2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI check engine

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 for 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 !

x There is another malfunction in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Special considerations
When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
The climate control system adjusts the passenger compartment temperature as fast as possible considering the outside temperature.
Due to residual moisture in the air conditioner, the windshield may fog up after the engine is started. Switch on the windshield defroster to help evaporate the condensation as quickly as possible.
The air coming out of the vents flows through the passenger compartment and through the air vents in the luggage compartment. Do not cover these slots with clothing or other things.
Air vents

Fig. 149 In the instrument panel: Air vents.

x are familiar with the necessary safety precautions ⇒ Working in the engine compartment.
Checklist
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work. Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every time you refuel:
d Windshield washer fluid level ⇒ Windshield wipers and washer
d Engine oil level ⇒ Engine oil
d Engine coolant level ⇒ Engine coolant
d Brake fluid level ⇒ Braking and parking
d Tire pressure ⇒ Tires and wheels
d Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:
– Turn signals
– Low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate lights
For more information about the vehicle lighting, see ⇒ Lights.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.
x Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more information on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site, http://www.toptiergas.com.
The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:
x Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
x Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI
Unleaded gasoline
Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.
Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE
You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:
Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
x Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.
Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol.
Blends of gasoline and MTBE:
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.
Seasonally adjusted gasoline
Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change, Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely to be made earlier.
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI/91 RON. Using lower octane fuel may cause expensive engine damage.
x Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic converter.
x Methanol-blended fuels that do not meet the criteria listed above may cause corrosion and may damage plastic and rubber parts in the fuel system.
x Never use fuels that contain lead or other metals (check listing on the fuel pump). Even lead replacement gasoline (LRP fuels) contain metallic additives in high concentrations. They can damage the engine.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables. The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine
compartment ⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment.
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Never smoke near the engine compartment.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

NOTICE
When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and engine damage.
Fluid leaks and spills are harmful to the environment. Regularly check the ground underneath your vehicle for this reason. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle checked by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Dispose of leaked operating fluids properly.
Display

d Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only) ⇒ Shifting.
d Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
d Let the engine cool down sufficiently.
d Keep children and others away from the vehicle.
d Make sure the vehicle cannot move unexpectedly.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may result in serious injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
Opening or closing the engine compartment

Fig. 152 In the footwell on the driver side: Inside engine hood release lever.

Fig. 153 Above the radiator grille: Outside engine hood release.

Opening the engine hood
x Before you open the hood, make sure that the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield
⇒ .
x Open the driver door and pull the inside hood release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 152.
The engine hood is released from its latch by a spring ⇒ .
x Push the outside hood release lever ⇒ fig. 153 (arrow) and lift the hood all the way up. A gas-filled strut will hold the hood up.
Closing the engine hood
x Pull the hood down to overcome the resistance of the gas-pressure strut ⇒ .
x Lower the engine hood by hand until it is about 8 in. (20 cm) above its latch and then let it drop into place to latch it. Do not push down on it afterwards!
If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.
When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The indicator
light in the instrument cluster will go out ⇒ Display.
WARNING
If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
x If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving, stop at once and close it.
x Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.
NOTICE
x Make sure the windshield wipers are switched off and the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield before you open the hood. Otherwise, the windshield wipers and the hood may be damaged.
x Always put the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.
NOTICE
Before opening or closing the engine hood, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example when the vehicle is in a garage.