tow VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN 2015 5G / 7.G Owner's Guide

WARNING
Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
x If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.
NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause complete brake system failure.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.
Braking assistance systems

Defensive driving and “flowing” with traffic
Frequent braking and acceleration increase fuel consumption significantly. Just by driving defensively and keeping a sufficiently large distance away from the vehicle in front of you can make up for the speed fluctuations caused by taking your foot off the accelerator. Active braking and accelerating is then not necessarily required.
Calm and smooth driving
Consistency is more important than speed. The more smoothly you drive, the less fuel the vehicle consumes.
When driving on the highway or freeway, a constant, moderate speed is more efficient and economical than constantly accelerating and braking. Usually you can reach your destination just as quickly by driving at a moderate, but steady speed.
The cruise control can assist in maintaining a uniform driving style.
Moderate use of extra electrical loads
Comfort inside the vehicle is nice and important, but it is important to use them in an environmentally conscious manner.
Some devices can increase fuel consumption when activated (examples):
x Climate control system (air conditioner): If the air conditioner has to produce starkly contrasting temperatures, it requires a large amount of energy, which is generated by the engine. The temperature in the vehicle should therefore not be extremely different from that of the outside temperature. It may be helpful to ventilate the vehicle before driving and then to drive a short distance with the windows open. After that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Open windows increase fuel consumption.
x Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
x Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and ice.
Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
x Malfunctioning engine control.
x Driving in the mountains.
x Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is not running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.

Meaning
— Lateral green lines: Projection of the vehicle (widened somewhat)
toward the rear. The green lines stop about 6 feet (2 meters) be-
hind the vehicle on the road.
— Horizontal red line: Safety distance (area up to about 16 inches
(40 cm) behind the vehicle on the road).
(1) Road.
(2) Selected parking space.
(3) Side lines of the selected parking space.
(4) Rear boundary of the parking space, such as a curb.

All references to orientation line length apply to vehicles on a horizontal surface.
Parking using the Rear View Camera system

Step Action:
1. The requirements for parking and maneuvering with the Rear
View Camera system must be fulfilled
2. Position the vehicle in front of the parking space (2) ⇒ fig. 148 A.
3. Shift into Reverse (R).
4. Reverse slowly and steer the vehicle B so that the lateral green
orientation lines lead into the parking space (2).
Pay attention to the message in the display: Look! Safe to
move? ⇒ 
5. Align the vehicle in the parking space B so that the green orienta-
tion lines are parallel with the parking space (3).

In order to Operation (when the ignition is switched on)
OR: Tap the mini PDC function key.
Switch to the Rear
View Camera sys-
tem display (if
equipped):
Shift into Reverse (R).
OR: Tap the Z function key.

The indicator light in the  button ⇒ fig. 150 lights up and stays on as long as the feature is active.
Automatic activation
When the PDC is activated automatically, a mini PDC display appears on the left-hand side of the
screen ⇒ fig. 152.
Automatic activation of the PDC when driving slowly towards an obstacle located in front of the vehicle only works when the speed falls below about 6–9 mph (10–15 km/h) for the first time. If the PDC was switched off using the  button, performing one of the following actions with the ignition switched on can automatically reactivate the PDC:
x If the vehicle accelerates to a speed greater than 6–9 mph (10–15 km/h) and then drops below that speed again.
x OR: If the selector lever is moved to Park (P) and then out of that position again.
x OR: If automatic activation is turned off and on again in the Infotainment system.
Automatic activation of the mini PDC display can be turned on or off in the Infotainment system ⇒  Infotainment system.
When the box in the automatic activation function key is checked =, signal chimes sound from a distance of about 20 inches (50 cm) from the obstacle.
WARNING
Never rely completely on the PDC for information about people and objects that might be in the way of the vehicle and could be struck by the vehicle causing serious personal injury.
x The PDC sensors have blind spots where they cannot detect people or objects.
x Always watch for people, especially small children and animals, because the sensors may not always be able to detect them.
If you hear a long beep of about 3 seconds when you first turn PDC on or the indicator light in the button starts blinking, this means there is a malfunction in the Park Distance Control system. Switch off the Park Distance Control system with the button and have it immediately checked by an author-ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Key to elements in the color display
fig. 151 and
fig. 152
Meaning
c The grey segment represents an obstacle outside of
the vehicle's path.

When the factory-installed Infotainment system is switched on, the areas to the front, rear, and side of
the vehicle that are scanned by ultrasonic sensors are shown on the screen ⇒ fig. 151. The positions
of potential obstacles are displayed relative to the vehicle ⇒ .
Signal chimes
When the vehicle approaches an obstacle located in the range of the ultrasonic sensors, there are audible signal chimes. An intermittent signal chime means that a sufficiently short distance between the vehicle and an obstacle is detected. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between the chimes. The signal chime will sound continuously if the obstacle is very close.
When there is an imminent risk of collision at the front area of the vehicle, the signal chimes beep at the front of the vehicle. When there is a risk of imminent collision at the rear area of the vehicle, the signal chimes beep at the rear of the vehicle.
If you continue to drive the vehicle closer to the obstacle despite a continuous signal chime, the sys-tem will no longer be able to measure the distance.
The intermittent signal chime volume decreases after a few seconds if the distance remains the same. The volume remains constant if the signal chime is continuous. As soon as the vehicle moves away from an obstacle again, the intermittent signal chime switches off automatically. If the vehicle moves towards an obstruction again, the intermittent signal chimes beep automatically.
Display
The graphic on the screen displays the scanned areas in several segments. The closer the vehicle drives towards an obstacle, the closer the segment will move to the vehicle in the display. The collision area has been reached at the latest when the second to last segment is displayed. Do not keep driving!

