Volkswagen Taos: Heating and air conditioning system

• Climatronic
• Manual air conditioning
• Temperature regulation
• Air distribution and blower speed
• Seat heating and seat ventilation
• Steering wheel heating
• Rear window defroster
• Troubleshooting

Climatronic

Overview of the Climatronic

Climatronic is an automatic air conditioning system which warms, cools and dehumidifies the air. In automatic mode, Climatronic can automatically control the air temperature, air distribution and the volume of air.

Certain functions of the air conditioner depend on the vehicle equipment.

Fig. 88 In the upper section of the center console: Climate control bar for the Climatronic system.

Making Efficient Use of the Air Conditioner

The air conditioner is most effective when the vehicle interior is kept closed. In the event of heat build-up in the vehicle interior, brief ventilation can accelerate the cooling process.

Display of activated functions

Illuminated LEDs on the climate control bar indicate that the function is activated.

In the Air conditioner menu in the Infotainment system, function keys highlighted in color indicate that a function is switched on ⇒ Air conditioner menu in the Infotainment system.

WARNING

Icy, snow-covered or foggy door windows restrict visibility very severely. This increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which may result in serious or fatal injuries.

• Keep all windows free of ice, snow and fog.
• Adjust the heating, air conditioner, and rear window defroster to a setting where the windows do not fog up ⇒ Troubleshooting.
• Only start driving when all windows are clear.
• Only use recirculation mode for a short time. Otherwise, the windows could fog up very quickly and greatly reduce visibility.
• Always switch off recirculation mode as soon as it is not necessary.

Air conditioner menu in the Infotainment system

On the climate control bar

Open the Air conditioner menu in the Infotainment system.

The Air conditioner menu in the Infotainment system is only available via the Climatronic. Certain functions depend on the vehicle equipment.

In the Air conditioner menu, you can find, for example, the functions for temperature regulation ⇒ Temperature regulation and air distribution ⇒ Air distribution and blower speed.

The top of the screen shows the current climate control settings, such as the air conditioner profile for automatic mode.

The lower section of the screen shows function keys for frequently used air conditioning functions.

Operating status of the air conditioner

The operating status of the air conditioning system is represented by colors:

Cooling. Heating.

Climate control settings submenu

Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can find additional comfort functions in the Climate control settings submenu:

• Allow automatic supplementary heating ⇒ Automatic supplementary heating function.

Switching the Climatronic on and off

In the air conditioner menu or on the climate control bar

Switch off the Climatronic. Adjust the blower speed.

1. To switch on Climatronic, turn the center knob clockwise.

2. To switch off the Climatronic, turn the center knob all the way counterclockwise.

Automatic mode of the Climatronic

In the air conditioner menu or on the climate control bar

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

Automatic mode switches off when the blower speed is changed manually.

Selecting the air conditioner profile

The blower power in automatic mode can be controlled via the air conditioning profiles.

1. Open the Air conditioner menu in the Infotainment system.

2. Tap .

3. To select an air conditioner profile, tap at the top of the screen.

4. Select your preferred air conditioner profile in the pop-up window.

Manual air conditioning

Overview of the manual air conditioner

The manual climate control system warms, cools, and removes humidity from the air.

Certain functions of the air conditioner depend on the vehicle equipment.

Fig. 89 In the upper section of the center console: Climate control bar for the manual climate control system.

Making Efficient Use of the Air Conditioner

The air conditioner is most effective when the vehicle interior is kept closed. In the event of heat build-up in the vehicle interior, brief ventilation can accelerate the cooling process.

Display of activated functions

Illuminated LEDs on the climate control bar indicate that the function is activated.

WARNING

Icy, snow-covered or foggy door windows restrict visibility very severely. This increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which may result in serious or fatal injuries.

• Keep all windows free of ice, snow and fog.
• Adjust the heating, air conditioner, and rear window defroster to a setting where the windows do not fog up ⇒ Troubleshooting.
• Only start driving when all windows are clear.
• Only use recirculation mode for a short time. Otherwise, the windows could fog up very quickly and greatly reduce visibility.
• Always switch off recirculation mode as soon as it is not necessary.

Switching the manual air conditioner on and off

On the climate control bar

Switch off the air conditioning system. Adjust the blower speed.

1. To switch on the manual air conditioner, turn the center knob clockwise.

2. To switch off the manual air conditioner, turn the center knob all the way counterclockwise.

Temperature regulation

In the air conditioner menu or on the climate control bar

Adjust the temperature. The air is cooled and dehumidified in cooling mode. Apply temperature settings for the driver side to all seats. Switch the maximum cooling output on and off.

Air recirculation is switched on automatically and Climatronic automatically directs air to the upper body.

