Volkswagen Golf (2015 year). Instruction

12 Volt sockets in the vehicle

Fig. 121 In the lower center console: 12 Volt socket.

Fig. 122 In the luggage compartment: 12 Volt socket.

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

Maximum power draw

Socket

Maximum power draw

12 Volts

120 watts

The maximum power draw at any one socket must never be exceeded. Electrical devices should have
information on them that says how much power they draw.

If 2 or more electrical devices are connected at the same time, the total power draw of all connected

devices must never be more than 190 watts

⇒ .

12 Volt socket

The 12 Volt socket works only when the ignition is switched on.

If the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the vehicle battery will be drained by any device that
is plugged in and turned on. For this reason, never use the electrical sockets unless the engine is
running.

To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical devices connected to a
12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.

The vehicle may have 12 Volt sockets at the following places:

In the lower center console

⇒

fig. 121

In the luggage compartment

⇒

fig. 122

In the front center armrest storage compartment

⇒ Storage compartment in the front center

armrest.

NOTICE

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connected devices!
Never exceed the maximum power consumption, or the entire vehicle electrical system may

be damaged.

12 Volt socket:

– Only use equipment that has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility and complies
with applicable guidelines.
– Never feed current into the socket, with a solar panel, for example.

Unshielded devices may interfere with radio reception or the vehicle's electrical system.

Starting and stopping the engine

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Starter button

Starting the engine

Stopping the engine

Electronic immobilizer

Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG

automated transmission.

Immobilizer display

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used or the system malfunctions, a message may appear on the
instrument cluster display. The engine cannot be started.

Push-starting and tow-starting

For technical reasons, never try to push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Jump-start the vehicle instead
while following proper and safe procedures.

More information:

  Vehicle key set
  Shifting
  Steering
  Braking and parking
  Starting assistance systems

  Refueling
  Fuel
  Emergency closing and opening
  Jump-starting
  Towing

WARNING

Switching off the engine while the vehicle is moving can make the vehicle harder to stop and
result in loss of vehicle control, leading to collisions and severe personal injuries.

Brake and steering assistance systems, the airbag system, safety belt pretensioners, and

other vehicle safety features only work when the engine is running.

Switch off the engine only when the vehicle is not moving.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when starting and running the vehicle's engine:

Never start the engine or let it run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
unconsciousness and death.

Never start the engine or let it run if oil, fuel, or other flammable substances are under,

around, or have leaked from the vehicle, for example, due to vehicle damage.

Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, especially when it is in gear.

The vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in
property damage, fire, or personal injury.

Never use starting assist fluids. Starting fluids can explode and can cause a “run-away”

vehicle condition.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot and can cause fires and
serious personal injury.

Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

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

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, or heat shields.

Indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Brake pedal not depressed.

Apply the brake pedal to start the engine

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the selector lever
did not engage. Vehicle movement is
prevented.

Engage the selector lever release button

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.
  Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn

on the emergency flashers, stop the engine, and use other warning devices to warn
approaching traffic.

NOTICE

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

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Fig. 123 In the ignition switch: Vehicle key positions.

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

If there is no vehicle key in the ignition, the steering column is locked.

Vehicle key position

⇒

fig. 123

(0)

Ignition switched off. Steering column lock engaged. The vehicle key can be removed.

(1)

Ignition is switched on. Steering column lock can be released.

(2)

Engine is started. When the engine starts, release the vehicle key. When released, the vehicle
key returns to position

(1)

If you use the wrong key

If an unauthorized vehicle key has been inserted into the ignition switch, it can be removed as follows:

Automatic transmission: Press the release button on the transmission selector lever and release.

The vehicle key can now be removed.

Manual transmission: Pull out the vehicle key.

WARNING

Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and

vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal
injury.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key. This could result in
people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of
year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.

Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.

Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.

Leaving the key in the ignition for a long time when the engine is not running will drain the vehicle

battery.

Leaving the selector lever for a long period of time in any position other than Park (P) when the

ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.

On automatic transmission vehicles, the vehicle key can be removed from the ignition switch

only when the transmission is in Park (P). You may have to press the release button on the
transmission selector lever to put the lever into Park (P).

Starter button

Fig. 124 In the lower center console: Starter button for the Keyless Access system.

Fig. 125 Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column: Emergency starting feature
on vehicles with Keyless Access.

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

For vehicles with Keyless Access with push-button start,

⇒ Power locking system, the vehicle can be

started and stopped with the starter button in the lower center console

⇒

fig. 124

The starter button can only be used when an authorized vehicle key is in the vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock is activated when the ignition is

switched off and the driver door is opened

⇒ Steering.

Switching the ignition on and off

Briefly press the starter button once without operating the brake or clutch pedals

⇒

Emergency start feature

If an authorized remote control vehicle key is in the passenger compartment but the instrument cluster
displays No key in range when you push the starter button, the remote control vehicle key battery
is weak or dead. You can still start the engine using the Emergency start feature.

