1996 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF overheating

main somewhere in the middle of the the en gine is working hard at high out side
temperatu res, the need le may go
does not sta rt flashing.
the coolant gauge needle nears the upper
end of the scale and the engine appea rs to be overheating , turn off the air condi tioner' .
c
-Warning
the
an t at the next opportunity.
Do not install accessories (fog lights or insect screens , for example) on top of the front bumper. They may restrict en­gine cooling and cause engine damage.
the spoiler should be
damaged or even torn off (for example
when driving up a curb), this cou ld cause
engine overheating. Contact your autho­rized Volkswagen dealer.
4-
The needle in the indicate the in the tank after the ign itio n is switched on.
The
(55 liters).
When the needle reaches the re d area t
here
i s a reserve of about 1.8 U.S. (7 liters) of fuel left in the ta nk .
Time to
Always turn off the ignition when refuel­
ing.
switch is on, the gauge may show curate readings.

To assure efficient operation of the sion System:
Have your and in accordance with the service
as improper use of the impair the function of the emission
Do not or remove any component of the Emission approved by the manufacturer.
Do not switches, ignition
tect your Emission tem and other important nents.
Note
Do
not engine unattended warning
in overheating or other damage to the
Parking
Do
not park or operate the
or other
Undercoating
Do not
undercoating or rustproofing on or near the
converter or heat During driving, the substance used for undercoating overheat and
cause a fire .

Conditions affecting braking
efficiency
Moisture or road salt
WARNING
dry and ice coatings
Driving for an extended period of time on salt-covered roads without using your brakes can also affect
braking efficiency. Clean off accumulated salt coating from brake discs and pads with a few cautious
brake applications. Overheating
the brak es
WARNING
the brakes " by resting your foot on the pedal when you do not intend to brake. This may cause
the brakes to overheat , premature
wear and increased stopping distance .
Before descending a steep grade,
reduce speed and shift transmission into a lower gear or lower driving position. Do not ride the brakes or hold the pedal down too long or too often . This could cause the brakes to get hot and diminish braking
efficiency .

you that your car
economy and performance.
towing not
hitch
Use a weight-carrying hitch conforming to
the gross
for your and se­to the body . mount check with the hitch manufac­
turer to make sure that you are using the cor­
rect hitch.
Do
not use a bumper hi tch.
The hitch must be installed in such a way
that it does not interfere with the impact-ab­
so rbing bum per system. No modif icat ions
fastened.
When you are not towing a
hitch
been do ne at
the factory. Otherwise , overheating may oc­
cur when the engine is working very hard
(mountain driving, high outside tempera­
ture). Ask your authorized authorized
swagen
brakes
your is equipped with a braki ng sys­
tem, check to be sur e that it conforms to
connected to the
use safety chains bet ween yo ur ve­an d
Trailer
must meet Do not co nnect th e
Mir rors
Check whether both sides of your can
be seen from the driver's seat.

ant level.
134
The coolant level must be between the and marks when the engine is cold
and can be slightly above the mark if
the engine is warm.
The expansion tank in your vehicle is
equipped with an electric coolant level
checking device.
When the coolant level is too low, the
ing light (see page 67) will flash until the
coo lant level has been restored to normal.
Coolant losses may indica te a leak in the
cooling system. event of coolan t
losses , the cooling system should be
spected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer. is not suHicient merely to ad d coolant.
a sealed system , losses can only occu r if
the boiling point of the coolant is excee ded
as a resu lt of overheating.
Always heed
on page 126.
Adding
these steps.
Turn off the engine and it to
cool down. The cooling system is
under pressure.
Protect face, hands and arms by
covering the cap with a large , thick
rag to protect against escaping fluid
and steam.
Turn the cap slowly and very in a counter-clockwise
direction applying light,
downward pressure on the top of the
cap .
in an eme rgency , only water can be ed ,the correct ratio between wate r and
you have lost a considerable amount of
coolant, then you should add cold antifreeze
and cold water only when the engi ne is co ld .