Do it yourself for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

Do it yourself  
Vehicle tool kit  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Storageꢀ  
⇒ Contentsꢀ  
When securing the vehicle after a breakdown, always obey all applicable legal requirements.  
WARNING  
Loose tools and other items in the vehicle tool kit and a loose spare (or compact spare) wheel may be thrown through the passenger compartment if you  
brake suddenly or steer sharply or are involved in an accident. This can cause severe injuries.  
Always make sure the vehicle tool kit and spare (or compact spare) wheel are securely stowed in the luggage compartment.  
WARNING  
Improper or damaged vehicle tools can lead to accidents and injury.  
Never work with tools that are damaged or not right for the job.  
Storage  
Fig. 192 In the luggage compartment: Floor covering raised and secured.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The vehicle tool kit and the spare wheel, compact spare wheel, or tire mobility set may be in one of several places under the floor covering in the luggage  
compartment.  
If necessary, detach the luggage net.  
Lift the floor covering and secure it in the stops on either side of the luggage compartment ⇒ Fig. 192ꢀ (small arrows).  
On some models, it may be necessary to remove the compact spare wheel to access the vehicle tool kit. Follow the instructions on removing the compact  
spare wheel ⇒ Spare wheel or compact spare wheel ꢀ.  
NOTE  
Always guide the luggage compartment floor covering back down carefully. Dropping the floor covering could damage the vehicle trim and the floor covering  
itself.  
Completely retract the jack after use. Otherwise it will not fit in its compartment and cannot be stowed safely.  
Contents  
269  
Fig. 193 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The contents of the vehicle tool kit depend on the vehicle's equipment. The following describes the maximum contents.  
Contents of the vehicle tool kit⇒ Fig. 193ꢀ  
Screwdriver with a hexagonal socket in the handle for removing or inserting previously loosened wheel bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The  
screwdriver may be stored under the lug wrench (if equipped).  
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts (if equipped). Volkswagen recommends that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts in the vehicle along with the  
vehicle tool kit. The code number of the wheel bolt lock is imprinted on the front of the adapter. If lost, a replacement adapter can be ordered using this number.  
Record the code number of the wheel bolt lock and store it separately from the vehicle.  
Screw-in towing eye.  
Hubcap puller clip for removing hubcaps, full wheel covers, or wheel bolt caps.  
Jack (if equipped). Before putting the jack back in the foam insert, be sure to completely crank the jack down to its original position.  
Lug wrench (if equipped).  
Crank (if equipped).  
Maintaining the vehicle jack  
The vehicle jack requires no regular maintenance. If necessary, apply multi-purpose grease to the joints of the vehicle jack.  
Windshield wiper blades  
Windshield wiper service position  
Fig. 194 Windshield wiper in service position.  
In the service position, the wiper arms can be lifted away from the windshield ⇒ Fig. 194ꢀ. The wipers are moved to the service position as follows:  
The engine hood must be closed ⇒ In the engine compartmentꢀ.  
Switch the ignition off, turn it on briefly, and then off again.  
Press the windshield wiper lever down briefly when the ignition is off.  
Wipers move into service position.  
Lifting the wiper blades and tilting them away from the windshield  
Put the wiper arms in service position ⇒ ꢀ.  
Do not handle the wiper blades, handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.  
Carefully fold the wiper arms back onto the windshield before driving! Switch the ignition on and press the windshield wiper lever down briefly. The wiper arms move  
back to their original position.  
NOTE  
To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service  
position.  
Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.  
The windshield wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the vehicle is not moving.  
Cleaning and changing the windshield wiper blades  
270  
Fig. 195 Changing the windshield wiper blades.  
Fig. 196 Changing the rear window wiper blades.  
Factory-installed wiper blades have a graphite coating. The graphite coating lets the wiper blades glide smoothly over the windshield. If this coating is worn or  
damaged, the wipers may grab or squeak.  
Check all wiper blades regularly. Wiper blades that grab and squeak must be replaced if worn or damaged and cleaned if dirty  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Replace worn or damaged wiper blades immediately. Replacement blades may be purchased from any authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen  
Service Facility.  
