2015 VOLKSWAGEN E GOLF Fluid

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.
WARNING
Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal injury.
x If the brake warning light "2!+% or H does not go out, or lights up when driving, either the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the
vehicle as soon as you can do so safely and get expert assistance ⇒ Brake fluid.
x If the brake warning light "2!+% or H lights up at the same time as the ABS warning light !"3 or J, the ABS may not be working properly. This could cause the rear wheels to lock up rela-tively quickly during braking. Rear wheel brake lock-up can cause loss of vehicle control.
x If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, drive slowly and very carefully to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified workshop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard braking and steering.
x If the ABS indicator light !"3 or J does not go out, or if it lights up while driving, the ABS system is not working properly. The vehicle can then be stopped only with the standard brakes (without ABS). You will not have the protection ABS provides. Contact your author-ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible.
x If the brake pads are worn or you notice changes in the way the vehicle brakes, immedi-ately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, replaced.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Warning messages when leaving the vehicle

Brake fluid

Fig. 130 In the electric motor compartment: Brake fluid reservoir cap (cap design may vary depending on vehicle equipment).

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 per-formance, 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 ex-pressly 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.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
x To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use food, beverage or other non-original containers to store brake fluid. Someone might be misled by the original label on the container, or by the shape of the container, and drink the brake fluid. This could occur even if you relabel the container as “brake fluid.”
x Only store brake fluid in the closed, original container and keep it out of the reach of chil-dren.
NOTICE
Brake fluid will damage vehicle paint, plastic parts, and tires. Wipe any brake fluid off vehicle paint and other vehicle parts immediately.
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Brake fluid that has leaked out must be collected and disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.

DANGER
High-voltage systems in the electric motor compartment and in other places on the vehicle can cause electrical shocks or even electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Always assume that the high-voltage battery is fully charged and that all high-voltage components are live.
x Touching damaged orange high-voltage cables, the high-voltage battery or other parts of the high-voltage electrical system can cause fatal electric shock.
x The high-voltage system may also be active even when the ignition is switched off!
x Electrolyte fluid in the high-voltage battery will cause severe chemical burns. If electrolyte fluid contacts skin, thoroughly flush affected area with clean water for at least 15 minutes and then wash affected area with soap and water; medical attention is recommended.
x Never attempt to carry out any work on the high-voltage network, the high-voltage cables or the high-voltage battery.
x Never open, maintain or repair components or parts of the high-voltage network, and nev-er disconnect them from the network.
x Never damage, change or remove the orange high-voltage cables or disconnect them from the high-voltage network.
x Never open, modify or remove the cover of the high-voltage battery.
x Any work on the high-voltage system, or on systems which could be indirectly affected by it, must only be carried out by properly trained and qualified experts.
x Work in the vicinity of high-voltage components and high-voltage cables with machinery, sharp-edged tools or heat sources, for example, welding, soldering, hot air or thermal adhe-sives, may only be performed after the high-voltage components have been disconnected. Only properly qualified and trained specialist staff may work on the high voltage compo-nents.
x The Volkswagen standards and guidelines must be adhered to when carrying out any work on the high-voltage network or the high-voltage battery.
x During such work, keep the vehicle key safe and far enough away from the vehicle to pre-vent any risk of the ignition being accidentally switched on and the electrical system activat-ed (particularly in vehicles with Keyless Access).
x Any gasses emitted by or escaping from the high-voltage battery may be toxic or flamma-ble.
x Damage to the vehicle or to the high-voltage battery could lead to a leak of toxic gases, either immediately or at a later time. These emitted gases could also potentially cause a fire. If damage has been incurred, it is vital to then open the vehicle windows to allow any emitted gases to disperse. Do not inhale these gases.
x Never touch or inhale any liquids or gasses leaking from the high-voltage battery, espe-cially if the battery has been damaged.
x Remember to inform any attending emergency services that the vehicle is equipped with a high-voltage battery.
Warning and indicator lights

the battery fluid coming in contact with skin and eyes. If skin or eyes come into contact with bat-tery fluid, rinse the affected areas with clean flowing water for at least 15 minutes and see a doctor immediately.
(3) The high-voltage battery can burn. The high-voltage battery should never be exposed to fire, sparks or naked flames. Always handle the high-voltage battery with care to prevent damage and fluid leaks.
(4) Always keep children away from the high-voltage battery.
(5) You will find further information and warnings in the Owner's Manual and in the workshop manual.
(6) Never remove the cover from the high-voltage battery nor disassemble the high-voltage battery.
(7) Have maintenance work on the high-voltage battery performed only by properly qualified and
trained specialist staff ⇒ . Never make try to modify the high-voltage battery. The opened high-voltage battery should not come into contact with water or other liquids. Liquids can cause short-circuits, electric shocks and burns.
WARNING
Working on the high-voltage battery can cause severe chemical burns, explosions or life-endangering electric shocks.
x Any necessary work should only be carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility .
WARNING
Damage to the high-voltage battery can cause liquids and gases to leak. Harmful substances can then leak and cause injuries. The emitted gases could also potentially cause a fire.
x Do not touch any fluid that leaks out from the high-voltage battery as it can cause chemi-cal burns.
x Call the fire department in the event of a fire. Inform the fire department that the vehicle has an electric drive and high-voltage components.
x Leave the hazard area.
x If you think that the high-voltage battery has been damaged, have the high-voltage battery checked by properly qualified and trained specialist staff.
Charge level display

