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

Lights

Controls

Introduction to the subject

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

⇒ Indicator lightsꢀ

⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ

⇒ Headlight range adjustmentꢀ

⇒ Instrument panel lightingꢀ

⇒ Interior and reading lightsꢀ

Always obey local vehicle lighting laws.

The driver is always responsible for the correct headlight settings.

WARNING

Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot be seen by other motorists.

Always switch on the low beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the weather is bad or visibility is poor.

WARNING

Headlights that are aimed too high and improper use of the headlight flasher or high beams can blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and

serious personal injuries.

Always make sure that headlights are properly adjusted.

Never use the headlight flasher or high beams when they can blind or distract other drivers.

In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service

life of the vehicle's lighting system.

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

Indicator lights

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

Indicator lights in the instrument cluster

Lights up

Possible cause ⇒

ꢀ

Proper response

Left or right turn signal.

Check the turn signals on the vehicle and the trailer.

The indicator light blinks twice as fast if a turn signal is not working on

the vehicle or the trailer.

High beams switched on or headlight flashers in use.

Light Assist switched on.

⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ.

⇒ High-beam control (Light Assist)ꢀ.

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.

Indicator lights in the light switch

Lights up

Meaning

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Lights up

Meaning

The fog lights are switched on ⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ

The parking lights are switched on ⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ.

The automatic headlights and the daytime running lights are switched on ⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ.

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, stop the engine, turn on the emergency flashers, and use other

warning devices to warn approaching traffic.

Never park the vehicle in areas where the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, oil, or other

material that can catch fire.

A broken down vehicle presents a high accident risk for itself and others. Switch on emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn oncoming

traffic.

NOTE

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

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights provide bright, uniform lighting to help you see and be seen. The light comes from an electric arc between two

electrodes in the gas-filled bulb. Over time, the electrodes can wear down and the gap between them will get wider. The HID lamp’s control unit then

increases the voltage to keep the arc’s brightness constant. However, the commonly called “Xenon” bulbs will also ultimately burn out. Before they burn out,

HID lamps can flicker. A message will then appear in the MFD. This is your reminder to see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen

Service facility to check the headlights.

Switching lights on and off

Fig. 90 Headlight switch next to the steering wheel (with fog lights and automatic headlights, if equipped).

Fig. 91 To the left of the steering wheel: Turn signal and high beam lever.

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

Adjust the light switch to the desired position ⇒ Fig. 90ꢀ:

Symbol

When the ignition is switched off

When the ignition is switched on

Fog lights, DRL, and low beams switched off.

Headlights off, daytime running lights (DRL) on.

Orientation lighting may be switched on.

Automatic headlights active, DRL on.

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Adjust the light switch to the desired position ⇒ Fig. 90ꢀ:

Symbol When the ignition is switched off

When the ignition is switched on

Low beams switched off. The parking lights, DRL, and taillights

will stay on as long as the key is in the ignition, or for vehicles with

Keyless Access, the driver door is closed.

Headlights and taillights switched on.

Parking lights, DRL, and taillights switched on.

Fog lights switched off.

Parking lights, DRL, and taillights switched on.

Light switch in position : The parking lights, DRL, and taillights

will stay on as long as the key is in the ignition, or for vehicles with

Keyless Access, the driver door is closed.

Headlights and fog lights switched on.

Light switch in position

: Orientation lighting may be switched

on.

Moving the turn signal and high beam lever to the desired position

Right turn signal.

Left turn signal.

Switch on high beams ⇒ ꢀ. The indicator light

lights up.

Turn on the headlight flasher. The headlight flasher turns on the high beams as long as the lever is pulled and manually held in the pulled position. The

indicator light

lights up.

Move the lever back to the home position to turn the selected feature off.

Fog lights (if equipped)

The indicator light

in the headlight switch shows that the fog lights are switched on.

To switch on the fog lights : first turn the light switch to position

or , then pull the light switch out to the detent.

To switch off the fog lights, push the switch back in. To then turn off the headlights, turn the switch to position

.

WARNING

Daytime running lights and parking lights are not bright enough to let you see ahead or be seen by others when it is dark.

Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk, when it is dark, and whenever the weather is bad or visibility is poor.

