Table of Contents > Do it yourself > Towing

VW ID.4 2023 Owner's Manual ➜ Towing

5. Connect one end of the black jumper cable preferably to the negative terminal (–) jump-start point on the vehicle with the 12 V vehicle battery providing current  
fig. 154  
.
Or: If there is no negative terminal (–) jump-start point, connect the end of the black jumper cable to a large metal part that is bolted securely to the engine  
block, or the engine block itself, on the vehicle with the 12 V vehicle battery providing current fig. 154  
.
6. Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal (–) jump-start point on the vehicle with the discharged 12 V vehicle battery fig. 154  
.
7. Route the jumper cables so that they cannot become caught in moving parts in the hood space.  
Activating the vehicle's drive system  
1. Start the engine in the vehicle that is providing current and allow it to idle.  
2. Activate the vehicle's drive system in the vehicle with the discharged 12 V vehicle battery. If the vehicle's drive system cannot be activated, stop the starting  
process after 10 seconds, and try again after approximately 1 minute.  
If the vehicle’s drive system still cannot be activated, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Removing the jumper cables  
1. Before disconnecting the jumper cables, switch off the low beam headlight if necessary.  
2. In the vehicle with the drained 12 V vehicle battery, switch on the blower for the air conditioner and the rear window defroster. This will reduce any voltage  
surges that may occur when disconnected.  
3. Once the vehicle has been jump-started, always disconnect the jumper cables in the order D – C – B – A fig. 154.  
4. Close the cover of the positive battery terminal (+) jump-start point, if fitted.  
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.  
Always wear suitable eye protection and safety gloves.  
Never bend over the 12 V vehicle battery.  
Always connect the positive cable first and then the negative cable.  
Never connect the negative cable to the brake lines.  
Ensure that there is no contact between the non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps.  
Make sure the cable insulation is free from any defects.  
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.  
NOTICE  
A drained 12 V vehicle battery can freeze, be damaged and fail at temperatures around approx. 0 °C (approx. +32°F).  
Always replace a frozen or thawed 12 V vehicle battery.  
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  
overloaded when driving off-road.  
WARNING  
The vehicle handling and braking efficiency will change considerably when it is towed. This may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and result in accidents  
and serious or fatal injuries.  
Bear in mind that more force is required for steering and braking during towing.  
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WARNING  
If a vehicle that has no electrical power is towed, the electronic steering lock may suddenly engage. If this happens, you will not be able to move the steering  
wheel. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Never turn off the ignition with the starter button while towing.  
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  
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.  
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 50 km/h (30 mph).  
The maximum permissible distance is 50 km/h (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  
The vehicle must be towed with all four wheels on a tow truck.  
WARNING  
Vehicle components can be badly damaged by incorrectly attached tow ropes or tow bars. This increases the risk of accident and could result in serious or fatal  
injuries.  
Only ever secure the vehicle to be recovered and towed at the points designed for this purpose.  
Never secure the tow rope or the tow bar to axle or suspension components.  
Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a tow truck, if necessary.  
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 automatically activate  
again once the turn signal and high beam 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.  
A red warning light  
and the Towing: Damaged e-system – see manual! message will appear the instrument cluster display.  
The power supply to the 12-volt vehicle electrical system cannot be secured.  
The indicator in the instrument cluster display does not function perfectly.  
If the towing distance is greater than approx. 50 km (approx. 30 miles).  
The driving mode selector cannot be moved to idle (position N).  
The anti-roll function cannot be deactivated.  
The electronic parking brake cannot be released.  
The steering 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 professional assistance and have the vehicle transported by a tow truck  
if necessary. Inform the relevant people, particularly the organizing office and transportation, that an electric vehicle is involved.  
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Towing  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice   
and Introduction.  
If the towing conditions have not been met, the vehicle may be pushed or towed on its own four wheels only in emergency situations. The vehicle may be towed to  
the tow truck only at walking pace and up to a maximum of 100 meters  
.
WARNING  
If you tow your vehicle in spite of the message Towing damages the electrical system. Owner's manual! appearing in the instrument cluster, vibrations could  
occur in the drive system and the driven wheels could lock, particularly on ice or wet roads. Wheels that lock may cause you to lose control of the vehicle or lead  
to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
If the message Towing damages the electrical system. Owner's manual! appears in the instrument cluster, do not push or tow the vehicle unless it is an  
emergency.  
Secure the tow rope or tow bar only at the permitted points:  
Towing lug.  
Ball mount.  
WARNING  
Vehicle components can be badly damaged by incorrectly attached tow ropes or tow bars. This increases the risk of accident and could result in serious or fatal  
injuries.  
Only ever secure the vehicle to be recovered and towed at the points designed for this purpose.  
Never secure the tow rope or the tow bar to axle or suspension components.  
Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a tow truck, if necessary.  
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 always switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that the turn signal and windshield wiper can be used if needed.  
The brake booster and power steering only work when the ignition is switched on. Otherwise, the brake pedal needs to be pressed much harder and more force  
is required to steer.  
2. Make sure the vehicle key is always in the vehicle during the towing process.  
3. Select gear  
.
4. Deactivate the anti-roll function Electronic parking brake.  
Or: The driver remains seated in the driver seat throughout the towing process and always wears their safety belt, and the driver door is closed.  
5. Ensure that the electronic parking brake is always switched off throughout the towing process  
6. Make sure the tow rope is always taut.  
.
NOTICE  
If the electronic parking brake switches on during the towing process, wheels may lock. Serious damage to the vehicles may result.  
End the towing process immediately.  
Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a tow truck, if necessary.  
NOTICE  
If the battery charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery is insufficient, you will not be able to release the electronic parking brake and steering lock. The vehicle  
may be damaged when towed.  
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To release the electronic parking brake and steering lock, put the vehicle into drive-ready mode, if necessary by means of a jump-start if there is a loss of  
power or malfunctions.  
Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle taken away on a tow truck, if necessary.  
Rear towing eye  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice   
and Introduction.  
A pulling eye for tow truck is installed on the driver's side underneath the bumper cover so that the vehicle can be pulled onto a tow truck  
fig. 155,  
.
Fig. 155 At the rear of the vehicle: pulling eye for tow truck installation location.  
The pulling eye for tow truck is only intended for a tow rope or tow chain.  
WARNING  
Using the pulling eye for tow truck to tow other vehicles may damage the vehicle or cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Only use the pulling eye for tow truck to have your own vehicle pulled onto a tow truck.  
Never tow another vehicle with the pulling eye for tow truck.  
Vehicles with a trailer hitch  
Vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch do not have a pulling eye for tow truck at the rear of the vehicle.  
1. Install the ball mount and use it for towing.  
NOTICE  
Using an unsuitable towing bar could damage the ball hitch and the vehicle.  
Always use a tow bar specifically designed for mounting on a ball mount for towing.  
If you do not have a suitable tow bar, use a tow rope for towing.  
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