2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI Owners Manual

Wheel covers
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Hubcaps
Wheel covers
Wheel bolt caps
More information:
x Exterior care and cleaning
x Vehicle tool kit
x Changing a wheel
WARNING
Unsuitable wheel covers and improper installation of wheel covers can cause accidents and
severe injuries.
x Improperly installed wheel covers can come loose while driving and endanger other
motorists and cyclists.
x Do not use damaged wheel covers.
x Always make sure that the flow of air for brake system cooling is not blocked or reduced
before installing wheel covers. This applies to both factory-installed wheel covers and
aftermarket wheel covers. Insufficient air supply may significantly increase stopping
distance.
NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the vehicle, be careful when removing wheel covers and be sure to
install them properly.

Hubcaps

Fig. 178 Pulling the hubcap off.

Fig. 179 Twisting the hubcap off.

Wheel covers

Fig. 180 Pulling the wheel cover off.

x Take the wire clip out of the vehicle tool kit
x Insert the wire clip through the opening of the cover cap ⇒ fig. 181 and pull off in the direction of
the arrow.
The caps are designed to protect the wheel bolts and should be installed again after the wheel
change.
The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. This only fits the anti-theft wheel bolt, but not the
standard wheel bolts.

Changing a wheel
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Preparations for changing a wheel
Wheel bolts
Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack
Changing a wheel
After changing a wheel
Change a wheel by yourself only if the vehicle is parked in a safe location, you are familiar with safety
procedures and the technical steps, and you have proper tools available. Otherwise, get expert
assistance.
The vehicle jack can only be safely used to change the wheel on a vehicle that has only one flat or
damaged tire. If the vehicle does not have the support it needs from 3 fully inflated tires, the vehicle
can fall off the jack. If more than 1 tire on the vehicle is flat or damaged, do not lift the vehicle with the
vehicle jack. Instead, get expert assistance.
More information:
x Exterior views
x Vehicle key set
x Tires and wheels
x In an emergency
x Vehicle tool kit
x Wheel covers

WARNING
Changing a wheel, especially on the side of the road, can be dangerous. To help reduce the
risk of serious personal injury:
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 change the wheel.
x Always make sure that all passengers, especially children, are in a safe place outside the
vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic (such as behind a guard rail).
x Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards
(25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
x Change a wheel by yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise,
get expert assistance.
x Always switch the engine off, firmly apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission
into Park (P) (automatic transmission) or any gear (manual only) to help prevent the vehicle
from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.
x Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If necessary, place the jack on a large
and sturdy board or on a similar ground support.
x Always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed with chocks or other
similar things.
x If you are towing a trailer, always unhitch it from your vehicle before starting to change
the wheel. Always apply the trailer brakes firmly and make sure the trailer cannot move
unintentionally.
x Always use proper and undamaged tools when changing a wheel.
x Once a wheel is lifted off the ground, having the transmission in Park (P) or in gear will not
prevent sudden vehicle movement.
x Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Never use
other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other Volkswagen models.
x To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never loosen
the screws on rims with threaded rim rings.
x After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked with an accurate
torque wrench.
x After changing a wheel or tire, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System .Error!
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Fuses
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Fuses in the vehicle
Replacing blown fuses
Due to ongoing development of the vehicle, configuration-dependent allocation of fuses and the
combined fuse protection of multiple loads with one fuse, an up-to-date overview of the fuse location
per load is not possible at the time of printing. Detailed information regarding fuse box layout is
available from authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.
In general, one fuse can protect several loads. One load can also be protected by several fuses.
Find out why the fuse blew and correct the problem before replacing a blown fuse. If a newly replaced
fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical system should be checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
More information:
x Preparations for working in the engine compartment
WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks, severe burns,
and even death!
x Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic
ignition system.
x Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.
WARNING
Using the wrong fuse, using a blown fuse that has been repaired, and using metal objects in
place of fuses to complete the electrical connection in the circuit can cause fires and serious
personal injury.
x Never replace a fuse with one that has a higher amp rating. Replace a blown fuse only with
a fuse of the same amperage (same color and same imprint) and same overall size.
x Never repair fuses.
x Never replace fuses with a metal strip, a paper clip, or a similar object.
NOTICE
x To help prevent damage to the electrical system, switch off all lights and accessories,
switch off the ignition, and remove the key from the ignition switch before replacing a fuse.
x If a fuse is replaced with a fuse with higher amperage, this can also cause damage at
different locations in the electrical system.
x Open fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture. Dirt and moisture in fuse boxes
can cause damage to the electrical system.

Fuses in the vehicle

Fig. 187 On the driver side in the instrument panel: Fuse box cover with plastic tweezers 1 on the inside of
the cover.

Fig. 188 In the engine compartment: Fuse box cover.