Never use the daytime running lights to see where you are going. They are not bright enough and will not let you see far enough ahead for safety,

especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.

The taillights do not come on with the daytime running lights. Unless the taillights are on, a vehicle cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or

when it is dark.

Even if automatic headlights (

) are switched on, the low-beam headlights may still not come on by themselves in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch

on the low-beam headlights manually.

WARNING

Using the turn signals improperly, not using the turn signals, or forgetting to turn off the turn signals can confuse other drivers and lead to an accident and

serious personal injury.

Always use a turn signal before changing lanes, overtaking another vehicle, or turning.

Turn off the turn signal after changing lanes, overtaking another vehicle, or turning.

WARNING

Improper use of high beams can distract and blind others, causing accidents and serious injuries.

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The turn signals work only when the ignition is switched on. The emergency flashers also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ In an emergencyꢀ.

In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service

life of the vehicle's lighting system.

Headlight range adjustment

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

For vehicles equipped with halogen headlights: The headlight range cannot be manually adjusted. If you believe the headlights are not properly adjusted or are not

sure, have them checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ ꢀ.

For vehicles equipped with HID or LED headlights: The headlights are equipped with an automatic leveling feature that automatically adjusts the headlight range to

the vehicle loading condition once the low beams are switched on ⇒ ꢀ.

WARNING

Headlights that are aimed too high because of the way the vehicle is loaded can blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal

injuries.

Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to loading conditions so that they do not blind others.

WARNING

If the automatic leveling feature of the headlights does not work properly or at all, the headlights could blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a

crash and serious personal injuries.

Have headlight range adjustment checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Instrument panel lighting

Fig. 92 To the left of the steering wheel: Thumbwheel to adjust instrument panel lighting ①.

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

Instrument cluster and switch brightness

You can adjust the brightness of the instrument cluster and switch lighting by turning the thumbwheel ⇒ Fig. 92①ꢀ. On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can

also adjust other interior lights by pressing the

button followed by the Vehicle,

, and Lights function keys in the Infotainment system ⇒ Infotainment system

operation and displaysꢀ.

The brightness of the instrument panel lighting changes in response to a change in lighting around the vehicle, for example, when driving through a tunnel

⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ.

The instrument cluster lighting is on when the lights are turned off and the ignition is on. As the lighting around the vehicle fades, the instrument cluster lighting

will also fade and eventually turn off. This is to remind the driver to turn on the low beams.

Interior and reading lights

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

Button

Function

Rear interior lights on.

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Button

Function

Door contact button.

Press the button and the interior lights come on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, a door is opened, or the

vehicle key is removed from the ignition.

The lights go out about 20 seconds after you close the doors. They also go out when you lock the vehicle or switch on the

ignition.

Press the button back out again to switch the door contact feature off.

Reading lights on or off.

Glove and luggage compartment lights

The glove and luggage compartments may have lights that come on automatically when they are opened and go off when they are closed.

The interior and reading lights go out when you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after you remove the vehicle key from the ignition. This helps to prevent

unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Light features

Applicable only in the United States

Lights – features

Parking lights

If the ignition is switched off and the vehicle is locked from the outside with the headlight switch in the

come on together with both taillights.

position, the parking lights and DRL in both headlights

If the headlight switch is in the

position when you switch off the ignition, and you do not switch the parking lights off when leaving the vehicle, the parking lights

stay on for about 30 minutes before automatically switching off. This feature helps prevent the parking lights from draining the vehicle battery if they were left on

unintentionally.

3-blink turn signal (convenience indicating)

Move the turn signal lever up or down slightly, just to the point of resistance, and then let it go. If you have the 3-blink turn signal (convenience indicating) feature

switched on in the Infotainment system, the turn signal ﬂashes three times.

If the feature is switched off, the turn signal will blink as long as you hold the lever up or down, and go out when you release the lever.

The 3-blink turn signal (convenience indicating) can be switched on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the Vehicle,

, an

Lights function keys ⇒ Infotainment system operation and displays ꢀ.

Daytime running lights (DRL)

The daytime running lights can help to increase the visibility of your vehicle during the day.

