check engine light VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI 2015 5G / 7.G Owners Manual

Remote Vehicle Access:
Feature Description
Remote Door Unlock
You can send a request to unlock the vehicle doors through your Volkswagen Car-Net iPhone® app, the Volkswagen Car-Net website or by calling the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center (text and data rates apply). If none of the vehicle doors are opened within about 30 seconds, the car will lock again.
Remote Honk and Flash
You can send a honk and flash signal to the car using the Volkswagen Car-Net website or the VW Car-Net iPhone® app (text and data rates apply). The car will honk the horn and blink the headlights and emergency flashers for up to 10 seconds.
Last Parked Location You can locate your last parked location using your Volkswagen Car-Net iPh-one® app (text and data rates apply).
Destinations Only applicable for vehicles equipped with a factory-installed naviga-tion system.
Points of Interest (POIs) or other destinations can be imported remotely into the factory-installed navigation system (if equipped) from a computer or the Volkswagen Car-Net iPhone® app (text and data rates apply). These destina-tions can be called up and used by the navigation system.
Destination Down-load Only applicable for vehicles equipped with a factory-installed naviga-tion system.
Press the • button in the 3-button module: The vehicle will connect directly to the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center where a Volkswagen Car-Net Cus-tomer Specialist will assist with destinations. The address of a dealer’s location can also be sent by the Customer Specialist to your factory-installed navigation system (if equipped).
Remote Status Check
Current information about the vehicle can be viewed through a computer or your Volkswagen Car-Net iPhone® app (text and data rates apply). You can find out if the doors, luggage compartment and engine hood are open or closed, whether the car lights are on or off, the level of fuel in the tank, when the vehicle needs to be serviced next and more.


Diagnostics & Maintenance:
Feature Description
Dealer Scheduling
Press the • button in the 3-button module: The vehicle will initiate a call to the Volkswagen Car-Net Response Center where a Volkswagen Car-Net Customer Specialist will connect you with an authorized Volkswagen dealer to schedule your service appointment. The address of the dealer’s location can also be sent by the Customer Specialist to your factory-installed navigation system (if equipped).
Vehicle Health Report
View a vehicle health report to proactively manage maintenance and other services and to receive up-to-date diagnostics in a monthly email report or by immediate request.

Do not use a bumper-mounted trailer hitch
Never install a trailer hitch on the bumper or on the bumper attachments. The trailer hitch must not interfere with the impact-absorbing bumper system. Do not make any changes to the vehicle exhaust and brake systems. From time to time, check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely fastened. When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch. This helps keep the trailer hitch from causing dam-age if your vehicle is hit from behind.
Engine cooling system
Towing a trailer makes the engine and its cooling system work harder. It is important that the engine cooling system is up to the job. Make sure that the cooling system has enough coolant.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer has its own brakes, make sure it meets all regulations. The trailer brake system must never be directly connected to the vehicle's brake system.
Safety chains
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer ⇒ Hitching up and connecting a trailer.
Trailer taillights
Trailer lights must meet all regulations ⇒ Hitching up and connecting a trailer.
Never connect the trailer lights directly to the electrical system of your vehicle.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind you using the regular outside mirrors, then you must install extend-ed mirrors. Extended mirrors may also be required by law in some countries/states/provinces. Always adjust the outside mirrors before driving. It's vital that you always have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
Maximum power consumption for the trailer
Do not exceed the power ratings listed in the chart below.

Electrical load Maximum power
Brake lights total 108 watts
Turn signals per side 54 watts
Side marker lights total 100 watts
Taillights total 54 watts

WARNING
x An improperly installed or incorrect trailer hitch can cause a trailer to separate from the tow vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.
x If you don't have to tow a trailer any more, remove the entire trailer hitch. Always seal all bolt holes to prevent water and deadly exhaust fumes from getting into the vehicle.

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.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
x Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn on the emergency flashers, stop the engine, and use other warning devices to warn approaching traffic.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Pedals

Fig. 124 Pedals in vehicles with manual transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal, 3 Clutch pedal.

Fig. 125 Pedals in vehicles with automatic transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
D=
Power steering assist is reduced.
Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short distance. If the yellow warning light does not come on again, you do not need to have the steering system checked. Otherwise, have the steering checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Vehicle battery was disconnected and has been reconnected. Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h).


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
D= Electronic steering column lock malfunction.

