Get Heating and air conditioning Guide for Volkswagen Transporter Van Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

Introduction

The following systems may be installed in the vehicle:

The manual air conditioning systemheats, cools and dehumidifies the air.

The Climatronic is an automatic air conditioning system that heats, cools and dehumidifies the air. Automatic mode

enables the Climatronic to control the air temperature, air distribution and air volume automatically.

The air conditioning system will function most effectively if the windows are kept closed. Opening the windows and

glass roof to allow air to enter the vehicle may accelerate cooling if high temperatures have developed in the vehicle

interior.

Display of active functions

Illuminated symbols on the buttons indicate that the function is switched on.

Colour-coded function buttons display an activated function in the climate settings on the Infotainment system.

Operating the air conditioning system with voice commands

You can use voice control to operate some air conditioning system functions, depending on the vehicle equipment.

WARNING

Poor visibility through the door windows, windscreen and rear window increases the risk of collisions and accidents

which can cause serious injuries.

● Keep all door windows, the windscreen and the rear window free from ice, snow and condensation to maintain

perfect visibility.

● Adjust the heating, air conditioning and rear window heating to prevent the windows from misting up.

● Only set off once all windows are clear.

● Use air recirculation mode for a short period only. Condensation could otherwise form on the windows very

quickly so that visibility is greatly reduced.

● Switch off the air recirculation mode when it is no longer required.

WARNING

Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and affect their concentration, which in turn can cause collisions,

accidents and serious injuries.

● Never switch off the blower or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period as this prevents fresh

air from entering the vehicle interior.

NOTICE

Heat-sensitive food, medicine and other items could be either damaged or rendered useless.

● Never leave food, medicines or other temperature-sensitive objects in front of the vents.

NOTICE

Do not insert any objects in the vent slots. This could cause damage to the air outlets.

NOTICE

If the air conditioning system is not working, switch it off immediately to prevent consequential damage. Have the

air conditioning system checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and therefore change when

the user account changes (→ Personalisation).

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Overview of functions

Some air conditioning system functions, menus in the Infotainment system and an air conditioning block for the rear

passenger compartment are only available with some equipment levels.

In the top centre console

Open the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system.

In the Infotainment system: upper screen edge

Switch the air conditioning system on and off.

In the Infotainment system: lower screen edge

Select temperature. Depending on the equipment level, you can set the temperature directly in the

Infotainment system or use the touch sliders beneath the Infotainment system.

The selected temperatures are displayed at the bottom of the screen in the Infotainment system.

Adopt temperature settings of driver side for all seats.

Switch the seat heating on and off (→ Seat heating).

Switch seat ventilation on and off (→ Seat heating).

Opens the settings for the rear passenger compartment.

Switch the air conditioning block in the rear passenger compartment on or off.

In the Infotainment system: Classic Climate menu

The set air temperature is kept constant. The volume of air and air distribution are controlled automatically.

The blower speed in automatic mode can be controlled via the climate profiles. Automatic mode switches

itself off when the blower speed is adjusted manually.

Adjust the blower speed.

Switch air recirculation mode on and off (→ Air recirculation mode).

The air is cooled and dehumidified in cooling mode.

Direct air towards upper body.

Direct air into the footwell.

Direct air to the upper body and footwell.

Direct air onto the windscreen.

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Direct air onto the windscreen and into the footwell.

In the Infotainment system: Smart Climate menu

Automatic mode is also switched on if aSmart Climate is activated. TheSmart Climate function remains switched on

for a short time. Automatic mode remains switched on after this time elapses.

Clear the windscreen and windows in the passenger compartment of ice and mist.

Direct warm air into the footwell.

Direct warm air onto the steering wheel.

Direct cool air into the footwell.

Direct fresh air from the outside into the vehicle interior.

In the Infotainment system: Air Care menu

The enhanced air filter in theAir Care Climatronic can reduce the amount of pollutants and also allergens

that enter the vehicle interior (→ Air recirculation mode).

