2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Checking and refilling -> In the engine compartment User Manual
MyCarUserManual.com
USER MANUALS FOR EVERY MAKE & MODEL

Checking and refilling -> In the engine compartment for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

flashers are automatically activated again.  
As the driver of the vehicle being towed:  
If your vehicle is the one being towed, the ignition must be switched on to keep the steering wheel from locking. Also make sure that the turn signals, horn,  
windshield wipers, and windshield washers work properly.  
Since power steering does not work when the engine is switched off, more effort is needed to steer the vehicle.  
Since the brake booster also does not work when the engine is stopped, you will need to press harder on the brake pedal to slow down or stop. Do not hit the  
towing vehicle.  
Read and heed the information and WARNINGS in the towing vehicle's owner's manual.  
As the driver of the towing vehicle:  
Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Avoid sudden driving maneuvers.  
Brake earlier and more gently than usual and with light pedal pressure.  
Read and heed the information and WARNINGS in the owner's manual of the vehicle being towed.  
Checking and refilling  
In the engine compartment  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Preparing to work in the engine compartment ꢀ  
⇒ Opening or closing the engine compartment ꢀ  
⇒ Displayꢀ  
Always position the vehicle on a firm and level surface before doing any work in the engine compartment.  
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 authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may  
result from improperly performed work.  
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.  
The Start-stop system must be deactivated.  
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 workshop. 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 result 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 escaping from the engine.  
283  
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:  
Set 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 ⇒ Starter buttonꢀ.  
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 electrocution, 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 electronic 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 compartment ⇒ Cleaning the engine compartmentꢀ.  
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 rotating 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 operation 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  
284  
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.  
NOTE  
When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. 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.  
Preparing to work in the engine compartment  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Checklist  
Before any work in the engine compartment, carry out the following steps in the order in which they are listed  
Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.  
⇒
ꢀ:  
Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.  
Set the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving Parking brake (Golf, Golf GTI) or Electronic parking brake (Golf R) (depending on equipment).  
Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only) Manual and automatic transmission.  
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter button and remove the key from the vehicle Starting and  
stopping the engine.  
Let the engine cool down sufficiently.  
Keep children and others away from the vehicle.  
Make sure the vehicle cannot move unexpectedly.  
WARNING  
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may result in serious injuries.  
Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.  
Opening or closing the engine compartment  
Fig. 207 In the footwell on the driver side: Inside engine hood release lever.  
Fig. 208 Above the radiator grille: Outside engine hood release.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Opening the engine hood  
Before you open the hood, make sure that the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield ⇒ ꢀ.  
285  
Open the driver door and pull the inside hood release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 207ꢀ. The engine hood is released from its latch by a spring ⇒  
ꢀ.  
Push the outside hood release lever ⇒ Fig. 208ꢀ (arrow) and lift the hood all the way up. A gas-pressure strut will hold the hood up.  
Closing the engine hood  
Pull the hood down to overcome the resistance of the gas-pressure strut ⇒ ꢀ.  
Lower the engine hood by hand until it is about 8 in. (20 cm) above its latch and then let it drop into place to latch it. Do not push down on it afterwards!  
If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.  
When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The display in the instrument cluster no longer indicates that the engine  
hood is open ⇒ Displayꢀ.  
WARNING  
If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.  
After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the  
surrounding auto body parts.  
If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving, stop at once and close it.  
Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.  
NOTE  
Make sure the windshield wipers are switched off and the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield before you open the hood. Otherwise, the  
windshield wipers and the hood may be damaged.  
Always put the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.  
NOTE  
Before opening or closing the engine hood, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example when the vehicle is in a garage.  
Display  
Fig. 209 In the instrument cluster display: Engine hood open or not properly closed.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
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 not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display indicating the engine hood is open ⇒ Fig. 209ꢀ. Stop! Open  
and close the engine hood again.  
The icon may still be displayed even after the ignition is switched off as long as the key has not been removed. The instrument cluster display goes out a short time  
after the vehicle has been locked.  
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.  
Operating fluids and equipment  
Operating fluids and parts that wear out with use (such as timing belts, tires, engine coolants, engine oils, spark plugs, and vehicle batteries) are constantly  
being improved. For this reason, it is important to have operating fluids changed and wearing parts replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and  
286  
changes.  
WARNING  
Improper use of operating fluids and equipment can cause accidents, serious personal injuries, burns and/or poisoning.  
Always store vehicle care products in a safe place in original containers that are securely closed.  
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 read and heed all the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package before using vehicle care products.  
When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well ventilated area.  
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail polish remover or other volatile fluids for vehicle care. They are poisonous and highly flammable. They could  
cause fires and explosions!  
NOTE  
Only refill with suitable operating fluids. When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding incorrect  
fluids will cause serious malfunctions and engine damage! Under no circumstances should you mix up operating fluids. Otherwise serious malfunctions and  
engine damage can occur!  
Accessories and other things installed in front of the cooling air intakes impair the efficiency of the engine coolant. The engine can overheat under high  
outside temperatures or under high engine loads!  
Leaking operating fluids can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids in suitable containers and dispose of them properly in accordance with  
applicable environmental laws and regulations.  
Windshield washer fluid  
Fig. 210 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.  
Check the windshield washer fluid level regularly and refill as necessary.  
There is a filter screen in the filler neck of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The screen helps to keep large particles and debris from getting into and clogging  
the windshield washer nozzles when adding windshield washer fluid. Take the screen out only to clean it. If the screen is damaged or missing, have it replaced  
immediately, otherwise the system may become clogged and not work properly.  
Open the engine hood  
⇒ In the engine compartmentꢀ.  
The windshield washer fluid reservoir can be identified by the  
symbol on its cap ⇒ Fig. 210ꢀ.  
Check if there is still enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.  
Refill with clear water (not distilled water) and an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is recommended by Volkswagen  
container.  
⇒
ꢀ. Follow the directions on the  
In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the water from freezing  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Recommended cleaners  
For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear Summer- G 052 184 A2 - or equivalent. Mixing ratio 1:100 (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield  
washer reservoir.  
All-season Windscreen Clear- G 052 164 M2 - or equivalent. Mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C) about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise,  
mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer reservoir.  
Filling capacity  
Depending on vehicle equipment, the windshield washer fluid reservoir holds between 3.1–5.2 quarts (3–5 liters).  
WARNING  
Never mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably  
reduce visibility.  
287  

Related Topics

Checking and refilling
Windshield washer fluid Engine oil Engine coolant Brake fluid Vehicle battery

Popular Owner Manuals

Audi
Audi
BMW
BMW
Citroen
Citroen
Ford
Ford
Honda
Honda
Peugeot
Peugeot