2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI Owners Manual

Engine control and emission control system
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Indicator lights
Catalytic converte
More information:
x Shifting gears
x Refueling
x Fuel
x Engine oil
x Vehicle battery
x Notice about data recorded by vehicle control modules
x Towing
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. This can cause a fire and
serious personal injury.
x Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system and catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
x Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, or heat shields.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning
x Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm.
Indicator lights

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
D
Engine control/monitoring system
malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator
Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
B Misfire, which can damage the catalytic
converter.
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
As long as the indicator lights x or EPC are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel
consumption, and loss of engine efficiency.
Catalytic converter

Frequently asked questions
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find
helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index.

Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Engine does not start. Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start
– Charge vehicle battery
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked using vehicle
key.
– Battery in the remote control
vehicle key is dead.
– Too far away from the
vehicle (out of range).
– Buttons have been pressed
too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote
control vehicle key
– Move closer to vehicle.
– Synchronize vehicle key
– Lock or unlock vehicle manually
Unusual noises. Cold engine, braking assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock.
Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior. Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry
in the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too
hot.
Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely
do so.
Outside mirrors move
when the vehicle is
unlocked.
Convenience settings are
stored.
Correct convenience settings .
Front seats cannot be
adjusted with power
controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Features do not work as
described in this manual.
Settings were adjusted in the
Volkswagen Information
System.
Check and reset to factory settings if
necessary
Headlights do not light up
the road as they should.
– Headlights incorrectly
adjusted.
– Light bulbs burned out.
– Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
– Change light bulbs
– Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers do
not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Fuel consumption higher
than indicated.
– Short hauls.
– “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving.
– Drive defensively.
– Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.

Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Engine control malfunction. Have the malfunction corrected .
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure .
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Towing a trailer or driving with
a roof rack.
– Check use.
– Remove if not in use.
Driving with heavy payload. No direct corrective action possible.
Driving at high engine speed. Select a higher gear.

In an emergency
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Protecting yourself and the vehicle
More information:
x Braking, stopping and parking
x Emergency closing and opening
x Vehicle tool kit
x Changing a wheel
WARNING
A vehicle breakdown in traffic is dangerous and creates a great risk for you, your
passengers, and others.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off
the road where it is safe to park and, if necessary, lock all doors in an emergency. Turn on
the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind
the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves alone in
the vehicle when locking the doors. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.
Protecting yourself and the vehicle

Fig. 167 In the center of the instrument panel: Switch for emergency flashers.

In an emergency
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Protecting yourself and the vehicle
More information:
x Braking, stopping and parking
x Emergency closing and opening
x Vehicle tool kit
x Changing a wheel
WARNING
A vehicle breakdown in traffic is dangerous and creates a great risk for you, your
passengers, and others.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off
the road where it is safe to park and, if necessary, lock all doors in an emergency. Turn on
the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind
the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves alone in
the vehicle when locking the doors. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.
Protecting yourself and the vehicle

Fig. 167 In the center of the instrument panel: Switch for emergency flashers.

Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed ⇒ :
1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface ⇒ .
2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the  switch ⇒ fig. 167.
3. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch
6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a
guard rail.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.
9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for
example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.
Switch on the emergency flashers when:
x Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
x In any emergency situation.
x If the vehicle breaks down.
x When being towed.
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to
alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common
sense.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and
serious personal injury.
x Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the
ignition is switched off.

Emergency closing and opening
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Manually unlocking and locking the driver door
Manually locking the passenger door and rear doors
Opening the rear hatch from inside the luggage compartment
Emergency closing of the power sunroof
Emergency release for the selector lever
The doors, the rear hatch, and the power sunroof can be manually locked and, in some cases,
unlocked if necessary, for instance because the power locking system or the remote control vehicle
key malfunctions.
More information:
x Vehicle key set
x Power locking and closing system
x Doors
x Rear hatch
x Power sunroof
x In an emergency
WARNING
Serious injuries can result if the emergency closing and opening procedures are used
carelessly.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the
vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key. This could result in
people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency.
x A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly
in the summer, heat build-up in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle
can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures.
Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death,
particularly to small children.
WARNING
Careless opening and closing of doors, the rear hatch, and the power sunroof is dangerous
and can cause serious personal injury.
x Open or close doors, the rear hatch, and the power sunroof only when no one is in the
way.
NOTICE
To help prevent vehicle damage, carefully remove and properly reinstall parts after emergency
locking or unlocking.