Thanks to the differential lock, it is possible to maintain quite acceptable driving characteristics of the car (if that is even possible in this situation) under adverse road conditions when towing, accelerating and driving in the mountains.
The differential lock is carried out automatically, i.e. without any driver intervention.
The differential lock control unit monitors the wheel speed using ABS sensors. If the road surface under one side of the vehicle is slippery, causing a difference in the speed of the drive wheels of approximately 100 rpm at speeds of up to 40 km/h, then the wheel speed is equalized by braking the slipping wheel, and increased traction is transmitted to the other wheel by the action of the differential.
This process is marked by some noticeable noise.
To make the most of the differential lock, the driver should match the accelerator and clutch pedals to the specific road conditions when starting off.
Warning: When accelerating on slippery road surfaces such as ice and snow, use the accelerator pedal very carefully. The drive wheels may spin even though the differential is locked, which will adversely affect the vehicle's handling.
In order to prevent the brake mechanism of the braked wheel from overheating, the differential lock is automatically switched off under particularly heavy loads. The vehicle remains operational and retains the same traction and dynamic qualities as a vehicle without an anti-skid system with braking of the slipping wheel. For this reason, there is no indication of the deactivation of the anti-skid system with braking of the slipping wheel.
As soon as the brake mechanism has cooled down, the traction control system with braking of the slipping wheel is automatically switched on again.
When the ABS warning light comes on, it may also indicate a malfunction in the anti-skid system. You should contact a Volkswagen service center as soon as possible.
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