VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2013 Owners Manual

Removing the luggage compartment cover
x Unhook the supporting cords from each side of the rear hatch ⇒ fig. 91 (top arrows).
x Pull the luggage compartment cover upward (bottom arrows) until it releases from the side brackets.
x If necessary, stow the luggage compartment cover under the variable luggage compartment floor
⇒ Variable luggage compartment floor.
Installing the luggage compartment cover
x Press the luggage compartment cover into the side brackets from above (bottom arrows).
x Hook the supporting cords onto the rear hatch (top arrows).
WARNING
In a sudden braking or other maneuver, or in a collision, unsecured or improperly secured objects or animals on the luggage compartment cover can cause serious personal injury.
x Never leave hard, heavy or sharp objects in bags or loose on the luggage compartment cover.
x Never let animals ride on the luggage compartment cover.
NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the luggage compartment cover, the luggage compartment may only be loaded to a height at which the luggage compartment cover will not press on the cargo when the rear hatch is closed.
NOTICE
Things on the luggage compartment cover can damage it.
x The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that rub against them.
Luggage compartment pass-through

Fig. 92 In the rear seat backrest: Opening the luggage compartment pass-through.

Fig. 93 In the luggage compartment: Opening the pass-through.

Tie-downs

Fig. 94 In the luggage compartment: Tie-downs.

WARNING
Elastic straps have to be stretched when being attached to the tie-downs in the luggage compartment. Hooks on these straps can cause serious personal injury if not handled properly and attached securely.
x Always protect eyes and face from injury from the hooks when attaching them to the tie-downs in the luggage compartment.
x Always hold the hooks on elastic straps firmly when attaching to the vehicle and do not let them snap back and hit you.
x First attach the hooks on the straps to the tie-downs at the rear seat backrest in the luggage compartment and then to the tie-downs near the loading edge of the luggage compartment. This way, if one of the hooks on the elastic straps snaps back, it will move away from you, decreasing the risk of personal injury.
The maximum load for the tie-downs is about 380 lbs. (172 kg).
For suitable straps and luggage stowage systems, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Shopping bag hooks

Fig. 95 In the luggage compartment: Shopping bag hooks.

NOTICE
The maximum load for each shopping bag hook is 5 lbs. (2.5 kg).
Variable luggage compartment floor

Fig. 96 In the luggage compartment: Opening the variable luggage compartment floor.

Fig. 97 In the luggage compartment: Variable luggage compartment floor folded up.

x Insert the luggage compartment floor into the guides at the required height and push it forward as far as it will go.
WARNING
During hard braking or an accident, loose objects can fly through the passenger compartment and cause serious or even fatal injuries.
x Even if the luggage compartment floor panel is properly raised, it is still necessary to secure all objects.
x The maximum weight rating of the variable luggage compartment floor is 330 lbs (150 kg) in the upper position
NOTICE
Do not let the luggage compartment floor fall freely when closing it. Always guide it down into place. The trim or the luggage compartment floor could be damaged.
If you store the luggage compartment cover under the variable luggage compartment floor, insert the luggage compartment floor into the upper guides.

Roof rack

If a roof rack is installed, fuel consumption increases due to increased air resistance.
Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Fig. 98 Mounting points for the base carrier and roof rack on 2-door vehicles.

Fig. 99 Mounting points for the base carrier and roof rack on 4-door vehicles.

Once you have installed the base carrier correctly, you can secure the roof rack on the base carrier according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Mounting the roof rack base carrier and roof rack on 4-door vehicles
Always attach the base carrier and roof rack correctly.
Always carefully follow the installation instructions from the base carrier or roof rack manufacturer.
The front mounting holes are on the underside of the roof frame. They are sealed with plastic screws
that must be removed before installation ⇒ fig. 99 (magnified view on left). The rear markings for the base carrier are on the underside of the roof frame (magnified view on right).
The holes and markings are only visible when the door is open.
Only mount the roof rack base carrier on the markings shown in the illustration.
Once you have installed the base carrier correctly, you can secure the roof rack on the base carrier according to the manufacturer's instructions.
WARNING
Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack improperly can cause the entire system to fly off the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.
x Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
x Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they are undamaged and properly installed.
x Secure the roof rack base carrier only at the attachment points shown in the illustration
⇒ fig. 98 or ⇒ fig. 99.
x Always install the base carrier and roof rack properly.
x Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are properly installed and properly tightened before every trip and retighten them as needed after driving a short distance. During a long trip, check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.
x Always properly install special fixtures for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.
x Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof rack.
Follow the installation instructions provided for installing the roof rack system. Always carry them in the vehicle.
Securing a load on the roof rack

Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it properly ⇒ .
Checking the mountings
After the base carrier and roof rack have been installed, check all bolts and fasteners after driving a short time and at regular intervals thereafter.
WARNING
If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded, accidents and substantial vehicle damage may occur.
x Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating, or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
x Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof rack, even if the permissible roof load is not fully utilized.
x Always make sure that loads are evenly distributed and that heavier items are, as far as possible, toward the front.
WARNING
Loose or improperly secured items can fall off the roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.
x Always use suitable, undamaged tie-down ropes and ratchet straps.
x Secure the load properly.