In the Infotainment system: Settings

Air conditioning settings

—Switches automatic air recirculation mode on (→ Air recirculation mode).

—Automatic supplementary heater .

—Switches automatic windscreen heating on (→ Windscreen heating).

Settings on vehicle start

—Tap the respective function button to switch on the seat heating or steering wheel heating automatically when

starting the engine, depending on the outside temperature.

In the Infotainment system: Auxiliary heating menu

Open the Auxiliary heater menu in the Infotainment system .

From the multifunction steering wheel

Switch the steering wheel heating on and off (→ Steering wheel heating).

Touch panel next to the multifunction steering wheel

Switch rear window heating on and off with running engine.

The rear window heating switches off automatically after 10 minutes at the latest.

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The defrost function of Climatronic clears the windscreen of ice and condensation.

The air is dehumidified and the blower is set to a high speed.

Switch windscreen heating on and off with running engine (→ Windscreen heating).

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the rear window heating system, do not put stickers over the heating elements on the inside

of the window.

To save fuel, switch off the rear window heating as soon as

possible.

In the rear passenger compartment

Switch the seat heating on and off (→ Seat heating).

Select temperature.

The selected temperature setting is shown on the air conditioning block display.

Adjust the blower speed.

The blower speed is briefly shown on the air conditioning block display.

Direct air from the vent to the upper body.

Direct air from the vent to the windows.

If REAR LOCK is active in the Infotainment system, the air conditioning block in the rear passenger

compartment cannot be operated.

Air recirculation mode

When air recirculation mode is switched on, no fresh air enters the vehicle interior.

Switching the air recirculation mode on and off

1. Tap

2. Tap

in the upper centre console.

in the Infotainment system.

Automatic air recirculation mode of Climatronic

Automatic air recirculation mode supports you within the system limits by temporarily switching the fresh air supply

on or off if the fresh air entering the vehicle is of poor quality. The system cannot detect unpleasant odours.

1. Tap

in the upper centre console.

2. Switch automatic air recirculation mode on or off via

Automatic air recirculation.

– Climatronic with enhanced air filter

The enhanced air filter in theAir Care Climatronic can reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens that enter the

vehicle interior.

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When Air Care is switched on, the air conditioning system's air recirculation mode is maximised as far as is permitted

by the risk of window fogging depending on the interior humidity and outside temperature. The air recirculation

mode is automatically regulated and features continuous adjustment in order to prevent fatigue of the vehicle

occupants.

1. Tap

in the upper centre console.

2. Switch the Air Care function on or off via

Active.

Air recirculation mode switches off automatically

Air recirculation mode switches itself off automatically if one of the following conditions is met→

:

— The defrost function is switched on.

— A sensor detects that condensation might form on the vehicle’s windows.

WARNING

Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and negatively affect their concentration which may cause collisions,

accidents and serious injuries.

● Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period as no fresh air will enter the vehicle interior.

● Use air recirculation mode for a short period only. Condensation could otherwise form on the windows very

quickly so that visibility is greatly reduced.

● Switch off the air recirculation mode when it is no longer required.

NOTICE

In vehicles with an air conditioning system, do not smoke when the air recirculation mode is switched on. Smoke

can leave a residue on the cooling system evaporator and on the active combi filter, producing a lasting unpleasant

odour.

When reversing the vehicle or when the wash and wipe system is being used, the air recirculation mode will

switch on to prevent odours from entering the vehicle interior.

If the outside temperature is very high, brief activation of manual air recirculation mode helps to cool the

vehicle interior more quickly.

Seat heating and seat ventilation

The seat heating and seat ventilation functions work when the engine is running. The front seats and outer rear

seats can be heated with three level settings → . The front seats can be additionally ventilated from the interior in

three settings.

Heating and ventilation settings

The operating conditions of the seat heating and seat ventilation for the front seats are shown in colour in the

Infotainment system:

—At the highest temperature or ventilation setting, all three displays under or on the Infotainment system are

shown in red or blue.

