Volkswagen e-Golf (2015 year). Instruction — part 25

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 the letters shown in the illustration
⇒

fig. 183

A – B – C – D.

Attaching jumper cables

1. Switch off the ignition in both vehicles

⇒ page 205, Starting and stopping the electric drive.

2. Open the battery cover in the electric motor compartment if the battery has a cover

⇒ 12 Volt

vehicle battery.

3. Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal

(+)

of the dead battery:

(1)

⇒

.

4. Attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal

(+)

of the good battery

(booster battery):

(2)

.

5. Attach one end of the black jumper cable to the negative jump-start terminal

⇒ Jump-start termi-

nal, or if that is not available, to the negative terminal

(-)

of the battery in the vehicle providing

assistance

(2)

⇒

fig. 183

.

6. Attach the other end of the black jumper cable

(3)

to the negative jump-start terminal

⇒ Jump-start

terminal, or if that is not available, a bare metal part of the vehicle with the dead battery. This
part should be connected directly to the electric motor block. You may also attach the cable to the

electric motor block itself or to the towing eye installed on the front of the vehicle

⇒ page 408, Tow-

ing. Attach the clamp to a point that is as far away as possible from the dead battery

(1)

⇒

.

7. Route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the electric motor

compartment of either vehicle.

Starting the electric motor

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 your vehicle with the dead battery. If the electric motor can be activated, wait

2 to 3 minutes before removing the jumper cables as described below

⇒

. If the electric motor

cannot be activated within about 10 seconds, turn off the ignition and wait at least 1 minute; then try
again.

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.

Removing jumper cables

With the electric motor activated, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were
connected.

1. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.

2. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).

3. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).

4. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.

5. Close the battery cover.

6. If necessary, unscrew the towing eye on the front of the vehicle

⇒ Installing the front towing eye.

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

⇒ 12 Volt vehicle bat-

tery.

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 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 win-
dow clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert assis-
tance.

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 smok-

ing materials away from batteries.

Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal

of the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is explosive.

Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) termi-

nals with each other.

Towing

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Text messages

Tow-starting

Towing on a commercial tow truck

Tips on towing

Installing the front towing eye

Installing the rear towing eye

Driving tips while towing

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 electric motor 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

⇒

.

More information:

Exterior views
Shifting
Jump-starting

WARNING

Never tow a vehicle without any electrical power.

Never remove the remote control vehicle key from the ignition switch or turn off the igni-

tion with the starter button while the vehicle is moving. The electronic steering column lock
could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer or control the vehicle. You can
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 acci-
dent 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 electric motor 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.

NOTICE

Be careful not to damage the paint when installing and removing the towing eye and the

cover for the threaded hole behind the bumper.

Text messages

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

Following text messages can be shown in the instrument cluster display:

Text message in the
instrument cluster dis-
play

Proper response

Towing damages the

electrical system.

See owner's man.!

Do not tow the vehicle on
its own wheels! If the ve-
hicle needs to be towed,
get expert assistance and
have the vehicle towed on
a commercial tow truck

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn

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

NOTICE

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

Tow-starting

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

For technical reasons it is not possible to tow-start or push-start your vehicle. Jump-start the vehicle
instead. If the electric drive cannot be activated, get expert assistance or have the vehicle towed on a
commercial tow truck

Towing on a commercial tow truck

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

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 your vehicle

Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).

Tow the vehicle only with its front wheels off the ground

⇒

.

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 towed if its ignition is switched on and its
electrical system is operating. In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed at all and must
be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer:

If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
If the 12 Volt vehicle battery is dead (because the electronic steering column lock engages and

cannot be released).

If you have to tow the vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).

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.

NOTICE

The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This
can damage the electric drive.

Never tow the vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.

Tips on towing

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

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.

Towing your vehicle

Check whether your vehicle can be towed at all; see below

⇒ page 412, When not to tow your vehicle

If yes, note the following for the towed vehicle:

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.

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 the text message Towing damages the electrical system. See owner's man.!

appears on the instrument cluster display.

If the power supply for the 12 Volt vehicle electrical system cannot be guaranteed.
If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
When the 12 Volt vehicle battery is dead.
If you have to tow your 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

For technical reasons it is not possible to tow other vehicles with your electric vehicle.

WARNING

If the vehicle is towed even though the text message Towing damages electrical sys-

tem. See owner's man.! appears in the instrument cluster, vibrations can occur in the
electric drive and the front wheels can lock, especially on ice or wet roads. Locking front
wheels can impair the steering functions and cause accidents and serious injuries.

If the message Towing damages electrical system. See owner's man.! appears

in the instrument cluster, only tow the vehicle in emergency situations at walking speed and
for a maximum of 330 ft. (100 m).

NOTICE

If the vehicle is towed even though the text message Towing damages electrical system.

See owner's man.! appears in the instrument cluster and walking speed is exceeded or it is
towed further than 330 ft. (100 m), serious damage can be done to the to the electric drive.

A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic parking brake is switched off and the electronic

steering column lock is released. In case of a power loss or malfunctions of the electrical system, the
electric motor may have to be jump-started in order to release the electronic steering column lock and
the electronic parking brake.

Installing the front towing eye

Fig. 184 In the right front bumper: Removing the cover.

Fig. 185 In the right front bumper: Screwing in the towing eye.

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

There is a threaded hole for the towing eye in the right front bumper

⇒

fig. 185

.

Always keep the towing eye in the vehicle and stow it securely.

Read and follow the notes about towing

⇒ Tips on towing.

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 kit.

Push on the left side of the cover

⇒

fig. 184

(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. 185

⇒

.

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 it has locked into place.

NOTICE

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. 186 In the right rear bumper: Removing the cover.

Fig. 187 On the right rear bumper: Screwing in the towing eye.

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

There is a threaded hole for the towing eye in the right rear bumper

⇒

fig. 187

.

Always keep the towing eye in the vehicle and stow it securely.

Read and follow the notes about towing

⇒ Tips on towing.

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 kit.

Push on the cover at the bottom marking

⇒

fig. 186

(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. 187

⇒

.

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 has locked in place.

NOTICE

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

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

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 un-
paved 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 flashers are automatically activated again.

As the driver of the vehicle being towed:

If your vehicle is the one being towed, the ignition switch 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 electric motor is switched off, more effort is needed

to steer the vehicle.

Since the brake booster also does not work when the electric motor 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.