Lifting and tilting windshield wiper arms  
Move the front wiper arms to the service position before lifting them away from the windshield ⇒ Windshield wipers and washerꢀ.  
It is not possible to lift the front wiper arms away from the windshield when they are not in the service position.  
When lifting or replacing a wiper blade on a window, grip it only by its mounting and not by the blade itself.  
Cleaning the wiper blades  
Move the front wiper arms to the service position and lift them away from the windshield.  
Do not handle the wiper blades; handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.  
Using a soft cloth, carefully remove dust and dirt from the wiper blades.  
If the blades are very dirty, carefully clean them with a damp sponge or cloth  
Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Changing the front windshield wiper blades  
Move the front wiper arms to the service position.  
Lift the wiper arms away from the windshield. Do not handle the wiper blades; handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.  
With one hand, press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 195①ꢀ.  
With the other hand, hold the wiper blade at the attachment point and pull it straight up and out in the direction of the arrow. This may require moderate force.  
Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow until it latches.  
Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.  
Changing the rear window wiper blade  
Lift the wiper arm away from the rear window.  
Do not handle the wiper blade; handle the wiper arm only at the attachment above the wiper blade.  
Lift the wiper arm away from the rear window in the direction of arrow Ⓐ ⇒ Fig. 196ꢀ.  
Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 196①ꢀ.  
Pull off the wiper blade in the direction of arrow Ⓑ. This may require moderate force.  
Install a new wiper blade of the same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 196Ⓑꢀ until it latches.  
Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the window.  
WARNING  
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.  
Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn, and if they cannot clean the windows sufficiently.  
271  
NOTE  
Damaged or dirty wiper blades can scratch the windshield and the rear window.  
Solvents, abrasive sponges and sharp-edged objects will damage the graphite coating on the wiper blades.  
Do not clean the windows with gasoline, nail polish remover, paint thinner or similar fluids.  
To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service  
position.  
Replacing light bulbs  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Indicator lightꢀ  
Changing a light bulb requires a certain amount of skill. Therefore, Volkswagen recommends having the light bulb changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Special training and knowledge are generally required when other vehicle parts must be disassembled to replace a bulb  
You should always keep a box in the vehicle with all the replacement bulbs required for traffic safety. Replacement bulbs are available from your authorized  
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The laws of some countries explicitly require you to have replacement bulbs in the vehicle.  
Driving with outside lights that do not work may be against the law.  
Additional light bulb specifications  
Some factory-installed light bulbs in the headlights or the rear lights may have different specifications than conventional light bulbs. Specifications are on the glass  
bulb or on the metal base.  
WARNING  
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot be seen by other motorists.  
WARNING  
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious personal injury.  
Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine compartment ⇒ In the engine compartmentꢀ. The engine compartment of  
any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area, and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.  
HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled  
improperly.  
H7 bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure and can explode if handled improperly.  
Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.  
Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how  
to carry out the job and have the correct tools and light bulbs.  
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.  
Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause  
the reflector to cloud.  
There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace  
bulbs.  
NOTE  
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help  
prevent water from getting into the electrical connections and the headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.  
Individual LEDs cannot be replaced. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.  
Indicator light  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
272  
Possible cause  
Proper response  
Lights up  
See an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility, or other qualified workshop to replace the light bulb that isn't  
working.  
Light bulb of the exterior vehicle lighting not working. a)  
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.  
NOTE  
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.  
Failure of a single LED within a taillight is not indicated. However, the  
indicator light will light up if all LEDs fail.  
a) Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.  
Replacing fuses  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Fuses in the vehicleꢀ  
⇒ Replacing blown fusesꢀ  
Due to ongoing development of the vehicle, configuration-dependent allocation of fuses and the combined fuse protection of multiple loads with one fuse, an up-to-  
date overview of the fuse location per load is not possible at the time of printing. Detailed information regarding fuse box layout is available from authorized  
Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.  