The operating conditions of the rear seat heating are shown byLED

s in the button on the seat:

—All three LED

s light up at the highest temperature setting.

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Operating seat heating and seat ventilation

Operating seat heating for the front seats:

1. Touch

in the upper centre console.

2. Tap or

at the bottom of the screen to switch on the seat heating or seat ventilation at the highest

temperature or ventilation setting.

3. Tap or

repeatedly to adjust the temperature or ventilation setting.

4. To switch off the seat heating or seat ventilation, tap or

repeatedly until the symbol is coloured grey.

Or: To switch the seat heating on or off, use two fingers to tap the touch slider for the driver or passenger side

under the Infotainment system (depending on the equipment).

Operating seat heating for the rear seats:

1. Press the button on the seat to switch on the seat heating with the highest temperature setting.

2. To adjust the temperature setting, press the button repeatedly.

3. To switch the seat heating off, press the button repeatedly until noLED

is lit.

The seat heating switches on and off automatically

If you start the engine again within approximately 10 minutes, the most recent driver seat temperature setting is

switched on automatically. The most recent temperature setting is also switched on automatically for the passenger

seat when it is occupied.

The seat heating on the front passenger seat switches itself off automatically if the front passenger leaves the seat

while the seat heating is switched on and the engine is running. The display in the Infotainment system turns grey

after around 2 seconds. The seat heating on the front passenger seat switches itself on again automatically if the

front passenger sits down again while the engine is still running.

If the seat heating switches itself off automatically, you can switch it on again manually as required, even if the front

passenger seat is empty.

If you start the engine again within approximately 30 seconds, the most recent outer rear seat temperature setting is

switched on automatically.

When should the seat heating not be switched on?

Do not switch on the seat heating if one of the following conditions applies:

—A person with reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature is sitting on the seat→

—The seat is not occupied.

.

—The seat is fitted with a protective cover.

—A child seat is installed on the seat.

—The seat cushion is damp or wet.

—The temperature in the vehicle interior or the outside temperature is above +25°C(77°F).

WARNING

Magnetic fields are produced during operation of the seat heating. These magnetic fields can affect active medical

implants (e.g. pacemakers) in isolated cases.

● Wearers of an active medical implant should consult their doctor or the implant manufacturer before operating

the seat heating.

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● Also make the other vehicle occupants aware of this if necessary.

WARNING

Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis or chronic illness(e.g.

diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when using the seat heating. These burns may take a

long time to heal or may never heal fully. Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.

● Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat heating.

WARNING

Wet seat covers can cause a malfunctions in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.

● Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before using the seat heating.

● Do not sit on the seat in damp or wet clothing.

● Do not place any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.

● Do not spill any liquids on the seat.

NOTICE

● To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seats and do not apply sharp pressure at a single

point to the seat cushion and backrest.

● Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials, such as a protective cover or child seat, may damage the seat

heating.

● If odours develop, switch off the seat heating immediately and have it checked by a correspondingly qualified

workshop.

● If the original seat covers are replaced with another material, the seat heating can overheat or the seat heating

function may be restricted.

To save fuel, switch off the seat heating as soon as

possible.

Windscreen heating

The windscreen heating will only work when the engine is running.

Switch the windscreen heating on and off.

1. Tap

on the control panel next to the multifunction steering wheel.

The windscreen heater switches off depending on the outside temperature, but after approximately 8 minutes

at the latest.

Automatic windscreen heating

The windscreen heating is switched on automatically if there is a risk of condensation forming on a window.

1. Tap

on the Infotainment system.

2. Switch the automatic windscreen heating on or off with

Automatic windscreen heating.

Automatic windscreen heating is also active when the air conditioning system is switched off.

Windscreen heating using the defrost function

The windscreen heating will be switched on when the defrost function is switched on and a sensor detects that

condensation may form on the windscreen.

