Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction

Replacing the vehicle battery

The battery in your vehicle is specially developed for its location, with special dimensions and safety
features. Before buying a new battery, ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility what batteries are suitable with regard to electro-magnetic compatibility,
dimensions, required maintenance, performance, and safety specifications. Have the battery replaced
by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only use maintenance-free vehicle batteries meeting standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. These
standards must date from July 2012 or later.

Disconnecting the vehicle battery

If the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system, note the following:

Switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery; otherwise the alarm system will go off.

First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+)

⇒

Connecting the vehicle battery

Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.

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

⇒

After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may light up.
They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator lights
do not go out, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
and have the vehicle checked.

If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly

calculated and displayed

⇒ Instrument cluster. The maximum permissible service and maintenance

intervals are shown in the

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance.

Vehicles with Keyless Access

If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and

unlock it again

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access. Then try to start the ignition

again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.

Automatic electrical load deactivation

If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical system management automatically
takes steps to help prevent battery drain.

  The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.
  The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.
  When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets is temporarily interrupted.

The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For
example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking
lights are left on for a long time when parked.

What drains the vehicle battery?

  Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.
  Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.
  Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
  The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than Park (P) when the

ignition is switched off

⇒ Automatic transmission: Selector lever.

WARNING

Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short
circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.

Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof batteries with the same

specifications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on
the battery housing.

WARNING

When the vehicle battery is charged, it produces highly explosive hydrogen gas.

Charge vehicle batteries only in well-ventilated areas.
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures

around +32 °F (0 °C).

You must replace the vehicle battery if it was frozen.
Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short-circuit. First connect the positive cable (+)

and then the negative cable (-).

NOTICE

Never disconnect the vehicle battery or connect 2 vehicle batteries to each other when the

ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Doing this may damage the electrical system
or electronic components.

Never use a vehicle battery that does not meet the specifications for the vehicle battery for

your vehicle. Using the wrong battery can damage the electrical system or electronic
components and cause electrical malfunctions.

Never connect power generating equipment, such as a solar panel or battery charger, to the

12 Volt socket in order to charge the vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle's electrical
system.

Dispose of the vehicle battery according to regulations. Vehicle batteries contain poisonous

substances such as sulfuric acid and lead.

Battery acid can pollute the environment. Catch leaking operating fluids and dispose of them

properly.

Exterior care and cleaning

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Washing the vehicle

Washing with a power washer

Cleaning windows and outside mirrors

Cleaning and changing the windshield wiper blades

Waxing and polishing vehicle paint

Caring for and cleaning chrome and aluminum parts

Cleaning wheel rims

Caring for rubber door and window seals

Deicing door lock cylinders

Undercoating

Cleaning the engine compartment

Regular and expert care helps to preserve the value of your vehicle. Such expert care may also be
one of the requirements of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty if corrosion repair or repainting is
necessary.

Vehicle care products are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

More information:

  Power locking system
  Power windows
  Windshield wipers and washer
  Working in the engine compartment
  Interior care and cleaning
  Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Vehicle care products can be dangerous. Improper use can cause accidents, burns,
poisoning, or other serious personal injuries.

  Always store vehicle care products only in original containers that are securely closed.
  Always read and heed all the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package.
  To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use empty food or beverage containers that might

mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always keep vehicle care products out of the reach of children.
Always use such products outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, because harmful vapors

may be released when these products are used.

Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail polish remover or other volatile fluids for

vehicle care. They are poisonous and highly flammable.

WARNING

Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can impact the safety features of the
vehicle and cause severe injuries.

Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.

Only use approved or recommended cleaners.

NOTICE

Vehicle care products containing solvents can damage plastics and other vehicle the materials.

Wash the vehicle only at specifically designated wash locations to help prevent water

contaminated with oil, grease and fuel from entering the storm drain sewer system. In some areas it is
against the law to wash motor vehicles anywhere than other than at specified designated car washing
locations.

When buying vehicle care products, try to choose those that are not harmful to the environment.

Never throw out vehicle care products with ordinary household waste. Always read and heed all

the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package.

Washing the vehicle

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

The longer insect splatter, bird droppings, tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot, road salt,
and other aggressive materials stay on your vehicle, the more damage they do to the paint finish. High
temperatures (including strong sunlight) increase the corrosive effects. The vehicle underbody should
also be washed regularly and thoroughly.

