Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Indicator lamps and fuel gauge  

 → Filling the tank with petrol, diesel or E85  

 → Things to note for diesel vehicles  

 → Capacities  

 → Checks when filling the tank  

The fuel cap is located at the rear right-hand side of the vehicle.

Bioethanol powered vehicles can either run on petrol (RON 95) or on bioethanol E85, and on all mixtures of these two fuels. The proportion of bioethanol contained in the fuel must not exceed 85%   . The procedure for refilling the vehicle is the same as for refilling with petrol   .

Additional information and warnings:

• Exterior views  

• Fuel  

• Preparation for working in the engine compartment  

WARNING

Filling the tank incorrectly and incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and serious burns and injuries.

• Always ensure that the tank cap is properly closed, to prevent the evaporation and spillage of fuel.

• Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable and can cause serious burns and other injuries.

• Fuel can spill out if the engine is not switched off or the filler nozzle is not fully inserted into the fuel filler neck when filling the tank. This can cause fires, explosions and serious burns and injuries.

• When refuelling, the engine, auxiliary heater (  ) and the ignition must be switched off for safety reasons.

• When filling the tank, always switch off your mobile telephone and two-way radio or any other radio equipment. Electromagnetic radiation can generate sparks which can in turn start a fire.

• Never get back into the vehicle while filling the tank. If in exceptional cases you have to enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal object before touching the filler nozzle again. This will remove any electrostatic charge from you. Failure to do so could generate a spark. Sparks can cause a fire when filling the tank.

• Never fill the tank or fill up a spare canister near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).

• Electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation must be avoided when filling the tank.

• Follow all applicable safety information provided by the filling station when filling the tank.

• Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.

WARNING

For safety reasons, Volkswagen does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle. Fuel can spill out of the full or empty canister and catch fire, especially in the event of an accident. This could cause explosions, fire and injuries.

• If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to transport a spare fuel canister, please note the following:
  • When refilling never place the canister in or on top of the vehicle, for example in the luggage compartment. There may be an electrostatic charge during refilling causing the fuel fumes to ignite.
  • Always place the spare fuel canister on the ground.
  • When filling a spare fuel canister, place the filler nozzle as far as possible into the filler opening.
  • If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle must have constant contact with the canister in order to avoid static charging.
  • Please follow all legislation concerning the use, stowage and transport of a spare fuel canister.
  • Ensure that the spare fuel canister is accordance with the industry standard, such as ANSI or ASTM F852-86.

NOTICE

• Remove spilt fuel from all vehicle components as quickly as possible in order to avoid damage to the wheel housing, tyres and vehicle paint.

• Filling the tank with petrol in a vehicle fitted with a diesel engine, or filling the tank with diesel in a vehicle equipped with a petrol engine, can cause serious and expensive damage to the engine and to the fuel system that is not covered by any Volkswagen warranty. Do not start the engine under any circumstances if you have refilled using the incorrect fuel. Seek expert assistance. The substances in these fuels can cause serious damage to the fuel system and to the engine itself if it is switched on.

• Vehicles with a diesel engine should under no circumstances be filled and driven with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other fuels that have not been expressly approved for diesel engines. Other fuels can cause extensive and expensive damage to the engine and to the fuel system which will not be covered by any Volkswagen warranty.

Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed of properly.

The tank flap cannot be opened manually. Seek expert assistance if necessary.