Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction — part 18

Driving Mode Selection

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Function and operation

Adjusting the driving mode

Your vehicle may be equipped with the Driving Mode Selection feature.

Additional information and warnings:

Infotainment system
Lights
Shifting
Steering
Cruise control

WARNING

Driving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver
distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!

Never let yourself be distracted when selecting a driving mode or using the Infotainment

system.

Always drive attentively and responsibly. Use the Driving Mode Selection feature and the

Infotainment system only if road, traffic, and weather conditions permit and you will not be
distracted from your driving.

Function and operation

Fig. 146 In the lower section of the centre console: Driving Mode Selection button

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

The driver can choose from different driving modes with a variety of characteristics:

Driving mode

Recommended driving situations

Driving mode

Recommended driving situations

Normal

Balanced setting for everyday use.

Sport

Gives the vehicle a sporty driving feel and is suited for a sporty
driving style.

Individual

Individual systems can be adjusted to suit your personal requirements

The effect on the vehicle settings in the individual driving modes depends on vehicle equipment.

The driving mode can be changed while the vehicle is stationary or when it is moving. After selecting a
driving mode, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settings) are switched to the new driving mode
immediately.

When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator to activate the newly selected
driving mode for the engine.

Steering

In Sport mode, power steering is reduced and the effort required to steer the vehicle increases. The
vehicle's driving response becomes more agile.

Powertrain (engine and transmission)

The engine and transmission will give either a more dynamic or more balanced response to the
movement of the accelerator, depending on the selected driving mode. In vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the shift points and the coasting mode will also change. Active cruise control can affect
the acceleration response.

Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) and Light Assist (if equipped)

AFS and Light Assist give either a more dynamic or more balanced response to the current driving
situation, depending on the selected driving mode.

Displaying the driving mode

Switch on the ignition.

Press the Driving Mode Selection button

⇒

fig. 146

. The Driving Mode Selection menu appears

in the Infotainment system display. The active driving mode is selected.

Tap the Information function key to display additional information about the current driving mode.

Selecting the driving mode

Switch on the ignition.
Press the Driving Mode Selection button

and tap the function key for the selected driving mode

in the Infotainment system display.

OR: press the Driving Mode Selection button

to toggle through the driving modes.

The selected driving mode will stay set even after the ignition has been switched off. The last activated
driving mode will be assigned to the vehicle key that was used when the driving mode was selected.

WARNING

Changing the driving mode can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow Driving Mode
Selection to tempt you into taking extra risks.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions.

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.

NOTICE

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

In vehicles with an automatic transmission, the system automatically switches to Sport (S) mode

when the Sport driving mode is selected.

The driver can adjust certain vehicle functions, regardless of the selected driving mode. For

example, the driver can shift the selector lever to the Sport (S) mode, even if the Normal driving mode
is selected.

Adjusting the driving mode

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

The systems that can be adjusted to your individual requirements depend on the vehicle equipment.

Switch on the ignition.
If necessary, switch on the Infotainment system.

Press the Driving Mode Selection button

and tap the Individual function key in the Infotainment

system display.

Tap the Settings function key to open the Individual menu.

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

Tapping the

function key always takes you back to the previously active menu.

Menu

Submenu

Settings options

Individual

Steering:

Normal

Sport

Engine:

Normal

Sport

AFS:

Normal

Sport

Reset mode:

Settings are reset to Normal.

Changes to settings menus are applied immediately, with the exception of engine settings.

WARNING

Driving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver
distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!

Never let yourself be distracted when setting, adjusting, or using the Infotainment system.
Always drive attentively and responsibly. Use the Infotainment system only if road, traffic,

and weather conditions permit and you will not be distracted from your driving.

Heating and air conditioning

Applicable only in the United States

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Manual controls

Climatronic controls

Operation via the Infotainment system

Operation

Operation

Air vents

Air recirculation

Air recirculation

Manual air conditioning and Climatronic

Your vehicle is equipped with either a manual air conditioning climate control system or a
Climatronic climate control system.

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

The dust and pollen filter

The dust and pollen filter with an activated carbon insert 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.