Vehicles with PDC at the front and rear
Area of the vehicle Distance of
the vehicle
from an ob-
stacle
Signal
tone
Segment color
if an obstacle
has been de-
tected
color display
only)
(A) Rear
center
Obstacle
not in
the ve-
about 12 –
63 in.
(31 – 160 cm)
– Grey

Clean the wheels and under the door sills last. Use a different sponge or wash mitt.
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 133, 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 engine 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

unit. Some suspension changes can, for example, increase the force levels measured by the airbag sensors and sent to the electronic control unit and make the airbag system deploy in crashes in which it would not deploy if the changes had not been made. Other kinds of changes may reduce the force levels measured by the sensors and prevent the airbag from deploying when it should.
Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle that originally had cloth upholstery. Never install cloth upholstery on a vehicle that originally had leather upholstery. The capacitive passenger detection system for the Advanced Airbag system will not work properly if different upholstery is installed on the passenger seat than the upholstery originally installed on the vehicle when it was originally manufac-tured.
WARNING
Changing the vehicle's suspension including use of unapproved tire-rim combinations can change airbag performance and increase the risk of serious personal injury in a crash.
x Never install suspension components that do not have the same performance characteris-tics as the components originally installed on your vehicle.
x Never use tire-rim combinations that have not been approved by Volkswagen.
WARNING
Leaving the optional safety belt extender attached to the safety belt buckle on the front pas-senger seat when the safety belt is not being used will prevent the Advanced Airbag System from working properly and can increase the risk of serious personal injury in a collision.
x Leaving the extender attached to the safety belt buckle when the front seat is occupied and the safety belt is not being used will signal to the airbag control unit that the front pas-senger seat is occupied and that the safety belt is being used. The electronic control unit for the airbag system will then receive incorrect information that will
– cause the safety belt pretensioner to deploy unnecessarily in collisions and
– cause the front passenger airbag to deploy later in collisions in which the front airbag would otherwise be triggered earlier to help protect an unrestrained front seat passenger.
x Always remove the safety belt extender when it is not needed and stow it safely.
x Never use the safety belt extender to secure a child restraint.
WARNING
Items stored between the safety belt buckle and the center console can cause safety belt buckle to send the wrong information to the airbag control unit and prevent the Advanced Airbag System from working properly.
x Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the safety belt buckles and that they are not obstructed.

x Slip the cover up and over the selector lever ⇒ .
Emergency release for the selector lever (version A)
x With the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever ⇒ fig. 183 A in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
x Press the release button in the selector lever handle and shift the selector lever to Neutral (N).
x Carefully press the selector gate cover back in place, making sure that the electrical wiring stays in the correct position and is not pinched or damaged.
Emergency release for the selector lever (version B)
x Push the colored release lever ⇒ fig. 183 B in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
x Press the release button in the selector lever handle and shift the selector lever to Neutral (N).
x Carefully press the selector gate cover back in place, making sure that the electrical wiring stays in the correct position and is not pinched or damaged.
WARNING
Never shift the transmission out of Park (P) without first firmly applying the parking brake. Otherwise, the vehicle can start to roll unexpectedly, especially on hills or inclines, and cause an accident and serious injuries.
NOTICE
Even with the selector lever is in Neutral (N), the automatic transmission will be damaged if the vehicle is towed (or you let it coast) for an extended period or at high speed with the engine shut off.

NOTICE
Always guide the luggage compartment floor covering back down carefully. Dropping the floor covering could damage the vehicle trim and the floor covering itself.
Completely retract the jack after use. Otherwise it will not fit in its compartment and cannot be stowed safely.
Contents

Fig. 186 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.

WARNING
Changing a wheel, especially on the side of the road, can be dangerous. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off the road where it is safe to change the wheel.
x Always make sure that all passengers, especially children, are in a safe place outside the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic (such as behind a guard rail).
x Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
x Change a wheel by yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise, get expert assistance.
x Always switch the engine off, firmly apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic transmission) or any gear (manual only) to help prevent the vehicle from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.
x Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If necessary, place the jack on a large and sturdy board or on a similar ground support.
x Always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed with chocks or other similar things.
x If you are towing a trailer, always unhitch it from your vehicle before starting to change the wheel. Always apply the trailer brakes firmly and make sure the trailer cannot move unin-tentionally.
x Always use proper and undamaged tools when changing a wheel.
x Once a wheel is lifted off the ground, having the transmission in Park (P) or in gear will not prevent sudden vehicle movement.
x Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other Volkswagen models.
x To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never loosen the screws on rims with threaded rim rings.
x After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked with an accurate torque wrench.
x After changing a wheel or tire, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Preparations for changing a wheel