brake light VOLKSWAGEN E-GOLF 2019 User Guide

x The ignition is switched on.
x The vehicle is not drive-ready.
x The driver door is open.
Vehicles with Keyless Access
The crawling function is deactivated if the vehicle has been driven faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) and then comes to a stop. The electric drive is deactivated when the driver safety belt is unlocked and the driver door is opened. If no pedal is pressed, the ignition switches off automatically after about 30 seconds. To avoid unintentional discharge of the 12-volt vehicle battery the ignition is deactivated if the following conditions remain unchanged for about 2 minutes:
x The vehicle is standing still.
x No pedal is pressed.
x The driver safety belt is unlocked.
x The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is low.
Once the ignition has been switched off automatically, the exterior lights remain lit when the light switch is set to AUTO and the charge level is sufficient.
WARNING
A vehicle that is left unattended when ready to drive can cause accidents and serious inju-ries.
x Never leave the vehicle unattended when it is ready to drive.
x Always switch the ignition off and move the selector lever for driving mode to position P, before leaving the vehicle.
x When parking or leaving the vehicle, always ensure that selector lever for driving mode is in position P and that the electric parking brake is switched on.
x When leaving the vehicle always ensure that all doors, windows, the tailgate and bonnet are completely closed and locked.
Electronic parking brake

Fig. 129 In the lower section of the center console: Electronic parking brake button.

Setting the electronic parking brake
You can engage the electronic parking brake any time the vehicle is not moving - even if the ignition is switched off. Always engage the parking brake when you leave or park the vehicle.
x Pull and hold the button ⇒ fig. 129.
x The parking brake is engaged when the indicator light G (arrow) in the button and in the instru-
ment cluster ⇒  Warning and indicator lights lights up.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
x Switch the ignition on.
x Press the button ⇒ fig. 129. At the same time, press the brake pedal firmly or press the accelerator pedal lightly if the electric motor is drive ready.
x The parking brake is released when the indicator light G (arrow) in the button and in the instru-
ment cluster ⇒  Warning and indicator lights goes out.
Releasing the electronic parking brake automatically when you start driving
The electronic parking brake releases automatically when you start driving if the driver's door is closed and the driver's safety belt is buckled.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function in an emergency, when you cannot stop the vehicle using
the brake pedal ⇒  !
x Pull and hold the button ⇒ fig. 129 to brake the vehicle hard. An audio warning signal will sound at the same time.
x To stop the braking maneuver, release the button or press the accelerator pedal.
WARNING
Improper use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and severe injuries.
x Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an emergency. Braking distance is much longer, since only the rear wheels are braked. Alwa ys use the foot brake.
x Never press the accelerator pedal when a selector lever position or gear is engaged and the electric motor is drive ready. The vehicle could begin moving, even if the electronic park-ing brake is set.
NOTICE
Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the vehicle without first firmly setting the parking brake.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery is dead, the electronic parking brake cannot be released.
You may hear noises when setting or releasing the electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake is not used for a while, an automatic system check will occasional-ly run when the vehicle is parked. This system check makes audible noises.

mance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the break-in period, the stopping distance for hard braking and emergency braking will be longer until the brakes are fully broken in. Avoid hard braking and situations that might require hard braking (such as following other vehicles too closely) – especially during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends mostly on operating conditions and the way the vehicle is driven. If you do a lot of city and short-distance driving and/or have a sporty driving style, you should have the brake pads checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility more often than the regular service intervals.
Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will not brake as well. Stopping distances will be longer when brake discs are wet or, in winter, even icy. Wet or icy brakes must be dried as soon as possible by carefully applying the brakes a couple of times while traveling at a relatively high speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endan-
ger yourself or others ⇒ .
Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any
salt coating from the brake discs and pads ⇒ .
Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt buildup on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle is not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.
Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others ⇒ .
Brake system malfunction
If you brake and find that the vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light H or "2!+% will light up and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.
Electro-mechanical brake booster
The electro-mechanical brake booster works only when the electric motor is activated. It increases the force on the brakes above and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.
If the electro-mechanical brake booster is not working, you will have to push the brake pedal harder to
make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance ⇒ .
WARNING
New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.
x New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 185 miles (300 km) and must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting more pressure on the brake pedal.
x Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.
x Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.

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.

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.