More information:

Exterior views
Passenger compartment
Volkswagen Information System
Infotainment system
Seat functions
Windshield wipers and washer
Starting and stopping the engine
Exterior care and cleaning

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.

Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has

reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.

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.

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.

NOTICE

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

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.

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, personal

convenience settings, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the
vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.

Applicable only in the United States

Manual controls

Fig. 147 In the center console: Manual air conditioning controls.

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

Press the corresponding button to switch a function on or off. If a function is switched on, an indicator
light under the button lights up. To switch off a function, press the button again.

Button/Knob More information: Manual air conditioning

⇒

fig. 147

Temperature

(1)

...

Turn knob to set the desired temperature. The

position provides maximum

cooling output. Recirculation mode and the cooling system switch on automatically.

Fan

(2)

Setting 0: the fan and manual air conditioning are switched off.
Setting 6: highest fan speed.

Air distribution

(3)

Direct airflow by turning knob to any setting (continuously adjustable).

Defog/defrost: Airflow is directed to the windshield. Recirculation mode switches off
automatically in this position. Increases the fan speed to clear the windshield as
quickly as possible. The cooling system switches on automatically to dehumidify
the air.

Air distribution to the upper instrument panel outlets.

Air distribution to the upper instrument panel outlets and footwells.

Air distribution to the footwells.

Air distribution to the windshield and footwells.

Button/Knob More information: Manual air conditioning

⇒

fig. 147

Rear window defroster: Works only when the engine is running and switches off
automatically after 10 minutes or less.

Air recirculation mode

,

Buttons for seat heating

Press the button to switch the air conditioner on or off.

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 .

Press the

button. If the system is switched off, the indicator light under the

button lights up.

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.

Climatronic controls

Fig. 148 In the center console: Climatronic controls.

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

Press the corresponding button to switch a function on or off. If a function is switched on, an indicator
light in or under the button lights up. To switch off a function, press the button again.

Button/Knob

More information: Climatronic

⇒

fig. 148

.

Button/Knob

More information: Climatronic

⇒

fig. 148

.

Temperature

(1)

...

Left and right sides of the vehicle can be set to different temperatures. Turn the
knob to set the temperature.

Fan

(2)

The fan speed is automatically controlled depending on the vehicle speed in
order to help prevent unnecessary noise. The fan can also be adjusted manually.

Air distribution

(3)

Air flow is automatically adjusted to a comfortable level. It can also be manually
adjusted with buttons

(3)

.

Displays

(4)

Left-side and right-side digital temperature displays.

Defog/defrost button. The incoming outside air is directed to the windshield, and
air recirculation automatically switches off. To defrost the windshield as quickly as
possible, 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 distribution to the upper instrument panel outlets.

Air distribution to the footwells.

Air is directed upward.

Rear window defroster: Works only when the engine is running and switches off
automatically after 10 minutes or less.

Manual and automatic air recirculation

,

Buttons for seat heating

Press the button to switch the air conditioner on or off.

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 .

Applies 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.

Automatic temperature control, fan speed, and air distribution.
Press the

button to switch on the feature. The indicator light in the button

lights up.

Press the button to open the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system

Button/Knob

More information: Climatronic

⇒

fig. 148

.

Press the

button. If the system is switched off, the indicator light in the

button lights up.
OR: Turn the blower switch to the left as far as it will go.
OR: Switch off using the Infotainment system

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.

Operation via the Infotainment system

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

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

Opening the Air conditioning menu

Press the

⇒

fig. 148

button.

OR: Tap the

MENU

function key on the Infotainment system. Use the right-hand rotary/push knob

to select and open the Air conditioning menu.

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. Set temperatures up to +72 °F
(+22 °C) are shown with blue arrows, while temperatures above +72 °F (+22 °C) are shown with red
arrows.

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

Function

key

Effect

Switches off the Climatronic.

Switches on the Climatronic.

Setup

Opens the submenu for air conditioning settings. The following settings can be made:

Set the blower output in AUTO mode. You can choose between light, medium, and
strong.

Tap the Automatic air recirculation function key to switch automatic air recirculation on
and off.

Tap the function key

to close the submenu.

