Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction — part 23

Applicable only in the United States

Reporting Safety Defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying Volkswagen of America, Inc. 3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Volkswagen of America, Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
424-9153);

go to http://www.nhtsa.gov;

or write to:

Administrator
NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.

Engine control and emission control system

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights

Catalytic converter

More information:

Shifting
Refueling
Fuel
Engine oil
Vehicle battery
Notice about data recorded by vehicle control modules
Towing

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. This can cause a fire and
serious personal injury.

Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system and catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, or heat shields.

WARNING

California Proposition 65 Warning

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm.

Indicator lights

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

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine control malfunction (Electronic
Power Control).

Have engine checked immediately by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine control/monitoring system
malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator
Light - MIL)

Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

Misfire, which can damage the catalytic
converter.

Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.

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.

NOTICE

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

As long as the indicator lights

or

are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel

consumption, and loss of engine efficiency.

Catalytic converter

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

The catalytic converter provides exhaust gas after-treatment to help reduce pollutants in the exhaust
gas. To help ensure long service life of the exhaust system and gasoline engine catalytic converter:

Only use unleaded fuel.
Never completely empty the fuel tank.

Do not exceed the correct oil level

⇒ Engine oil.

Do not tow the vehicle to start it, but use a jump-start instead

⇒ Jump-starting.

If you experience misfires, loss of power or the engine is not running smoothly while driving, reduce
speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, gasoline could reach the exhaust system and get into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter could also be damaged by overheating!

Lift points for the vehicle

Fig. 162 A: Lifting point at the front. B: Lifting point at rear for lifting the vehicle using a workshop hoist or floor
jack.

The vehicle may only be raised at the lift points shown in the illustration

⇒

fig. 162

. If the vehicle is

lifted at different points, vehicle damage

⇒

and serious injuries may occur

⇒

.

Workshop hoists that use fluid cushions (receiving platforms) must not be used for lifting the vehicle.

There are many precautions that have to be followed when lifting a vehicle on a workshop hoist or
floor jack. Do not try to lift a vehicle on a workshop hoist or floor jack unless you have the training,
knowledge, and experience to be able to do so safely.

Information about lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack

⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack.

WARNING

Improperly lifting your vehicle with a workshop hoist or a floor jack can cause the vehicle to
fall off and cause serious personal injury.

Always read and heed the operating instructions from the floor jack manufacturer and

legal regulations if necessary before using the floor jack to lift the vehicle.

Never let anyone stay in the vehicle when it is being lifted or when it is off the ground.
Always lift your vehicle only at the designated lift points shown in the illustration . Not

using the designated lift points can cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack when heavy
parts such as the engine or transmission are removed.

Always make sure that the vehicle's lift points lie as flat as possible and centered on the

carrier plates of the floor jack.

Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the floor jack. The engine

vibrations and vehicle movements could knock the vehicle off the floor jack.

If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle

is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to
support the weight of the vehicle.

Never use the floor jack as a ladder or step ladder.
Always make sure that the weight of the vehicle is not heavier than the lifting capacity of

the floor jack and safety stands being used.

NOTICE

To help prevent serious vehicle damage, never lift the vehicle by the engine oil pan,

transmission housing, or by the front or rear axles or suspension.

To help prevent damage to the underbody or chassis, always insert a rubber pad between

the hoist and the lifting points. In addition make sure the lifting arms have enough clearance.

The lifting arms should not touch side sills or other parts of the vehicle.

In an emergency

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Protecting yourself and the vehicle

More information:

Braking and parking
Emergency closing and opening
Vehicle tool kit
Changing a wheel

WARNING

A vehicle breakdown in traffic is dangerous and creates a great risk for you, your
passengers, and others.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off

the road where it is safe to park and, if necessary, lock all doors in an emergency. Turn on
the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind
the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves alone in

the vehicle when locking the doors. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.