Car wash

Pay close attention to the information provided by the car wash operator. Before going through a
car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions to help prevent damage, such as closing the windows,
folding back the outside mirrors, etc. If you have installed additional accessories on the vehicle, such
as a spoiler, a roof rack, or an antenna, always ask the car wash operator if this poses a problem
⇒

The paint finish is tough enough that the vehicle can normally be washed without problems in an
automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the type of car
wash. Volkswagen recommends using brushless car wash facilities.

To remove wax residue from the windows and avoid jerky windshield wiper movement, heed the

following tips

⇒ Cleaning windows and outside mirrors.

Washing by hand

When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse off as much dirt as
possible.

Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing mitt or brush using only light pressure. Start
on the roof and work down. Use special shampoo only on hard-to-remove dirt or grime.

Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.

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.

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.

Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the

underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.

NOTICE

  The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).
  To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
  Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle.

These can damage the paint finish.

Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For

best results use soapy water.

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!

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:

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!

Switch off the rain sensor before driving the vehicle through a car wash

⇒ Rain sensor.

Make sure there is enough clearance for the height and width of the vehicle.
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.

Fold the outside mirrors toward the vehicle body.
Lock the rear hatch to help prevent unintentional opening in the car wash.

Washing with a power washer

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

Always follow the instructions for the power washer. This especially applies to the pressure and

spraying distance

⇒

Make sure there is enough distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulating material as
well as the sensors of the Park Distance Control system (if equipped). The Park Distance Control

system sensors can be found in the rear and, if applicable, front bumper

⇒

Make sure there is enough distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulating material.

Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called dirt blasters

⇒

Never use a power washer to clean the engine compartment

⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment.

WARNING

Improper use of power washers can cause serious invisible permanent damage leading to tire
failure and loss of vehicle control. This can cause accidents and severe personal injury.

Keep sufficient distance between water jet and tires. Never wash tires with a nozzle that

sprays the water out in a direct stream regardless of the distance to the tire and even for a
very short time.

Never use “dirt blasters” to clean tires. Even spraying from a relatively long distance for a

very short time can do visible or invisible damage to tires.

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.

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.

NOTICE

  Water temperature should not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).
  To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
  In order for Park Distance Control to work correctly, the sensors in the rear bumper must be

kept clean and clear of snow and ice.

When using a power washer or steam cleaner, only spray the sensors directly for a short

period of time and always keep the nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the sensor.

Do not clean icy or snow-covered windows with a power washer.
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!

Cleaning windows and outside mirrors

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

Cleaning windows and outside mirrors

Spray windows and outside mirrors with a commercially available alcohol-based window cleaner.

Dry windows and mirrors with a clean chamois or a lint-free cloth. Do not use a chamois that has been
used to wipe painted surfaces because it will have absorbed an oily residue that will smear the glass
surfaces.

Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to remove rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits

⇒

Removing wax residue

Automatic car washes and vehicle care products can leave a wax residue on all glass surfaces.
These wax residues can only be removed with special cleaners or cleaning cloths. Wax residue left on
the windshield can cause the windshield wipers to grab and squeak instead of gliding smoothly. We
recommend that after every car wash you remove any wax residue left on the windshield with a
window cleaning cloth/chamois G 052 522 A1 or equivalent.

Windshield wiper squeak and grab can be reduced by filling the windshield washer fluid tank with a
wiper fluid containing wax-removing agents. Make sure to maintain the proper mixing ratio when

refilling the washer fluid tank. Grease-removing cleaning agents cannot remove wax residue

⇒

Windshield cleaners, special cleaners, and cleaning cloths are available from your authorized
Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Removing snow

Remove snow from all windows and outside mirrors with an appropriate brush.

Removing ice

The best way to remove ice is with a deicer spray. When using an ice scraper always scrape in one
direction, never back and forth. Dirt can scratch the glass when moving the scraper backward.

WARNING

Dirty or fogged up windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe
injuries.

Don't drive until you have clear visibility through all windows.

Remove ice, snow and condensation from all inside and outside window surfaces.

NOTICE

Never mix recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents in the windshield

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

Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This could

cause the glass to crack!

The heating elements for the rear defroster are on the inside of the rear window. Do not put

stickers over the heating elements on the inside of the rear window and never clean the inside
of the windows with corrosive or acidic cleaning agents or other chemicals that could damage
the heating elements.

Antennas installed on the insides of windows can be damaged by abrasive objects or by

corrosive or acidic cleaning agents or other chemicals. Do not place any stickers on the
windshield-integrated antenna and never clean the antenna with corrosive or acidic cleaning
agents or other chemicals.