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Windscreen heater switches off automatically

The windscreen heater switches off automatically if any of the following conditions is met:

—The power consumption is too high.

—There is a fault in the air conditioning system.

—The specified time has elapsed.

Steering wheel heating

The steering wheel heating functions only when the engine is running.

Temperature settings of the steering wheel heating

When you switch on the steering wheel heating, the current temperature setting is continuously shown as a bar

display in the instrument cluster. All three bars are filled at the highest temperature setting.

Switching the steering wheel heating on and off on the multifunction steering wheel

1. Press to switch on the steering wheel heating at the highest temperature setting.

2. To adjust the temperature setting, press repeatedly.

3. To switch off the steering wheel heating, press repeatedly until the bar display in the instrument cluster

display goes out.

Storing the temperature setting

1. Switch on the steering wheel heating and set the desired temperature setting.

2. To store the current temperature setting, press and hold for around one second.

The temperature setting is not stored and the steering wheel heating is switched off.

3. To switch the steering wheel heating back on again with the last stored temperature setting, press and hold

for around one second.

Steering wheel heating switches on automatically

The most recent temperature setting is switched on automatically if you switch on the engine again within

approximately 10 minutes.

Steering wheel heating switches off automatically

The steering wheel heating switches itself off automatically if one of the following conditions is met:

—The power consumption is too high.

—There is a fault in the steering wheel heating system.

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Fresh air intake

Fig. 1 Diagram: area for fresh air intake in front of the

windscreen in left-hand drive vehicles (mirrored for right-

hand drive vehicles).

The vehicle has a fresh air intake duct in front of the windscreen→ Fig. 1.

NOTICE

If snow is drawn in, it can cause damage to the vehicle.

● Before starting a journey, make sure there is no snow in the area of the fresh air intake.

● Remove any snow as required.

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Troubleshooting

Cooling mode

cannot be switched on or its function is restricted

Cooling mode

works only when the engine is running and at ambient temperatures above +3°C(+38°F).

is switched off when the engine is very hot.

—Switch on the blower.

—Check the fuse of the air conditioning system .

—Replace the active combi filter .

—If the fault persists, consult a suitably qualified workshop.

The heating and fresh air system cannot be switched on or its function is restricted

The heating and defrost function are more effective when the engine is warm.

1. If the fault persists, consult a suitably qualified workshop.

Condensation on the windows

Condensation forms on the windows if they are colder than the ambient temperature and the air is very humid. Cold

air can absorb less moisture than warm air, which is why condensation frequently forms on windows in cold weather.

1. Keep the air intake in front of the windscreen free from ice, snow and leaves to improve the heating or cooling

output (→ Vehicle care).

2. Do not cover the air vents in the rear of the luggage compartment so that air can flow through the vehicle from

the front to the rear.

3. Switch on the defrost function (→ Heating, ventilation and cooling).

The wrong unit of temperature has been set

1. Change the unit of temperature for all temperature displays in the vehicle using the Infotainment system

(→ Vehicle settings menu).

Water or water vapour under the vehicle

If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the evaporator in the cooling

system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.

If the outside humidity is high and the outside temperature low, condensation may evaporate when the auxiliary

heater is running. If this is the case, steam may appear underneath the vehicle. The vehicle is not damaged.

Touch panels do not react as expected

Moisture, dirt and grease can impede the functioning of the touch panels.

1. Always keep touch panels clean and dry.

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Introduction

The auxiliary heater and ventilation system can be used to heat the vehicle interior in the winter and ventilate it in

the summer. It is able to clear ice, condensation and a thin layer of snow from the windscreen. The auxiliary heater

is supplied with fuel from the vehicle fuel tank and can be operated when the vehicle is stationary with the ignition

switched off. The auxiliary ventilation system is powered by the 12-volt vehicle battery.

