Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Operating ParkPilot  
 → Acoustic and optical ParkPilot signals at the rear of the vehicle

The ParkPilot assists the driver when manoeuvring and parking.

The ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The system uses the time difference between the ultrasonic waves (i.e. between the transmission and reflection from obstacles and the point of reception) to continuously calculate the distance between the bumper and the obstacle.

Additional information and warnings:

• Exterior views  

• Braking, stopping and parking  

• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior  

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts  

• Radio or navigation system ⇒ BookletRadio, or ⇒ BookletNavigation system,

WARNING

• Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.

• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• Ultrasound sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people cannot be detected.

• Always check the area around the vehicle as the ultrasound sensors will not always detect infants, animals and objects.

• Certain surfaces of objects and clothes cannot reflect the signals from the ultrasound sensors. The system is unable to detect these objects or people wearing this type of clothing, or they may be detected incorrectly.

• External sources of sound can affect the signals of the ultrasound sensors. This may prevent the system from recognising people or objects.

NOTICE

• The ultrasound sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer drawbars, thin bars, fences, posts, trees and open or opening tailgates. This can result in damage to your vehicle.

• If the ParkPilot has detected an obstacle and issued a warning, the obstacle may move out of the detection range of the ultrasound sensors as the vehicle approaches it, particularly if the object is very high or very low. These objects are no longer registered.

• The vehicle can sustain considerable damage if the warning given by the ParkPilot is ignored.

• The ultrasound sensors in the bumper can be displaced or damaged through impacts, e.g. when parking.

• The ultrasound sensors in the bumper must be kept clean and free of ice and snow, and must not be covered up by stickers or other objects, as this will prevent the system from working properly.

• The ultrasound sensors should only be sprayed briefly when cleaning with pressure hoses and steam cleaners. A distance of more than 10 cm between the ultrasound sensors and the steam/hose nozzle must be observed.

• Sources of noise can lead to errors in the ParkPilot system, e.g. rough asphalt, cobblestones, induction loops, building equipment, or interference from other vehicles.

• Any equipment that has been retrofitted to the vehicle, e.g. bicycle carriers, can prevent the ParkPilot from functioning properly.

Please contact a qualified workshop if there is a fault in the system. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Volkswagen recommends that drivers practise using the ParkPilot in a traffic-calmed area or car park to allow them to familiarise themselves with the system and its functions.