Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015 year). Instruction

Checklist

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every time you
refuel:

Windshield washer fluid level

⇒ Windshield wipers and washer

Engine oil level

⇒ Engine oil

Engine coolant level

⇒ Engine coolant

Brake fluid level

⇒ Braking and parking

Tire pressure

⇒ Tires and wheels

Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:

–  Turn signals
–  Low beams and high beams
–  Taillights
–  Brake lights
–  License plate lights

Information on replacing light bulbs:

⇒ Replacing light bulbs.

WARNING

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

Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

Fuel

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Gasoline

Gasoline additives

Diesel fuel

The correct fuel grade for your engine is shown on a sticker located on the inside of the fuel filler flap
⇒

fig. 161

Bad or poor quality fuel reduces operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. If you
notice any symptoms like rough engine idle or performance, “bucking,” or if an indicator light comes on
⇒ Indicator lights and fuel gauge, immediately reduce the vehicle speed, accelerate slowly, and keep

the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range. Avoid high rpm and rapid acceleration. If these
symptoms should appear right after refueling, switch off the engine. In both cases contact an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the engine checked.

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

Refueling
Engine control and exhaust system

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel can cause fire, explosion, and severe burns.

  Fuel is highly explosive and flammable and can cause severe burns and other injuries.
  Heed applicable safety warnings and obey local fuel handling regulations.
  Always make sure the fuel cap is screwed on all the way. This keeps fuel from spilling out

and from evaporating.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle fully into the

vehicle's filler neck could cause fuel overflow and fuel spray. Fuel spray and overflowing fuel
are dangerous because they can cause fire or serious injury.

For safety reasons, the engine must be turned off when refueling.
Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. Static electricity can
cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released during refueling.

Gasoline

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

Octane rating

Octane rating indicates a gasoline's ability to resist engine-damaging “knock” caused by pre-ignition.
Using the correct grade of gasoline is very important to help prevent engine damage and loss of
engine performance.

The recommended gasoline octane rating for your engine is listed on a label inside of the fuel filler
flap. This rating may be specified according to AKI (CLC) or RON (ROZ) standards.

If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more infor-
mation on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site,
http://www.toptiergas.com.

The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane
ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:

Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI

Unleaded gasoline

Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you
do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.

Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE

You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly
referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:

Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):

  Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
  Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
  Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.

Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol.

Blends of gasoline and MTBE:

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.

Seasonally adjusted gasoline

Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change,
Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely
to be made earlier.

WARNING

Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI/91 RON. Using lower octane fuel may

cause expensive engine damage.

Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic

converter.

Methanol-blended fuels that do not meet the criteria listed above may cause corrosion and

may damage plastic and rubber parts in the fuel system.

Never use fuels that contain lead or other metals (check listing on the fuel pump). Even lead

replacement gasoline (LRP fuels) contain metallic additives in high concentrations. They can
damage the engine.

Do not use fuels that fail to meet the criteria above, or with contents that cannot be identi-

fied.

If you cannot tell whether a particular fuel blend meets the criteria above, ask your service

station or its fuel supplier. If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance
problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel.

Using fuels that are different from those specified above can damage your vehicle's engine

and fuel system and cause performance problems.

Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels

that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Even a single tank full of leaded fuel can do major damage to the catalytic converter and degrade

its effectiveness in reducing polluting emissions.

If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these

fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel. Never use fuel line antifreeze offered
for gasoline engines.

Gasoline additives

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

Additives are used to improve the quality of the gasoline.

Fuel quality impacts the operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. Therefore,
use high quality gasoline that is already blended by the fuel supplier with suitable gasoline additives
that do not contain metal. The additives provide corrosion protection, clean the fuel system, and help
prevent deposits on the engine.

Volkswagen recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. For more information on TOP TIER Deter-
gent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site http://www.toptiergas.com.

If quality gasoline with additives that do not contain metal is not available or engine malfunctions

occur, you should add the required additives while refueling

⇒ .

Not all gasoline additives are effective. Using the wrong additives can cause significant and expensive
damage to the engine and the catalytic converter. Never use additives that contain metal. Please note
that metal can be included in some aftermarket gasoline additives that are available to be added to
gasoline during or after refueling to help improve knock resistance or increase the octane rating.

Volkswagen recommends using only additives approved by Volkswagen. Appropriate additives as well
as instructions on how to use them are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Do not add any other gasoline additives.

NOTICE

You can damage the engine by using incorrect additives.

Using incorrect gasoline additives can cause extensive engine damage as well as damage

to the catalytic converter.

If you must fuel your vehicle with gasoline whose octane rating is too low, only drive with

the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range and with low engine load. Avoid high rpm and
heavy engine load. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Refuel your vehicle with gasoline
with the required octane rating as soon as possible.