Protecting yourself and the vehicle

Fig. 163 In the center of the instrument panel: Button for the emergency flashers.

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

Obey all legal requirements regarding protecting a broken-down vehicle. For example, turning on the
emergency flashers and wearing a safety vest are mandatory in many countries.

Checklist

For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed
⇒

:

1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface

⇒

.

2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the

button

⇒

fig. 163

.

3. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Braking and parking.

4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)

⇒ Shifting.

5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a

guard rail.

7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.

8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.

9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.

If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for
example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.

Switch on the emergency flashers when:

Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
In any emergency situation.
If the vehicle breaks down.
When being towed.

Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.

If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to
alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common

sense.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and
serious personal injury.

Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the vehicle if you should have to push it a short distance by hand,
never push against spoilers, lights, body panels, windows, or similar parts. Concentrating

force on these parts of the vehicle can cause expensive damage that may not always be
obvious right away.

The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the

ignition is switched off.

Emergency closing and opening

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Manually unlocking and locking the driver door

Manually locking the passenger doors

Opening the rear hatch from inside the luggage compartment

Emergency release for the fuel filler flap

Emergency release for the selector lever lock

The doors and the rear hatch can be manually locked and, in some cases, unlocked if necessary, for
instance because the power locking system or the remote control vehicle key malfunctions.

More information:

Vehicle key set
Power locking system
Doors
Rear hatch
In an emergency

WARNING

Serious injuries can result if the emergency closing and opening procedures are used
carelessly.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key. This could result in
people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency.

A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly

in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle
can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures.
Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death,
particularly to small children.

WARNING

Careless opening and closing of the doors, the rear hatch, and the power sunroof is
dangerous and can cause serious personal injury.

Open or close the doors, the rear hatch, and the power sunroof only when no one is in the

way.

NOTICE

To help prevent vehicle damage, carefully remove and properly reinstall parts after emergency
locking or unlocking.

Manually unlocking and locking the driver door

Fig. 164 Door handle on driver door: Concealed lock cylinder (if applicable).

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

When locking the vehicle manually, all doors are locked. Keep the key turned in the locking position to
close the windows and the power sunroof (convenience closing). When the vehicle is unlocked
manually, only the driver door is unlocked. Keep the key turned in the unlocking position to open the

windows and tilt the power sunroof. Note the instructions for the anti-theft alarm system

⇒ Power

locking system.

Unfold the key bit from the remote control vehicle key

⇒ Vehicle key set.

If the vehicle has a concealed lock cylinder, insert the key bit from below into the opening of the

cover cap on the driver door

⇒

fig. 164

(arrow) and lift the cover cap off. Grasping the door handle

and pulling slightly makes it easier to remove the cap.

Insert the key bit into the lock cylinder of the driver door and unlock or lock the door.
Reinsert the cover cap from top to bottom and press until it clicks into place. Grasping the door

handle and pulling slightly makes it easier to reinstall the cap.

Special considerations when unlocking:

If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, the system remains activated for the

unlocked vehicle. But the alarm is not triggered at first

⇒ Power locking system.

Open the driver door. The alarm will sound.
Switch on the ignition. The electronic immobilizer recognizes a valid remote control vehicle key

when the ignition is switched on and deactivates the anti-theft alarm system.

The driver door can be unlocked separately from the inside the vehicle by pulling the door

handle to open the door

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside.

The anti-theft alarm system, when installed, is not activated when the vehicle is locked manually

with the key bit

⇒ Anti-theft alarm system.

Manually locking the passenger doors

Fig. 165 On the front side of the right rear door: Manual lock, covered by a rubber seal.

Fig. 166 On the front side of the right rear door: Locking the vehicle with the key bit in the vehicle key.

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

The passenger door and rear doors can each be locked manually. This will not activate the anti-theft
alarm system, when installed.

Open the door.

Remove the rubber seal on the front side of the door. The seal is marked with a lock

⇒

fig. 165

.

