Get Climate control Guide for Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

Climate control

Heating and air conditioning

Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

⇒ Overview of the front controls ꢀ

⇒ Climatronic controls in the Infotainment system ꢀ

⇒ Air recirculationꢀ

⇒ Air ventsꢀ

⇒ Seat heatingꢀ

⇒ Tips and troubleshootingꢀ

Your vehicle may have the following equipment:

Manual air conditioning

Climatronic

The manual air conditioning and the Climatronic climate control system cool and dehumidify the air. The systems are most effective when the windows and

sunroof are closed.

On vehicles with Climatronic climate control, Climatronic information appears in the Climatronic display and/or on the screen of the factory-installed Infotainment

system. If the box in the function key is checked , the function is switched on.

WARNING

Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious personal injuries.

Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility to the front, sides, and rear.

Always make sure you know how to properly use the climate control system as well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.

Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.

Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the

windows and greatly reduce visibility.

Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.

WARNING

Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, collisions and serious personal injury.

Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation for a long period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger

compartment.

NOTE

If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by

an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and

pollen filter, resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.

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

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

If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends

leaving the air conditioner (compressor) switched on. Press the

button. The indicator light in the button must light up.

When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal

and does not indicate a leak.

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Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow, and leaves in order to maintain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.

Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature.

Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle battery has been replaced may change or delete system

settings (including time, date, personalized user profiles, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle battery has built up

a sufficient charge.

Certain settings can be saved in the personalized user profiles ⇒ Personalized user profilesꢀ.

Overview of the front controls

Fig. 102 In the center console: Manual controls.

Fig. 103 In the center console: Climatronic controls.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ

If a function is switched on, an indicator light in or under the button lights up.

Turning the system off

Manual air conditioning: Turn the fan knob to ⇒ Fig. 102②ꢀ.

OR: Press the

button.

Climatronic: Turn the fan knob as far left as it will go ⇒ Fig. 103②ꢀ

OR: Press the

button.

button ⇒ Fig. 103②ꢀ to open the Climatronic menu in the Infotainment system and switch the system off ⇒ Climatronic controls in the

Infotainment systemꢀ.

If the system is switched off, the indicator light in or under the

button lights up.

– Air conditioner

Press the

button on the manual or Climatronic controls to switch the air conditioner on or off.

– Automatic regulation (Climatronic only)

Press the

button to switch on automatic regulation. The indicator light in the button lights up.

Automatic regulation controls temperature, fan speed, and air distribution. If you change the fan speed or air distribution manually, the automatic regulation switches

off.

– Maximum cooling

Manual air conditioning: Turn the temperature knob ⇒ Fig. 102①ꢀ all the way to the left (

position).

Climatronic: Press the

button for maximum air conditioner cooling. The air recirculation and cooling system are switched on automatically, and the air

distribution is automatically set to position

.

137

... – Temperature

Manual air conditioning: Turn the temperature knob ⇒ Fig. 102①ꢀ to set the temperature.

Climatronic: Turn the outside knobs ⇒ Fig. 103①ꢀ to set different temperatures for the driver and passenger sides. The displays above the knobs ④ show the

set temperature.

... – Fan speed

Turn the middle knob ⇒ Fig. 102②ꢀ or ⇒ Fig. 103②ꢀ to adjust the fan speed.

Climatronic: LEDs in the knob light up to indicate the current fan speed. When automatic regulation (

) is switched on, the fan speed is not indicated in the knob

Air distribution

Manual air conditioning: Turn the knob ⇒ Fig. 102③ꢀ to direct air flow in the desired direction.

Climatronic: Press the buttons ⇒ Fig. 103③ꢀ to direct air flow in the desired direction. When automatic regulation (

) is switched on, air flow is automatically

adjusted to a comfortable level.

: Air distribution to the upper instrument panel outlets.

: Air distribution to the footwells.

: Manual air conditioning only: Air distribution to the upper instrument panel outlets and footwells.

: Manual air conditioning only: Air distribution to the windshield and footwells.

: Air distribution to the windshield.

– Defog/defrost

Manual air conditioning: Turn the right knob to position

⇒ Fig. 102③ꢀ to defrost the windshield as quickly as possible. The cooling system switches on

automatically to dehumidify the air. When the defrost function is switched on, the air recirculation mode cannot be switched on.

Climatronic: Press the

button ⇒ Fig. 103①ꢀ to defrost the windshield as quickly as possible. The incoming outside air is directed to the windshield, and air

recirculation automatically switches off. Humidity is removed from the air at temperatures above about +35 °F (+1.5 °C), and the blower is set to a high speed.

– Air recirculation mode

Press the

button to switch on air recirculation ⇒ Air recirculationꢀ.

– Settings in the Infotainment system (Climatronic only)

Press the

button ⇒ Fig. 103②ꢀ to open the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system ⇒ Climatronic controls in the Infotainment system ꢀ.

– Synchronize temperature settings (Climatronic only)

Press the

button to apply the temperature settings for the driver side to the passenger side: If the indicator light in the

button lights up, the temperature

settings for the driver side also apply to the passenger side.

