2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Owners Manual

WARNING
Never stop the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. You can lose control
of the vehicle, crash, and be seriously injured.
x The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not work when the ignition is switched off.
x The brake booster does not work when the engine is not running. More brake pedal
pressure will be needed to stop the vehicle.
x The power steering system does not work when the engine is not running, and you will
need more force to steer the vehicle.
x When the key is removed from the ignition switch, the steering will lock and you will not
be able to steer the vehicle.
NOTICE
If the vehicle has been driven hard for a long time, the engine could overheat when it is
stopped. To reduce the risk of engine damage, let the engine idle in Neutral for about 2 minutes
before you switch off the ignition.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime
sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving
and locking the vehicle from the outside.
On vehicles with automatic transmissions, the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition
when the transmission is in Park (P).
After the engine has been switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may keep
running for several minutes, or may start running after the vehicle has been parked for a while, even if
the ignition is switched off and the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan shuts off
automatically when the engine has cooled down enough.
Electronic immobilizer

Using genuine Volkswagen keys helps minimize the risk of malfunctions.
Applicable only in Canada
Engine preheating system

Fig. 124 In the front left bumper: Connection socket 2 for the engine preheating system.

WARNING
Improper use of the engine preheating system may cause short circuits, fires, and serious or
fatal personal injuries.
x Always connect the connecting cable to a 120 Volt Ground Fault Circuit (GFI) wall outlet.
The outlet must be protected from water, moisture and other fluids.
x Never connect the engine preheating system to a conventional socket, regardless of
whether the socket is protected or not.
WARNING
Using an outlet or power cables that are incorrect or damaged, using electrical appliances
incorrectly, or ignoring safety precautions can result in short circuits, accidents, injuries, and
life-threatening electrical shocks.
x Never use a damaged outlet or a damaged power cable.
x Always plug the preheating system into a 120 Volt Ground Fault Circuit (GFI) wall outlet
that is properly protected against rain and other moisture.
x Always check the fuse protection of the 120 Volt power source before using the
connecting cable.
x Always use a 12 gauge or heavier heavy-duty extension cable that can be properly
grounded to a three-prong GFI outlet. The extension cable must not be longer than 100 ft
(30 meters).
x Check the cables for damage before every use. Never use a damaged cable. Damaged
cables must be replaced. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.
x Only use the cables provided.
x Always remove the connecting cable before starting the engine.
x Never attempt to alter or repair cables or other electrical components.
x Never let plugs or connectors come into contact with water, moisture, or any other fluids.
If the engine preheating system is used occasionally, test the GFI circuit breaker (Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter) once a month. Test it once a week if the system is used regularly.

Shifting

NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to
brake. This will make the brakes wear faster.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and
shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
Warning and indicator lights

NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Pedals

Fig. 125 Pedals in vehicles with manual transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal, 3 Clutch pedal.

Fig. 126 Pedals in vehicles with automatic transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal.

NOTICE
Always make sure that the pedals are able to move freely and that nothing can interfere with
them. If a brake circuit fails, more brake pedal travel will be needed to bring the vehicle to a
stop. The brake pedal must be pressed farther and harder than normal.
Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Fig. 127 Gearshift pattern of a 5-speed manual transmission.

Fig. 128 Gearshift pattern of a 6-speed manual transmission.

x Depress the clutch pedal fully and hold ⇒ .
x Move the gearshift lever to neutral and press down.
x Move the shift lever to the left and then push forward into the reverse gear position ⇒ fig. 127 (R)
or ⇒ fig. 128 (R).
x Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.
Downshifting
You should always downshift gear by gear when driving, meaning always into the next lowest gear. Do
not downshift when the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) is too high ⇒ . At fast speeds or high
engine rpm, skipping over one or more gears when downshifting can cause damage to the clutch and
transmission, even if a gear is not engaged ⇒ .
WARNING
Downshifting to a lower gear incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle control and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.
WARNING
When the engine is running and a gear is engaged, the vehicle will start to move as soon as
the clutch pedal is released, even when the parking brake is applied. This also applies when
the parking brake is engaged.
x Never shift into reverse when the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE
Shifting down to a gear that is too low when driving at fast speeds or high engine rpm can
cause extensive damage to the clutch and transmission. That is true even if the clutch pedal is
pressed so that the clutch is not engaged.
NOTICE
To help prevent damage and premature wear:
x Do not rest your hand on the gearshift lever while driving. Over time, the pressure will
cause premature wear in the transmission.
x Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse.
x Always depress the clutch pedal all the way when changing gears.
x Do not hold the vehicle on a hill using engine power with the clutch pedal partially engaged
and the engine running.