Fig. 133 In the instrument cluster: Charge level display for high-voltage battery

Charging at J1772 public AC charging stations or with the Wallbox (AC charging)
Charging the high-voltage battery at an AC charging station or with the Wallbox: The high-voltage battery is charged at a rate of up to 7.2 kW. The charging process for a completely discharged high-voltage battery lasts about 4 hours.
The charging connector has to be connected to the upper part of the charging socket (3). Leave the lower part covered.
The Wallbox is available as an accessory. An authorized Volkswagen dealer can provide you with information on the Wallbox.
Make sure that the Wallbox is installed by a qualified expert and that your house’s electrical system is also checked before installation.
It is not possible to feed energy back into the power grid.
Supplementary charging cable
Connect the charging connector on the supplied charging cable to a properly functioning 110 Volt Ground Fault Circuit (GFI) outlet with a 15 amp fuse. The outlet must be properly protected from
water, moisture, and other fluids ⇒ 
Charging for the first time and charging after long standing periods
If the high-voltage battery is charged for the first time or charged after the vehicle has been standing for a long period, it is possible that the maximum charging level of the high-voltage battery cannot be reached. This is for technical reasons and does not necessarily mean a vehicle malfunction. If the maximum charge level is not reached even after several charging procedures, have the high-voltage battery checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service facility.
If the vehicle is not used for a long period, the high-voltage battery must be charged after 4 months at
the latest ⇒ .
WARNING
If you are not familiar with the socket or the electrical installation or it has not been checked by qualified experts, never use it for charging. Even very low charging currents can cause serious damage and in particular fires if the socket or electrical installation is in bad condi-tion. If necessary, get expert assistance from a qualified electrical installation specialist.
NOTICE
Frequently charging the vehicle with a high charging power, particularly with a direct current (DC charging), can lead to a permanent reduction of the charging capacity of the high-voltage battery. If possible, charge the vehicle with low charging power, like with a home-charging station or with the supplementary charging cable.
NOTICE
Not using the vehicle for long periods can cause damage to the high-voltage battery. Charge the high-voltage battery after 4 months at the latest.
The vehicle can be charged on charging stations that comply with the J1772 standard.

Temperature monitoring
During the charging process the charging cable can become slightly warmer. This is normal and no cause for concern
If the control unit or the charging cable becomes too hot, the charging current will automatically be reduced If the control unit or the charging cable continues to get hot even at the lowest charging current, the protection unit will be switched off, and will remain switched off until it has cooled down sufficiently.
If no other sources of heat, such as direct sunlight, can be identified as relevant, have the outlet checked by properly qualified and trained experts.
Charging cable for charging at charging stations (if equipped)
Keep the charging cable for charging at a charging station safely in its bag in the luggage compart-ment. Follow the operating manual for the charging station. Before using the charging cable, read the procedure for charging with alternating current
WARNING
Charging the high-voltage battery improperly, using improper or damaged outlets and charg-ing cables, improper handling of the high-voltage battery or failure to follow safe charging procedures can cause short circuits, electric shock, explosions, fire, burns, injuries and death.
x Always connect the charging cable to a properly functioning 110 Volt Ground Fault Circuit (GFI) wall outlet. The outlet must be properly protected from water, moisture and other fluids.
x Always check the fuse protection of the GFI outlet before connecting the charging cable.
x Never connect the charging cable to a conventional power outlet, regardless of whether the outlet is protected or not.
x Never use the charging cable with an extension cord of any kind.
x Never let plugs or connectors come into contact with water, moisture, or any other fluids.
x Never use any charging cable if it is damaged and never use the charging cable with a damaged GFI outlet.
x Never attempt to alter or repair cables or other electrical components.
x Never let anybody stay in the vehicle while the high-voltage battery is charging.
x Never do any kind of work on the outside or inside of the vehicle while the high-voltage battery is charging.
x Always disconnect the charging cable completely from the vehicle before starting the motor.
WARNING
If you are not familiar with the outlet or the electrical installation or it has not been checked by qualified experts, never use it for charging. Even very low charging currents can cause serious damage and in particular fires if the socket or electrical installation is in bad condi-tion. If necessary, get expert assistance from a qualified electrical installation specialist.
WARNING
If a 110 Volt outlet is being used for charging, never charge 2 or more vehicles on outlets of the same fuse at the same time. Use a different fuse circuit for charging another vehicle. Al-ways comply with the maximum load for the fuse circuit used. If necessary, get expert assis-tance.

WARNING
The electric motor compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause serious personal injury.
x Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the electric motor compartment. Always follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk per-sonal injury.
x Never perform any work in the electric motor compartment unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.
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 work-shop. 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. Serious personal injury may re-sult from improperly performed work.
x Never open or close the electric motor hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or cool-ant escaping from the electric motor.
x Always let the electric motor cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
x Hot parts of the electric motor and the exhaust system will burn skin on contact.
x When the electric motor has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button ⇒  Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access.
– Always keep children and others away from the electric motor compartment and never leave them unsupervised.
x The electric motor coolant system is under pressure when the electric motor is hot. Never unscrew the coolant expansion tank cap when the electric motor is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the electric motor or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot parts of the electric motor or exhaust system can cause a fire.