2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI warning

Adjust the light switch to the desired position ⇒ fig. 74 or ⇒ fig. 75:
Symbol When the ignition is switched off When the ignition is switched on
!54/ Orientation lighting may be switched on. Automatic headlights active; DRL on.
 Low beams switched off. The DRL may stay on. The length of time they stay on depends on the vehicle battery charge.
Low beams switched on.
 Parking lights switched on. Parking lights switched on.
Fog lights switched off. The DRL may stay on for some time. Headlights and fog lights switched on.

Fog lights
The indicator light in the headlight switch shows that the fog lights are switched on.
x To switch on the fog lights : first turn the light switch to position , then pull the light switch out to the detent.
x To switch off the fog lights, push the switch back in from the first detent. To then turn off the head-lights, turn the switch to position /.
Acoustic warning when lights are not switched off
In the following situation, a warning chime will sound if you take the key out of the ignition and open the driver door. This is to remind you that lights are still on.
x Light switch in position .
WARNING
Daytime running lights and parking lights are not bright enough to let you see ahead or be seen by others when it is dark.
x Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the weather is bad or visibility is poor.
x Never use the daytime running lights to see where you are going. They are not bright enough and will not let you see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on with the daytime running lights. Unless the taillights are on, a vehicle cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
x Even if automatic headlights (!54/) are switched on, the low-beam headlights may still not come on by themselves in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights manually.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
Y Not enough windshield washer fluid for the front and rear windshield washers. Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next opportunity

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.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 79 Operating the front windshield wipers.

Fig. 80 Operating the rear wiper.

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.

x Refill with an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is recommended by Volkswagen ⇒ . Follow the directions on the container.
x In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the
water from freezing ⇒ .
Recommended cleaners
x For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear SummerG 052 184 A1 or equivalent. Mixing ratio 1:100 (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield washer reservoir.
x All-season Windscreen ClearG 052 164 A2 or equivalent. Mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C) about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise, mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer reservoir.
Filling capacity
Depending on vehicle equipment, the windshield washer fluid reservoir holds between 3.1 – 5.2 quarts (3 – 5 liters).
WARNING
Never mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably reduce visibility.
x Use clear water with a cleaning solution recommended by Volkswagen.
x If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.
NOTICE
x Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can clog the windshield washer nozzles.
x When refilling, do not confuse one type of operating liquid with another! Otherwise serious malfunctions and engine damage can occur!

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.

Turn the rotary knob to the desired position:
, Adjust the left outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down.
2 Adjust the right outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down.
/ Neutral position. Outside mirror folded out, no heating or adjustment possible.

WARNING
Improper use of the folding outside mirrors can cause personal injury.
x Always make sure that nobody is in the way when folding the mirrors in or out.
x Make sure that you do not get your finger caught between the mirror and the mirror base when moving the mirrors.
WARNING
Incorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and seri-ous injury.
x The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision. But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than they really are.
x If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.
x Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.
x Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash.
To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.
When first switched on, outside mirror heating works with maximum heat for about 2 minutes.
If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by press-ing on the edges of the mirror surface.

WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a change in the center of gravity also changes the way your vehicle handles:
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
– Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps using the tie-downs in the luggage compartment.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Stowing luggage

WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly stowed items can fly through the vehicle, causing serious personal injury during hard braking or sharp steering or in an accident. Loose items can also be struck and thrown through the passenger compartment by the front airbags if they inflate. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
x Always stow all objects securely in the vehicle. Always put luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment.
x Always secure objects in the passenger compartment properly with suitable straps so that they cannot move into the deployment zone of a side or front airbag during sudden braking, in a sudden maneuver, or in a collision.
x Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.
x Never stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in the vehicle's open storage compartments, on the luggage compartment cover, or on the top of the instrument panel.
x Always remove hard, heavy, or sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interi-or and stow them securely in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change and increases braking distances. Heavy loads which are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and cause serious personal injury.
x Transporting heavy items causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change by shifting the vehicle's center of gravity.
x Always distribute luggage evenly and as low as possible within the vehicle. The vehicle capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and luggage).
x Always stow luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment as far forward of the rear axle as possible and secure them with appropriate straps to the tie-downs provided.
x Never exceed the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Axle Weight Ratings, which are printed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the door jamb of the driver door. Exceeding the permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and behave differently.
x Always adapt your speed and driving style to accommodate your payload and its weight distribution within your vehicle.
x Be especially cautious and gentle when stepping on the accelerator pedal and avoid sud-den braking and other maneuvers.
x Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
NOTICE
The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that rub against them.