2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI low beam

Lights
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Indicator lights
Turn signal lever and high beam switch
Switching lights on and off
Lights and vision features
Lights and vision features
Instrument panel lighting and headlight range adjustment
Interior and reading lights
Always obey local vehicle lighting laws.
The driver is always responsible for the correct headlight settings.
More information:
x Exterior views
x Volkswagen Information System
x Changing a light bulb
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Always switch on the low beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the
weather is bad or visibility is poor.
WARNING
Headlights that are aimed too high and improper use of the headlight flasher or high beams
can blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure that headlights are properly adjusted.
x Never use the headlight flasher or high beams when they can blind or distract other
drivers.
Indicator lights

High beams can only be switched on when the low beams are on.
Switching lights on and off

Fig. 85 Headlight switch next to the steering wheel.

Fig. 86 Headlight switch next to the steering wheel (with fog lights).

x To switch off the fog lights, push the switch back in from the first detent. To then turn off the
headlights, turn the switch to position O.
Acoustic warning when lights are not switched off
In the following situation, a warning chime will sound if you take the key out of the ignition and open
the driver door. This is to remind you that lights are still on.
x Light switch in position %.
WARNING
Daytime running lights are not bright enough to let you see ahead or be seen by others when
it is dark.
x Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the
weather is bad or visibility is poor.
x Never use the daytime running lights to see where you are going. They are not bright
enough and will not let you see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is
dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on with the daytime running lights. Unless the taillights are on,
a vehicle cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can
temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
Applicable only in the United States
Lights and vision features

Static cornering lights
Your vehicle may have fog lights under the front bumper, which on some models are also static
cornering lights. On some models the static cornering lights may be integrated in the headlights. At
speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h), the light on one side of the vehicle will come on automatically
when you turn a corner. If you turn to the right, the right fog light comes on; turn left and the left fog
light comes on. The light dims and goes out when the steering wheel is straightened out again.
When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the static cornering lights on both sides of the
vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.
The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. The static cornering lights do not
come on when the headlight switch is in the O position or when the fog lights themselves have been
switched on.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
The Adaptive Front Lighting System works only with the low beams switched on and only at speeds
above about 6 mph (10 km/h). The swivel-mounted lamps automatically improve road illumination
during cornering.
On vehicles equipped with the Adaptive Front Lighting System, the feature is switched on and off via
the Assistants menu in the instrument cluster display
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright
enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far
enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-
beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle
without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can
temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
Applicable only in Canada
Lights and vision features

when you turn a corner. If you turn to the right, the right fog light comes on; turn left and the left fog
light comes on. The light dims and goes out when the steering wheel is straightened out again.
When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the static cornering lights on both sides of the
vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.
The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. The static cornering lights do not
come on when the headlight switch is in the O position or when the fog lights themselves have been
switched on
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
The Adaptive Front Lighting System works only with the low beams switched on and only at speeds
above about 6 mph (10 km/h). The swivel-mounted lamps automatically improve road illumination
during cornering.
On vehicles equipped with the Adaptive Front Lighting System, the feature is switched on and off via
the Assistants menu in the instrument cluster display
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright
enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far
enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-
beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle
without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can
temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
Instrument panel lighting and headlight range adjustment

Fig. 87 To the left of the steering wheel: Thumbwheel to adjust instrument panel lighting 1.

Instrument cluster brightness
When the lights are on, the brightness of the instrument cluster lighting is adjusted by turning the
thumbwheel (1).
In some vehicles with daytime running lights (DRL), the instrument cluster lighting switches on
automatically when it is dark outside or when driving through tunnels, for example. You will need to
switch the headlights on manually when this happens, so that the vehicle's taillights will turn on
Dynamic headlight range adjustment
In vehicles with HID (Xenon) headlights, the headlight range is automatically adjusted to the vehicle
loading condition once the low beams are switched on ⇒ .
WARNING
Headlights that are aimed too high because of the way the vehicle is loaded can blind and
distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to loading conditions so that they do not
blind others.
WARNING
If dynamic headlight range adjustment does not work properly or at all, the headlights could
blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Have headlight range adjustment checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Interior and reading lights

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.

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.