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Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction - part 24

Wheel trim

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Hubcaps

Wheel bolt caps

Wheel covers

More information:

Exterior care and cleaning
Vehicle tool kit

Changing a wheel

WARNING

Unsuitable wheel covers and improper installation of wheel covers can cause accidents and
severe injuries.

Improperly installed wheel covers can come loose while driving and endanger other

motorists and cyclists.

Do not use damaged wheel covers.
Always make sure that the flow of air for brake system cooling is not blocked or reduced

before installing wheel covers. This applies to both factory-installed wheel covers and
aftermarket wheel covers. Insufficient air supply may significantly increase stopping
distance.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the vehicle, be careful when removing wheel covers and be sure to
install them properly.

Hubcaps

Fig. 173 Pulling the hubcap off.

Fig. 174 Twisting the hubcap off.

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

Depending on the vehicle model, the hubcaps can either be pulled off

⇒

fig. 173

or removed by

twisting

⇒

fig. 174

Vehicles with pull-off hubcaps

To remove Take the wire clip out of vehicle tool kit and hook it into one of the holes in the hubcap

⇒

fig. 173

Pull the hubcap off in the direction of the arrow.
To install Press the hubcap against the rim until it latches.

Vehicles with twist-off hubcaps

To remove Twist the hubcap to the left or right until it loosens from the wheel rim

⇒

fig. 174

  Grasp behind one of the lugs and pull the hubcap off.
  To install Push the hubcap onto the center of the rim.
  Press the hubcap against the rim until it latches.

Wheel bolt caps

Fig. 175 Pulling cover caps off wheel bolts.

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

Take the wire clip out of the vehicle tool kit

⇒ Vehicle tool kit.

Insert the wire clip through the opening of the cover cap

⇒

fig. 175

and pull off in the direction of

the arrow.

The caps are designed to protect the wheel bolts and should be installed again after the wheel
change.

Wheel covers

Fig. 176 Pulling the wheel cover off.

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

Pulling off the wheel cover

Take the lug wrench and wire clip out of the vehicle tool kit

⇒ Vehicle tool kit.

Place the wire clip hook in one of the openings of the wheel cover.

Slide the lug wrench through the clip

⇒

fig. 176

and pull the wheel cover off in the direction of the

arrow.

Installing the wheel cover

Make sure that the valve cutout is aligned with the tire valve, and press the wheel cover onto the
wheel rim. Make sure that the wheel cover is latched onto the rim along the entire circumference.

Changing a wheel

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Preparations for changing a wheel

Wheel bolts

Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack

Removing the subwoofer

Changing a wheel

After changing a wheel

Change a wheel by yourself only if the vehicle is parked in a safe location, you are familiar with safety
procedures and the technical steps, and you have proper tools available. Otherwise, get expert
assistance.

The vehicle jack can only be safely used to change the wheel on a vehicle that has only one flat or
damaged tire. If the vehicle does not have the support it needs from 3 fully inflated tires, the vehicle
can fall off the jack. If more than 1 tire on the vehicle is flat or damaged, do not lift the vehicle with the
vehicle jack. Instead, get expert assistance.

More information:

  Exterior views
  Vehicle key set
  Tires and wheels
  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  In an emergency
  Vehicle tool kit
  Wheel trim

WARNING

Changing a wheel, especially on the side of the road, can be dangerous. To help reduce the
risk of serious personal injury:

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off

the road where it is safe to change the wheel.

Always make sure that all passengers, especially children, are in a safe place outside the

vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic (such as behind a guard rail).

Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards

(25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.

Change a wheel by yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise,

get expert assistance.

Always switch the engine off, firmly apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission

into Park (P) (automatic transmission) or any gear (manual only) to help prevent the vehicle
from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.

Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If necessary, place the jack on a large

and sturdy board or on a similar ground support.

Always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed with chocks or other

similar things.

If you are towing a trailer, always unhitch it from your vehicle before starting to change

the wheel. Always apply the trailer brakes firmly and make sure the trailer cannot move
unintentionally.

Always use proper and undamaged tools when changing a wheel.
Once a wheel is lifted off the ground, having the transmission in Park (P) or in gear will not

prevent sudden vehicle movement.

Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Never use

other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other Volkswagen models.

To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never loosen

the screws on rims with threaded rim rings.

After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked with an accurate

torque wrench.

After changing a wheel or tire, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

⇒ Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS).

Preparations for changing a wheel

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

Checklist

Getting ready to change a wheel. Follow these steps in the order listed here

⇒

1. If you have a flat tire, move as far away from traffic as possible. Park the vehicle on a flat and level

surface where no part of the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with
flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Braking and parking.

3. Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P)

⇒ Shifting.

4. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

5. Manual transmission: Engage a gear

⇒ Shifting.

6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe place, such as behind a guard rail.

7. Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable things.

8. If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the trailer properly.

9. If the luggage compartment is loaded: Remove the luggage.

10. Raise and secure the luggage compartment floor.

11. If applicable: Remove the subwoofer

⇒ Removing the subwoofer.

12. Unscrew the fastening screw with washer counterclockwise and remove.

13. Take the spare or compact spare wheel and the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.

14. Take off the wheel covers

⇒ Wheel trim.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common

sense.

Wheel bolts

Fig. 177 Changing a wheel: Loosening the wheel bolts.

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

Loosen the wheel bolts only with the lug wrench that was supplied with the vehicle.

Loosen the wheel bolts only about 1 turn before lifting the vehicle with the jack.

If a wheel bolt does not come loose, carefully push the end of the lug wrench with your foot. Make sure
you are standing firmly on the ground and hold on to the vehicle for support.

Loosening the wheel bolts

Push the lug wrench over the wheel bolt all the way

⇒

fig. 177

Holding the lug wrench at the end, loosen the wheel bolt by turning it counterclockwise about 1

complete turn (360°)

⇒

Important information regarding wheel bolts

The design of rims and wheel bolts is matched to the factory-installed wheels. If different wheels are
installed, wheel bolts with the right length and bolt head shape must be used. The attachment of the
wheels and function of the brake system depend on this.

It may not be possible to use wheel bolts from different vehicles of the same model.

Wheel bolt tightening torque

Correctly tightened bolts for steel and alloy wheel rims should have a torque of 88 ft-lbs (120 Nm).
After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked right away with an accurate
torque wrench.

Before you check the tightening torque, replace corroded and difficult-to-turn wheel bolts and clean
the threads in the wheel hub.

Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hubs. The bolts can come loose while
driving if greased or oiled, even if tightened to the required torque.

WARNING

Improperly tightened wheel bolts can come loose while driving and cause you to lose control
over the vehicle, resulting in accidents and serious injuries.

  Only use wheel bolts that belong your vehicle and to the wheel being installed.
  Never use different wheel bolts.
  Wheel bolts and wheel hub threads must always be clean, easy-to-turn and free of oil and

grease.

  Only use the lug wrench that is supplied with the vehicle to loosen the wheel bolts.
  Loosen the wheel bolts only about 1 turn before lifting the vehicle with the jack.
  Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hubs. The bolts can come

loose while driving if greased or oiled, even if tightened to the required torque.

Never loosen bolted connections on wheel rims with bolted rim rings.
If the wheel bolts are not tightened to the proper torque, the wheel can come off the

vehicle when it is moving. Extremely high torque can damage the wheel bolts and/or their
threads.

Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack

Fig. 178 Lift points for the jack.

Fig. 179 Jack in position at the left rear lift point.

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

The jack must be positioned at one of the 4 lift points marked on the vehicle body (2 on each side as

shown in

⇒

fig. 178

). You must use the lift point closest to the wheel being changed

⇒

The vehicle may only be lifted by a jack positioned at one of the 4 jack lift points.

Checklist

For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed
⇒

1. Find a level spot on firm ground for lifting the vehicle.

2. Switch off the engine. Automatic transmission: shift the transmission into Park (P))

⇒ Automatic

transmission: Selector lever. Manual transmission only: shift into a gear

⇒ Manual transmission:

Gearshift lever. Then firmly apply the parking brake

⇒ Braking and parking to help prevent the

vehicle from moving.

3. If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the trailer properly.

4. Straighten the steering wheel so that the front wheels point straight forward.

5. Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable things.