Press the button or turn the temperature knob for the passenger side to set a different temperature for the passenger side. The indicator light in the button goes out

– Seat heating (if equipped)

Press the or buttons to switch the seat heating on or off ⇒ Seat heatingꢀ.

– Rear window defroster

Press the

less.

button to defrost the rear window. The rear window defroster works only when the engine is running and switches off automatically after 10 minutes or

WARNING

Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces alertness, which can cause accidents, collisions, and serious personal injury.

Never switch off the fan for a long time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.

NOTE

To help prevent damage to the rear window defroster, do not place stickers over the heating lines inside the vehicles.

Climatronic controls in the Infotainment system

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ

For vehicles equipped with the Climatronic climate control system, various settings can also be adjusted via the Infotainment system.

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Opening the climate control settings menu

Press the

⇒ Fig. 103②ꢀ button on the Climatronic controls.

Climatronic settings display

The current air conditioning settings are displayed in the upper section of the screen, for example, the temperatures that are currently set for the driver and

passenger sides.

Blue arrows indicate that cool air is ﬂowing from the vents, while red arrows indicate that warm air is ﬂowing from the vents.

Operation via the Infotainment system

Tap the corresponding function key to switch a function on or off, or to select a submenu.

The following menu items may be available, depending on vehicle equipment.

Tap to switch the Climatronic on or off. The indicator light in the

button lights up when Climatronic is switched off.

Apply the temperature settings for the driver side to the passenger side. The indicator light in the

Switch the Air Care recirculation feature on and off (if equipped) ⇒ Tips and troubleshootingꢀ.

Switch the seat heating on or off (if equipped) ⇒ Seat heatingꢀ.

button lights up when the feature is active.

Settings submenu

Switch automatic air recirculation on or off ⇒ Air recirculationꢀ

Climate control settings submenu

Adjust fan speed.

Switch the air conditioner on or off.

,

Adjust air distribution.

Switch air recirculation mode on or off.

Presets submenu

Tap for automatic temperature control, fan speed, and air distribution. The indicator light in the

Tap for maximum air conditioner cooling. The indicator light in the button lights up.

Tap for maximum defog/defrost. The indicator light in the button lights up.

button lights up.

Displays only when the climate control system is in manual mode. Tap the blue bar at the left of each function key showing the current temperature to

decrease the temperature. Tap the red bar at the right of each function key to increase the temperature.

Air recirculation

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ

General information

There are different types of air recirculation:

Manual air recirculation.

Automatic air recirculation mode.

The air recirculation mode helps prevent outside air from entering the vehicle interior.

In very hot outside temperatures, temporarily switch to manual air recirculation in order to cool the vehicle interior faster.

For safety reasons, air recirculation is switched off in the following situations ⇒ ꢀ:

Manually: The

button is pushed (Climatronic) or the air distribution knob is turned to

(manual air conditioning).

Automatically: A sensor detects conditions that could cause the windows to fog up.

Switching manual air recirculation on and off

Switching on: Press the

button. The indicator light under the button lights up.

Switching off: Press the

button. The indicator light under the button goes out.

Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off (if equipped)

Press the button on the Climatronic controls.

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Tap the

function key.

Switch automatic recirculation mode on or off by tapping the Automatic air recirculation function key.

If the box in the function key is checked , the automatic recirculation mode is switched on.

Features of automatic air recirculation mode

In automatic air recirculation mode, fresh air enters the passenger compartment. If the system detects an increased concentration of pollutants in the outside air, it

automatically switches to air recirculation. As soon as the pollutant level is back in the normal range, air recirculation is switched off.

Unpleasant odors cannot be detected by the system.

To prevent condensation from forming on the windows, air recirculation does not automatically switch on in certain situations.

Air recirculation mode: Vehicles with Air Care Climatronic

On appropriately equipped vehicles, the Air Care Climatronic feature, when switched on, optimizes air recirculation mode and helps prevent the windows from

fogging up based on the interior humidity and outside temperature ⇒ Air Care Climatronicꢀ. This feature automatically regulates the amount of recirculated air and

continuously adapts the air ﬂow to help prevent possible fatigue of the vehicle occupants.

WARNING

Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, collisions and serious personal injury.

Never use air recirculation mode over an extended period of time, since no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.

When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.

Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.

NOTE

Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen

filter, resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.

Climatronic: When backing up and while the automatic wiper/washer is operating, air recirculation is briefly activated to help keep exhaust fumes from getting

into the passenger compartment.

In very hot outside temperatures, temporarily switch to manual air recirculation in order to cool the vehicle interior faster.

Air vents

Fig. 104 In the instrument panel: Air vents.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ

Air vents

To help ensure sufﬁcient heating, cooling, and ventilation in the passenger compartment, never close the air vents completely ⇒ Fig. 104①ꢀ.

To open and close the air vents, turn the respective thumbwheel (magnified view) in the desired direction. When the thumbwheel is turned all the way toward

position , the air vent is closed.

Use the lever on the vent grille to adjust the airflow direction.

Additional air vents are located in the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 104②ꢀ, in the footwells, as well as in the rear area of the passenger compartment.