In general, one fuse can protect several loads. One load can also be protected by several fuses.  
Find out why the fuse blew and correct the problem before replacing a blown fuse. If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical system  
should be checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks, severe burns, and even death!  
Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic ignition system.  
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.  
WARNING  
Using the wrong fuse, using a blown fuse that has been repaired, and using metal objects in place of fuses to complete the electrical connection in the circuit  
can cause fires and serious personal injury.  
Never replace a fuse with one that has a higher amp rating. Replace a blown fuse only with a fuse of the same amperage (same color and same imprint)  
and same overall size.  
Never repair fuses.  
Never replace fuses with a metal strip, a paper clip, or a similar object.  
NOTE  
To help prevent damage to the electrical system, switch off all lights and accessories, switch off the ignition, and remove the key from the ignition switch (if  
applicable) before replacing a fuse.  
If a fuse is replaced with a fuse with higher amperage, this can also cause damage at different locations in the electrical system.  
273  
Open fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture. Dirt and moisture in fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical system.  
Fuses in the vehicle  
Fig. 197 On the driver side in the instrument panel: Fuse box cover.  
Fig. 198 In the engine compartment: Fuse box cover ① with tweezers ②.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Replace a blown fuse only with a fuse of the same amperage (same color and same imprint) and same overall size.  
Fuse types  
Regular blade fuse (ATO®).  
Mini blade fuse (MINI®).  
Cartridge fuse (JCASE®).  
Fuse color coding  
Current strength in amps  
(ATO® /MINI®)  
Current strength in amps  
(JCASE®)  
Color  
Black  
1
—
—
—
50  
20  
60  
25  
30  
40  
—
Orange  
Brown  
5
7.5  
10  
15  
20  
25  
30  
30  
40  
Red  
Blue  
Yellow  
White or clear  
Pink  
Green  
Light green  
Opening the fuse box in the instrument panel  
Pull the lower part of the cover straight out (in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 197ꢀ) and remove the cover from the bottom. This action may require moderate  
274  
force.  
To install, fit the cover on the hinges at the bottom of the opening. Guide the cover into the instrument panel by pushing in the direction opposite of the arrow  
⇒ Fig. 197ꢀ until you can hear it latch into place.  
Opening the fuse box in the engine compartment  
Open the engine hood  
⇒ In the engine compartmentꢀ.  
Press the release tabs in the direction of the arrows ⇒ Fig. 198ꢀ to unlock the fuse box cover ①.  
Remove the cover upward.  
To install push the cover onto the fuse box. The locking tabs must latch with an audible click.  
In some vehicles, there are plastic tweezers for removing fuses on the inside of the fuse box cover ⇒ Fig. 198②ꢀ.  
NOTE  
To help prevent vehicle damage, be careful when removing fuse box covers and be sure to reinstall them properly.  
Open fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture. Dirt and moisture in fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical system.  
The vehicle contains other fuses in addition to those mentioned in this section. Have these fuses replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Replacing blown fuses  
Fig. 199 Blown fuse: : Blade fuse. : JCASE® fuse.  
Fig. 200 Removing or installing a blade fuse with the plastic tweezers: : Blade fuse. : JCASE® fuse.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Preparations  
Switch off the headlights, the ignition, and all electrical consumers.  
Open the appropriate fuse box ⇒ Fuses in the vehicleꢀ.  
Identifying a blown fuse  
Shine a flashlight on the fuse. This makes it easier to tell if the fuse has blown.  
A blown blade fuse (ATO®, MINI®) has metal strips that have burned through, which you can see through the transparent housing from above and from the  
side ⇒ Fig. 199ꢀ  
.
A blown cartridge fuse (JCASE®) has metal strips that have burned through, which you can see through the transparent housing from above ⇒ Fig. 199ꢀ  
.
Replacing a fuse  
In some vehicles, there are plastic tweezers for removing blade fuses on the inside of the fuse box cover in the engine compartment.  