6. Loosen the wheel bolts of the wheel to be changed

⇒ Wheel bolts.

7. Find the jack lift point on the vehicle frame that is closest to the wheel to be changed.

8. Insert the crank

⇒

fig. 172

(6)

into the opening on the vehicle jack

⇒

fig. 172

(4)

9. Crank up the jack so that it still just fits underneath the lift point.

10. Position the jack so that its base is directly underneath the lift point

⇒

fig. 179

, making sure that

the entire base of the jack rests securely on the ground.

11. Align the jack and wind up the jack claw at the same time, until the claw cradles the vertical rib

underneath the vehicle (arrow).

12. Continue cranking up the jack until the wheel is just a little off the ground.

WARNING

Improper use of your vehicle jack can cause the vehicle to fall off the jack leading to serious
personal injury. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:

Use only jacks approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle. Other jacks might slip, even those

approved for other Volkswagen models, but not for your vehicle.

Always set up the jack on firm and level ground. The vehicle may slip off the jack if the

jack is resting on soft or sloping ground. If necessary, place a sturdy board under the jack.

On a hard, slippery surface (such as a tiled floor), use an anti-skid rubber mat or

something similar to help prevent the jack from slipping.

Position the jack only at the described vehicle lift points. Before you raise your vehicle,

always make sure the jack claw properly grips the vertical rib under the sill so that the jack
does not slip off when you are raising the vehicle .

Never have any part of your body (such as your arm or leg) under the vehicle when it is

supported by the jack. Never let other persons have any part of their body under the vehicle,
either!

If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle

is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to
support the weight of the vehicle.

  Never lift the vehicle when it is tilted or inclined to one side or the engine is running.
  Never lift the vehicle when more than 1 tire is flat or damaged.
  Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by a jack. Engine vibrations may

cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common

sense.

Removing the subwoofer

Fig. 180 Under the luggage compartment floor: Subwoofer (if equipped).

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

The subwoofer, if equipped, is located under the luggage compartment floor and must be removed to
access the spare wheel.

Removing the subwoofer

Follow these steps in the order listed:

1. Raise and secure the luggage compartment floor

⇒ Storage.

2. Unscrew the handwheel

⇒

fig. 180

(1)

in a counterclockwise direction (arrow).

3. To release the connector, press and hold the center tab down with one hand

(2)

4. With the other hand, grasp the connector on both sides, and carefully pull the connector out of the

socket in the direction of the arrow (magnified view). Put the electric cable aside.

5. Remove the subwoofer carefully and place in a clean storage location.

Reinstalling the subwoofer

1. Reinstall the subwoofer carefully back into the recess. The tip of the arrow symbol “FRONT” on the

subwoofer must point toward the front of the vehicle

2. Insert the connector

(2)

into the socket until it clicks into place.

3. Turn the handwheel

(1)

clockwise to secure the subwoofer.

4. Carefully lower the luggage compartment floor back into place.

Changing a wheel

Fig. 181 Changing a wheel: Remove previously loosened wheel bolts using the screwdriver handle.

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

Removing the wheel

Review the checklist

⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel.

Loosen the wheel bolts

⇒ Wheel bolts.

Lift the vehicle

⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack.

Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel bolts using the hexagonal socket

in the screwdriver handle

⇒

fig. 181

. Place the wheel bolts on a clean surface.

Remove the wheel.

Mounting a spare or compact spare wheel

If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction

⇒ Tires and wheels.

Place the spare wheel or compact spare wheel on the axle.
Screw in the wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the

screwdriver handle.

Lower the vehicle with the jack.

Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise)

⇒

. Do not tighten them in

sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first
bolt, and so forth.

Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any

⇒ Wheel trim.

WARNING

Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of
vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.

Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease.

The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.

Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they

are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.

WARNING

Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.

Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle

acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!

Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on

the front axle (drive axle).

Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact

spare tires are designed for brief use only.

After changing a wheel

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

Clean the tools in the vehicle tool kit if necessary and stow them in the foam insert in the luggage

compartment

⇒ Vehicle tool kit.

Securely store the spare wheel, compact spare wheel, or the wheel you took off the vehicle in the

luggage compartment.

Have the wheel bolt tightening torque immediately checked with a torque wrench

⇒ Wheel bolt

tightening torque.