WARNING
The electric motor compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause serious personal injury.
x Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the electric motor compartment. Always follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk per-sonal injury.
x Never perform any work in the electric motor compartment unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified work-shop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician. Serious personal injury may re-sult from improperly performed work.
x Never open or close the electric motor hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or cool-ant escaping from the electric motor.
x Always let the electric motor cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
x Hot parts of the electric motor and the exhaust system will burn skin on contact.
x When the electric motor has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button ⇒  Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access.
– Always keep children and others away from the electric motor compartment and never leave them unsupervised.
x The electric motor coolant system is under pressure when the electric motor is hot. Never unscrew the coolant expansion tank cap when the electric motor is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the electric motor or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot parts of the electric motor or exhaust system can cause a fire.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the electric motor 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 electric motor is acti-vated:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage elec-tronic 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 electric motor
compartment ⇒  Cleaning the electric motor compartment.
WARNING
Moving parts in the electric motor compartment can cause serious personal injury on con-tact.
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 electric motor 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 electric motor is activated, 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 rotat-ing electric motor parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your neck-tie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving electric motor 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 electric motor compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, electric motor damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Additional materials in the electric motor compartment such as blankets can interfere with the operation of the electric motor and can cause fires, which can lead to serious injuries.
x Never cover the electric motor with blankets or other materials.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the electric motor compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Never smoke near the electric motor compartment.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the electric motor. These fluids can ignite on hot electric motor parts and cause injuries.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

WARNING
Hot steam and hot electric motor coolant can cause serious burns.
x Never open the hood if you see steam or coolant escaping from the electric motor com-partment. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the electric motor.
x Always let the electric motor cool down completely before carefully opening the hood. Hot components will burn skin on contact.
x When the electric motor has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button ⇒  Starter button.
– Always keep children and others away from the electric motor compartment and never leave them unsupervised.
x The electric motor coolant system is under pressure when the electric motor is hot. Never unscrew the coolant expansion tank cap when the electric motor is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the electric motor when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot parts of the electric motor can cause a fire. Under some conditions, the ethylene glycol in electric motor coolant can catch fire.
NOTICE
x Use distilled water only when adding coolant! All other types of water contain chemical compounds that can cause extensive corrosion damage to the electric motor. This can even lead to electric motor failure. If you have added non-distilled water, take the vehicle immediate-ly to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the coolant system drained, flushed, and refilled completely with the proper coolant.
x Refill electric motor coolant only up to the top edge of the marked fill range ⇒ fig. 154. Ex-cess electric motor coolant may be forced out of the electric motor cooling system when it gets hot and cause damage.
x In the case of significant electric motor coolant loss, refill electric motor coolant only when the electric motor is completely cooled down. Significant electric motor coolant loss is a sign of leaks in the cooling system. Have the electric motor cooling system checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the electric motor may be damaged!
x Do not refill electric motor coolant if there is no coolant in the expansion tank. Air could enter the cooling system. Do not drive the vehicle! Get expert assistance. Failure to do so can result in electric motor damage.
x When changing or topping off operating fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Serious malfunctions and electric motor damage can result if you pour operating fluids into the wrong reservoir.

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 ⇒ page 127, 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 electric motor 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

Make sure there is enough distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulating material as well as the sensors of the Park Distance Control system (if equipped). The Park Distance Control
system sensors can be found in the rear and, if applicable, front bumper ⇒ .
Make sure there is enough distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulating material.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called dirt blasters ⇒ .
Never use a power washer to clean the electric motor compartment ⇒  Cleaning the electric motor compartment.
WARNING
Improper use of power washers can cause serious invisible permanent damage leading to tire failure and loss of vehicle control. This can cause accidents and severe personal injury.
x Keep sufficient distance between water jet and tires. Never wash tires with a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream regardless of the distance to the tire and even for a very short time.
x Never use “dirt blasters” to clean tires. Even spraying from a relatively long distance for a very short time can do visible or invisible damage to tires.
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.
NOTICE
x Water temperature should 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 In order for Park Distance Control to work correctly, the sensors in the rear bumper must be kept clean and clear of snow and ice.
x When using a power washer or steam cleaner, only spray the sensors directly for a short period of time and always keep the nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the sensor.
x Do not clean icy or snow-covered windows with a power washer.
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!
Cleaning windows and outside mirrors