Open the fuse box cover in the engine compartment ⇒ Fuses in the vehicleꢀ and remove the plastic tweezers.  
Depending on the type of fuse, slide the tweezers ⇒ Fig. 200ꢀ ① or ⇒ Fig. 200ꢀ ① onto the fuse from the side.  
Pull out the fuse.  
If the fuse is blown, replace the fuse with a new fuse of the same amperage (same color and same imprint) and same size ⇒ ꢀ.  
275  
Clip the plastic tweezers back into the holder inside the fuse box cover.  
Replace the fuse box cover.  
NOTE  
If a fuse is replaced with a fuse with higher amperage, then damage can occur at various places in the electrical system.  
Jump-starting  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Jump-start terminalꢀ  
⇒ Using jumper cablesꢀ  
If your engine does not start because the vehicle battery is dead, your vehicle's battery can be connected to the battery of another vehicle to start your engine  
(jump-starting). Check the battery acid level indicator on the vehicle battery before jump-starting ⇒ Vehicle batteryꢀ.  
You must use jumper cables that meet recognized industrial standards (check information provided by the jumper cable manufacturer). For vehicles with gasoline  
engines, the cross-section of the jumper cable wire must be at least 0.038 in. 2 (25 mm2), or about 3 ga. (AWG).  
WARNING  
Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, or electrical shock.  
Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.  
Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive and can cause blindness and damage to unprotected skin. Never let battery acid or lead particles contact your eyes,  
skin, and clothing.  
Never lean over a vehicle battery. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the batteries; acid could spill out  
through the vents and burn you.  
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.  
Always avoid fires, sparks, open flame, and smoking. Never create sparks or electrostatic charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never  
short-circuit the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.  
If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several minutes and get medical attention immediately. If you  
swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.  
WARNING  
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help  
reduce the risk of battery explosion:  
All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the  
following WARNINGS and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system ⇒ Vehicle batteryꢀ.  
Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance (the booster battery) has the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same  
amperage capacity (see battery label).  
Never jump-start a vehicle with a thawed or frozen vehicle battery. The battery can explode. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F  
(0 °C).  
A battery that is frozen or was frozen, but has since thawed, must be replaced.  
When the vehicle battery is jump-started, it gives off hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive! Always keep fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking materials  
far away from vehicle batteries. Never use a mobile telephone while connecting or disconnecting jumper cables.  
Jump-start batteries only in well-ventilated areas. Batteries give off highly explosive hydrogen gas during jump-starting.  
Always route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the engine compartment.  
Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with each other.  
Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery, as this may cause the hydrogen gas given off  
by the dead battery to explode.  
Never attach the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to any part of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.  
Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.  
Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal parts of the vehicle.  
Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.  
276  
NOTE  
To help prevent extensive damage to the vehicle electrical system, read and heed the following:  
Connecting jumper cables improperly can cause a short circuit and do expensive damage to the vehicle's electrical system.  
Do not let the vehicles touch each other while the jumper cables are connected. If they do, electrical current may flow between the vehicles when the  
positive (+) terminals are connected, causing electrical system damage.  
Jump-start terminal  
Fig. 201 In the engine compartment: Negative jump-start terminal ㊀.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The jump-start terminal for connecting the black jump-start cable is in the engine compartment ⇒ Fig. 201㊀ꢀ.  
Your vehicle can only be jump-started or be used to jump-start another vehicle via this jump-start terminal.  
Using jumper cables  
Fig. 202 Diagram for attaching the jumper cables: Dead battery ① and booster battery ②.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Key to ⇒ Fig. 202ꢀ:  
Battery of the vehicle receiving starting assistance  
Battery of the vehicle providing starting assistance.  
Negative jump-start terminal on vehicle providing starting assistance.  
Negative jump-start terminal on vehicle receiving starting assistance.  
The dead battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical system.  
Make certain that the vehicles are not touching each other. Otherwise, electric current could flow as soon as the positive battery terminals (+) are connected. Use  
longer jumper cables if necessary.  
The clamps on the jumper cables must have good contact to bare metal on the battery terminals.  
