Get Self-help -> Towing Guide for Volkswagen Transporter Van Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled with the aid of another vehicle.

The vehicle can be towed with a tow-bar or a tow-rope. The gearbox is not lubricated sufficiently at higher speeds

and over long distances:

—The maximum permitted towing speed is 50 km/h(30 mph).

—The maximum permitted towing distance is 50 km.

It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.

The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a tow rope made of

synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.

Towing with a breakdown truck

If you need to raise your vehicle on one axle for towing, you must do so only on the following axles, depending on the

gearbox/drive combination:

Front-wheel drive

Manual gearbox

Front axle

Automatic gearbox

Front axle

All-wheel drive (4Motion)

Manual gearbox

Front axle

Automatic gearbox

Front axle

WARNING

If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change significantly.

WARNING

Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.

● Never switch off the ignition using the starter button when the vehicle is being towed. Otherwise the electronic

steering column lock could engage suddenly. You will no longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a

loss of control of the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.

●

● If the power supply of the towed vehicle fails, stop towing immediately and seek the assistance of a suitably

qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Towing with a tow-rope or tow-bar can damage the vehicle.

● Tow the vehicle carefully with a tow-rope or tow-bar.

● If possible, have the broken-down vehicle transported by a recovery vehicle.

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NOTICE

When pushing the vehicle by hand, the tail light clusters, side spoilers on the rear window or large panels can be

damaged and the rear spoiler may become detached.

● When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, side spoilers on the rear window, large

panels and the rear spoiler.

NOTICE

The vehicle can be damaged(e.g. Its paintwork) when removing and fitting the cover and towing eye.

● Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the vehicle.

NOTICE

Use of a towing eye that is not suitable for the vehicle can damage the vehicle.

● Always use the towing eye supplied in the vehicle toolkit of your vehicle or a towing eye that is suitable for the

vehicle for towing.

Notes on towing

It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard warning lights are

switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction while the ignition is switched on. The

hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing

automatically as soon as the turn signal lever is moved back to the neutral position.

In which situations may the vehicle not be towed?

Do not have the vehicle towed in the following situations:

—The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged.

—The instrument cluster display does not work properly.

—The distance to be towed is further than 50 km(around 31 miles).

—In vehicles with a manual gearbox: In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the clutch cannot be depressedfully and

neutral selected.

—In vehicles with an automatic gearbox: The selector lever of the automatic gearbox cannot be moved to neutral

(N position).

—The electronic parking brake cannot be released.

—The steering column lock cannot be released.

—The vehicle's gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.

—If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an accident.

If the vehicle cannot be towed on its own wheels due to one of the above conditions, seek assistance from a

correspondingly qualified workshop and have the vehicle transported on a recovery vehicle if necessary.

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Towing

Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the points provided:

—Towing eye.

— On vehicles with a ball coupling: Ball coupling.

Preparations

—Ensure that the tow-rope is not twisted. Otherwise a towing eye may become unscrewed during towing.

—Switch on the ignition and hazard warning lights on both vehicles. However, observe any regulations to the

contrary.

—Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.

Pulling vehicle (front)

1. The tow-rope must be taut before you drive off properly.

2. Press the accelerator carefully.

3. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

4. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Engage the clutch very smoothly when driving off.

Pulled vehicle (rear)

Make sure that the ignition is switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and you can indicate and operate

the wipers if necessary.

1. Switch the electronic parking brake off.

2. Ensure that the tow-rope is always taut.

3. In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Disengage the gear.

4. In vehicles with an automatic gearbox: Select the N selector lever position.

The brake servo and power steering function only when the engine is running. Otherwise you must press the brake

pedal with significantly more force and also use more effort for steering.

WARNING

Never attach the tow-rope or tow-bar to axle or running gear components. These can be damaged as a result and

this can cause accidents and serious injuries.

● Seek expert assistance and have the vehicle transported on a recovery vehicle if necessary.

NOTICE

The vehicle can be towed only if the 12-volt vehicle battery is adequately charged, so that the electronic parking

brake and the steering column lock can be released. If the power supply fails or if there are faults in the electrical

system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine in order to release the electronic parking brake and the

steering column lock.

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Self-help -> Towing for Your Volkswagen Transporter Van Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

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