The electronic parking brake is disengaged
3. Press and hold the
button to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake.
4. Release the brake pedal.
5. Start driving slowly.
6. Only release the
button once the electric drivetrain has created enough drive power to start driving.
WARNING
Towing a trailer incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious or fatal injuries.
Bear in mind that the driving characteristics change when driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead.
Overtake with particular care and reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.
Accelerate with extra care and caution.
Brake earlier than usual as the braking distance may be longer.
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.
Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving downhill.
Never try to "straighten out" a swaying vehicle and trailer by accelerating.
Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles that are not towing a trailer.
WARNING
A poor rear view when pulling a trailer may result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Ensure sufficient visibility behind you.
Install additional rearview mirrors to ensure you have a clear rear view.
Trailer hitch
Ball mount holder
Fig. 124 Dimensions of the ball mount holder and receptacle.
Suspended height of the ball mount.
Distance between socket pin and ball mount.
To pull a trailer you must have installed the necessary cabling, including a socket, and the corresponding trailer hitch. Since pulling a trailer represents a heavy stra
for the vehicle towing it, connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle and correct dimensions for the receptacle and the ball mount holder are extremely important in
order for the towing vehicle to cope with the strain to be placed on it.
The mount requires a special shape and size of ball mount holder and ball mount. This affects both the suspended height of the ball coupling fig. 124
distance between the socket pin and the ball coupling fig. 124
and the
.
These dimensions determine the distribution of strain on the receptacle and the connections to the vehicle during towing. When purchasing a ball mount holder and
a ball mount, always ensure that these will cope with the requirements.
242
Dimensions of the ball mount holder
The drop heights fig. 124
from the upper edge of the ball mount to the upper edge of the neck may be no more than 63.5 mm (2 1/2 inches) in the “DROP
position and not more than 47.625 mm (17/8 inches) in the “RISE” position.
The distance between the socket pin and the ball mount fig. 124
must not exceed 177.8 mm (7 inches) from the middle of the ball mount to the middle of
the eye of the pin.
The diameter of the ball mount may be either 47.625 mm (1 7/8 inches) or 50.8 mm (2 inches).
Ball mounts and holders which do not meet these specifications could damage your car or could fail completely
⇒
.
Securing cables
In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of securing or breakaway cables.
Follow the country-specific regulations for using a securing cable.
1. Secure the securing or breakaway cable to the provided ball mount eyelet.
2. Guide the cable through the eyelet and hook it in the karabiner
⇒
.
WARNING
Incorrect mounting or the use of an unsuitable trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially
causing serious accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retrofitting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service
facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
An improperly secured trailer can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Never drape the securing or breakaway cable of the trailer loosely over the ball mount.
CAUTION
A fitted but unused ball mount holder can increase the risk of injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.
Always remove the ball mount holder when it is not being used.
NOTICE
Fitting an unsuitable ball mount can cause vehicle damage and invalidation of the operating license.
Use the ball mount supplied by the factory or a ball mount approved for your vehicle model and its model year. Volkswagen recommends the use of
Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.
NOTICE
The vehicle was not designed to tow trailers requiring larger ball mounts than those specified. The use of an unsuitable trailer hitch can cause vehicle damage.
Never use ball mounts with a diameter that exceeds 50.8 mm (2 inches).
Never use an adapter in order to use a larger ball mount.
If necessary, you may use an adapter to enable you to mount a bicycle carrier or similar. Always observe the weight specifications when doing so.
Make sure that the taillights are not obscured by the use of a bicycle rack or similar equipment.
2) This data was not available at the time of printing.
Retrofitting a trailer hitch
Volkswagen recommends having a trailer hitch retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. For example,
modifications to the cooling system or the installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Mount the trailer hitch in accordance with the instructions supplied.
A retrofitted, non-removable trailer hitch must not cover the label or the lighting system on the rear of the vehicle. Note the country-specific regulations for using a b
mount ⇒
.
243
WARNING
Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system as well as accidents and serious or fatal
injuries.
Never connect the electrical system on a trailer directly to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other unsuitable power sources.
Only use suitable connectors to connect the trailer.
If retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Incorrect mounting or the use of an unsuitable trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially
causing serious accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retrofitting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service
facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Only use trailer hitches that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer. Volkswagen
recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Roof rack
Introduction
Depending on the model, the vehicle may be designed to have a roof rack installed.
Bulky objects can be transported on the vehicle roof using the roof rack.
If you are not sure if your vehicle is designed to have a roof rack installed, check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for use with your vehicle.
Do not use or retrofit a roof rack if this is not approved for your vehicle.
WARNING
When transporting large, heavy, long, or flat loads on the roof rack, the vehicle's driving characteristics and aerodynamics change because of the different center
of gravity and increased wind resistance. This may cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps.
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING
If the use of a roof rack is not approved for your vehicle or a roof rack that is incompatible with the vehicle is fitted, it may detach and fall from the roof of the
vehicle while you are driving. This may cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
Do not fit roof racks if they are not approved for your vehicle.
NOTICE
Installing any type of roof rack onto a vehicle that is not approved for use of a roof rack can cause serious damage.
Do not fit roof racks if they are not approved for your vehicle.
Driving with a roof rack fitted increases the air resistance of the vehicle and thus also the energy consumption of the electric drivetrain. This reduces the
potential vehicle range significantly. This applies to all roof racks and any objects transported on them, such as bicycles and skis.
Mounting a roof rack
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒
and Introduction.
For safety reasons, special roof racks are needed to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats safely.
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2024 VW ID.4 Owner's Manual