Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction

Rear Assist

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Special considerations

Camera

Operation

Parking

Depending on equipment, the vehicle may be equipped with a Rear Assist rearview camera.

A camera in the rear hatch assists the driver while backing up or maneuvering. The camera image is
shown together with the orientation lines projected by the system on the screen of the factory-installed
Infotainment system.

Rear Assist may take a few seconds to bring up the camera image.

The functions and displays of the Rear Assist camera may vary on vehicles with or without Park

Distance Control (PDC)

⇒ Park Distance Control (PDC).

More information:

  Exterior views
  Infotainment system
  Park Distance Control
  Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Rear Assist is not able to give you a clear and undistorted view of all areas behind the
vehicle.

The Rear Assist camera has blind spots in which it cannot detect people and objects.
Always be careful and look around you when parking. The Rear Assist camera cannot

show people, animals, and objects in certain situations. Watch out for small children and
animals in particular.

Due to the screen resolution or low-light conditions, the camera may not pick up thin

posts, chain-link fences and similar fences, and other objects, or it may not show them
clearly.

The Rear Assist camera lens enlarges and distorts the field of vision and causes objects

on the screen to appear altered and imprecise.

Always keep the camera lens clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the lens.

WARNING

Rear Assist technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and the limits of the system.
Careless or unintentional use of Rear Assist may result in accidents and severe injuries.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions.

Always keep an eye on the parking direction and the vehicle surroundings. The front of

the vehicle swings out more than the rear of the vehicle.

Never pay so much attention to the graphics shown on the screen that you fail to notice

what is going on around you.

Always watch for people, especially small children, animals, and objects, because the

Rear Assist camera may not always be able to detect them.

The system may not be able to clearly show everything behind the vehicle.

Use Rear Assist only when the rear hatch is completely closed.

NOTICE

The Rear Assist camera shows only two-dimensional images on the screen. Due to the lack

of depth of field, it may be difficult or impossible to identify protruding objects or recesses in
the road, for example.

Things like thin rods, fences, posts, and trees may not be detected by the Rear Assist

camera and could damage the vehicle.

Special considerations

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

Requirements for parking and maneuvering with the Rear Assist camera

Checklist

The rear hatch must be closed.

A reliable and clear image must be displayed and the Rear Assist camera lens must be clean

⇒

fig. 138

There must be a clear and complete view of the area behind the vehicle.

The rear of the vehicle must not be heavily loaded.

The driver must be familiar with the system.

The position of the Rear Assist camera has not changed, such as after a rear-end collision. If the

position of the camera has changed, have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends practicing parking and maneuvering with Rear Assist in a safe place with
little or no traffic or in a parking lot under good visibility and weather conditions to familiarize yourself
with the system, the orientation lines, and the way they work.

Rear Assist camera settings

Depending on equipment, various settings, including brightness, contrast, and color, can be adjusted
by tapping the function keys - or + , or by moving the corresponding slider.

To change the settings follow these instructions:

Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Parking brake.

Switch on the ignition.

Switch on the Infotainment system (if not already on)

⇒ Infotainment system.

  Shift into Reverse (R).
  Tap the function key.
  Adjust the desired settings in the menu.

It is not possible to open the rear hatch if the Volkswagen emblem is folded out.

Camera

Fig. 138 In the rear hatch: Location of the Rear Assist camera.

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

The Rear Assist camera

⇒

fig. 138

(magnified view) displays only two-dimensional images. Recesses

and protruding objects on the ground or protruding parts on other vehicles may be difficult or
impossible to identify due to the lack of depth of field.

Objects or another vehicle may seem closer or farther away on the screen than they really are.

Examples of optical distortion by the camera:

– When driving from a level surface onto an upward or downward slope.

– When driving up or down a slope onto a level surface.

– If the rear of the vehicle is heavily loaded.

– When approaching protruding objects. These objects can disappear from the field of view when

backing up.

