2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Owners Manual

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

There may also be footwell lighting.
The interior and reading lights go out when you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after you
remove the vehicle key from the ignition. This helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle
battery.

Sun protection

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

Fig. 89 Heat-reflective windshield with communications window (blue shaded area).

Windshield wiper and washer

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
Y Not enough windshield washer fluid for
the front and rear windshield washers.
Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next
opportunity

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.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 90 Operating the front windshield wipers.

Fig. 91 Operating the rear wiper.

Move the lever to the desired position ⇒:
(B) zº
Intermittent wiping for the windshield.
Adjust the interval settings with switch ⇒ fig. 90 (1).
(C) LOW Slow wiper speed.
(D) HIGH Fast wiper speed.
(E) 1x One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more
often.
(F) W Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the front windshield washers, then
release.
(G) Z Intermittent wiping for the rear window. The wiper wipes about every 6 seconds.
(H) \ Press the lever forward as far as it will go to activate the rear window washers, then
release.

NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside,
always make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Using the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the
windshield
x If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the
same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other
objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.
x Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
x If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen
recommends using a deicing spray.
NOTICE
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can
be scratched.
On some vehicles, the windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine
hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened. The
rear window wiper turns off when the rear hatch is opened.
The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the
speed, the faster the wipers move.
If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically when backing up.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends
using a deicing spray.

Windshield wiper functions