2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF check engine

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response

One or more driving lights not working or
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
malfunction.
Replace burned out bulb 303, or
If all light bulbs are OK, visit an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

Fog lights switched on (indicator light on
the headlight switch or the instrument
cluster).





Left or right turn signal.
The indicator light blinks twice as fast if a
turn signal is not working on the vehicle or
the trailer.
Check the turn signals on the vehicle and
the trailer.
' Daytime running lights (DRL) on.
$2,
 High beams switched on or headlight
flashers in use.

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.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
x Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, stop
the engine, turn on the emergency flashers, and use other warning devices to warn
approaching traffic.
x Never park the vehicle in areas where the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can
come into contact with dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, oil, or other material that can catch fire.
x A broken down vehicle presents a high accident risk for itself and others. Switch on
emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn oncoming traffic.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights provide bright, uniform lighting to help you see and be
seen. The light comes from an electric arc between two electrodes in the gas-filled bulb. Over time, the
electrodes can wear down and the gap between them will get wider. The HID lamp’s control unit then
increases the voltage to keep the arc’s brightness constant. However, the commonly called “Xenon”
bulbs will also ultimately burn out. Before they burn out, HID lamps can flicker. A message will then
appear in the MFI. This is your reminder to see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service facility to check the headlights.

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 93 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

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.

Emergency shift program
If all selector lever position indicators in the instrument cluster display are highlighted against a bright
background, there is a system malfunction. The automatic transmission and the DSG automatic
transmission will then operate in the emergency shift program. The emergency shift program lets you
drive the vehicle, but at a reduced speed and without being able to use all of the forward gears.
In some cases, vehicles with a DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission may not be able to
shift into reverse. It is then impossible to drive the vehicle backwards.
In any event, have the automatic transmission checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Overheating of Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) automatic transmission
The DSG® automatic transmission may overheat, for example, due to frequent starts, extended
“creeping,” or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning light Á and, if applicable, by
a text message in the instrument cluster. An additional warning chime may sound. Stop and let the
transmission cool down ⇒ .
The vehicle does not move forward or in reverse even though a drive position is selected
with the selector lever
If the vehicle does not move in the desired direction, the system may not have engaged the drive
position correctly. Press the brake pedal and select the drive position again.
If the vehicle still does not move in the desired direction, there is a system malfunction. See your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance to have the
system checked.
NOTICE
x As soon as you get any of these warnings about transmission overheating, you must either
park the vehicle in a safe place or drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).
x If the text message and acoustic warning repeat themselves every 10 seconds or so, you
must park the vehicle in a safe place as soon as you can safely do so and stop the engine. Let
the transmission cool down.
x To help prevent damage to the transmission, do not drive the vehicle again until the
acoustic warning has stopped. As long as the engine is overheated, avoid stop and start
driving and avoid low speeds (“walking pace”).

WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping
distances.
x Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
x Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake
applications when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
x If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more
pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.
NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to
brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes
will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause
complete brake system failure.
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
possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to
stop.
When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same
time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake
pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If
necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.
Braking assistance systems

Brake fluid specifications
Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the brake system in your
Volkswagen. Volkswagen recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly conforms to quality
standard VW Standard 501 14 for optimum performance of the brake system. Check the information
on the container for the brake fluid you want to use to make sure it meets the requirements for your
vehicle.
Brake fluid that complies with VW Standard 501 14 can be purchased from your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
If this special brake fluid is not available you may – under these circumstances – use another high-
quality brake fluid that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4
⇒ .
Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can
contain chemicals that could, over time, degrade or damage internal parts of the vehicle’s brake
system.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW
Standard 501 14 for optimum brake system performance over the long term.
Brake fluid level
The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be between the MIN and MAX
marking ⇒ .
On some vehicles, engine components block the view of the brake fluid reservoir and make it
impossible to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing brake fluid
Brake fluid must be changed according to the service schedule in your ⇒ Booklet Warranty and
Maintenance. Have the brake fluid checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Refill only with new brake fluid that meets the standards listed above.
WARNING
Brake failure and reduced brake performance can be caused by not having enough brake
fluid in the reservoir or by old or incorrect brake fluid.
x Check the brake system and brake fluid level regularly.
x Always change the brake fluid according to the service schedule in your
⇒ Booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
x Hard braking with old brake fluid may cause vapor lock. Vapor lock reduces braking
performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure.
x Always make sure that only the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that
expressly conforms to VW Standard 501 14 or, if it is not available, only use a high-quality
brake fluid that conforms to U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 requirements.
x Using another brake fluid, or one that is not of high quality, can impair the function of the
brake system and reduce its effectiveness. If the container does not say that the brake fluid
complies with VW Standard 501 14, or U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, do not use it.
x The brake fluid must be new.

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
D
Power steering assist is reduced.
Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short
distance. If the yellow warning light does not
come on again, you do not need to have the
steering system checked.
Otherwise, have the steering checked
immediately by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
Vehicle battery was disconnected and
has been reconnected.
Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph
(15–20 km/h).


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
D Electronic steering column lock
malfunction.

WARNING
Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious
personal injuries.
x Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility
to the front, sides, and rear.
x Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has
reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.
x Always make sure you know how to properly use the climate control system as well as the
rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.
x Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and
recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce
visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents,
collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation a long
period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
NOTICE
x If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to
help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen
recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.
x Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation
system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter,
resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep
the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor)
switched on. Press the !