Cleaning the camera lens

Keep the camera lens clean and free of snow and ice:

Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.

Switch on the ignition (but do not start the engine).

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Parking brake.

Shift into Reverse (R).

Wet the camera lens with a commercially available alcohol-based glass cleaner and clean with a

dry cloth

⇒

Remove snow with a brush.

Remove ice with deicer spray

⇒

Shift the vehicle out of Reverse (R).
Switch off the ignition.

NOTICE

Never use abrasive cleaning agents to clean the camera lens.
Never remove snow or ice on the camera lens with warm or hot water. This can damage the

camera lens.

Applicable only in the United States

Operation

Fig. 139 In the Infotainment system: Rearview camera display (display may vary depending on vehicle
equipment).

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

Key for displays

⇒

fig. 139

Symbol

Meaning

Depending on vehicle equipment: Switch the PDC display on.

Depending on vehicle equipment: Switch the PDC display off.

Close the current display.

Depending on vehicle equipment: Switch the PDC sound on or off.

Key for displays

⇒

fig. 139

Symbol

Meaning

Setting display: brightness, contrast, color.

Depending on vehicle equipment: Display PDC.

Switching the Rear Assist camera on and off.

The Rear Assist rearview camera switches on and off automatically.

Function

Action with the ignition on

Vehicles without Park Distance

Control

Vehicles with Park Distance Control

Switch on the

display

automatically:

Shift into Reverse (R).

Switch off the

display

automatically:

Switch off the ignition.

OR: drive forward faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) or for longer than 10 seconds.

OR: Shift out of Reverse (R) and wait

about 10 seconds.

OR: Immediately after shifting out of

Reverse (R).

Switch off the

display

manually:

Press one of the Infotainment system buttons or tap the function key on the

screen.

OR: Tap the function key .

The PDC full screen mode is displayed

Show the

display again:

Shift out of Reverse (R), then shift back into Reverse (R).

OR: Tap the function key

Parking

Fig. 141 On the screen: Orientation lines for the parking space behind the vehicle. A: Searching for a parking
space, B: Backing into the parking space, C: Maneuvering.

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

Key to diagram

⇒

fig. 141

Meaning

—

Lateral green lines: Projection of the vehicle (widened somewhat) toward the rear. The

green lines stop about 6 feet (2 meters) behind 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 Assist camera

Step

Action:

The requirements for parking and maneuvering with the Rear Assist camera must be

fulfilled

Position the vehicle in front of the parking space

(2)

Shift into Reverse (R).

Reverse slowly and steer the vehicle B so that the lateral green orientation lines lead into

the parking space

(2)

Step

Action:

Pay attention to the message in the display: Look! Safe to move?

⇒

Align the vehicle in the parking space B so that the green orientation lines are parallel with

the parking space

(3)

Stop the vehicle C before (or at the very latest, when) the horizontal red line reaches the

rear boundary, for example, a curb

(4)

Park Distance Control (PDC)

Applicable only in the United States

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Operation

PDC signal chimes and displays

PDC menu

Depending on equipment, the vehicle may be equipped with the Park Distance Control system (PDC).

The Park Distance Control (PDC) system can help the driver when backing up and parking.

PDC uses ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers to measure the distance between the vehicle and
objects. The system uses the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to bounce back from the object to
calculate the distance between the vehicle and an object. PDC works only at speeds up to about 5–
10 mph (10–15 km/h).

A Declaration of Compliance with United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is found in the

Consumer information section of this Manual

⇒ Consumer information.

More information:

  Exterior views
  Infotainment system
  Braking and parking
  Rear Assist
  Consumer information
  Exterior care and cleaning
  Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Park Distance Control is no substitute for careful and attentive driving. Never rely completely
on these systems for information about people and objects that might be in the way of the
vehicle and could be struck resulting in serious personal injuries.

The sensors have blind spots in which they cannot detect people, animals, and objects.
Always be careful and look around you when parking. The sensors cannot always detect

people, animals, and objects. Watch out for small children and animals in particular.

