2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI Owners Manual

Color Current strength in amps
Green 30
Orange 40

Opening the fuse box in the instrument panel
x Insert a flat object, such as a screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, into the opening ⇒ fig. 187
(magnified view) and carefully lift off the cover.
x On the inside of the cover there are plastic tweezers (1) for removing and inserting fuses.
x To install, guide the cover from the bottom into the instrument panel and push until you can hear it
latch into place.
Opening the fuse box in the engine compartment
x Open the engine hood

Changing light bulbs
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Indicator light
Information on light bulb replacement
Changing headlight bulbs
Changing light bulbs in the front bumper
Changing taillight bulbs in the rear hatch
Changing taillight bulbs in the vehicle body
Changing license plate light bulbs
Changing a light bulb requires a certain amount of skill. If you are uncertain about how to proceed,
Volkswagen recommends having the light bulb changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Special training and knowledge are generally required when
other vehicle parts must be disassembled to replace a bulb, or when HID – High Intensity Discharge
(Xenon) headlights must be replaced.
You should always keep a box in the vehicle with all the replacement bulbs required for traffic safety.
Replacement bulbs are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility. The laws of some countries explicitly require you to have replacement bulbs in the
vehicle.
Driving with outside lights that do not work may be against the law.
Additional light bulb specifications
Some factory-installed light bulbs in the headlights or the rear lights may have different specifications
than conventional light bulbs. Specifications are on the glass bulb or on the metal base.
More information:
x Exterior views
x Lights and Vision
x Preparations for working in the engine compartment
x Vehicle tool kit
x Fuses
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious
personal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine
compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area,
and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source
that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x H7 bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure
and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In
particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and
have the correct tools and light bulbs.
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.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb
evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment
and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or
plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting
into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
Indicator light

NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Failure of a single LED within a taillight is not indicated. However, the = indicator light will come
on if all LEDs fail.
Information on light bulb replacement

NOTICE
Always insert and remove lamps carefully to help prevent damage to the vehicle paint or to
other parts of the vehicle.
Changing headlight bulbs

Fig. 191 In the engine compartment: Covers in the left headlight assembly. 1 Low beam, 2 Turn signal
indicator, 3 High beam and parking light as well as daytime running light.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:
⇒ fig. 191 (1) (2) (3) (3)
Low beam
headlights
Front turn signals High beam
headlights /
daytime running
lights
Parking lights (small
bulb holder)
7. Insert the bulb holder in the headlight and turn it
clockwise all the way.
Insert the bulb holder in
the headlight and slide it
all the way in.
8. Install the rubber or plastic cover.
Press the clip down, if necessary.

The illustrations show the left headlight assembly from the rear. The right headlight assembly is
the mirror image of the left headlight assembly.
Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,
and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.
You cannot replace the LEDs in LED daytime running lights. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Changing taillight bulbs in the rear hatch

Fig. 194 In the rear hatch: Removing cover.

Fig. 195 In the rear hatch: Removing the bulb holder.

Jump-starting
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Using jumper cables
If your engine does not start because the vehicle battery is dead, your vehicle's battery can be
connected to the battery of another vehicle to start your engine (jump-starting). Check the battery acid
level indicator on the vehicle battery before jump-starting
You must use jumper cables that meet recognized industrial standards (check information provided by
the jumper cable manufacturer). For vehicles with gasoline engines, the cross-section of the jumper
cable wire must be at least 0.038 in.2 (25 mm2), or about 3 ga. (AWG).
More information:
x Starting assistance systems
x Preparations for working in the engine compartment
x Vehicle battery
WARNING
Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, or electrical shock.
x Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive and can cause blindness and damage to
unprotected skin. Never let battery acid or lead particles contact your eyes, skin, and
clothing.
x Never lean over a vehicle battery. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To
reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the batteries; acid could spill out through the vents and
burn you.
x A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
x Always avoid fires, sparks, open flame, and smoking. Never create sparks or electrostatic
charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never short-circuit the battery
terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for
several minutes and get medical attention immediately. If you swallow any battery acid, get
medical attention immediately.