Cleaning and changing the windshield wiper blades

Fig. 160 Changing the windshield wiper blades.

Fig. 161 Changing the rear window wiper blades.

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

Factory-installed wiper blades have a graphite coating. The graphite coating lets the wiper blades glide
smoothly over the windshield. If this coating is worn or damaged, the wipers may grab or squeak.

Check all wiper blades regularly. Wiper blades that grab and squeak must be replaced if worn or

damaged and cleaned if dirty

⇒

Replace worn or damaged wiper blades immediately. Replacement blades may be purchased from
any authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Lifting and tilting windshield wiper arms

Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting them away from the windshield
⇒ Windshield wipers and washer.
It is not possible to lift the wiper arms away from the windshield when they are not in the service
position.

When lifting or replacing a wiper blade on a window, grip it only by its mounting and not by the blade
itself.

Cleaning the wiper blades

Lift the wiper arm(s) away from the windshield.
Using a soft cloth, carefully remove dust and dirt from the wiper blades.

If the blades are very dirty, carefully clean them with a sponge or cloth

⇒

Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.

Changing the wiper blades on the windshield

Lift the wiper arm(s) away from the windshield.

Press and hold the release button

⇒

fig. 160

(1)

While lifting the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm, pull off the wiper blade in the direction

of the arrow. This may require moderate force.

Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite

direction of the arrow until it latches.

Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.

Changing the rear window wiper blade

Lift the wiper arm away from the window.

Press and hold the release button

⇒

fig. 161

(1)

While lifting the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm (arrow

(A)

), pull off the wiper blade in

the direction of the arrow

(B)

. This may require moderate force.

Install a new wiper blade of the same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the

opposite direction of the arrow

(B)

until it latches.

Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the window.

WARNING

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

Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn, and if they cannot clean the

windows sufficiently.

NOTICE

Damaged or dirty wiper blades can scratch the windshield.
Solvents, abrasive sponges and sharp-edged objects will damage the graphite coating on

the wiper blades.

Do not clean the windows with gasoline, nail polish remover, paint thinner or similar fluids.
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.

Waxing and polishing vehicle paint

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

Waxing

A good coat of wax helps to protect the vehicle paint. When water no longer forms small drops and
runs off when the paint is clean, apply a new coat of good hard wax to protect the vehicle again.

Even if a wax solution is used regularly at the car wash, Volkswagen recommends applying a coat of
hard wax at least twice a year to protect the paint.

Polishing

Polish your vehicle if the paint has lost its shine and the gloss cannot be brought back with wax.

The vehicle must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal
the paint.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage, do not use hard wax or polish on matte-finished parts, plastic

parts, headlights or rear lights.

Do not wax or polish your vehicle if it is dirty, or in a sandy or dusty place.

Caring for and cleaning chrome and aluminum parts

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

Clean the surface using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water.
If the surface is especially dirty, use a special solvent-free cleaning material.

Then polish chrome and aluminum parts with a soft, dry cloth.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to chrome and aluminum parts:

  Do not clean or polish in direct sunlight.
  Do not clean or polish in sandy or dusty places.
  Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive sponges.
  Do not polish dirty surfaces.
  Do not use cleaning materials that contain solvents.
  Do not use hard wax.

NOTICE

Chrome wheel covers and hubcaps can have an extra coating. Do not treat them with chrome
care or polishing products. Use regular paint care and polishing products.

Cleaning wheel rims

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

Cleaning steel wheels

Stubborn brake dust can be removed with an industrial cleaner. Clean steel wheels regularly with a
separate sponge.

Repair any paint damage on steel wheels before rust begins to form.

Cleaning alloy wheels

Every 2 weeks: Wash road salt and brake dust off alloy wheels, and clean the wheels with an acid-
free detergent. Every 3 months: Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the
wheels.

If road salt and brake dust are not removed regularly, they can corrode the metal.

Use an acid-free detergent specifically designed for light alloy wheels. Do not use car polish or other
abrasive products.

If the protective coating is damaged, for example by stone impact, repair the damaged area right
away.

Caring for rubber door and window seals

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

The rubber seals around the doors and windows will stay soft and flexible, seal better and last longer if
the seals are treated regularly with a suitable rubber care product.

Before applying the treatment, use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.

Do not apply any rubber care products to the rubber seals on the body in the areas around the

windows in the driver and front passenger doors. The product could run down onto the windows and
smudge them.

