Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction

Engines

Engine oil specification

Gasoline engines

VW 502 00
VW 503 00
VW 504 00

At the time this Manual was printed, the engine oils available in the U.S. that meet these Volkswagen
standards are “synthetic” oils. This does not mean, however, that any “synthetic” engine oil will meet
Volkswagen standards. Always use an approved oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil
quality standard that applies to your vehicle's engine.

General recommendations:

If “synthetic” oil that meets the applicable Volkswagen oil quality standard with viscosity grade
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is not available in your area, be sure to use a viscosity grade suitable for
the climate, season, and operating conditions that exist where the vehicle is used. Make sure the oil

meets the quality standard listed in

⇒ table 306.

Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and changes.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

If you need to add oil and there is none available that meets the Volkswagen oil quality

standard your engine requires, you may add a total of no more than 1/2 quart (0.5 liter) of a
high-quality “synthetic” oil that meets ACEA A3 specifications and has a viscosity grade of
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30.

Use only a high quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality

standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine
damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Do not mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine

damage! Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen
Limited Warranty.

Engine oil capacities

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

Engines

Engine oil capacity (with filter)

210 hp (155 kW) 2.0 L gasoline engines

About 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)

Checking the engine oil level and adding oil

Fig. 154 Oil dipstick with engine oil level marks.

Fig. 155 In the engine compartment: Engine oil filler cap.

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

Checklist

Perform the steps in the order listed

⇒

1. With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to help prevent an

incorrect oil level reading.

2. Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the oil pan.

3. Open the engine hood

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

4. Find the oil filler opening and the dipstick. You can identify these by the

symbol on the engine

oil filler cap

⇒

fig. 155

and the colored handle on the dipstick. If you are not sure where the cap

and the dipstick are located, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility for assistance.

5. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe the dipstick off using a clean cloth.

6. Reinsert the dipstick into the guide tube and push it all the way in. If there is an alignment tab on

the top of the engine oil dipstick, make sure it lines up with the notch in the guide tube, and that the
dipstick goes all the way in.

7. Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick

⇒

fig. 154

as described below:

(A)

: Do not add any oil

⇒

. Continue with step 15.

(B)

: Oil may be added, depending on the oil level. Continue with step 8 or step 15.

(C)

: You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.

8. After reading the oil level, reinsert the dipstick back into the guide tube and push it all the way in.

9. Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening

⇒

fig. 155

10. Only add engine oil that Volkswagen has approved for that engine. Add the oil gradually in small

quantities (no more than 1 pint / 0.5 liter).

11. To help prevent overfilling, you must wait about 1 minute each time you add oil so that the oil can

flow into the oil pan up to the marking on the dipstick.

12. Read the oil level on the dipstick again before adding another small amount, if necessary. Never

add too much oil

⇒

13. After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the

⇒

fig. 154

(B)

area, but never above

(B)

⇒

14. After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak

out while the engine is running.

15. Insert the oil dipstick back in the guide tube and push it all the way in.

16. Close the hood

⇒

Engine oil level ranges

Required action according to the respective engine oil level:

Range

(A)

Do not refill oil

⇒

Range

(B)

You may add oil, as long as the oil level does not go above the

(B)

range.

Range

(C)

You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). After adding oil, make sure that the
oil level is about in the middle of the

(B)

range.

WARNING

Engine oil can ignite when it touches hot engine parts. This can cause fires, burns, and other
severe injuries.

Never spill oil on the engine. Oil spilled on a cold engine can also cause a fire when the

engine warms up.

Always make certain that you screw the cap of the engine oil filler opening back on tightly

after adding oil and that the dipstick has been pushed all the way back into the in the guide
tube. This helps prevent engine oil from leaking onto the hot engine when the engine is
running.

NOTICE

Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above range

(B)

. Contact an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the catalytic
converter and engine can be damaged!

When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct

reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and
engine damage.

The engine oil level should never be above range

(B)

. Otherwise oil can be drawn in by the

crankcase ventilation system and enter the atmosphere via the exhaust system.

Engine oil consumption

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

To provide effective lubrication and cooling for internal engine parts, all internal combustion engines
use some oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change over the life of the
engine. Engines tend to use more oil during the break-in period than they do afterward, when oil
consumption has stabilized.

Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on oil quality as well as viscosity, engine
speed (rpm), outside temperature, road conditions, the amount of oil dilution caused by condensed
water or fuel residue, and oxidation of the oil. Oil consumption may increase with engine wear over
time, until replacement of worn engine parts may become necessary.

Volkswagen recommends that you to check the engine oil level at regular intervals, preferably every
time you fill the fuel tank, and always before a long trip. Your vehicle may consume engine oil
depending on several variables. A maximum of 1 quart per 1200 miles (1 liter per 2000 km) would be
considered normal. New vehicles may consume more oil over the first 3000 miles (5000 km).

The oil pressure warning light is not an indicator of low engine oil level. If the warning light
stays on or flashes while driving (above 1500 rpm), a chime will sound. It indicates that the oil
pressure is too low. Stop the engine immediately, check the engine oil level and add oil if
necessary. If the engine oil level is normal, but the light continues to flash, do not keep driving
or let the engine idle, as damage may occur.