Make sure the selector lever is in the Park (P) position.

Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim immediately after

pressing the starter button

⇒

fig. 125

The ignition automatically switches on and the engine starts.

Emergency shut-off

If the engine does not switch off by briefly pressing the starter button, emergency shut-off is
necessary:

Press the starter button twice within 3 seconds or press and hold the button longer than 1 second

⇒

in Stopping the engine.

The engine switches off automatically.

If no authorized remote control vehicle key is identified in the passenger compartment after the engine
has been switched off, the engine cannot be restarted. A related message is shown in the instrument
cluster display.

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.

Do not depress the brake or clutch pedals when switching on the ignition, as the engine

could otherwise start immediately.

WARNING

Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized

persons may use it to lock the vehicle, start the engine, and operate vehicle systems such as
the power windows, leading to serious personal injury.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked using the remote control vehicle key. This could result in
people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of
year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.

Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime

sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving
and locking the vehicle from the outside.

Starting the engine

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

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Automatic transmission: Depress the brake pedal and hold it down until step 5 is

completed.

1 a.

Manual transmission: Depress clutch pedal fully and hold until the engine has started.

Shift the transmission into Neutral (N) or Park (P) (automatic), or into Neutral (manual only).

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 123

(2)

– do not depress the accelerator pedal.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 124

–

do not depress the accelerator pedal. An

authorized vehicle key must be inside the

vehicle in order to start the engine.

When the engine starts, release the vehicle

key.

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

If the engine does not start, switch off the

ignition and start again after about 1 minute.

If the engine does not start, switch off the

ignition and start again after about 1 minute.

Use the emergency start feature if

necessary

Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, especially when it is in gear. The
vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in
property damage, fire, or personal injury.

WARNING

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

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

You can damage the starter or the engine if you try to start the engine when the vehicle is

still moving, or if you try to restart the engine right after switching it off.

Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle acceleration, and heavy engine loads when the

engine is cold.

Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle. Unburned fuel can get into

the catalytic converter and damage it. The steering column may also be locked.

Do not let your vehicle warm up while standing; instead, start driving right away after making

sure that you have good visibility through all windows. This will help the engine reach operating
temperature faster and keep down emissions.

Major consumers of electricity are temporarily switched off when the engine is being started.

After starting a cold engine, there may be increased operating noises for a few seconds. This is

normal and harmless.

Stopping the engine

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

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

⇒

Depress and hold down the brake pedal until step 4 is completed.

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

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 123

(0)

in the ignition switch.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 124

. If

the engine will not switch off, carry out the

emergency shut-off procedure

Manual transmission: Shift into 1st gear (vehicle on flat surface or pointing uphill) or

reverse (vehicle pointing downhill).

Removing the vehicle key from the ignition

switches off electrical equipment and

activates the steering column lock.

Opening the doors switches off electrical

equipment and activates the steering

column lock.

WARNING

Never stop the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. You can lose control
of the vehicle, crash, and be seriously injured.

The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not work when the ignition is switched off.
The brake booster does not work when the engine is not running. More brake pedal

pressure will be needed to stop the vehicle.

The power steering system does not work when the engine is not running, and you will

need more force to steer the vehicle.

When the key is removed from the ignition switch, the steering will lock and you will not

be able to steer the vehicle.

NOTICE

If the vehicle has been driven hard for a long time, the engine could overheat when it is
stopped. To reduce the risk of engine damage, let the engine idle in Neutral for about 2 minutes
before you switch off the ignition.

If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime

sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving
and locking the vehicle from the outside.

On vehicles with automatic transmissions, the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition

when the transmission is in Park (P).

After the engine has been switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may keep

running for several minutes, or may start running after the vehicle has been parked for a while, even if
the ignition is switched off and the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan shuts off
automatically when the engine has cooled down enough.

Electronic immobilizer

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

The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorized
vehicle key.

There is a microchip inside the vehicle key. The chip deactivates the immobilizer automatically when
an authorized vehicle key is inserted into the ignition switch.

The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the remote control vehicle key is pulled out
of the ignition switch. On vehicles with Keyless Access, the vehicle key must be outside the vehicle
⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access.
The engine can therefore only be started with an authorized and correctly coded genuine Volkswagen
vehicle key. Coded vehicle keys are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers, authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities, and from certain independent repair facilities and locksmiths who are

qualified to make these vehicle keys

⇒ Vehicle key set.

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used, a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. The
vehicle cannot be operated with this key.

A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is on
⇒ Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and Electronic Systems.

Using genuine Volkswagen keys helps minimize the risk of malfunctions.

Shifting

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Pedals

Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Automatic transmission: Selector lever

Shifting with Tiptronic

Driving with automatic transmission

Automatic transmission malfunction

Gear recommendation

Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG

automated transmission.