Setting the temperature on the Climatronic climate control bar

1. Turn the left or right knob to or .

The Climatronic displays the set temperatures.

Setting the temperature on the manual air conditioning climate control bar

1. Turn the left knob to or .

Maximum cooling output and heating output

1. Turn the left knob as far as it goes to or .

Or: to switch on the maximum cooling output of the Climatronic, press on the climate control bar or tap in the Air conditioner menu.

Air distribution and blower speed

Vents

Vents are located in the following places in the vehicle:

• Driver's side.
• Passenger's side.
• Front center console.
• Rear center console.

NOTICE

Food, medication, and objects that are sensitive to heat or cold can become damaged or unusable from the air coming out of the vents.

• Do not place any food, medication, or other objects that are sensitive to temperature in front of the vents.

Air distribution functions in the Air conditioner menu on the climate control bar

Adjust the blower speed. Direct air to the upper body. Direct air into the footwell. Direct air to the upper body and into the footwell. Direct air onto the windshield and into the footwell. Direct air onto the windshield.

Defrost function

The Climatronic defrost function clears fog and ice from the windshield.

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

The air conditioning system's defrost function clears the windshield of fog and ice.

The air must be dehumidified when the defrost function is switched on. Therefore when the defrost function is switched on, you cannot switch air recirculation on or cooling mode off.

Air recirculation

No fresh air will enter the vehicle interior when recirculation mode is switched on ⇒ .

Switch air recirculation on and off in the Air conditioner menu or climate control bar.

1. Press on the climate control bar.

When does recirculation mode switch off?

Recirculation mode will switch off in the following situations:

• If the defrost function is switched on.
• If a sensor detects that the door windows could fog up.

WARNING

A lack of fresh air supply may result in reduced visibility due to fogged up windows and rapid driver fatigue due to stale air.

This can result in collisions, accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

• Only use recirculation mode for a short time.
• Always switch off recirculation mode as soon as it is not necessary.

NOTICE

Tobacco smoke can settle on the refrigerant system evaporator and the active combination filter and cause permanent odors.

• To prevent permanent odors, do not smoke in the vehicle when air recirculation is switched on.

Climatronic: When reverse gear is engaged or while the automatic wash and wipe system is on, recirculation mode switches on automatically so that no odors will enter the vehicle interior.

Manual air conditioning system: At very high outside temperatures, air recirculation helps to briefly cool down the vehicle interior faster.

Seat heating and seat ventilation

Overview of Seat Heating and Seat Ventilation

The seat heating and seat ventilation function when the engine is running. The front seats and outer rear seats may be heated in three stages ⇒ . The front seats may also be ventilated from inside in three stages.

The seat ventilation function ventilates the seat using vehicle interior air. This removes moisture from the body. The seat itself is not cooled directly.

Switch the seat heating on and off in the Air conditioner menu or climate control bar. Switch the seat ventilation on and off in the Air conditioner menu or climate control bar.

Heating and ventilation levels

The seat heating and seat ventilation are represented by colors. At the highest heating or ventilation level, all three LEDs light up.

When should the seat heating and seat ventilation be switched off?

Switch off the seat heating and seat ventilation under any of the following conditions:

• The seat is occupied by a person with a limited perception of pain or temperature ⇒ .
• The seat is not occupied
• A child restraint is installed on the seat
• Objects are covering the seat, e.g. protective covers, jackets, blankets or bags.
• The seat is damp or wet.
• Seat heating only: The interior or exterior temperature is higher than +25 ºC (+77 ºF).

WARNING

Magnetic fields are generated when the seat heating is operated. In individual cases, these magnetic fields can affect active medical implants (e.g. pacemakers).

• If you wear an active medical implant, you should consult your doctor or the manufacturer of your implant before operating the seat heating.
• Make your vehicle occupants aware of this as well.

WARNING

People who cannot perceive pain or temperature or who have a limited perception of these due to medication, paralysis, or chronic illnesses such as diabetes could develop burns or undercooling on the back, buttocks, and legs when using seat heating or seat ventilation. Such injuries could take a very long time to heal or may never heal completely.

• If you have a limited perception of pain and/or temperature, never use the seat heating and seat ventilation.
• Contact a medical doctor for questions about personal health conditions.

WARNING

If the seat cover is soaked through, this can cause the seat heating to malfunction and increase the risk of burns.

• Make sure the seat surface is dry before using the seat heating function.
• Never sit on the seat while wearing damp or wet clothing.
• Do not place any damp or wet objects and clothing on the seat.
• Do not pour any fluids on the seat.

NOTICE

The heating elements of the seat heating may be damaged by loads concentrated in a single place and insulating materials.