Auxiliary heater mode (Climatronic only)

When the auxiliary heater is switched on, the vehicle automatically sets the operating modeHeating or Ventilation

depending on the outside temperature. At high outside temperatures, the auxiliary ventilation system directs fresh

air into the vehicle and prevents the accumulation of heat.

Auxiliary heater exhaust system

The emissions generated by the auxiliary heater are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle. The

exhaust pipe must not be blocked by snow, mud or any objects.

WARNING

Among the emissions from the auxiliary heater is carbon monoxide, which is an odourless and colourless poisonous

gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.

● Never switch on the auxiliary heater or leave the auxiliary heater running if the vehicle is located in enclosed or

unventilated spaces.

● Never program the auxiliary heater so that it is switched on and runs in unventilated or enclosed spaces.

WARNING

Parts of the auxiliary heater exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.

● Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material

underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass.

NOTICE

Heat-sensitive food, medicine and other items could be either damaged or rendered useless.

● Never leave food, medicines or other temperature-sensitive objects in front of the vents.

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Switching the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation on and off

The auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation can be operated when the ignition is switched on and off.

Opening the Auxiliary heater menu

1. Tap the HOME button

.

2. Tap to open the Auxiliary heater menu.

Switching on the auxiliary heater

1. Switch on the immediate heating function in the Auxiliary heater menu in the Infotainment system, or in the

Exit Vehicle menu (→ Exit menu).

Or: Press the button on the remote control .

Or: Program a departure time (→ Auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation).

The yellow LED for the auxiliary heater lights up in the instrument cluster when the auxiliary heater is

switched on.

The auxiliary heater will not switch on if the 12-volt vehicle battery has a low charge level or the fuel tank is empty.

Switching off the auxiliary heater manually

1. Switch off the immediate heating function in the Auxiliary heater menu in the Infotainment system, or in the

Exit Vehicle menu (→ Exit menu).

Or: Press the

button on the remote control .

Operating the auxiliary heater as a supplementary heater

When the engine has been started, the auxiliary heater can continue operation as a supplementary heater. The

following conditions must be met for this:

—The Automatic supplementary heater function is activated in the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment

system.

—The outside temperature is lower than +5°C(+41°F).

The supplementary heating function is switched off automatically after a short time.

Auxiliary heater switches off automatically

The auxiliary heater switches itself off automatically if one of the following conditions is met:

—The programmed departure time has been reached or the set operating time has expired (→ Auxiliary heater and

auxiliary ventilation).

— The yellow indicator lamp (fuel gauge) lights up .

— The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low.

The auxiliary heater runs on for a short time after it is switched off manually or automatically so that the remaining

fuel in the system can be burnt off.

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When the vehicle is at a standstill, the auxiliary heater can be activated up to three times in succession for the

maximum operating duration.

Operating noises can be heard when the auxiliary heater is switched

on.

If you park on a downhill slope with very little fuel in the tank(just above reserve level), the fuel gauge may be

inaccurate and lead to functional restrictions of the auxiliary heater.

Programming the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation

The auxiliary heater can be programmed in the Infotainment system.

Setting the running time of the auxiliary heater

1. Open the Auxiliary heater menu.

2. Touch the Adjust function button.

3. To set the duration, touch theRunning time function button.

The set running time applies when the auxiliary heater is switched on with the immediate heat function or

using the remote control.

The maximum running time of the auxiliary heater is 60 minutes.

Setting desired temperature

You may only be able to set the desired temperature of the auxiliary heater on the Climatronic, depending on the

equipment.

1. Open the Auxiliary heater menu.

2. Touch theTemperature function button and set the desired temperature.

The auxiliary heater warms up the interior depending on the desired temperature. The vehicle interior warms up

evenly.

Programming departure time

Activation is for one heating or ventilation period only. The departure time must be activated for every start.