Unfold the key bit from the remote control vehicle key

⇒ Vehicle key set.

Insert the key bit into the slot

⇒

fig. 166

. On the passenger side doors, turn the key clockwise. On

the driver side rear door, turn the key counterclockwise.

Reinsert the rubber seal and completely close the door.
Make sure that the door is locked.
Repeat the procedure for other doors if necessary.
Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle doors can be unlocked and opened separately from inside the vehicle by pulling the

door handle to open the door

⇒ Power locking system.

Opening the rear hatch from inside the luggage compartment

Fig. 167 Inside the luggage compartment: Cover for the rear hatch release.

Fig. 168 Inside the luggage compartment: Opening the rear hatch.

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

If necessary, fold the rear seat backrest forward

⇒ Seat functions.

Remove luggage in order to reach the rear hatch from the inside.

Open the cover

⇒

fig. 167

by turning the release in the direction of the arrow.

Unfold the key bit from the vehicle key fob

⇒ Vehicle key set.

Insert the key into the slot on the rear hatch

⇒

fig. 168

and press the release lever in the direction

of the arrow to unlock the rear hatch. At the same time, push the rear hatch out until it opens.

Emergency release for the fuel filler flap

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

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

Emergency release for the selector lever lock

Fig. 169 Removing the selector gate cover.

Fig. 170 Releasing the selector lever lock (versions A and B).

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

If the power supply fails (due to a dead vehicle battery, for example) and the vehicle has to be pushed
or towed, the emergency release must be used to move the selector lever to Neutral (N). Depending
on the selector lever in your vehicle, you may need the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit to release

the selector lever

⇒ Vehicle tool kit.

The emergency release is located under the selector gate cover on the right side when viewed in the
driving direction.

Preparations

Set the parking brake. If the parking brake cannot be set firmly, you must find another way to help

prevent the vehicle from moving.

Switch off the ignition.

Removing the selector gate cover

Open the storage compartment in front of the selector lever

⇒ Storage compartment in the front

center console.

Pull upward on the front of the selector lever cover to release it, then pull the selector lever sleeve

upward

⇒

fig. 169

.

Slip the cover up and over the selector lever

⇒

.

Emergency release for the selector lever (version A)

With the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever

⇒

fig. 170

A in the

direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.

Press the release button in the selector lever handle and shift the selector lever to Neutral (N).

Carefully press the selector gate cover back in place, making sure that the electrical wiring stays in

the correct position and is not pinched or damaged.

Emergency release for the selector lever (version B)

Push the colored release lever B in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
Press the release button in the selector lever handle and shift the selector lever to Neutral (N).
Carefully press the selector gate cover back in place, making sure that the electrical wiring stays in

the correct position and is not pinched or damaged.

WARNING

Never shift the transmission out of Park (P) without first firmly applying the parking brake.
Otherwise, the vehicle can start to roll unexpectedly, especially on hills or inclines, and cause
an accident and serious injuries.

NOTICE

Even with the selector lever is in Neutral (N), the automatic transmission will be damaged if the
vehicle is towed (or you let it coast) for an extended period or at high speed with the engine
shut off.

Vehicle tool kit

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Storage

Contents

When securing the vehicle after a breakdown, always obey all applicable legal requirements.

More information:

Luggage compartment
Trailer towing
Working in the engine compartment
In an emergency
Changing a wheel

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. 171 In the luggage compartment: Floor covering raised and secured.

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

The vehicle tool kit, spare wheel or compact spare wheel 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. 171

(small arrows).

NOTICE

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

Fig. 172 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.

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

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. 172

(1)

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.

(2)

Screw-in towing eye.

(3)

Hubcap puller clip for removing hubcaps, wheel covers, or wheel bolt caps.

(4)

Jack. Before putting the jack back in the foam insert, be sure to completely crank the jack down
to its original position.

(5)

Lug wrench.

(6)

Crank.