Certain types of clothing and the surfaces of certain objects do not reflect the ultrasonic

waves that the sensors send and receive. Such objects and persons wearing such clothing
will not be detected by PDC or will not be detected accurately.

Noise in the area can interfere with the signals of the Park Distance Control sensors.

Under certain circumstances, the system will not detect people and objects for this reason.

NOTICE

Things like trailer draw bars, thin rods, fences, trees, narrow painted vertical poles, posts,

or a rear hatch that is opening may not be detected by the Park Distance Control sensors and
could damage the vehicle.

If you continue driving closer to an object that the Park Distance Control has already

detected and reported, the object may disappear from the sensor range and may no longer be
detected. This is especially true for low or high objects. The system will no longer sound
warnings about these objects. Ignoring signals from the Park Distance Control system could
result in serious damage to the vehicle.

The sensors in the bumpers can be damaged or become misaligned in low speed impacts

and parking maneuvers. Damaged or misaligned sensors cannot accurately detect or report
objects that might be within range of the PDC system.

To help make sure that the system works properly, always keep the sensors in the bumpers

clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the sensors with stickers or other objects.

When cleaning the sensors with power washers or steam cleaners, only spray the sensors

directly for a very short time, and always keep the washer nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from
the sensors.

Noise from rough roads, cobblestones, other vehicles and the surrounding area, for

example, can prevent the Park Distance Control system from accurately detecting and
reporting people and objects that may be within range of the sensors.

Aftermarket components such as bicycle racks can impair the function of the Park Distance

Control system.

Volkswagen recommends practicing with the Park Distance Control system in a location or

parking space with no traffic in order to become familiar with the system and how it works.

Applicable only in the United States

Operation

Fig. 142 In the front and rear bumpers: Park Distance Control system sensors.

Fig. 143 In the center console: Button to switch the Park Distance Control system on or off.

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

The Park Distance Control (PDC) uses ultrasonic sensors to determine the distance from the front or
rear bumpers to an obstacle. There are 4 sensors for the PDC located in rear bumper (B) and

additional sensors in the front bumper (A)

⇒

fig. 142

(arrows).

The intermittent and permanent signal chimes given by the front PDC sensors are of a higher pitch
than those given by the rear PDC sensors. This is a standard feature.

The warning signals can be adjusted in the Infotainment system menu

⇒ Infotainment system.

Switching the Park Distance Control (PDC) system on and off

In order to

Operation (when the ignition is switched on)

Manually activate PDC:

Press the

button once.

Manually deactivate

PDC:

Push the

button again.

Manually deactivate the

display (sound stays

active):

Press a function selection button on the factory-installed Infotainment

system

OR: Tap the function key on the screen.

Automatically activate

PDC:

Shift into Reverse (R).

OR: Depending on vehicle equipment, when the vehicle rolls backwards.

Automatically deactivate

PDC:

Shift into Park (P).

OR: Drive forward faster than about 5–10 mph (10–15 km/h).

Mute the PDC volume:

Tap the

function key.

Changing from mini PDC

display to full-screen

mode.

Shift into Reverse (R).

OR: Depending on vehicle equipment, when the vehicle rolls backwards.

OR: Tap the mini PDC function key.

Switch to the rearview

camera display (if

equipped):

Shift into Reverse (R).

OR: Tap the

function key.

The indicator light in the

button

⇒

fig. 143

lights up and stays on as long as the feature is active.

Automatic activation

When the PDC is activated automatically, a mini PDC display will appear on the left-hand side of the

screen

⇒

fig. 145

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:

If the vehicle accelerates to a speed greater than 6–9 mph (10–15 km/h) and then drops below that

speed again.

OR: if the selector lever is moved to Park (P) and then out of that position again.
OR: if automatic activation is activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system menu.

Automatic activation with mini PDC display can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment

system

⇒ Infotainment system.