If the engine does not start, stop the process after 10 seconds and repeat after about 1 minute. If the engine still does not start, get professional assistance.  
The procedure for attaching and for removing the jumper cables is described below. Perform each of the following steps only in the order described, which follow th  
letters shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 202ꢀA – B – C – D.  
Checklist  
Switch off the ignition in both vehicles Starting and stopping the engine.  
Open the battery cover, if necessary Vehicle battery.  
Attach one end of the red jumper cable A to the positive battery terminal ⊕ on the dead battery: ① .  
Attach the other end of the red jumper cable B to the positive battery terminal ⊕ on the good battery (booster battery): ②.  
277  
Attach one end of the black jumper cable C to the negative jump-start terminal of the vehicle providing assistance: ③ (Jump-start terminal), or if that is not  
available, to a bare metal part of the vehicle providing assistance. This part should be connected directly to the engine block.  
Attach the other end of the black jumper cable D to the negative jump-start terminal of the vehicle receiving assistance ④ (Jump-start terminal), or if that is  
not available, to a bare metal part of the vehicle receiving assistance. This part should be connected directly to the engine block. Attach the clamp to a point that i  
as far away as possible from the dead battery ① .  
Route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the engine compartment of either vehicle.  
Starting the engine  
Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery that is providing help and let it run at idle speed.  
Turn on the ignition of the vehicle with the dead battery. If the engine starts, wait 2 to 3 minutes until it runs smoothly before removing the jumper cables as  
described below ⇒ ꢀ. If the engine does not start within about 10 seconds, turn off the ignition and wait at least 1 minute; then try again. If the engine still  
does not start, get professional assistance.  
Before removing the jumper cables  
Switch off the headlights (if they are on).  
In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are  
disconnected.  
Checklist  
With the engine running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected.  
Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.  
Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).  
Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).  
Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.  
Close the battery cover.  
WARNING  
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help  
reduce the risk of battery explosion:  
All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the  
following WARNINGS and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system ⇒ Vehicle batteryꢀ.  
Always wear proper eye protection. Never lean over the vehicle battery.  
Attach the jumper cables in the correct order: first the positive cable, then the negative cable.  
Never connect the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to parts of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.  
Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.  
Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal parts of the vehicle.  
Check the battery acid level indicator window on the vehicle battery. Use a flashlight, never a match, cigarette lighter, or other open flame. If you cannot  
see the color of the window clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert assistance.  
Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. Sparks may cause the hydrogen gas escaping from the vehicle battery to ignite.  
Never jump-start a vehicle with a battery that is damaged or frozen or that was frozen and has thawed. The battery can explode. Replace the battery  
instead.  
Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.  
Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance has the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same capacity (see battery  
label).  
Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. Always keep fire, sparks, open flame and smoking materials away from batteries.  
Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative battery terminal on the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is  
explosive.  
Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with each other.  
Towing  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Towing on a commercial tow truck ꢀ  
278  
⇒ Tips on towingꢀ  
⇒ Installing the front towing eyeꢀ  
⇒ Installing the rear towing eyeꢀ  
⇒ Driving tips while towingꢀ  
Observe legal requirements when towing.  
For technical reasons:  
A vehicle with a dead battery must never be towed. Jump-start the vehicle instead.  
It is not possible to tow-start or push-start your vehicle. Jump-start the vehicle instead.  
Vehicles with Keyless Access may only be towed with the ignition on.  
Towing the vehicle when the engine is turned off and the ignition is turned on drains the vehicle battery. Depending on the charge level of the vehicle battery, it is  
possible that even after just a few minutes, electrical devices such as the emergency flashers may not have the power necessary to function. The steering wheel  
might lock in vehicles with Keyless Access ⇒ ꢀ.  
WARNING  
Never tow a vehicle without any electrical power.  
Never remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter button while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The electronic  
steering column could suddenly lock, you would not be able to steer, and you could lose control of the vehicle, crash, and seriously injure yourself and  
others.  
If the vehicle loses power while it is being towed, stop towing the vehicle immediately and contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.  
