2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI light

Refueling
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Indicator lights and fuel gauge
Refueling
Fuel capacities
Refueling checklist
The fuel filler flap is located on the rear right side of the vehicle.
More information:
x Exterior views
x Fuel
x Preparations for working in the engine compartment
WARNING
Improper refueling or handling of fuel is dangerous and can cause fire, explosion, and severe
burns.
x Always make sure that the fuel filler cap is screwed on all the way. This helps keep fuel
from spilling out or evaporating.
x Fuel is highly flammable and explosive; it can cause severe burns and other severe
injuries.
x Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle all the way
into the fuel filler neck can cause fuel to overflow and to spray out. Fuel spray and
overflowing fuel are dangerous because they can cause fire and serious personal injury.
x During refueling, the engine and the ignition must be switched off for safety reasons.
x Never use a cellular telephone, CB radio, or other radio equipment while refueling. The
electromagnetic radiation can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors and cause a fire.
x Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must
get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. This helps avoid the
build-up of static electricity, which can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released
during refueling.
x Never smoke or have an open flame (or sparks, cigarettes, or other smoldering objects)
anywhere in or near your vehicle when refueling or filling a portable fuel container.
x Follow all safety instructions and procedures that apply at the service station where you
refuel.
x Never spill fuel in the vehicle or the luggage compartment.

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Fig. 146 In the instrument cluster: Fuel gauge.

WARNING
Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and
serious personal injuries.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,
especially when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the
engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling
in traffic.
NOTICE
x Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
x Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the
engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter.
The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows the side of the vehicle with
the fuel filler flap.
Refueling

Fig. 147 Fuel cap placed on the open fuel filler flap.

Checklist
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed
work. Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every
time you refuel:
d Windshield washer fluid level
d Engine oil level
d Engine coolant level
d Brake fluid level
d Tire pressure
d Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:
– Turn signals
– Low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate lights
Information regarding changing light bulbs
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.
x Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

Preparations for working in the engine compartment
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Warning light
Getting ready to work in the engine compartment
Opening and closing the engine compartment
Always position the vehicle on a firm and level surface before doing any work in the engine
compartment.
The engine compartment of a vehicle is a hazardous area. Never do any work on the engine or in the
engine compartment unless you
x know exactly how to carry out the job,
x have the correct technical information and the proper tools and supplies, and
x are familiar with the necessary safety precautions ⇒ .
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed
work.
More information:
x Exterior views
x Windshield wiper and washer
x Starting and stopping the engine
x Brake fluid
x Checks while refueling
x Engine oil
x Engine coolant
x Vehicle battery
x Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications
WARNING
Unintended vehicle movement during maintenance work can cause serious personal injuries.
x Never work under the vehicle unless you have safely secured the vehicle from moving. If
you must work under the vehicle with the wheels on the ground, always make sure that the
vehicle is on level ground, that all 4 wheels are chocked to keep them from moving, and that
the key is not in the ignition.
x If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle
is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to
support the weight of the vehicle. The jack supplied with the vehicle is not strong enough for
this purpose and can collapse causing serious personal injury.

WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.
x Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the engine compartment. Always
follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.
x Never perform any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry
out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified
workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)
headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician. Serious personal injury may
result from improperly performed work.
x Never open or close the engine hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant
can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine.
x Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
x Hot parts of the engine and the exhaust system will burn skin on contact.
x When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or
Neutral (manual only).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out
of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button
– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
x The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the
coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause
severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying
light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by
covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot
parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even
electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables.
The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or
being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage
electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine
compartment , Cleaning the engine compartment
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can
cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-
controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while
and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in
rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie,
tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught
in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a
check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools.
Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing
burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Never smoke near the engine compartment.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids
can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when
you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

NOTICE
When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct
reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and
engine damage.
Fluid leaks and spills are harmful to the environment. Regularly check the ground underneath
your vehicle for this reason. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle checked by your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Dispose of leaked operating
fluids properly.
Warning light