When automatic activation is activated, signal chimes are sounded 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.

The PDC sensors have blind spots where they cannot detect people or objects.
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
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Applicable only in the United States

PDC signal chimes and displays

Fig. 144 PDC display of the area surrounding the vehicle.

Fig. 145 Mini PDC display of the area surrounding the vehicle.

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

Key to elements in the color display

fig. 144

and

fig. 145

Meaning

(A)

Scanned area behind the vehicle.

(B)

Scanned area in front of the vehicle.

System fault in the scanned area.

The yellow segment represents an obstacle in the vehicle’s path.

Red segment depicts an obstacle located close to the vehicle.

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. 144

. 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
system 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

obstacle

Signal tone

Segment color if an

obstacle has been

detected

color display only)

Vehicles with PDC at the front and rear

Area of the vehicle

Distance of the

vehicle from an

obstacle

Signal tone

Segment color if an

obstacle has been

detected

color display only)

(A)

Rear center

Obstacle

not in the

vehicle’s

path

about 12 – 63 in.

(31 – 160 cm)

–

Grey

Rear side

about 12 – 23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(B)

Front center

about 12 – 47 in.

(31 – 120 cm)

Front side

about 12 – 23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(A)

Rear center

Obstacle in

the

vehicle’s

path

about 12 – 63 in.

(31 – 160 cm)

Intermittent

tone

Yellow

Rear side

about 12 – 23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(B)

Front center

about 12 – 47 in.

(31 – 120 cm)

Front side

about 12 – 23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(A)

(B)

Obstacle outside of the
collision area

about 0 – 12 in.

(0 – 30 cm)

Intermittent

tone

Red

(A)

(B)

Obstacle in the collision
area

about 0 – 12 in.

(0 – 30 cm)

Constant

tone

Red

WARNING

Do not allow the images shown on the screen to distract you from the traffic around you.

NOTICE

Failure to observe the illuminated text messages can lead to the vehicle being damaged.

It can take a few seconds before the area scanned by the sensors is displayed on the screen of

the factory-installed Infotainment system.

Applicable only in the United States

PDC menu

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

PDC settings in the Infotainment system menu

Switch on the ignition.

If necessary, switch on the Infotainment system.

Press the

button.

Tap the

function key.

Tap the Parking aids function key.

Select the required settings in the PDC menu.

Function button: action

Automatic activation : If the box in the function key is checked , the mini PDC will be switched on

automatically when the vehicle slowly approaches an obstacle located to the front. Tap

Automatic

activation again to switch off this function. After deactivation, the PDC will not be activated

automatically when the vehicle approaches an obstacle located to the front.

Front volume : Different volumes can be set separately for the signal chimes for the front by tapping

the - or + function keys, or by adjusting the control.

Front pitch : Different pitches can be set for the signal chimes for the front by tapping the - or +

function keys, or by adjusting the control.

Rear volume : Different volumes can be set for the signal chimes for the rear by tapping the - or +

function keys, or by adjusting the control.

Rear pitch : Different pitches can be set for the signal chimes for the rear by tapping the - or +

function keys, or by adjusting the control.

Audio lowering : Setting the level to which the Infotainment system volume should be reduced when

the PDC is active.

Audio volume reduction

Menu option

Explanation

Off

The volume in the Infotainment system is not reduced.

Low

The volume in the Infotainment system is reduced slightly.

Medium

The volume in the Infotainment system is reduced to medium.

Strong

The volume in the Infotainment system is reduced to a minimum.

Muting the Park Distance Control volume

You can mute the PDC beeping signals by tapping the

function key on Infotainment system screen

(if applicable). Tap the function key again to reactivate the acoustic signals.

Switching Park Distance Control back on after it was switched off reactivates the volume. System
malfunction warning signals cannot be switched off.

If you manually deactivate the display, PDC remains on and the sound is reactivated.

The mute setting is active if the PDC was switched on using the

button when the selector is in Park

(P).

Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction - part 17