  
The  
snowflake symbol indicates a possible risk of black ice.  
Black ice may also be present when outside temperatures are above +39 °F (+4 °C) when the  
Never rely solely on the outside temperature display.  
snowflake symbol is not displayed.  
Phone information  
If a cell phone is connected via Bluetooth®, the Bluetooth® symbol will be displayed in the driving data menu.  
The symbol also indicates the charge level of the mobile device.  
Compass display  
When the ignition and navigation system are switched on, the compass direction that the vehicle is currently traveling in is shown in the driving data menu.  
Selector lever position  
The selector lever position that is engaged is shown on the side of the selector lever and in the driving data menu. In the D/S position and with tiptronic, the releva  
gear may also be shown on the display.  
Gear recommendation  
A recommendation to select a fuel-saving gear may be displayed in the driving data menu while driving ⇒ Gear recommendation.  
Setting a speed warning  
Vehicles with multi-function steering wheel:  
1. Select Warning at --- km/h or Warning at --- mph.  
2. Press the  
button on the multi-function steering wheel to save the current speed and to activate the warning.  
3. Set the speed on the multi-function steering wheel within approximately five seconds by pressing the  
several seconds.  
or  
button. Then press the  
button or wait  
The speed will then be saved and the warning will be activated.  
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4. Press the  
button again to deactivate.  
The stored speed is erased.  
If the stored speed is exceeded (in the range from 18 mph (30 km/h) to 155 mph (250 km/h)), a warning chime sounds and, where applicable, a visual warning  
is displayed. Depending on the country, this warning is also given at speeds of over approximately 75 mph (approximately 120 km/h). This warning is required  
by law and cannot be altered.  
Secondary speed display  
During the journey, as well as in the speedometer display, the speed can also be displayed in different units (mph or km/h) in the driving data menu. In the Settings  
menu, select the Secondary speed menu item.  
Vehicles without menu display in the instrument cluster:  
1. Start the engine.  
2. Press the  
The total distance indicator in the driving data menu blinks.  
3. Press the button once.  
button three times.  
“mph” or “km/h” is temporarily displayed in place of the odometer display.  
The secondary speed display is thereby activated. You can deactivate it in the same way.  
The display cannot be deactivated on model versions for countries in which permanent display of the secondary speed is legally required.  
Engine code (EC)  
1. To display the vehicle's engine code () in the driving data menu, tap and hold the  
button on the instrument cluster ⇒ Overview of the analog instrume  
cluster (approx. 15 seconds). To do so, the ignition must be switched on and the engine must not be running.  
In very low outside temperatures, the indicators in the driving data menu may take longer to turn on than in warm outside temperatures.  
There are different instrument clusters; therefore the versions and displays of the driving data menu may vary.  
If there are multiple warning messages, the symbols will appear consecutively for several seconds. The symbols will appear until the malfunction is corrected.  
Service  
Service interval display  
Service events are shown in the instrument cluster display.  
Service appointments at Volkswagen are divided into oil change services and inspections. The service interval display informs the driver about the next service  
appointment which includes an engine oil change and about the next inspection.  
On vehicles without messages you can see which service appointment is currently being shown, by looking at the display at the top right of the instrument cluster  
display:  
1: Oil change service.  
2: Inspection.  
The service intervals are specified for vehicles with the fixed oil change service interval.  
Intervals are determined individually on vehicles with the flexible oil change service interval. Oil change services only need to be performed if the vehicle requires it  
The specific operating conditions and the personal driving style are also taken into consideration. The service early warning message is first displayed 30 days prio  
to the calculated oil change service due date. The displayed remaining distance to be traveled is always rounded to 100 miles (km) and the remaining time is  
rounded to whole days. The current service message can only be retrieved as of 310 miles (500 km) after the last service. Until then, only dashes appear on the  
display.  
Service reminder  
If your vehicle is due to be serviced soon, a service reminder will appear when you switch on the ignition.  
