2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI sensor

Rain sensor

Fig. 82 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting the rain sensor 1 (if equipped).

Fig. 83 Inside the front windshield above the inside mirror: Sensitive rain sensor surface.

x Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.
x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface (arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 84 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

The self-dimming feature can be switched on and off with the switch on the inside mirror (2) A or (2) B. When self-dimming is activated, the indicator light (1) is on.
There are two sensors in the interior mirror housing:
x One sensor on the side facing the interior to measure light from the rear of the vehicle A (3) or B (3).
x One sensor on the side facing the windshield to measure light from the front of the vehicle C (4).
If the ignition is switched on, the mirror automatically darkens depending on the amount of light shining into the vehicle from the rear.
The self-dimming feature is deactivated when you shift the transmission into reverse or switch on the interior lights or the reading light.
Do not attach external navigation devices to the windshield or in the vicinity of the self-dimming inside
mirror ⇒ .
WARNING
The illuminated display on an external navigation device can cause the self-dimming inside mirror to malfunction, which can result in crashes and serious injuries.
x Malfunctions in the self-dimming function can result in the inside mirror being unable to evaluate the exact distance of vehicles in the rear or other objects.
If the light striking the sensor is filtered or blocked (such as by a sunshade), the self-dimming inside mirror will not work properly or may not work at all.
Outside mirrors

Fig. 87 In the driver door: Adjusting knob for the outside mirrors.

x If you continue driving closer to an object that the Park Distance Control has already detected and reported, the object may disappear from the sensor range and may no longer be detected. This is especially true for low or high objects. The system will no longer sound warnings 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 example, 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.
Applicable only in the United States
Operation

Fig. 142 In the front and rear bumpers: Park Distance Control system sensors.

Fig. 143 In the center console: Button to switch the Park Distance Control system on or off.

The Park Distance Control (PDC) uses ultrasonic sensors to determine the distance from the front or rear bumpers to an obstacle. There are 4 sensors for the PDC located in rear bumper (B) and
additional sensors in the front bumper (A) ⇒ fig. 142 (arrows).
The intermittent and permanent signal chimes given by the front PDC sensors are of a higher pitch than those given by the rear PDC sensors. This is a standard feature.
The warning signals can be adjusted in the Infotainment system menu ⇒ Infotainment system.
Switching the Park Distance Control (PDC) system on and off

In order to Operation (when the ignition is switched on)
Manually activate PDC: Press the  button once.
Manually deactivate PDC: Push the  button again.
Manually deactivate the display (sound stays active):
Press a function selection button on the factory-installed Infotainment system
OR: Tap the O function key on the screen.
Automatically activate PDC: Shift into Reverse (R).
OR: Depending on vehicle equipment, when the vehicle rolls backwards.
Automatically deactivate PDC: Shift into Park (P).
OR: Drive forward faster than about 5–10 mph (10–15 km/h).
Mute the PDC volume: Tap the  function key.
Changing from mini PDC display to full-screen mode.
Shift into Reverse (R).
OR: Depending on vehicle equipment, when the vehicle rolls backwards.
OR: Tap the mini PDC function key.
Switch to the rearview camera display (if equipped):
Shift into Reverse (R).
OR: Tap the Z function key.

The indicator light in the  button ⇒ fig. 143 lights up and stays on as long as the feature is active.
Automatic activation
When the PDC is activated automatically, a mini PDC display will appear on the left-hand side of the
screen ⇒ fig. 145.
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 activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system menu.
Automatic activation with mini PDC display can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment
system ⇒ Infotainment system.
When automatic activation is activated, signal chimes are sounded 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.
Applicable only in the United States
PDC signal chimes and displays

Fig. 144 PDC display of the area surrounding the vehicle.

Fig. 145 Mini PDC display of the area surrounding the vehicle.

Vehicles with PDC at the front and rear
Area of the vehicle Distance of the vehicle from an obstacle
Signal tone Segment color if an obstacle has been detected color display only)
(A) Rear center Obstacle not in the vehicle’s path
about 12 – 63 in. (31 – 160 cm) – Grey
Rear side about 12 – 23 in. (31 – 60 cm)
(B) Front center about 12 – 47 in. (31 – 120 cm)
Front side about 12 – 23 in. (31 – 60 cm)
(A) Rear center Obstacle in the vehicle’s path
about 12 – 63 in. (31 – 160 cm) Intermittent tone Yellow
Rear side about 12 – 23 in. (31 – 60 cm)
(B) Front center about 12 – 47 in. (31 – 120 cm)
Front side about 12 – 23 in. (31 – 60 cm)
(A), (B) Obstacle outside of the collision area about 0 – 12 in. (0 – 30 cm) Intermittent tone Red
(A), (B) Obstacle in the collision area about 0 – 12 in. (0 – 30 cm) Constant tone Red

WARNING
Do not allow the images shown on the screen to distract you from the traffic around you.
NOTICE
Failure to observe the illuminated text messages can lead to the vehicle being damaged.
It can take a few seconds before the area scanned by the sensors is displayed on the screen of the factory-installed Infotainment system.

Clean the wheels and under the door sills last. Use a different sponge or wash mitt.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated with ice, react slower and need longer stopping distances.
x Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.
CAUTION
Sharp edges under the vehicle can cut exposed skin.
x Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.
NOTICE
x The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).
x To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
x Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle. These can damage the paint finish.
x Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For best results use soapy water.
x When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or rear hatch. The water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!
x When outside temperatures are low, wipe the rubber seals and their contact surfaces dry to help prevent freezing.
NOTICE
To help prevent vehicle damage in a car wash:
x Compare the vehicle track width with the dimensions of the guide rails in the car wash to help prevent damage to wheel rims and tires!
x Switch off the rain sensor before driving the vehicle through a car wash ⇒ Rain sensor.
x Make sure there is enough clearance for the height and width of the vehicle.
x To help prevent paint damage to the engine hood, place wiper blades against the windshield after they have dried. Do not let them snap back into place.
x Fold the outside mirrors toward the vehicle body.
x Lock the rear hatch to help prevent unintentional opening in the car wash.
Washing with a power washer