Do not use fuel that is labeled at the pump as containing metal. Lead replacement fuel

contains high concentrations of metallic additives. Engine damage could result.

Fueling your vehicle just one time with leaded fuel or fuel that contains other metallic addi-

tives can affect the performance of the catalytic converter and cause extensive damage to it.

Diesel fuel

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

Always use only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel No. 2

⇒ .

The ULSD must always meet ASTM D-975 specification

⇒ .

“ULSD” should be clearly marked on the pump. Before filling your vehicle, please always make sure
you are using ULSD. According to Federal regulations ULSD is the only diesel fuel type allowed for
use in your vehicle.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 5 % (B5), such as B11, B20,
or B100 when B5 biodiesel is available, is contrary to the terms of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
and is strictly prohibited.

ULSD diesel fuel may not be available outside the USA and Canada. Be sure to check availability
before traveling to other countries.

Winter diesel

At temperatures below +20 °F (-7 °C), wax separation in ULSD occurs. Wax may clog the fuel filter or
tank filter and keep the engine from running.

To help prevent the filter from being clogged with wax, the fuel filter in your vehicle is heated with
warm fuel when the engine is running (filter preheating system). Heating the fuel filter makes it possi-
ble to use your vehicle with ULSD down to about -10 °F (-24 °C).

If you expect temperatures below +5 °F (-15 °C) ask your fuel dealer if their ULSD is sufficiently win-
terized.

If non-winterized or insufficiently winterized diesel fuel has already thickened to the point that the
engine will not start, move the vehicle to a heated garage or workshop until it has warmed up.

Cold diesel engines normally produce louder noises during winter conditions than during warmer
periods. In addition, the exhaust gases may be light blue in color until the engine has warmed up. The
exhaust gas volume varies depending on the outside temperature.

Do not let your diesel engine idle unnecessarily after a cold start. Driving off slowly will shorten the
warm-up period.

Biodiesel use in vehicles registered in a state that has laws or regulations for biofuels
which may restrict the availability of biodiesel blends of B5 or less

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, clean-burning and renewable partial substitute for conventional
(petroleum) diesel fuel.

Your vehicle was originally designed to run on “ULSD” – Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975
standard Grade No. 2-D (S15)] that complies with ASTM D-975 specifications and permits up to a
maximum blend of 5 % biodiesel (B5).

In some states, laws or regulations for biofuels may restrict the availability of biodiesel blends of B5 or
less. If your vehicle is registered in one of these states, we want to assure you that Volkswagen will
continue to honor the terms and conditions of the Volkswagen Limited Warranties that came with your

vehicle. Use only Biodiesel from high quality sources, certified by the BQ-9000 label at the fuel station
and complying to ASTM D 7467 S15, B6 to B20.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 20 % (B20), such as B100
is still contrary to the terms of your Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty
and remains strictly prohibited.

Biodiesel blends (up to B20) may be used in your vehicle; however, please be aware that biodiesel
has characteristics that are different from other kinds of fuel, especially petroleum-based fuels.

Biodiesel can attract water and also deteriorate with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the
engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in
the engine to rise and can affect the quality of the oil.

Routinely check the engine oil level. A good time to do this is when you refuel, especially if you

regularly do a lot of short distance or stop-and-go driving. This will help you see if the engine oil level
is getting higher. (A rising oil level beyond the maximum indicator means an oil change is needed due

to the dilution of the oil in the system; a potential characteristic of biodiesel use)

⇒ Engine oil.

If you ever notice that the engine oil level has risen or is above the maximum indicator, contact

your authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or Volkswagen Customer
CARE to schedule an oil change – regardless of the time or mileage that has elapsed since you last
had an oil change performed.

Continue to follow the oil change intervals found in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet that

came with your vehicle, and use only engine oil that expressly complies with Volkswagen quality
standard VW 507 00.

Refuel only at trusted, commercial fueling stations that are located near main highways. These

stations are more likely to have “fresh” biodiesel fuels that have not aged significantly.

If your vehicle will be in storage (or not driven) for several weeks or months, please completely fill

the fuel tank. If possible, fill the tank with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975 standard Grade
No. 2-D (S15)].

If you have additional questions about your TDI

Clean Diesel vehicle, please call or write to us at:

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer CARE
3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel.: 1-800-444-8982

WARNING

Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason,

never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use
with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel sys-
tem and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same

applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help pre-
vent leaks and serious damage.

Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels

The vehicle is warranted to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester biodiesel in concen-

trations of 5 % or less. Never use methyl ester biodiesel in blend levels higher than 5 % (5 %
methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5) unless your vehicle is regis-
tered in a state that has laws or regulations for biofuels which may restrict the availability of
biodiesel blends of B5 or less. The properties of methyl ester biodiesel blends in levels greater
than 5% will void coverage for related engine damage under the Emission warranties or any
other Volkswagen Limited Warranty, unless your vehicle is registered in a state that has laws
or regulations for biofuels which may restrict the availability of biodiesel blends of B5 or less.

Biodiesel especially in concentrations higher than B5, can attract water and also deteriorate

with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it
does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in the engine to rise and can affect
the quality of the oil and if not detected and remedied promptly, will ultimately result in engine
damage.

Selective catalytic reduction (AdBlue

)

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

AdBlue information

Refilling AdBlue

AdBlue

is the brand name of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) that is a chemical reactant to reduce

nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust emission from your Clean Diesel engine. Volkswagen recommends
AdBlue, but you can use any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to International Organiza-
tion for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does not meet the requirements
of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine.

The fill level of AdBlue should be checked every time the vehicle is serviced

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance.

More information:

  Luggage compartment
  Fuel
  Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition was
switched off. It is also not possible to jump-start or emergency start the vehicle!

Refill AdBlue when the AdBlue fuel range falls to about 600 miles (1000 km).

Never let the AdBlue tank run dry.

WARNING

AdBlue is an irritating and corrosive fluid that can harm skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and
respiratory organs.

If AdBlue gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean water for

at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.

If AdBlue is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth for at least 15 minutes with plenty of

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

NOTICE

AdBlue corrodes surfaces such as painted vehicle components, plastics, clothing and

carpets. Remove spilled AdBlue immediately with a wet cloth and plenty of cold water.

Remove crystallized AdBlue with warm water and a sponge.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause or meaning
⇒

Proper response

No engine restart possible!
AdBlue fill level too low.

Stop the vehicle at a safe and
appropriate place with level
pavement and refuel AdBlue

No engine restart possible!
AdBlue system malfunction.

Have the system checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

together

with

AdBlue level is low.

Refill the AdBlue tank within the
indicated number of miles or
kilometers. Volkswagen rec-
ommends taking the vehicle to
an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

AdBlue system malfunction-
ing or not filled with standard
AdBlue.

Have the system checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

together

with

AdBlue level is low.

Refill the AdBlue tank within the
indicated number of miles or
kilometers. Volkswagen rec-
ommends taking the vehicle to
an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

AdBlue system malfunction-

Have the system checked by an

Lights

Possible cause or meaning
⇒

Proper response

together

with

ing or not filled with standard
AdBlue.

authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

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.

AdBlue information

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

In vehicles with selective catalytic reduction, a special urea solution (AdBlue) is injected into the ex-
haust system ahead of the catalytic converter in order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

AdBlue is stored in a separate tank of the vehicle and should be refilled under normal driving condi-
tions during service according to the maintenance schedule. The AdBlue tank holds about 4 gallons
(about 15.4 liters).

AdBlue consumption depends on individual driving style, system operating temperature, and outside
air temperature. Therefore in rare cases AdBlue may have to be refilled between service events.

Starting with a remaining range of about 1500 miles (2400 km), a reminder to refill AdBlue is displayed

in the instrument cluster

⇒ Refilling AdBlue. If you ignore the last refill reminder, it is impossible to

start the engine again after it is switched off

⇒ Warning and indicator lights.

Volkswagen recommends that you have the AdBlue tank refilled by an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If no authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop is available, you should refill at least 1 gallon
(3.8 liters) of AdBlue (2 AdBlue bottles). Refill only the type of AdBlue that Volkswagen has explicitly
approved for your vehicle.

If warning lights and

both come on together, there is a malfunction. Volkswagen recommends

that you take the vehicle to the closest qualified workshop.

AdBlue

is a registered trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in the

United States, Germany, the European Union and in other countries. AdBlue meets International
Organization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1.

Refilling AdBlue

Fig. 163 Right rear side of the vehicle: Opening the fuel filler flap.

Fig. 164 AdBlue tank with filler neck cap 1 and refill bottle 2.

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

When refilling AdBlue, the vehicle must be parked on a level surface, not on an incline or with the
wheels on one side up on the curb. If the vehicle is not on level ground, the gauge that shows the fill
level may not register the added quantity.

Opening the AdBlue tank filler neck

The fuel filler flap is located at the right rear of the vehicle.

Press on the back part of the fuel filler flap and fold open

⇒

fig. 163

(arrow).

Unscrew the AdBlue tank filler neck cap

⇒

fig. 164

(1)

counterclockwise and remove.

