Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction

Automatic activation:

Automatic deactivation:

If the low-light sensor registers darkness, for
example when driving through a tunnel.

If sufficient brightness is registered.

If the rain sensor recognizes rain and switches
the windshield wipers on.

If the windshield wipers have not moved for
several minutes.

You can adjust the level of darkness the vehicle must register before automatically switching on the
headlights in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the function keys

and

Lights

⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP). You can also turn the automatic activation of the head-

lights with the rain sensors on and off via this menu.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) works only with the low beams switched on and only at
speeds above about 6 mph (10 km/h). The swivel-mounted lamps automatically improve road illumina-
tion during cornering.

In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected driving mode can affect the turning of the lights
⇒ Driving Mode Selection.
In some models, the headlights will turn independently, even when driving straight ahead. They can
adjust according to the weather conditions and the speed of the vehicle to better light up the road
ahead. The bulbs return to their original position after a short period of time, depending on the vehicle
speed.

On vehicles equipped with AFS, the feature can be switched on and off in the Infotainment system by
pressing the

button followed by the

and Lights function keys

⇒ Menu and system settings

(SETUP).

WARNING

Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.

Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright

enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far
enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-
beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.

The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle

without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.

If automatic headlights (

) are switched on, the low-beam headlights still may not be

switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights yourself.

In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can

temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.

Coming Home/Leaving Home features (orientation lighting)

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The Coming Home/Leaving Home features are controlled automatically by a low-light sensor.

Coming Home

Action

Switch on:

– Switch off the ignition
The Coming Home feature is switched on when the headlight switch is in the

position and the low-light sensor registers darkness

The delay period starts once the last vehicle door or the rear hatch is closed.

Switch off:

– Automatically after delay period is over.
– Automatically, if a vehicle door or the rear hatch is still open about
30 seconds after activation.
– Turn light switch to the position.
– Switch the ignition on.

Leaving Home

Action

Switch on:

– Unlock the vehicle if the light switch is in the

position and the low-light

sensor registers darkness.

Switch off:

– Automatically after preset delay period is over.
– Lock the vehicle.
– Turn the light switch to the position.
– Switch the ignition on.

The length of time the lights stay on can be adjusted or the feature can be activated and deac-

tivated in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the

and Lights function

keys

⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP).

If the Coming Home feature is switched on and the driver door is opened, no warning chime will

sound to alert you that the lights are still on.

Instrument panel lighting and headlight range adjustment

Fig. 76 To the left of the steering wheel: Thumbwheel to adjust instrument panel lighting 1.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Instrument cluster and switch brightness

Depending on vehicle equipment, you can either adjust the brightness of the instrument cluster and

switch lighting by turning the thumbwheel

⇒

fig. 76

(1)

, or by pressing the

button followed by the

and Lights function keys in the Infotainment system

⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP).

In some vehicles with daytime running lights (DRL), the instrument cluster lighting switches off auto-
matically when it is dark outside or when driving through tunnels, for example. You will need to switch

the headlights on manually when this happens, so that the vehicle's taillights will turn on

⇒ Lights and

vision features,

⇒ Lights and vision features.

Headlight range adjustment

For vehicles equipped with halogen headlights: The headlight range cannot be manually adjusted. If
you believe the headlights are not properly adjusted or are not sure, have them checked immediately

by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

⇒

For vehicles equipped with HID (Xenon) headlights: The headlights are equipped with an automatic
leveling feature that automatically adjusts the headlight range to the vehicle loading condition once the

low beams are switched on

⇒

WARNING

Headlights that are aimed too high because of the way the vehicle is loaded can blind and
distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to loading conditions so that they do not

blind others.

WARNING

If the automatic leveling feature of the headlights does not work properly or at all, the head-
lights could blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal
injuries.

Have headlight range adjustment checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Interior and reading lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Button

Function

Front interior lights on.

Rear interior lights on.

Door contact switch - center position.
Interior lights go on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, a door is opened, or
the vehicle key is removed from the ignition.
The lights go out about 20 seconds after you close the doors. They also go out when
you lock the vehicle or switch on the ignition.

Button

Function

Reading light on or off.

Glove and luggage compartment lights

The glove and luggage compartments may have lights that come on automatically when they are
opened and go off when they are closed.

Ambient (background) lighting

When the ignition and headlights are switched on, the ambient lighting in the roof console lights up.

There may also be footwell lighting.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can adjust the brightness of the ambient lighting in the Info-
tainment system by pressing the

button followed by the

and Lights function keys

⇒ Menu and

system settings (SETUP).

The interior and reading lights go out when you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after you

remove the vehicle key from the ignition. This helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle
battery.

Sun protection

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Sun visors

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

WARNING

Sun visors can reduce visibility.

Always stow sun visors when not needed to block sun glare.

Sun visors

Fig. 77 In the headliner: Sun visor.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Sun visor adjustment

Flip the sun visor down toward the windshield.

Lift it out of the retaining clip

⇒

fig. 77

(A)

and swivel it over toward the door.