Have the damaged wheel replaced as soon as possible.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated after each tire change

⇒ Tire

Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Fuses

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Fuses in the vehicle

Replacing blown fuses

Due to ongoing development of the vehicle, configuration-dependent allocation of fuses and the
combined fuse protection of multiple loads with one fuse, an up-to-date overview of the fuse location
per load is not possible at the time of printing. Detailed information regarding fuse box layout is
available from authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.

In general, one fuse can protect several loads. One load can also be protected by several fuses.

Find out why the fuse blew and correct the problem before replacing a blown fuse. If a newly replaced
fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical system should be checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

More information:

Working in the engine compartment

WARNING

High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks, severe burns,
and even death!

Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic

ignition system.

Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.

WARNING

Using the wrong fuse, using a blown fuse that has been repaired, and using metal objects in
place of fuses to complete the electrical connection in the circuit can cause fires and serious
personal injury.

Never replace a fuse with one that has a higher amp rating. Replace a blown fuse only with

a fuse of the same amperage (same color and same imprint) and same overall size.

Never repair fuses.

Never replace fuses with a metal strip, a paper clip, or a similar object.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the electrical system, switch off all lights and accessories,

switch off the ignition, and remove the key from the ignition switch before replacing a fuse.

If a fuse is replaced with a fuse with higher amperage, this can also cause damage at

different locations in the electrical system.

Open fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture. Dirt and moisture in fuse boxes

can cause damage to the electrical system.

Fuses in the vehicle

Fig. 182 On the driver side in the instrument panel: Fuse box cover.

Fig. 183 In the engine compartment: Fuse box cover 1 with tweezers 2.

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

Replace a blown fuse only with a fuse of the same amperage (same color and same imprint) and
same overall size.

Fuse types

Regular blade fuse (ATO

Mini blade fuse (MINI

Cartridge fuse (JCASE

Fuse color coding

Color

Current strength in amps

(ATO

/MINI

)

Current strength in amps

(JCASE

)

Black

—

Light brown

—

Color

Current strength in amps

(ATO

/MINI

)

Current strength in amps

(JCASE

)

Brown

7.5

—

Red

Blue

Yellow

White or

clear

—

Green

Orange

—

Pink

Opening the fuse box in the instrument panel

Pull the lower part of the cover in the direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 182

and remove the cover from

the bottom. This action may require moderate force.

To install, guide the cover from the bottom into the instrument panel and push in the direction

opposite to the arrow until you can hear it latch into place.

Opening the fuse box in the engine compartment

Open the engine hood

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

Move the release tabs in the direction of the arrows

⇒

fig. 183

to unlock the fuse box cover

(1)

Remove the cover upward.
To install push the cover onto the fuse box. The locking tabs must latch with an audible “click.”

In some vehicles, there are plastic tweezers for removing fuses on the inside of the fuse box cover

(2)

NOTICE

To help prevent vehicle damage, be careful when removing fuse box covers and be sure to

reinstall them properly.

Open fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture. Dirt and moisture in fuse boxes

can cause damage to the electrical system.

The vehicle contains other fuses in addition to those mentioned in this section. Have these fuses

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

Replacing blown fuses

Fig. 184 Blown fuse: A: Blade fuse. B: JCASE® fuse.

Fig. 185 Removing or installing a blade fuse with the plastic tweezers: A: Blade fuse. B: JCASE® fuse.

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

Preparations

Switch off the headlights, the ignition, and all electrical consumers.

Open the appropriate fuse box

⇒ Fuses in the vehicle.

Identifying a blown fuse

Shine a flashlight on the fuse. This makes it easier to tell if the fuse has blown.
A blown blade fuse (ATO

, MINI

) has metal strips that have burned through, which you can see

through the transparent housing from above and from the side

⇒

fig. 184

A blown cartridge fuse (JCASE

) has metal strips that have burned through, which you can see

through the transparent housing from above B.

Replacing a fuse

In some vehicles, there are plastic tweezers for removing blade fuses on the inside of the fuse box
cover in the engine compartment.

Open the fuse box cover in the engine compartment

⇒ Fuses in the vehicle and remove the plastic

tweezers.

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