Deicing door lock cylinders

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

Volkswagen recommends using only genuine Volkswagen deicer spray with lubricating and anti-
corrosive properties to deice door lock cylinders.

NOTICE

Lock deicers that contain grease solvents can cause the lock cylinder to rust.

Undercoating

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

The vehicle underbody is coated to help protect it from corrosion and damage. The undercoating could
be damaged during normal use. We therefore recommend that you have the protective coatings on the
underbody and suspension inspected regularly, and repaired if necessary.

WARNING

Undercoating and rustproofing products can catch fire on the hot exhaust system or any
other hot engine component.

Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold, the

exhaust pipes, the catalytic converter, the heat shields, or any other hot vehicle component.

Cleaning the engine compartment

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

The engine compartment of a vehicle is a dangerous area

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

If necessary, the engine compartment should be cleaned by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Incorrect cleaning procedures could remove corrosion
protection and damage electrical components, among other things. In addition, water could enter

directly into the vehicle interior through the plenum chamber

⇒

Never use a power washer to clean the engine compartment

⇒

If the engine compartment is extremely dirty, have it cleaned professionally by your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Plenum chamber

The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between windshield and engine, under a
perforated cover. Outside air is taken into the vehicle interior from the plenum chamber via the climate
control system.

Regularly remove leaves and other loose objects from the plenum chamber cover by hand or with a
vacuum cleaner.

WARNING

Injuries, scalding, electric shock, accidents, and fire hazards can occur while working on the
engine or in the engine compartment!

Before working in the engine compartment, be sure to familiarize yourself with the

necessary procedures and generally accepted safety precautions

⇒ Working in the engine

compartment.

Volkswagen recommends having the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Spraying or pouring water (for example, with a power washer) into the plenum chamber can
cause severe damage to the vehicle.

Wash the engine compartment only in special wash bays so that the oily dirt and fuel residue

that are washed off the vehicle will not enter the sewage system. In some areas it illegal to wash the
engine compartment anywhere other than at such specified locations.

Interior care and cleaning

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Caring for upholstery

Cleaning upholstery, fabric trim and Alcantara

Care and cleaning of leather upholstery

Cleaning leatherette

Cleaning storage compartments and cup holders

Care and cleaning of plastic components, wood trim and instrument panel

Cleaning the safety belts

Modern clothing fabrics such as dark denim may not be completely colorfast. Even with normal use,
dye from these and other fabrics can rub off on seat upholstery and leave visible discolorations
(especially on light-colored seat upholstery). This is caused by a lack of colorfastness in the clothing
fabric, not by any fault in the seat upholstery fabric. To help prevent damage to the seat upholstery,
always make sure your clothing is colorfast. Volkswagen recommends having a qualified specialist
remove any discolorations from the seat upholstery.

The longer stains, dirt and other deposits remain on the surfaces of vehicle components and
upholstery, the more difficult it may be to clean them. If stains, dirt and deposits are left untreated for a
long time, they may become impossible to remove.

More information:

Exterior care and cleaning
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Vehicle care products can be dangerous. Improper use can cause accidents, burns,
poisoning, or other serious personal injuries.

mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always keep vehicle care products out of the reach of children.
Always use such products outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, because harmful vapors

may be released when these products are used.

Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail polish remover or other volatile fluids for

vehicle care. They are poisonous and highly flammable.

WARNING

Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can compromise the vehicle's safety
features and cause serious personal injury.

Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.
Only use approved or recommended cleaners.

NOTICE

Vehicle care products containing solvents can cause irreparable damage to plastics and

other vehicle materials.

Stains, dirt and other deposits that contain aggressive substances or solvents can corrode

vehicle materials and cause permanent damage, even after brief contact with the surface.

Remove stains, dirt, and other deposits as quickly as possible and do not allow them to dry.
To help prevent damage, have stubborn stains removed by a professional who has the

necessary expertise and experience.

Suitable care products are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized

Volkswagen Service Facilities.

Caring for upholstery

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

Checklist

Please note the following when it comes to the care and preservation of the upholstery

⇒

Open Velcro

fasteners can damage upholstery, fabric, and trim. Before you get into the vehicle,

close all Velcro

fasteners that could come into contact with upholstery fabrics and cloth trim.

Sharp-edged objects and items on clothing and belts (such as belt clips, mobile phone cases,

zippers, rivets, and rhinestones) can damage upholstery material and fabric trim. To help prevent
damage, do not let such items come into direct contact with the upholstery and fabric trim.