Additional sun visor positions

On some vehicles, you can slide the sun visor towards the rear of the vehicle after swiveling it over to
the door.

Vanity mirror and lighting

A vanity mirror is behind a cover in the sun visor. Your vehicle may also be equipped with a light

(1)

that comes on when you slide the cover

(B)

open.

The light goes out when you shut the cover or if you flip the sun visor up again.

The interior light above the sun visor goes out after several minutes. This helps to prevent un-

necessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

Fig. 78 Heat-reflective windshield with communications window (blue shaded area).

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Windshields made of insulating glass have a transparent metallic infrared-reflecting coating. There is

an uncoated area (communications window) just above the inside rearview mirror

⇒

fig. 78

. This

serves as a communications window for transmitting signals to and from electronic components and
accessories.

The uncoated area must not be blocked on the inside or outside or covered with stickers because this
can cause the electronic components to malfunction.

Windshield wipers and washer

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light

Windshield wiper lever

Windshield wiper functions

Windshield wiper service position

Rain sensor

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

More information:

  Exterior views
  Shifting
  Climate control
  Working in the engine compartment
  Exterior care and cleaning

WARNING

Windshield washer fluid without enough frost protection can freeze on the windshield and
reduce visibility.

Use the windshield washer system with enough frost protection for winter temperatures.
Never use the windshield wipers/washers when it is freezing without first defrosting the

windshield. The washer solution may freeze on the windshield and reduce visibility.

WARNING

Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe
injuries.

Always replace wiper blades that are worn, damaged, or do not keep the windshield clear.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, al-
ways make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using
the windshield wiper service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not

freeze to the windshield

⇒ Windshield wiper service position.

Indicator light

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Not enough windshield washer fluid for
the front and rear windshield washers.

Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next
opportunity

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.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 79 Operating the front windshield wipers.

Fig. 80 Operating the rear wiper.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Move the lever to the desired position

⇒

(A)

Wiper switched off.

Move the lever to the desired position

⇒

(B)

Intermittent wiping for the front windshield.

(C)

Slow wiper speed.

(D)

Fast wiper speed.

(E)

One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more often.

(F)

Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the front windshield washers, then
release.

(G)

Intermittent wiping for the rear window. The wiper wipes about every 6 seconds.

(H)

Press the lever forward as far as it will go to activate the rear window washers, then
release.

(1)

Switch for adjusting the windshield wiper interval settings (vehicles without rain sen-
sors) or the sensitivity of the rain sensor (vehicles with rain sensors).

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, al-
ways make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using
the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the wind-

shield

⇒ Windshield wiper service position.

If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the

same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other
objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.

Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recom-

mends using a deicing spray.

NOTICE

Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can
be scratched.

On some vehicles, the windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine

hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened. The
rear window wiper turns off when the rear hatch is opened.

The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the

speed, the faster the wipers move.

If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically when backing up.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, this feature can be turned on and off in the Infotainment

system by pressing the

button followed by the

and Mirror and wipers function keys

⇒ Menu

and system settings (SETUP).

If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends

using a deicing spray.

Windshield wiper functions

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Wiper performance in different situations:

When the vehicle is not moving:

The wiper speed changes temporarily to the next lower
speed.

During automatic wipe/wash:

While the washer system is working, the Climatronic switch-
es to recirculation for about 30 seconds to help prevent the
washer fluid odor from entering the vehicle interior.

During intermittent wiping:

Speed-dependent interval control: The higher the vehicle
speed, the faster the wipers move.

Heated washer nozzles

The heating thaws frozen washer nozzles, but not the fluid supply hoses. When the ignition is switched
on, the heat applied to the washer nozzles is automatically regulated depending on the outside air
temperature.

If there is something on the windshield, the wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to block

the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.

Windshield wiper service position

Fig. 81 Windshield wiper in service position.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

In the service position, the wiper arms can be lifted away from the windshield

⇒

fig. 81

. The wipers

are moved to the service position as follows:

On some vehicles, the engine hood must be closed

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

Switch the ignition off, turn it on briefly, and then off again.

Press the windshield wiper lever down briefly

⇒

fig. 79

(E)

when the ignition is off.

Wipers move into service position.

Carefully fold the wiper arms back onto the windshield before driving! Switch the ignition on and press

the windshield wiper lever down briefly

⇒

fig. 79

(E)

. The wiper arms move back to their original

position.

Lifting the wiper blades and tilting them away from the windshield

Put the wiper arms in service position

⇒

Do not handle the wiper blades, handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper

blades.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper

arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.

Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving

the vehicle.

The windshield wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the vehicle is not

moving.

Rain sensor

Fig. 82 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting the rain sensor 1 (if equipped).

Fig. 83 Inside the front windshield above the inside mirror: Sensitive rain sensor surface.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

When switched on, the rain sensor automatically shortens or lengthens the time between wiping

intervals depending on how hard it is raining

⇒

. The rain sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted

manually. Manual wiping (vehicles without rain sensors), see

⇒ Windshield wiper lever.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, the automatic wipe function of the rain sensor can be turned on
and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the

and Mirror and

wipers function keys

⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP).