Separate lamps or LEDs are installed in the headlights or in the front bumper for the daytime running lights (DRL).

The daytime running lights switch on whenever the ignition is switched on and the light switch is in position

If the light switch is in position , the low-light sensor switches the low beams as well as the instrument and switch lighting on and off automatically.

Daytime running lights (DRL) parking feature

,

, or

.

Some models are equipped with a daytime running lights (DRL) parking feature that switches the daytime running lights off when the parking brake is engaged and

the ignition is switched on.

Function

Action

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Function

Action

– Switch the ignition on.

Switching the DRL off:

– Turn the light switch to the position.

– Set the parking brake.

Switching the DRL back on:

– Release the parking brake.

Automatic headlights (

)

Your vehicle may be equipped with automatic headlights (

situations.

), which are a convenience feature only and cannot always recognize all lighting and driving

If the light switch is in the

position, both vehicle lighting and instrument and switch lighting are automatically switched on and off in the following situations

⇒

Automatic activation: If the low-light sensor registers darkness, for example, when driving through a tunnel or at dusk OR when the rain sensor recognizes rain

and switches the windshield wipers on.

Automatic deactivation: If sufficient brightness is registered OR the windshield wipers have not moved for several minutes.

If the fog lights are turned on while the light switch is in position

, the low beam lights will come on regardless of the brightness outside the vehicle.

You can adjust the level of darkness the vehicle must register before automatically switching on the headlights in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the Vehicle, , and Lights function keys ⇒ Infotainment system operation and displays ꢀ. You can also turn the automatic activation of the

headlights with the rain sensors on and off via this menu.

Cornering lights

Your vehicle may have cornering lights, which are either integrated into the headlights or the fog lights under the front bumper. At speeds below about 25 mph

(40 km/h), the cornering light on one side of the vehicle will come on automatically when you turn a corner. If you turn to the right, the right cornering light comes on

turn left and the left cornering light comes on. The light dims and goes out when the steering wheel is straightened out again.

When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the cornering lights on both sides of the vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle

better when backing up.

The cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. If you are using automatic headlights (headlight switch in the

position ⇒ Switching lights on and off

they work only when the headlights have been automatically switched on. The cornering lights do not come on when the headlight switch is in the position or whe

the fog lights themselves have been switched on.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) works only with the low beams switched on and only at speeds above about 6 mph (10 km/h). The swivel-mounted

lamps automatically improve road illumination during cornering.

In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected driving mode can affect the turning of the lights ⇒ Driving Mode Selectionꢀ.

In some models, the headlights will turn independently, even when driving straight ahead. They can adjust according to the weather conditions and the speed of the

vehicle to better light up the road ahead. The bulbs return to their original position after a short period of time, depending on the vehicle speed.

On vehicles equipped with AFS, the feature can be switched on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the Vehicle,

, and

Lights function keys ⇒ Infotainment system operation and displays ꢀ.

Acoustic warning when lights are not switched off

In the following situation, a warning chime will sound if you switch off the ignition and open the driver door. This is to remind you that lights are still on.

Light switch in position

.

WARNING

Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot be seen by other motorists.

Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists.

You will not be able to see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it

is dark.

The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on and the headlight switch is in position or

cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.

. A vehicle without taillights on

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If automatic headlights (

beam headlights yourself.

) are switched on, the low-beam headlights still may not be switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-

NOTE

Leaving the parking lights on when the ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.

In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service

life of the vehicle's lighting system.

High-beam control (Light Assist)

Your vehicle may be equipped with the Light Assist automatic high beam control system.

Light Assist high beam control

Light assist switches the high beam headlights on at speeds above about 37 mph (60 km/h), depending on the surroundings and trafﬁc conditions, and off again at

speeds below about 18 mph (30 km/h), within the limits of the system ⇒ ꢀ. The system is controlled by a camera mounted in the rearview mirror base.

Light Assist generally detects well-lit areas such as towns and switches the high beam headlights off when driving through these areas.

Switching Light Assist on

Switch the ignition on and turn the light switch to the

Push the turn signal lever forward (out of the home position).

If the indicator light appears in the instrument cluster display, Light Assist is switched on.

Switching Light Assist off

position ⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ.