Refilling AdBlue

Only use Volkswagen-approved AdBlue

or any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms

to International Organization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that
does not meet the requirements of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine.
Only use fluid in original, unopened packaging.

Read and heed the information provided by the AdBlue refill manufacturer

⇒ .

Note the expiration date.
Unscrew the cap of the refill container.

Vertically insert the neck of the refill container

(2)

into the AdBlue tank filler neck and turn clock-

wise to hand-tighten.

Press the refill container in the direction of the tank filler neck and keep pressed.
Add at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of AdBlue, which is 2 refill bottles. Adding a smaller amount is

not sufficient.

Wait until the contents of the refill container have flowed into the AdBlue tank. Do not squeeze or

damage the refill container!

Unscrew the refill container counterclockwise and lift it out carefully

⇒ .

AdBlue stops flowing from the refill bottle when the AdBlue tank is completely full.

Closing the fuel filler neck

Screw the fuel filler neck cap

(1)

clockwise onto the fuel filler neck until the cap locks into place.

Close the cover.

Things to do before driving again

  After refilling, switch on only the ignition.
  Leave the ignition switched on for at least 30 seconds so that system can detect the refill.
  Do not start the engine for 30 seconds!

WARNING

Store AdBlue only in its closed original container and in a safe place.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never keep AdBlue in empty food or beverage containers

that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always store AdBlue outside the reach of children.

NOTICE

Use only AdBlue or any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to International Or-

ganization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does not meet the
requirements of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine.

Never mix water or any other substances or additives with AdBlue. Damage caused by such

additives will not be covered by any Volkswagen limited warranty.

Never put AdBlue into the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise the engine may be damaged!
Do not carry a refill container in the vehicle all the time or routinely. Due to temperature

fluctuations and damage, the container could start leaking and the AdBlue could damage the
vehicle interior.

Dispose of the refill container in an environmentally-responsible manner.

Appropriate AdBlue refill containers can be obtained from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Working in the engine compartment

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Display

Preparing to work in the engine compartment

Opening or closing the engine compartment

Always position the vehicle on a firm and level surface before doing any work in the engine compart-
ment.

The engine compartment of a vehicle is a hazardous area. Never do any work on the engine or in the
engine compartment unless you

know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools and supplies, 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 author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

More information:

  Exterior views
  Windshield wipers and washer
  Starting and stopping the engine
  Brake fluid
  Checks while refueling
  Engine oil
  Engine coolant
  Vehicle battery
  Exterior care and cleaning
  Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement during maintenance work can cause serious personal injuries.

Never work under the vehicle unless you have safely secured the vehicle from moving. If

you must work under the vehicle with the wheels on the ground, always make sure that the
vehicle is on level ground, that all 4 wheels are chocked to keep them from moving, and that
the key is not in the ignition.

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. The jack supplied with the vehicle is not strong enough for
this purpose and can collapse causing serious personal injury.

WARNING

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.

Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the engine compartment. Always

follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.

Never perform any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry

out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.

If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified work-
shop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)

headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician. Serious personal injury may re-
sult from improperly performed work.

Never open or close the engine hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant

can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine.

Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
Hot parts of the engine and the exhaust system 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

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access.

– 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.

WARNING

High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even elec-
trocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!

Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables.

The vehicle's battery could explode!

To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or

being started:

– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage elec-
tronic ignition system.

– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.

Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine compart-

ment

⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment.

WARNING

Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.

Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can

cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-
controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while
and the key has been removed from the ignition.

If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks

from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.

– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotat-
ing engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie
back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in
moving engine parts.

– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a
check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.

Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools.

Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.

WARNING

Additional materials in the engine compartment such as blankets can interfere with the oper-
ation of the engine and can cause fires, which can lead to serious injuries.

Never cover the engine with blankets or other materials.

WARNING

Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing
burns and other serious personal injuries!

  Never smoke near the engine compartment.
  Never work next to open flames or sparks.
  Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids

can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.

If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:

– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when
you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.

– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.

Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

NOTICE

When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reser-
voirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage.

Fluid leaks and spills are harmful to the environment. Regularly check the ground underneath

your vehicle for this reason. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle checked by your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Dispose of leaked operating
fluids properly.

Display

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

Lights up Possible cause

Proper response

Icon ap-
pears in

the dis-

play

Engine hood not properly
closed.

Stop!

Close the engine hood.

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.

If the engine hood is open or not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster

display showing the open engine hood

⇒

fig. 11

Depending on your vehicle's equipment and options, the icon may still be displayed even after the
ignition is switched off as long as the key has not been taken out of the ignition. The icon in the in-
strument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.

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