Dust and dirt particles in pores, folds, and seams can have a “scouring” effect on material and

damage the surface. Remove dust and dirt regularly to help prevent permanent surface damage.

Check clothing for color-fastness to help prevent upholstery discoloration, especially to light-

colored upholstery.

NOTICE

Disregarding the upholstery-related checklist may lead to damage or discoloration of
upholstery and fabric trim.

Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

Volkswagen recommends having any discoloration removed by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Cleaning upholstery, fabric trim and Alcantara

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

Cleaning upholstery on heated seats and power seats or seats with airbag components

Airbag components and electrical connectors may be installed in the driver seat, the front passenger
seat, and in the outer rear seats. Damaging, cleaning and handling incorrectly, or wetting or soaking

these seat surfaces and backrests can damage the vehicle electrical system and prevent the airbag

system from working properly

⇒

Electrical components and connectors that could be damaged by incorrect cleaning or handling are

installed in power seats and heated seats

⇒

. This can also result in damage to other parts of the

vehicle electrical system.

For this reason, read and follow these cleaning instructions:

  Do not use power washers, steam cleaners, or cooling spray.
  Do not use detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions.
  Do not wet the surface completely.
  Only use cleaning products approved by Volkswagen.
  If you have questions or concerns, consult a professional cleaner.
  Before using any cleaning agent, familiarize yourself with instructions and warnings on the

packaging.

Vacuum upholstery, fabric trim, Alcantara

upholstery, and carpeting regularly with a suitable brush

attachment.

A soft sponge or a commercially available lint-free microfiber cloth may be used for general

cleaning

⇒

Clean Alcantara

surfaces with a damp cotton or wool cloth or a commercially available lint-free

microfiber cloth

⇒

Upholstery and fabric trim with light generalized soiling can be cleaned with a commercially available
dry-foam cleaner.

If the upholstery and fabric trim pieces are heavily soiled, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before you begin cleaning to learn about suitable cleaning
options. If necessary, have the cleaning done by a professional.

Cleaning upholstery on non-heated seats, manual seats, or seats without airbag
components

Before using any cleaning agent, familiarize yourself with instructions and warnings on the

packaging.

Vacuum upholstery, fabric trim, Alcantara

upholstery, and carpeting regularly with a suitable brush

attachment.

Do not use power washers, steam cleaners, or cooling spray.
A soft sponge or a commercially available lint-free microfiber cloth may be used for general

cleaning

⇒

Clean Alcantara

surfaces with a damp cotton or wool cloth or a commercially available lint-free

microfiber cloth

⇒

Upholstery and fabric trim with light generalized soiling can be cleaned with a commercially available
dry-foam cleaner.

Treating stains

When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean the entire surface and not just the stain itself. This
is especially true if the entire surface has become dirty from normal use. Otherwise, the area that is
treated may become lighter than the untreated area. If you have questions or concerns, consult a
professional cleaner.

Type of stain

Recommended cleaning for fabric and upholstery

Water-based stains, such
as coffee or fruit juice.

– Moisten a sponge with water and rub the stain gently with a circular
motion.
– Wipe dry with an absorbent cloth.

Persistent stains, such as
chocolate or make-up.

– Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products.
– If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.

Grease-based stains, such
as oil, lipstick, etc.

– Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products.
– If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.

WARNING

If there is a malfunction in the airbag system, the airbag may not deploy correctly or at all, or
it may deploy unexpectedly. This could cause fatal injuries.

Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

If the upholstery on power seats, heated seats, or seats with airbag components is wet,
electrical components and the vehicle electrical system could be damaged.

If the seating surface becomes soaked, have it dried and the system components checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Do not use steam cleaners because the steam could cause the dirt to penetrate deeper into

the fabric and make it impossible to remove.

Power washers and cooling sprays can damage the upholstery.

NOTICE

Clean only the carpet and floor mats with brushes. Other textile surfaces can be damaged

by brushes.

If detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge, the

surfactants in the detergent may cause visible lines to form at the edges of the area where the
detergent was applied. These lines are generally difficult or impossible to remove.

NOTICE

Do not soak Alcantara

Do not treat Alcantara

with leather care products, solvents, floor wax, shoe polish, stain

remover or similar products.

Do not use brushes for damp cleaning, because they can damage upholstery surfaces.
Do not use a steam cleaner, because dirt will penetrate deeper into the fabric.

Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction - part 21