If you believe your engine uses too much oil, we recommend that you consult your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility so that the cause of your concern can
be properly diagnosed. Please keep in mind that accurate measurement of oil consumption requires
great care and may take some time. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility have instructions for how to measure oil consumption accurately.

Depending on the way the vehicle is driven and the operating conditions, oil consumption can be

up to 1 quart per 1200 miles (0.5 liter per 1000 km). Consumption may be higher for new vehicles
during the first 3000 miles (5000 km).

Changing engine oil

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

The engine oil must be changed according to the intervals specified in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance.

Changing oil at regular intervals is very important because the lubricating properties of oil decrease
gradually during normal vehicle use. If you are not sure when to have the oil changed, ask your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Sometimes, engine oil should be changed more often than specified for normal use. Change oil more
frequently if you often drive short distances, in dusty areas or in stop-and-go traffic, or if you use your
vehicle where temperatures stay below freezing for long periods.

Volkswagen recommends that you have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

⇒

. They have the required expertise and

special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running a short
time. This is normal and no reason to change engine oil more often.

WARNING

If you must change the engine oil yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:

Always wear eye protection.
To reduce the risk of burns from hot engine oil, let the engine cool down completely

before beginning.

When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, stay as far away as possible. Always

keep your forearm parallel to the ground to help prevent hot oil from running down your arm.

Drain the oil into a container designed for this purpose, one large enough to hold at least

the total amount of oil in your engine.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage

containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin

by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

Before changing the oil, first make sure you know where you can properly dispose of the old oil.

Dispose of the old oil an environmentally-responsible manner. Never dump the old oil on garden

soil, in wooded areas, in the street, into streams, rivers, or bodies of water, or down sewage drains.

Recycle used oil by taking it to a collection facility for used engine oil in your area, or contact an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends that you always have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They have the required expertise
and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Engine coolant

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge

Engine coolant specifications

Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Never do any work on the coolant system unless you

know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools, supplies, and operating fluids, and

are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

⇒

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

More information:

  Trailer towing
  Working in the engine compartment
  Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Engine coolant is poisonous!

Always keep the coolant in its original container stored in a safe place.
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never store engine coolant in empty food or beverage

containers or in any other containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper

antifreeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will
be used.

At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break

down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at
subfreezing temperatures.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids and

dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge

Fig. 156 Engine coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster: A Engine cold; B Normal temperature
range; C Warning zone.

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

If the indicator in the engine coolant temperature gauge is located in the cold range

(A)

, the engine

has not reached operating temperature. High engine speeds and heavy engine loads should be
avoided.

Under normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle of the gauge. The temperature
may go higher when the engine is working hard, especially in hot weather.

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.

The following table explains what to do if the engine coolant temperature warning light does not go
out a few seconds after the engine is started or starts flashing while driving.

Flashes

Temperature

gauge needle

⇒

fig. 156

Possible cause

Proper response

(C)

Warning zone

Engine coolant
temperature too high.

Stop!

Pull off the road and stop as soon as you
can do so safely. Stop the engine and let it
cool down until the temperature needle is in
the normal range again. Check the engine
coolant level and add engine coolant if
needed
If the engine coolant level is correct or the
problem continues after adding coolant and
driving a short distance, do not drive any
farther. Contact the nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
If the coolant level is correct, the
overheating may be caused by a radiator
fan fault. Check the fuses and replace as
necessary

Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.

Flashes

Temperature

gauge needle

⇒

fig. 156

Possible cause

Proper response

(B)

Normal range

Engine coolant level too
low.

Check the engine coolant level after the
engine has cooled down and add engine
coolant if low
If the engine coolant level is correct or the
problem continues after adding coolant, do
not drive any farther. Contact an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
These instructions apply only when the
coolant temperature stays in the normal
range. Stop immediately if the needle goes
into the red warning zone

(C)

–

Engine coolant system
malfunction.

Stop!

Get assistance from an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility, or another
qualified workshop.

–

(A)

Cold range

The engine has not yet
warmed up.

Do not drive at high engine speeds or with
heavy engine loads until the engine warms
up.

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.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

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

Engine coolant specifications

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

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially conditioned water and at
least 40 percent of Volkswagen engine coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J). This engine coolant
additive is pink.

This mixture provides antifreeze protection down to -13 °F (-25 °C). It also helps to protect the light
alloy parts in the engine cooling system against corrosion. In addition, the mixture helps prevent
calcium deposits and increases the boiling point of the engine coolant.

To protect the engine, the mixture must always contain at least 40% coolant additive even in warm
weather or climates where antifreeze protection is not needed.

If more antifreeze protection is needed for climate conditions, the percentage of coolant additive can
be increased. However, the coolant additive percentage must never be more than 60%; otherwise,
antifreeze protection is reduced and the ability of the mixture to cool the engine is also reduced.

When adding engine coolant, use a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13

or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) for optimum corrosion protection

⇒

Do not mix G 13 with G 12 plus or G 11. Mixing these coolant additives together significantly reduces

corrosion protection

⇒

and can lead to engine damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen

Limited Warranty.