Switch the ignition off.

OR: Turn the light switch to a position other than

⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ.

OR: When the high beam headlights are on, pull the turn signal lever back to the home position.

OR: Push the turn signal lever forward to switch the high beam headlights on manually. Light Assist switches off.

Adjusting Light Assist sensitivity

Light Assist has two sensitivity levels.

Increase sensitivity: Push the turn signal forward from the home position and hold for about 15 seconds. The

indicator light in the instrument cluster display

flashes 3 times to confirm the increased sensitivity level.

Reset sensitivity to the factory setting: Push the turn signal lever forward from the home position a second time and hold for 15 seconds. The

in the instrument cluster display flashes (quickly) 3 times. OR: Turn the ignition off and back on again.

indicator light

Light Assist system limits

The following conditions can prevent Light Assist from switching the high beam headlights off in time or from switching them off at all:

Poorly lit roads with highly reflective signs.

If there are others on the road with insufficient lighting, such as pedestrians or bicycles.

In tight curves, when traffic is partially hidden, on steep hills, or in valleys.

On roads with a center barrier where the driver can clearly see oncoming traffic above the barrier, for example, a truck driver.

If the camera is not working properly or the power is interrupted.

In fog, snow, or heavy rain.

When there is dust or sand in the air.

If the windshield is damaged in the area of the camera.

If the camera's visual field is fogged over, dirty, or covered by a sticker, snow, or ice.

WARNING

Never let the increased convenience provided by Light Assist tempt you into taking extra risks. The system is not a substitute for careful and attentive driving.

Always be prepared to control the headlights yourself and to adapt them to road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.

Light Assist may not detect all traffic situations correctly and function may be restricted in certain situations.

If the camera's area of view is dirty, covered, or damaged, Light Assist may not work properly. Changes to the vehicle lighting system, such as by adding

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additional headlights, can also change the way the systems work.

NOTE

To help the Light Assist system function properly, note the following:

Always keep the windshield in front of the camera clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the camera's field of view.

Check the windshield for damage in the area of the camera.

The headlight flasher and the high beams can be switched on and off manually at any time with the turn signal lever ⇒ Switching lights on and offꢀ.

The illuminated display on an electronic device, for example, an external navigation device, may prevent the Light Assist system from functioning properly.

Coming Home and Leaving Home features (orientation lighting)

Your vehicle may be equipped with Coming Home and Leaving Home features, which light up the area around the vehicle when entering or exiting the vehicle in the

dark.

The Coming Home and Leaving Home features are controlled automatically by a low-light sensor.

Switching on the Coming Home feature

Switch off the ignition.

The Coming Home feature is switched on when the headlight switch is in the

The delay period starts once the last vehicle door or the trunk lid is closed.

Switching off the Coming Home feature

position and the low-light sensor registers darkness.

The Coming Home feature switches off automatically after preset delay period is over.

OR If a vehicle door or the trunk lid is still open about 30 seconds after activation.

OR The light switch is turned to the position.

OR The ignition is switched on.

Switching on the Leaving Home feature

Unlock the vehicle.

The Leaving Home feature is switched on when the light switch is in the

position and the low-light sensor registers darkness.

Switching off the Leaving Home feature

The Leaving Home feature switches off automatically after the preset delay period is over.

OR When the vehicle is locked.

OR The light switch is turned to the position.

OR The ignition is switched on.

The length of time the lights stay on can be adjusted or the feature can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button

followed by the Vehicle,

, and Lights function keys ⇒ Infotainment system operation and displays ꢀ.

If the Coming Home feature is switched on and the driver door is opened, no warning chime will sound to alert you that the lights are still on.

Ambient (background) lighting

Depending on vehicle equipment, your vehicle may have ambient lighting in the doors and footwells, which comes on when the ignition and the headlights are

switched on.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can adjust the brightness of the ambient lighting in the Infotainment system by pressing the

Vehicle, , and Lights function keys ⇒ Infotainment system operation and displays ꢀ.

button followed by the

LED lights on the vehicle

Your vehicle may be equipped with the following LED lights:

Taillights, brake lights, turn signals, back-up lights, and license plate lighting on the rear of the vehicle.

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

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