Push the lever into the desired position

⇒

fig. 82

(A)

Rain sensor off (windshield wiper lever home position).

(B)

Rain sensor active – automatic wiping as needed.

(1)

Adjust the sensitivity of the rain sensor:
– Move switch to the right – high sensitivity.
– Move switch to the left – low sensitivity.

After switching the ignition off and back on again, the rain sensor stays on and works again when the
wiper lever is in position

(B)

and the vehicle is traveling at speeds above 2 mph (4 km/h).

Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works

The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor

surface

⇒

fig. 83

(arrow) and not work for a number of reasons, which may include:

Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this can

cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.

Insects: Insects hitting the windshield may trigger the wipers.

Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or

continuously on glass that is almost dry.

Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent

residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.

Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on,

this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself
to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the
sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.

WARNING

The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.

Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.

Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface (arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear

or damage.

To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield

cleaner.

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 84 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Check the windshield washer fluid level regularly and refill as necessary.

There is a filter screen in the filler neck of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The screen helps to
keep large particles and debris from getting into and clogging the windshield washer nozzles when
adding windshield washer fluid. Take the screen out only to clean it. If the screen is damaged or
missing, have it replaced immediately, otherwise the system may become clogged and not work
properly.

Open the engine hood

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

The windshield washer fluid reservoir can be identified by the symbol on its cap

⇒

fig. 84

Check if there is still enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.

Refill with an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is recommended by Volkswagen

⇒

Follow the directions on the container.

In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the

water from freezing

⇒

Recommended cleaners

For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear SummerG 052 184 A1 or equivalent. Mixing ratio 1:100

(1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield washer reservoir.

All-season Windscreen ClearG 052 164 A2 or equivalent. Mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C)

about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise, mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer
reservoir.

Filling capacity

Depending on vehicle equipment, the windshield washer fluid reservoir holds between 3.1 – 5.2 quarts
(3 – 5 liters).

WARNING

Never mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could
produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably reduce visibility.

Use clear water with a cleaning solution recommended by Volkswagen.
If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.

NOTICE

Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If

you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can clog the windshield washer
nozzles.

When refilling, do not confuse one type of operating liquid with another! Otherwise serious

malfunctions and engine damage can occur!

Mirrors

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Inside mirror

Outside mirrors

For your driving safety, it is important that you properly adjust the outside mirrors and the inside mirror

before you start driving

⇒

The outside mirrors and the inside mirror help you see and adapt your driving to traffic behind you.
Remember that the inside and outside rearview mirrors will not show everything behind you. There
can be blind spots. Blind spots can be significantly larger if the mirrors are not properly adjusted.

More information:

  Exterior views
  Volkswagen Information System
  Adjusting the seating position
  Shifting
  Braking and parking

WARNING

Adjusting mirrors when the vehicle is moving can cause driver distraction, accidents, and
serious personal injury.

Always adjust the rearview mirrors when the vehicle is not moving.
Always be aware of what is happening around the vehicle when changing lanes, passing,

turning, or parking. Another vehicle, pedestrian, or object could be in your blind spot.

Always make sure mirrors are properly adjusted and the view to the rear is not reduced by

moisture, ice, snow, or other things.

WARNING

Self-dimming rearview mirrors contain an electrolyte fluid which can leak if the mirror glass is
broken. Electrolyte fluid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

Repeated or prolonged exposure to electrolyte fluid can irritate the respiratory system,

especially among people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Get fresh air immedi-
ately by leaving the vehicle or, if that is not possible, open windows and doors all the way.

If electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean

water for at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.

If electrolyte fluid contacts skin, flush affected area with clean water for at least

15 minutes and then wash affected area with soap and water; medical attention is recom-
mended. Thoroughly wash affected clothing and shoes before reuse.

If swallowed, and the person is conscious, rinse mouth with water for at least 15 minutes.

Get medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a
medical professional.

NOTICE

Broken glass in the self-dimming rearview mirrors can cause electrolyte fluid leakage. Liquid
electrolyte leaked from a broken mirror glass will damage any plastic surfaces it comes in
contact with. Clean up spilled electrolyte fluid immediately with clear water and a sponge.

Inside mirror

Fig. 85 Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped).

Fig. 86 Manually adjustable inside mirror.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Adjust the inside mirror to make sure that there is good visibility through the rear window.

For example, visibility through the rear window could be impaired if there is a sunshade on the rear
window or clothing on the luggage compartment cover, or if the rear window is covered with ice, snow,
or dirt.

Manually adjustable inside mirror

Home position: Lever on the bottom edge of the mirror points forward.

To adjust to non-glare visibility, move the lever so that it points backward

⇒

fig. 86

Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped)

Key to

fig. 85

(1)

Indicator light

(2)

Switch

(3)

Sensor for recognizing the entry of light from the rear

(4)

Sensor for registering light from the front

Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction - part 8