WARNING  
Towing a vehicle changes the way it handles and brakes. To help reduce the risk of an accident and serious personal injury, note the following:  
The driver of the vehicle that is being towed:  
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.  
Always be alert so as not to rear-end the towing vehicle.  
Will have to use considerably more force to turn the steering wheel because the power steering is not working.  
The driver of the vehicle that is doing the towing:  
Must accelerate gradually and gently and avoid jerking movements.  
Must not brake hard or steer sharply.  
Must brake earlier and more gently than in normal driving.  
NOTE  
Be careful not to damage the paint when installing and removing the towing eye and the cover for the threaded hole in the bumper.  
Unburned fuel can get into the catalytic converter during towing and damage it.  
Towing on a commercial tow truck  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
To help avoid damaging the vehicle, have it towed only by a professional towing company. Read and heed the following information:  
General information  
Never let the vehicle be towed at speeds above 30 mph (50 km/h).  
Never let the vehicle be towed for more than 30 miles (50 km).  
Towing manual transmission vehicles  
Release the parking brake.  
Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).  
279  
If possible, have the vehicle towed with the front wheels off the ground.  
If necessary, the vehicle can also be towed with the rear wheels off the ground  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Towing automatic transmission vehicles  
Release the parking brake.  
Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).  
Tow the vehicle only with its front wheels off the ground ⇒ ꢀ.  
Special towing instructions for vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION)  
To help prevent unnecessary damage, vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION) must be transported on a flatbed truck.  
To load the vehicle on the flatbed, use the towing eye found in the vehicle tool kit and attach it to the front anchorage ⇒ Vehicle tool kitꢀ, ⇒ Installing the front  
towing eyeꢀ.  
When not to tow your vehicle  
If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved with the drive wheels off the ground. The vehicle can only be towe  
if its ignition is switched on and its electrical system is operating.  
In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed and must be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer :  
If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.  
If the vehicle battery is dead (because the electronic steering column lock cannot be released, if engaged). Vehicles with an electronic parking brake : If the  
electronic parking brake was engaged when the battery died, it cannot be released ⇒ Electronic parking brake (Golf R)ꢀ.  
If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).  
If the steering or the wheel clearance might be impaired, for example, after an accident.  
WARNING  
It is not safe for children or other persons to ride in a vehicle that is being towed.  
Never let children or anyone else remain in the vehicle while it is being towed.  
NOTE  
The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This can damage the automatic transmission.  
Never tow automatic transmission vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.  
Tow manual transmission vehicles with the rear wheels off the ground only if it is certain that no transmission fluid can leak out.  
Tips on towing  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Towing eye, tow rope or tow bar  
A towing eye is included in your vehicle's tool kit. This can be inserted in a threaded hole in the front bumper and used when your vehicle is being towed by another  
vehicle. On most vehicles, there is another threaded hole in the rear bumper, so you can use the towing eye to tow other vehicles as well. Towing a vehicle with a  
tow bar is safer and easier on both vehicles than using a tow rope. A tow rope should be used only if a tow bar is not available.  
The tow rope should be flexible enough to help protect both vehicles from damage. Use a synthetic fiber rope or similar rope.  
Attach the tow rope or tow bar only to the towing eye included in the vehicle tool kit for this purpose, or to a trailer hitch.  
Towing manual transmission vehicles  
Check whether your vehicle can be towed at all; see below ⇒ When not to tow your vehicleꢀ.  
If yes, note the following for the towed vehicle:  
Shift the gearshift lever to Neutral ⇒ Manual transmission gearshift leverꢀ.  
Do not tow faster than 30 mph (50 km/h).  
Do not tow more than 30 miles (50 km).  
Towing automatic transmission vehicles  
Check whether your vehicle can be towed at all; see below ⇒ When not to tow your vehicleꢀ.  
If yes, note the following for the towed vehicle:  
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Put the transmission in Neutral (N).  
Do not tow faster than 30 mph (50 km/h).  