Applicable only in the United States

Operation

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

The air conditioner works only when the ignition is switched on. The cooling system for the passenger
compartment works only when the engine is running and the fan is on.

The air conditioner is most efficient when the windows and the power sunroof are closed. If the vehicle
is stationary and the passenger compartment becomes very hot due to sunlight, briefly opening the
windows and the power sunroof may speed up the cooling process.

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.

Settings for optimum visibility

When you switch on the cooling system, both the temperature and humidity in the vehicle are reduced.
This will help make passengers feel more comfortable and help keep the windows from fogging up.

For manual air conditioning

Switch off the air recirculation

⇒ Air recirculation.

Set the fan to the desired speed.
Turn the temperature knob to the center position.

Open and adjust all air vents in the instrument panel

⇒ Air vents.

Turn the air distribution knob to the desired setting.
Push the

button to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light in the button lights up.

For Climatronic

Press the

button.

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

Open and adjust all air vents in the instrument panel

⇒ Air vents.

Climatronic: Changing the temperature units

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

Press and hold the

and

buttons to switch the Climatronic temperature display from Celsius to

Fahrenheit and vice versa.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can also change the units in the Infotainment system by
pressing the

button followed by the

and Units function keys

⇒ Menu and system settings

(SETUP).

Heating

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

Air conditioner does not work

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.

Special considerations

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.

The climate control system adjusts the passenger compartment temperature as fast as possible

considering the outside temperature.

Due to residual moisture in the air conditioner, the windshield may fog up after the engine is

started. Switch on the windshield defroster to help evaporate the condensation as quickly as possible.

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.

Air vents

Fig. 149 In the instrument panel: Air vents.

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

Air vents

To help ensure sufficient heating, cooling, and ventilation in the passenger compartment, never close

the air vents completely

⇒

fig. 149

(1)

.

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, non-adjustable air vents are located in the instrument panel

(2)

, in the footwells, as well as

in the rear area of the passenger compartment.

NOTICE

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.

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.

Applicable only in the United States

Air recirculation

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

General information

There are different types of air recirculation:

Manual air recirculation.

Automatic air recirculation mode (Climatronic only).

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 if you push the

button or the air distribution

knob is turned to

⇒

.

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: Climatronic

Press the

button.

Touch the

function key.

Switch automatic recirculation mode on or off by touching 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.

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.

NOTICE

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 active carbon 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.

Refueling

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Refueling

Fuel capacities

Refueling checklist

The fuel filler flap is located on the rear right side of the vehicle.

More information:

Exterior views
Fuel
Working in the engine compartment

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel is dangerous and can cause fire, explosion, and severe
burns.

Always make sure that the fuel filler cap is screwed on all the way. This helps keep fuel

from spilling out or evaporating.

Fuel is highly flammable and explosive; it can cause severe burns and other severe

injuries.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle all the way

into the fuel filler neck can cause fuel to overflow and to spray out. Fuel spray and
overflowing fuel are dangerous because they can cause fire and serious personal injury.

During refueling, the engine and the ignition must be switched off for safety reasons.
Never use a mobile telephone, CB radio, or other radio equipment while refueling. The

electromagnetic radiation can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors and cause a fire.

Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. This helps avoid the
buildup of static electricity, which can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released
during refueling.

Never smoke or have an open flame (or sparks, cigarettes, or other smoldering objects)

anywhere in or near your vehicle when refueling or filling a portable fuel container.

Follow all safety instructions and procedures that apply at the service station where you

refuel.

Never spill fuel in the vehicle or the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal
injuries, especially in a crash.

For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel

container in your vehicle.

If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please

observe the following:

– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for
example, in the luggage compartment). Static electricity can build up while filling and can
ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.

– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel
inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.

– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and
during filling.

– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact
with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a
fire.

– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and
transportation of portable fuel containers.

– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as
ANSI/ASTM F852-86.

NOTICE

Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires,

and wheel housings.

Refueling with gasoline when your vehicle has a diesel engine or refueling with diesel fuel

when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious and expensive engine and
fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. These fuels contain substances that can severely
damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.

Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly,

following all applicable environmental regulations.

There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.