Brake fluid level
The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be between the MIN and MAX
marking ⇒ .
On some vehicles, engine components may partially block the view of the brake fluid reservoir and make it impossible to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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 performance, 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 expressly 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 children.
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.

x are familiar with the necessary safety precautions ⇒ Working in the engine compartment.
Checklist
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work. Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every time you refuel:
d Windshield washer fluid level ⇒ Windshield wipers and washer
d Engine oil level ⇒ Engine oil
d Engine coolant level ⇒ Engine coolant
d Brake fluid level ⇒ Braking and parking
d Tire pressure ⇒ Tires and wheels
d Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:
– Turn signals
– Low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate lights
For more information about the vehicle lighting, see ⇒ Lights.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.
x Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine 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 engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic 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 engine
compartment ⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment.
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
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 engine 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 engine is running, 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 rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine 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 engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Never smoke near the engine compartment.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

Opening the engine hood
x Before you open the hood, make sure that the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield
⇒ .
x Open the driver door and pull the inside hood release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 152.
The engine hood is released from its latch by a spring ⇒ .
x Push the outside hood release lever ⇒ fig. 153 (arrow) and lift the hood all the way up. A gas-filled strut will hold the hood up.
Closing the engine hood
x Pull the hood down to overcome the resistance of the gas-pressure strut ⇒ .
x Lower the engine hood by hand until it is about 8 in. (20 cm) above its latch and then let it drop into place to latch it. Do not push down on it afterwards!
If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.
When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The indicator
light in the instrument cluster will go out ⇒ Display.
WARNING
If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
x If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving, stop at once and close it.
x Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.
NOTICE
x Make sure the windshield wipers are switched off and the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield before you open the hood. Otherwise, the windshield wipers and the hood may be damaged.
x Always put the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.
NOTICE
Before opening or closing the engine hood, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example when the vehicle is in a garage.

WARNING
Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, explosions, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system.
x Before working on the electrical system, always switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative (-) cable from the standard 12 Volt battery.
x When you change a light bulb, always switch off the light first.
x Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
x Always wear eye protection. Never let battery acid or lead particles come into contact with your eyes, skin, or clothing.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the batteries, as this could spill acid through the vents and burn you.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several minutes and then get immediate medical attention. If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.
x When disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect the negative cable (-) first and then the positive cable (+).
x Always switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting 12 Volt batteries. Reconnect the plus cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-). Never reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause a fire.
x A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
x Do not smoke and avoid fires, sparks, and open flames when working. Never create sparks or electrostatic charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never short circuit the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.
x Never use or attempt to charge a damaged or frozen battery, or a battery that was frozen but has thawed. Charging a frozen or thawed battery could cause explosions and chemical burns! Replace damaged or frozen vehicle batteries immediately. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
x If the battery has a vent line or tube, make sure that it is properly connected to the battery.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning
x Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead components, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash your hands after handling.
NOTICE
x Do not expose the vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as ultraviolet rays may damage the battery housing.
x If the vehicle is left standing in the cold for a long time, protect the vehicle battery from freezing. A battery will be permanently damaged by freezing.
Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle battery has been replaced may change or delete system settings (including time, date, personal convenience settings, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.

Check the electrolyte level of the battery regularly if the vehicle has high mileage (km), in places with a warm climate, and if the vehicle has an old battery. Otherwise the vehicle battery does not require maintenance.
Preparations
x Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment ⇒ Working in the engine compartment.
x Open the engine hood ⇒ .
Opening and closing the battery cover
To open, fold the cover to the side in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 159.
To close, fold the cover against the direction of the arrow.
Checking the vehicle battery acid level
x If the lighting conditions are poor, use a flashlight so that you can clearly see the battery acid level indicator and tell what color it is. Never use an open flame or an unprotected light source.
x The round battery window (“acid level indicator”) on the top of the battery changes color, depending on the battery's electrolyte level.

Color Action
Light yellow or colorless Battery electrolyte level is too low. The vehicle battery may need to be replaced. Have it checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Black Battery electrolyte level is satisfactory.

WARNING
Working on the batteries can cause serious acid burns, explosion, or electrical shock.
x Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
x Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the battery vents and burn you.
x Never open a vehicle battery.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several minutes and then get immediate medical attention.
x If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting, and connecting the vehicle battery