VOLKSWAGEN E GOLF 2015 5G / 7.G Owners Manual

The ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL braking assistance systems work only when the electric motor is activated. These systems can significantly improve active driving safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help reduce the probability of skidding and loss of vehicle control. It works only when the electric motor is activated. ESC detects certain difficult driving situations, including when the vehicle is beginning to spin (yaw) out of control. ESC then helps you to get the vehicle back under control by selectively braking the wheels and/or reducing electric motor power and by providing steering assistance to help hold the vehicle on the driver's intended course.
ESC has limitations. It is important to remember that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. It will not always be able to help out under all conditions you may come up against. For example, ESC may not always be able to help you master situations where there is a sudden change in the coefficient of friction of the road surface. When there is a section of dry road that is suddenly covered with water, slush or snow, ESC cannot perform the same way it would on a dry surface. If the vehicle “hydro-planes” (rides on a cushion of water instead of the road surface), ESC will not be able to help you steer the vehicle because contact with the pavement has been interrupted and the vehicle cannot be braked or steered. During fast cornering, particularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as effectively with difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds. When towing a trailer, ESC is not able to help you regain control as it would if you were not towing a trailer.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic, and weather conditions. ESC cannot override the vehicle's physical limits, increase the available traction, or keep a vehicle on the road if road departure is a result of driver inattention. Instead, ESC improves the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver's steering inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the benefits of ESC.
ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below). ESC is switched on all the time. In certain situations when you need less traction or additional traction cannot be achieved, you can switch off ASR in the Infotainment system by pressing the #!2 button
followed by the

x ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.
When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or slip-pery surface.
Brake Assist (BAS)
The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure, maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more quickly and efficiently.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or let up on the brake.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces electric motor power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road condi-tions. Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.
ASR can be switched on or off manually ⇒  Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)
EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL automat-ically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down, EDL automatically switches on again.
XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.
WARNING
Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious personal injury for you and your passengers.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility condi-tions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide tempt you into taking extra risks.
x Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the other systems!
x Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and “hy-droplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.
x These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.
x Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire trac-tion.
x When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the accel-erator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss of vehicle control.

WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems men-tioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.
x Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.
x Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their effective-ness.
x The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted ⇒  Tires and wheels.
All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly. Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the electric motor power when it is not expected.
If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.
You may hear noises when these systems are active.
Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

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.

General information on the high-voltage battery

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

The vehicle’s high-voltage battery is included in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The terms and
conditions of this warranty can be found in the Warranty & Maintenance booklet ⇒ Chapter Warranty
and Maintenance.
All batteries age with use and over time. There are things you should know about the care of the high voltage battery that will help it keep giving you good service and reliability over time. Please read and keep the following information in mind while you enjoy the performance and economy of your vehicle.
x Be sure to charge the high voltage battery before leaving the vehicle parked and unused for a longer period of time. Ideally the high-voltage battery should have a charge level between 40 % and 60 % when parked for a long time.
x If the battery charge level is below 3%, never park the vehicle for more than 21 days without charg-ing the high-voltage battery. The

Location of the high-voltage battery

Fig. 131 On vehicle floor: Location of high-voltage battery

Fig. 132 Warning label on the high-voltage battery