Do not tow more than 30 miles (50 km).  
When a commercial tow truck is being used, the vehicle must only be towed with the front wheels lifted off the ground.  
Follow the special instructions for towing vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION).  
Towing vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION)  
Vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION) must be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer. Otherwise the powertrain may be damaged.  
When not to tow your vehicle  
In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed and must be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer :  
If transmission fluid has leaked out of the transmission.  
If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved with the drive wheels off the ground.  
If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.  
If the vehicle battery is dead (because the electronic steering column lock cannot be released, if engaged). Vehicles with an electronic parking brake : If the  
electronic parking brake was engaged when the battery died, it cannot be released ⇒ Electronic parking brake (Golf R)ꢀ.  
If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).  
If the steering or the wheel clearance might be impaired, for example, after an accident.  
Towing other vehicles  
Obey all legal requirements.  
Read and heed all towing information in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.  
A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic steering column lock and the electronic parking brake (if equipped) are released. In case of a power loss or  
malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine may have to be jump-started ⇒ Jump-startingꢀ in order to release the electronic steering column lock and the  
electronic parking brake (if equipped).  
Installing the front towing eye  
Fig. 203 In the right front bumper: Removing the cover.  
Fig. 204 In the right front bumper: Installing the towing eye.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
There is a threaded hole for the towing eye in the right front bumper behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 204ꢀ.  
Always keep the towing eye in the vehicle and stow it securely.  
Read and follow the notes about towing ⇒ Tips on towingꢀ.  
Installing the front towing eye  
Take the towing eye, the lug wrench, and the screwdriver out of the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle tool kitꢀ.  
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Push on the left side of the cover ⇒ Fig. 203ꢀ (arrow) so that it pops out.  
Remove the cover and let it hang from the bumper.  
Screw the towing eye clockwise into the threaded hole as far as it will go (arrow) ⇒ Fig. 204ꢀ⇒ ꢀ. Use the lug wrench to turn and tighten the towing eye.  
When towing is complete, unscrew the towing eye counterclockwise to remove it.  
Position the left side of the cover in the opening in the bumper and carefully push the right side into the opening until the cover locks into place.  
NOTE  
Always make sure the towing eye is screwed all the way into threaded hole so that it is secure. If not, it could be pulled out while your vehicle is being towed.  
Installing the rear towing eye  
Fig. 205 In the right rear bumper: Removing the cover.  
Fig. 206 In the right rear bumper: Installing the towing eye.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
There is a threaded hole for the towing eye in the right rear bumper behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 206ꢀ.  
Always keep the towing eye in the vehicle and stow it securely.  
Read and follow the notes about towing ⇒ Tips on towingꢀ.  
Installing the rear towing eye  
Take the towing eye, the lug wrench, and the screwdriver out of the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle tool kitꢀ.  
Push on the cover at the bottom marking ⇒ Fig. 205ꢀ (arrow) so that it pops out.  
Remove the cover and let it hang from the bumper.  
Screw the towing eye clockwise into the threaded hole as far as it will go (arrow) ⇒ Fig. 206ꢀ⇒ ꢀ. Use the lug wrench to turn and tighten the towing eye.  
When towing is complete, unscrew the towing eye counterclockwise to remove it.  
Position the lower lip of the cover in the opening in the bumper and carefully push the upper lip over the edge of the opening until the cover locks in place.  
NOTE  
Always make sure the towing eye is screwed all the way into threaded hole so that it is secure. If not, it could be pulled out while your vehicle is being towed.  
Driving tips while towing  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers must be familiar with the techniques required for towing. Inexperienced drivers  
should not try to tow a vehicle or to drive a vehicle that is being towed.  
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle, and avoid jerking the tow rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging  
the attachment points.  
If your vehicle is being towed, it can still signal turns even if the emergency flashers are activated, as long as the ignition is switched on. Use the turn signal in the  
normal way. The emergency flashers go off as long as the turn signal is blinking. As soon as the turn signal lever returns to its neutral position, the emergency  
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