1. Before programming, check that the date and time set in the vehicle are correct (→ Clock).

2. Open the Auxiliary heater menu.

3. Touch the Adjust function button.

4. Select one of the memory entries for theDeparture time.

5. Touch the Activate function button.

Climatronic On the basis of the programmed departure time, the vehicle automatically calculates the start time

for heating or ventilation to the currently set temperature depending on the outside temperature.

The earliest programmed departure time is displayed in the exit menu in the Infotainment system, where you

can also switch it on or off.

Programming check

If a departure time has been activated, the yellow LED in the instrument cluster will light up for approximately

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10 seconds after the ignition is switched off.

Troubleshooting

The auxiliary heater is not switched on.

—The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low.

The 12-volt vehicle battery will be discharged if the auxiliary heater runs several times for an extended period.

Drive the vehicle for an appropriate distance in order to recharge the 12-volt vehicle battery.

— There is only the reserve fuel quantity left in the fuel tank.

Water vapour under the vehicle

If the outside humidity is high and the outside temperature low, condensation may evaporate when the auxiliary

heater is running. If this is the case, steam may appear underneath the vehicle. The vehicle is not damaged.

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Remote control of the auxiliary heater and auxiliary ventilation

With the remote control, the fuel-operated auxiliary heater can be switched on and off from outside the vehicle.

Fig. 1 Remote control for the auxiliary heater.

Switching the auxiliary heater on and off using the remote control

1. Switching on: Press the button for around 1 second→ Fig. 1.

2. Switching off: Press the

button for around 1 second→ Fig. 1.

LED in the remote control

1

The LED indicates various operating states after you press a button→ Fig. 1

Lights up

.

—Green: The auxiliary heater is switched on.

—Red: The auxiliary heater is switched off.

Flashing at irregular intervals

—Green: The auxiliary heater is blocked. The fuel tank is nearly empty, the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is too

low or a malfunction has occurred. Refuel and drive for long enough to recharge the 12-volt vehicle battery, or

visit a correspondingly qualified workshop.

Flashing at regular intervals

—Red or green: Switch-on or switch-off signal has not been received. Move closer to the vehicle.

Lights up or flashes

—Orange: The button cell in the remote control is weak. Replacing the button cell.

Range

The remote control has a range of several hundred metres when the button cell is fully charged and under ideal

conditions.

—Keep a distance of at least 2 m(7 ft) between the remote control and the vehicle.

—Avoid obstacles between the remote control and vehicle.

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1

—Hold the remote control with the aerial→ Fig. 1

—Do not cover the aerial.

pointing vertically upwards.

Poor weather conditions, nearby buildings or a weak button cell will significantly reduce the range.

NOTICE

The remote control contains electronic components which can be damaged by moisture, strong vibrations and direct

sunlight.

● Protect the remote control from moisture, excessive vibration and direct sunlight.

Replacing the button cell in the remote control

Replace the button cell in the remote control if the LED stops lighting up.

Fig. 1 Replace the button cell in the remote control.

Replacing the button cell

1. Insert a suitable tool, e.g. a screwdriver, in the recess on the housing of the remote control in the direction of

the arrow → Fig. 1.

2. Using the tool, lever off the battery cover in upward direction until the housing catches are released.

3. Slide the battery cover forwards slightly in the direction of the arrow.

4. Remove the battery cover.

5. To remove the button cell, carefully insert a screwdriver, for example, in the recess on the button cell.

6. Lever up the button cell with the screwdriver until the button cell is released from the holder.

7. Remove the button cell.

8. Insert a new button cell of the same type so that it engages in the holder. Observe the information on the inside

of the battery cover about the polarity of the button cell.

9. Place the battery cover on the remote control and press it gently until the battery cover clicks into place.

DANGER

If you swallow a button cell, or if it enters your windpipe, it can cause serious or even fatal injuries within a very

short time due to choking or internal burns.

● Seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect that someone has swallowed a button cell.

● Do not use the remote control if you cannot close the battery cover.

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Heating and air conditioning for Your Volkswagen Transporter Van Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

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