Some models also have an adjustable air vent inside the glove compartment ⇒ Glove compartmentꢀ.

NOTE

Do not place food, medications, or other temperature-sensitive things in front of the air vents. Food, medications, and other things that are sensitive to heat or

cold can be damaged or made unusable by the air flow from the vents.

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The air coming out of the vents flows through the passenger compartment and through the air vents in the luggage compartment. Do not cover these slots

with clothing or other things.

Seat heating

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ

Your vehicle may be equipped with a seat heating feature for the front seats.

Switching on: Press the or button. Seat heating is switched on to maximum.

Adjusting: Press the or button repeatedly until the desired heating level is set.

Switching off: Press the or button repeatedly until all indicator lights are off.

The seat heating switches off every time the ignition is switched off. If the ignition is switched back on, the seat heating on the driver and passenger seat may switc

back on automatically to the previous setting.

When should seat heating not be used?

Do not use the seat heating if any of the following conditions apply:

If you or another passenger suffers from a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain as from medication, paralysis, or chronic illness (e.g.,

diabetes) ⇒ ꢀ.

If the seat is not being used.

If there is a child restraint installed on the seat.

If these is a blanket or seat cover on the seat.

If the seat is damp or wet.

If the outside temperature or the temperature inside the passenger compartment is +77 °F (+25 °C) or higher.

WARNING

Certain medical conditions, such as paralysis and diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk of serious burns when the seat heating feature is

switched on.

Vehicle occupants who have a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain are at risk of serious burns to the back, buttocks, and legs that

take a long time to heal or may never heal completely.

Never use the seat heating feature if you or your passengers are at risk of being burned because of a medical condition. Take regular breaks and get out of

the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.

Never let exposed skin remain in contact with the seat upholstery when the seat heating is being used.

WARNING

A wet seat can cause the seat heating to malfunction and increase the risk of serious burns.

Always make sure the seats are dry before using the seat heating.

Never sit on the seat with wet clothes.

Never put damp or wet things including clothes on the seat.

Never spill liquids on the seats.

NOTE

To help prevent damage to electrical and other parts in the seat, do not kneel on the front seats or apply concentrated pressure to a small area of the seat

or backrest.

Liquids, sharp objects and things that do not let the heat in the seat escape into the air, including, for example, a child restraint, a blanket, or seat covers on

the seat can damage seat heating.

If you smell an odor, immediately shut off seat heating and have it checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle with seat heating that originally had cloth upholstery. The seat heating elements for seats with cloth seats will

overheat if the cloth upholstery is replaced with leather upholstery.

Switch off seat heating when it is not needed to help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Tips and troubleshooting

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Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ

The following tips will help you use the climate control system correctly.

If the climate control system switches off automatically or the system will not switch off

The air conditioner may not switch on for one of the following reasons:

The engine is not running.

The fan is switched off.

The air conditioner fuse has blown.

The outside air temperature is colder than about (+38 °F (+3 °C).

The air conditioner compressor has been temporarily switched off due to excessive engine coolant temperature.

There is another malfunction in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Settings for optimum visibility

Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow, and leaves so that the heating and ventilation systems can work properly and to help

prevent the windshield from fogging up.

The air coming out of the vents flows through the passenger compartment and through the vents in the luggage compartment. Do not cover these slots with

clothing or other things.

Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature.

Recommended settings for manual air conditioning

Switch off the air recirculation.

Set the fan to or

.

Turn the temperature knob to the center position.

Open and adjust all air vents in the instrument panel.

Turn the air distribution knob to the desired setting.

Press the

button to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light in the button lights up. The air will be dehumidified during cooling.

Recommended settings for Climatronic

Press the

button.

Set the temperature to +72 °F (+22 °C).

Open and adjust all air vents in the instrument panel ⇒ Air ventsꢀ.

Dust and pollen ﬁlter

The dust and pollen ﬁlter reduces the entry of pollutants into the passenger compartment.

The dust and pollen ﬁlter must be replaced at the intervals recommended in ⇒Booklet Warranty and Maintenance, so that the air conditioner can work properly.

If the effectiveness of the ﬁlter decreases prematurely due to operating the vehicle where the outside air is heavily polluted, the dust and pollen ﬁlter should be

replaced more frequently than indicated.

Changing the temperature units

The inside and outside temperatures can be displayed in either Fahrenheit (F) or Celsius (C).

You can change the units in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the Vehicle,

, and Units function keys ⇒ Infotainment system

operation and displaysꢀ.

Air Care Climatronic

On appropriately equipped vehicles, the Air Care Climatronic feature can help reduce the entry of pollutants into the passenger compartment.

The ﬁlters must be changed regularly so that the air conditioner can work properly.

If the effectiveness of the ﬁlters decrease prematurely due to operating the vehicle where the outside air is heavily polluted, the ﬁlters should be replaced more

frequently.

Press the

button on the Climatronic controls.

Tap the Air Care function key on the Infotainment system screen.

Switch the Air Care feature on and off by tapping the Active function key.

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Climate control for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

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