Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Warning lamp  

 → Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment  

 → Opening and closing the bonnet  

Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine compartment.

The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Never carry out any work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the requisite procedures and general safety requirements, or if you only have access to incorrect operating equipment, service fluids, and unsuitable tools  . The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.

Additional information and warnings:

• Exterior views

• Windscreen wiper/washer

• Starting and stopping the engine

• Brake fluid

• Checks when filling the tank

• Engine oil

• Engine coolant

• Battery

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts

WARNING

Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.

• Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must be on a level, the wheels must be blocked and the vehicle key must be removed from the ignition lock.

• If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra support for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, which can lead to serious injuries.

• The start/stop system must have been deactivated.

WARNING

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.

• The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.

• Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not been carried out properly.

• Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.

• Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.

• Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.

• Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
  • Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P or move the manual gear lever to the neutral position.
  • Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
  • Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the vehicle unattended.

• The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and injuries.
  • Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some downward pressure on the cap.
  • Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth.

• When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.

WARNING

High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries and death!

• Never short circuit the electric system. The vehicle battery could explode.

• Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
  • Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
  • Never touch the electrical cable and connections of the gas discharge bulb.

WARNING

There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.

• Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can start automatically, even if the engine has been switched off and the vehicle key has been removed from the ignition lock.

• If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always be particularly careful.
  • Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work, remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid them getting caught in the engine compartment.
  • Always depress the accelerator carefully and never without due consideration. The vehicle could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.

• Always ensure that you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and fires.

WARNING

Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and can cause fires and serious injuries!

• Never smoke while working on the vehicle.

• Never work near naked flames or sparks.

• Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and hence cause injuries.

• Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the electrical system:
  • Always disconnect the vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is unlocked when the vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-theft alarm will be activated.
  • Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other open flames.

• Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.

NOTICE

When refilling or changing operating fluids please ensure that the fluids are in the correct container. Incorrect operating fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine damage.

Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other fluids on the ground, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of properly.