• Do not kneel on the seats and do not exert pressure on the seat cushion and backrest with sharp or pointed objects.
• Do not exert pressure on the seat cushion and backrest with pointed objects.
• Switch the seat heating off if insulating materials are installed on the seat, e.g. a protective cover or a child restraint.
• Only use the seat heating if the seat is equipped with the original seat covers.
• If any odor starts to develop, turn off the seat heating immediately and have it checked by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Using Seat Heating and Seat Ventilation

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ and Overview of Seat Heating and Seat Ventilation.

Using the seat heating function

1. In order to switch on the seat heating at the highest heating level, press the or button in the climate control bar.

2. To set the heating level, press the button or the button repeatedly.

3. To turn off the seat heating, press the or button repeatedly until the LED turns off.

Using the seat ventilation function

1. In order to switch on the seat ventilation at the highest ventilation level, press the or button in the climate control bar.

2. To set the ventilation level, press the or button repeatedly.

3. To turn off the seat ventilation, press the or button repeatedly until the LED turns off.

In order to save fuel, switch off the seat heating and seat ventilation as soon as possible.

The seat heating and seat ventilation switch on and off automatically

If you switch off the ignition, the seat heating and seat ventilation are also switched off. If you switch on the ignition again within ten minutes, the last heating level or ventilation level selected for the driver seat is also automatically activated.

Steering wheel heating

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

Switch steering wheel heating on and off via the multi-function steering wheel.

Heating levels for the steering wheel heating

When you switch on the steering wheel heating, the current heating level is constantly displayed in the instrument cluster as a bar display. At the highest heating level, all three bars are filled.

Operating steering wheel heating

1. To switch on steering wheel heating at the highest heating level, press the button.

2. To adjust the heating level, press the button repeatedly.

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

Steering wheel heating switches on automatically

If you start the engine again within approximately ten minutes, the last heating level set is automatically switched on.

Saving the heating level

1. Switch on the steering wheel heating and set the desired heating level.

2. To save the current heating level, press and hold the button for approximately one second.

The heating level is saved and the steering wheel heating is switched off.

3. To switch the steering wheel heating back on at the most recently saved heating level, press and hold the button for approximately one second.

Steering wheel heating switches off automatically

If one of the following conditions applies, the steering wheel heating switches off automatically:

• If the energy use is too high.
• If the steering wheel heating system is malfunctioning.

Rear window defroster

The rear window defroster works when the engine is running.

Switch the rear window defroster on and off in the Air conditioner menu or climate control bar.

The rear window defroster switches off automatically after a maximum of around ten minutes.

NOTICE

Stickers that are placed on the inside of the rear window over the heating wires of the rear window defroster, or objects that rest against the inside of the rear window may damage the rear window defroster.

• Do not affix any labels over the heating wires of the rear window defroster.
• Do not load the luggage compartment to a height where objects rest against the rear window.

In order to save fuel, switch off the rear window defroster as soon as possible.

Automatic supplementary heating function

Switching the automatic supplementary heater function on and off

The availability of the automatic supplementary heater function depends on the vehicle equipment. An additional heating component can help to heat the vehicle interior more quickly.

1. Open the Air conditioner menu in the Infotainment system.

2. To open the Climate control settings submenu, tap .

3. Tap Automatic supplementary heater.

The heating component will switch on automatically depending on the outside temperature and will switch off again automatically after a while.

Troubleshooting

The cooling mode or heating cannot be switched on or the function is limited

The cooling mode only works when the engine is running and at ambient temperatures above +3 ºC (+38 ºF).

If the engine is very hot or if the outside temperature is extremely high, the function of the cooling mode , the heating and the defrost may be restricted.

• Switch on the fan.
• Check the safeguard on the air conditioning system ⇒ Replacing fuses.
• Change active combination filters ⇒ Service.
• If the malfunction persists, contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

If the air conditioner is not working and is operated further, that can cause subsequent damage.

• If the air conditioner is not cooling or warming the air, switch it off immediately.
• Have the air conditioner checked by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The windows are fogged up

The door windows fog up if they are colder than the ambient temperature and the air is damp. Cold air does not absorb as much moisture as warm air which is why windows fog up more frequently during cold seasons.

1. To improve the heating and cooling output, keep the air intake in front of the windshield free of ice, snow, and leaves ⇒ Vehicle care.

2. Leave the air duct in the rear section of the luggage compartment uncovered so that air can flow through the vehicle from front to back.

3. Switch on the defrost function ⇒ Defrost function.

The temperature unit has changed

You can change the temperature units for all temperature displays in the vehicle using the Infotainment system.

1. Open the Settings menu.

2. Select the Units menu item.

Water or water vapor under the vehicle

In the case of high outside humidity and temperatures, condensation can drip from the air conditioning system evaporator and pool under the vehicle. This is normal and does not mean there is a leak in the system.