WARNING

Too little antifreeze protection in the engine cooling system can cause engine failure and
severe injuries.

Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper

antifreeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will
be used.

At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break

down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at
subfreezing temperatures.

NOTICE

Never mix original Volkswagen engine coolant additives with other additives not approved by
Volkswagen. Mixing Volkswagen coolant additives with coolant additives made by other
manufacturers can seriously damage the engine and the engine cooling system.

If the fluid in the engine coolant reservoir is any color but pink, then G 13 was mixed with a

different engine coolant. If this is the case, the engine coolant must be replaced immediately.
Otherwise serious malfunctions or engine damage can occur!

Engine coolant and engine coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking

operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations.

Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Fig. 157 Coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment.

Fig. 158 Coolant expansion tank cap in the engine compartment.

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

If the coolant level drops too low, the engine coolant level/temperature warning light comes on.

Preparations

Park the vehicle on level ground.

Always let the engine cool down

⇒

Open the engine hood

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

There is a symbol on the cap of the engine coolant expansion tank

⇒

fig. 158

Checking engine coolant level

When the engine is cold, check the engine coolant level relative to the marking on the side of the

expansion tank

⇒

fig. 157

If the coolant level in the tank is below the minimum mark (“min”), add coolant. When the engine is

warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper edge of the marked range.

Adding engine coolant

Always protect face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with

a large, thick rag.

Carefully unscrew the cap

⇒

Add only new engine coolant according to Volkswagen specifications (

⇒ Engine coolant

specifications)

⇒

Only refill coolant if there is coolant in the expansion tank. If there is no coolant visible in the

expansion tank, the engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank,
do not drive the vehicle. Seek professional assistance.

If you can see coolant in the expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains stable.
The engine coolant level must be inside the marks on the side of the expansion tank . Do not fill

above the top edge of the filling range!

⇒

Screw the lid tightly.
Even in an emergency, do not use any other kind of coolant additive if engine coolant that meets

Volkswagen specifications (

⇒ Engine coolant specifications) is not available! Instead, add distilled

water only

⇒

. As soon as possible, have the correct coolant ratio restored using engine coolant

that meets Volkswagen specifications

⇒ Engine coolant specifications.

WARNING

Hot steam and hot engine coolant can cause serious burns.

Never open the hood if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.

Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine.

Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood. Hot

components will burn skin on contact.

When the engine 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 engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.

The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the

coolant expansion tank cap when the engine 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.

Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot

parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire. Under some conditions, the ethylene
glycol in engine coolant can catch fire.

NOTICE

Use distilled water only when adding coolant! All other types of water contain chemical

compounds that can cause extensive corrosion damage to the engine. This can even lead to
engine failure. If you have added non-distilled water, take the vehicle immediately 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.

Refill engine coolant only up to the top edge of the marked fill range . Excess engine

coolant may be forced out of the engine cooling system when it gets hot and cause damage.

In the case of significant engine coolant loss, refill engine coolant only when the engine is

completely cooled down. Significant engine coolant loss is a sign of leaks in the cooling
system. Have the engine cooling system checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the engine may be damaged!

Do not refill engine coolant if there is no coolant in the expansion tank. Air could enter the

cooling system. Do not drive the vehicle! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result in
engine damage.

When changing or topping off operating fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the

correct reservoirs. Serious malfunctions and engine damage can result if you pour operating
fluids into the wrong reservoir.

Vehicle battery

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning light

Checking the vehicle battery electrolyte level

Charging, replacing, disconnecting, and connecting the vehicle battery

The standard 12 Volt vehicle battery is part of the vehicle electrical system.

Never do any work on the vehicle electrical system unless you

know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools, and

are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

⇒

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.

Location of the vehicle battery

The 12 Volt vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery

Symbol

Meaning

Always wear eye protection!

Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always wear protective
gloves and eye protection!

Fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking are prohibited!

When a battery is charged, it produces hydrogen gas
which is highly explosive!

Always keep children away from battery acid and
vehicle batteries!

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

Working in the engine compartment
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

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.

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.

  When you change a light bulb, always switch off the light first.
  Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
  Always wear eye protection. Never let battery acid or lead particles come into contact with

your eyes, skin, or clothing.

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.

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.

When disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect

the negative cable (-) first and then the positive cable (+).

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.

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
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.

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).

If the battery has a vent line or tube, make sure that it is properly connected to the battery.

WARNING

California Proposition 65 Warning

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

Do not expose the vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as

ultraviolet rays may damage the battery housing.

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.

Warning light

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Alternator malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
the electrical system checked.
Switch off unnecessary electrical loads. The
vehicle battery will not be charged by the
alternator as you drive.

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.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

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

Checking the vehicle battery electrolyte level

Fig. 159 In the engine compartment: Open the sleeve covering of the vehicle battery.

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

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

Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

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

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.

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.

Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness.

Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.

  Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the battery vents and burn you.
  Never open a vehicle battery.
  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.

Charging, replacing, disconnecting, and connecting the vehicle battery

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

Charging the vehicle battery

Vehicle batteries should be charged by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility because the factory-installed battery requires a charger with overload

protection

⇒

Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction - part 20