In the case of vehicles without text messages, a wrench symbol  
appears in the instrument cluster display with an indicator in km and a clock symbol  
with  
indicator showing the number of days to the service appointment that is due. The number of miles (kilometers) stated is the maximum number of miles (kilometers)  
that can be driven before the service appointment. In addition, to the top right of the display you can see which service appointment the reminder applies to ( 1 for  
oil change service, 2 for inspection).  
If the service reminder is displayed for both service appointments (display 1 and 2 at the top right of the instrument cluster display), then for vehicles without  
messages, the number of kilometers and the display in days applies for the very next service appointment.  
For vehicles with messages in the instrument cluster display, Oil change service or Inspection in --- km or --- days appears.  
Service event  
If your vehicle is due an oil change service or inspection service, a warning chime will sound and the wrench symbol  
will blink for a few seconds when you  
switch on the ignition. For vehicles with messages in the instrument cluster display, Oil service now! or Inspection now! appears.  
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Retrieving service messages  
When the ignition is on, the engine is off, and the vehicle is stationary, the current service message can be retrieved.  
1. Press the  
button in the instrument cluster repeatedly until the wrench symbol  
is displayed and the number 1 is shown in the top right of the displa  
The values displayed apply to the oil change service.  
2. Press the  
button in the instrument cluster again.  
The wrench symbol  
is displayed and the number 2 is shown at the top right of the display.  
The values displayed apply to the inspection.  
Or:  
1. Select the Settings menu.  
2. Select the Info menu item from the Service sub-menu.  
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign before the number of kilometers or days.  
Resetting the oil change service  
If the service interval display was not reset after the service, the display can be reset as follows:  
For vehicles with messages:  
1. Switch the ignition off.  
2. Press and hold the  
button in the instrument cluster.  
3. Switch the ignition back on.  
4. Release the  
button.  
5. Confirm the confirmation prompt in the instrument cluster by pressing the  
For vehicles without messages:  
button on the multi-function steering wheel.  
1. Switch the ignition off.  
2. Press and hold the  
button in the instrument cluster.  
3. Switch the ignition back on.  
4. Release the  
button and then press the  
button within 20 seconds.  
Do not reset the service interval display between service intervals or incorrect information will be displayed.  
If the service interval display is manually reset during a valid flexible oil change service interval, the fixed oil change service interval is activated. The service interva  
will no longer be determined on an individual basis.  
Resetting the inspection  
If the inspection service has not been reset, the display can be reset as follows:  
For vehicles with messages:  
1. Switch the ignition off.  
2. Switch on the emergency flashers.  
3. Press and hold the  
button in the instrument cluster.  
4. Switch the ignition back on.  
5. Release the  
button.  
6. Confirm the confirmation prompt in the instrument cluster by pressing the  
7. Switch off the emergency flashers.  
button on the multi-function steering wheel.  
For vehicles without messages:  
1. Switch the ignition off.  
2. Switch on the emergency flashers.  
3. Press and hold the  
button in the instrument cluster.  
4. Switch the ignition back on.  
5. Release the  
6. Switch off the emergency flashers.  
The service message disappears after a few seconds when the engine is running or when the  
button and then press the  
button within 20 seconds.  
button on the multi-function steering wheel is pressed.  
If the 12 V vehicle battery in a vehicle with the flexible service interval has been disconnected for an extended period, the time for the next oil change service  
cannot be calculated. Therefore, the service interval displays may show incorrect calculations. If this is the case, follow the maximum permissible maintenance  
intervals.  
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Time  
1. Press the  
2. Press the  
3. Press the  
button in the instrument cluster to select the hours or minutes display.  
button to advance the clock. To speed up, press and hold.  
button again to close the clock settings.  
Depending on the vehicle equipment, clocks can be set via the Settings menu in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Settings menu.  
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Related Topics

Symbols in the instrument cluster Introduction to the instrument cluster Analog instrument cluster Operating the analog instrument cluster Tachometer Fuel gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge Settings menu Multi-Function Display Service Time

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