Your vehicle may be equipped with a special DSG

automated transmission that combines the

performance and economy of a standard manual transmission with the comfort and convenience of a
conventional automatic transmission. The DSG transmission housing contains two clutches, one that
works with the odd-numbered gears (1, 3, 5 and R) and the other that works with the even-numbered
gears (2, 4, 6). The dual clutch configuration enables rapid shifts between gears without loss of
traction as the dual clutch seamlessly transfers the engine power from one driveshaft to the other
during gear shifts. An output shaft for each of the two gearbox units transmits the drive to the driven
wheels via a differential. The DSG electronic control unit, sensors, and hydraulic control for clutch
engagement and gear selection form one compact weight-saving unit.

Thanks to the dual-clutch design, the DSG system is more efficient than a conventional automatic
transmission. For example, while idling, a torque converter in a conventional automatic transmission is
engaged all the time (increasing load and engine fuel consumption), while the DSG gradually opens
the clutch, allowing the engine to idle freely. In most cases, this efficiency combined with its low weight
and intelligent control means that DSG can achieve the same or better fuel consumption than a
manual transmission. The clutches, like the clutch in a standard manual transmission are subject to
wear over time. The DSG transmission requires periodic maintenance that is described in the
⇒ Chapter

Warranty and Maintenance.

When the ignition is switched on and the transmission is in Reverse (R):

  The backup lights come on.
  The rear window wiper switches on when the windshield wipers are switched on.
  The camera for Rear Assist switches on (if equipped).

More information:

  Lower center console
  Instruments
  Braking and parking
  Rear Assist
  Climate control
  Engine control and emission control system
  Emergency closing and opening

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause skidding and loss of traction, especially on slippery roads,
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, collisions, and serious personal injury.

Only use the kick-down feature or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road, and traffic

conditions permit and other drivers will not be endangered by your driving and the vehicle's
acceleration.

WARNING

Constant braking causes the brakes to overheat and even to fail leading to collisions and
serious personal injury.

Never “ride” the brakes or apply the brake pedal too often or too long.
Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping

distance, and can cause complete brake system failure.

NOTICE

Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to

brake. This will make the brakes wear faster.

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and

shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Transmission malfunction.

Do not continue driving!

Allow the transmission to cool with the

selector lever in the P position.

If the warning does not turn off, do not

continue driving. See your authorized

Volkswagen dealer for assistance. Otherwise,

serious transmission damage could result

Brake pedal not depressed.

Apply the brake pedal to select a drive gear

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the selector lever

did not engage. Vehicle movement is

prevented.

Engage selector lever release button

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.
  Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn

on the emergency flashers, stop the engine, and use other warning devices to warn
approaching traffic.

NOTICE

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

Pedals

Fig. 126 Pedals in vehicles with manual transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal, 3 Clutch pedal.

Fig. 127 Pedals in vehicles with automatic transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal.

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

All pedals must always be able to move freely in and out without interference from floor mats or other
things.

Only use floor mats that leave the pedal area free and are held securely in place with floor mat
fasteners to help prevent sliding.

If a brake circuit malfunctions, more brake pedal travel is needed to bring the vehicle to a full stop, and
it is important that nothing is in the way when you have to depress the brake pedal harder and farther
than normal.

WARNING

Objects in the driver footwell can prevent the pedals from moving freely. This can cause loss
of vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injuries.

  Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the pedals.
  Always fasten floor mats securely to the floor.
  Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on top of already installed floor mats.

Always make sure that nothing can fall into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.

NOTICE

Always make sure that the pedals are able to move freely and that nothing can interfere with
them. If a brake circuit fails, more brake pedal travel will be needed to bring the vehicle to a
stop. The brake pedal must be pressed farther and harder than normal.

Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Fig. 128 Gearshift pattern of a 5-speed manual transmission.

Fig. 129 Gearshift pattern of a 6-speed manual transmission.

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

The positions of the individual gears are shown on the gearshift lever

⇒

fig. 128

⇒

fig. 129

Depress the clutch pedal all the way and hold.

Move the gearshift lever into the desired position

⇒

Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.

The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start the engine.

Shifting into reverse

Only shift to the reverse gear when the vehicle is not moving.

Depress the clutch pedal fully and hold

⇒

Move the gearshift lever to neutral and press down.

Move the shift lever to the left and then push forward into the reverse gear position

⇒

fig. 128

(R)

⇒

fig. 129

(R)

Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.

Downshifting

You should always downshift gear by gear when driving, meaning always into the next lowest gear. Do

not downshift when the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) is too high

⇒

. At fast speeds or high

engine rpm, skipping over one or more gears when downshifting can cause damage to the clutch and

transmission, even if a gear is not engaged

⇒ .

WARNING

Downshifting to a lower gear incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle control and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.

WARNING

When the engine is running and a gear is engaged, the vehicle will start to move as soon as
the clutch pedal is released. This also applies when the parking brake is engaged.

Never shift into Reverse (R) when the vehicle is moving.

Volkswagen Golf (2015 year). Instruction - part 14