2015 VOLKSWAGEN E GOLF ESP

mance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the break-in period, the stopping distance for hard braking and emergency braking will be longer until the brakes are fully broken in. Avoid hard braking and situations that might require hard braking (such as following other vehicles too closely) – especially during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends mostly on operating conditions and the way the vehicle is driven. If you do a lot of city and short-distance driving and/or have a sporty driving style, you should have the brake pads checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility more often than the regular service intervals.
Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will not brake as well. Stopping distances will be longer when brake discs are wet or, in winter, even icy. Wet or icy brakes must be dried as soon as possible by carefully applying the brakes a couple of times while traveling at a relatively high speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endan-
ger yourself or others ⇒ .
Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any
salt coating from the brake discs and pads ⇒ .
Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt buildup on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle is not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.
Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others ⇒ .
Brake system malfunction
If you brake and find that the vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light H or "2!+% will light up and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.
Electro-mechanical brake booster
The electro-mechanical brake booster works only when the electric motor is activated. It increases the force on the brakes above and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.
If the electro-mechanical brake booster is not working, you will have to push the brake pedal harder to
make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance ⇒ .
WARNING
New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.
x New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 185 miles (300 km) and must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting more pressure on the brake pedal.
x Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.
x Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.

WARNING
Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances considerably.
x When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and use the recuperation mode. This will let the vehicle use electric motor braking and re-duce 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.
x A damaged front bumper or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and make them overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping dis-tances.
x Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
x Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake applica-tions when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving when the electro-mechanical brake booster is not working increases stopping dis-tances and can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Never let the vehicle coast when the electric motor is switched off.
x If the electro-mechanical brake booster is not working, 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 use the recuperation mode. This will let the vehicle use electric motor 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

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

Lights up Text message ⇒  Proper response

NOTICE
The supplied charging cable for 110 Volt outlets should always be carried in the vehicle.
NOTICE
Always follow the manufacturer's information and instructions on using the charging station.
NOTICE
The supplied charging cable for 110 Volt outlets has been developed and approved for this vehicle. Do not use the charging cable to charge other vehicles. This applies in particular for vehicles that do not have DC residual current protection.
NOTICE
Always end the charging process before disconnecting the charging cable.
NOTICE
Always connect the charging cable directly to a 110 Volt outlet. Never use the charging cable together with an extension cable, a cable reel, a multiple socket outlet or an adapter such as a regional adapter or timer.
If the charging cable is connected to a 110 Volt outlet with other electrical consumers on the same electrical circuit, the fuse in the electrical circuit can be triggered. If this happens the high-voltage battery will not be charged. Switch off other consumers on the electrical circuit or choose another electrical circuit. If necessary, have the electrical installation checked by qualified experts.
Protect the control unit on the charging cable and the connector from heat, especially from sunlight, during charging.
If the vehicle is close to high-voltage cables during charging, charging may be restricted.
Charging with alternating current (AC charging)

WARNING
The Rear View Camera system technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and the limits of the system. Careless or unintentional use of the Rear View Camera system may result in accidents and severe injuries.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility condi-tions.
x Always keep an eye on the parking direction and the vehicle surroundings. The front of the vehicle swings out more than the rear of the vehicle.
x Never pay so much attention to the graphics shown on the screen that you fail to notice what is going on around you.
x Always watch for people, especially small children, animals, and objects, because the Rear View Camera system may not always be able to detect them.
x The system may not be able to clearly show everything behind the vehicle.
x Use the Rear View Camera system only when the rear hatch is completely closed.
NOTICE
x The Rear View Camera system shows only two-dimensional images on the screen. Due to the lack of depth of field, it may be difficult or impossible to identify protruding objects or recesses in the road, for example.
x Things like thin rods, fences, posts, and trees may not be detected by the Rear View Cam-era system and could damage the vehicle.
Special considerations

detected. This is especially true for low or high objects. The system will no longer sound warn-ings about these objects. Ignoring signals from the Park Distance Control system could result in serious damage to the vehicle.
x The sensors in the bumpers can be damaged or become misaligned in low speed impacts and parking maneuvers. Damaged or misaligned sensors cannot accurately detect or report objects that might be within range of the PDC system.
x To help make sure that the system works properly, always keep the sensors in the bumpers clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the sensors with stickers or other objects.
x When cleaning the sensors with power washers or steam cleaners, only spray the sensors directly for a very short time, and always keep the washer nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the sensors.
x Noise from rough roads, cobblestones, other vehicles and the surrounding area, for exam-ple, can prevent the Park Distance Control system from accurately detecting and reporting people and objects that may be within range of the sensors.
x Aftermarket components such as bicycle racks can impair the function of the Park Distance Control system.
Volkswagen recommends practicing with the Park Distance Control system in a location or parking space with no traffic in order to become familiar with the system and how it works.
Operation

Fig. 145 In the front and rear bumpers: Park Distance Control system sensors.

Fig. 146 In the center console: Button to switch the Park Distance Control system on or off.

The indicator light in the  button ⇒ fig. 146 lights up and stays on as long as the feature is active.
Automatic activation
When the PDC is activated automatically, a mini PDC display appears on the left-hand side of the
screen ⇒ fig. 148.
Automatic activation of the PDC when driving slowly towards an obstacle located in front of the vehicle only works when the speed falls below about 6–9 mph (10–15 km/h) for the first time. If the PDC was switched off using the  button, performing one of the following actions with the ignition switched on can automatically reactivate the PDC:
x If the vehicle accelerates to a speed greater than 6–9 mph (10–15 km/h) and then drops below that speed again.
x OR: If the selector lever is moved to Park (P) and then out of that position again.
x OR: If automatic activation is turned off and on again in the Infotainment system.
Automatic activation of the mini PDC display can be turned on or off in the Infotainment system ⇒  Infotainment system.
When the box in the automatic activation function key is checked =, signal chimes sound from a distance of about 20 inches (50 cm) from the obstacle.
WARNING
Never rely completely on the PDC for information about people and objects that might be in the way of the vehicle and could be struck by the vehicle causing serious personal injury.
x The PDC sensors have blind spots where they cannot detect people or objects.
x Always watch for people, especially small children and animals, because the sensors may not always be able to detect them.
If you hear a long beep of about 3 seconds when you first turn PDC on or the indicator light in the button starts blinking, this means there is a malfunction in the Park Distance Control system. Switch off the Park Distance Control system with the button and have it immediately checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
PDC signal chimes and displays

Fig. 147 PDC display of the area surrounding the vehicle.