Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Warning lamp  

 → Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery  

 → Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery  

The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.

Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the general safety requirements, or if you only have access to unsuitable tools  . The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.

Location of the vehicle battery

The vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery

Symbol	Meaning
	Always wear eye protection!
	Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!
	No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!
	A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is charging!
	Always keep children away from acid and the vehicle battery!

Additional information and warnings:

• ⇒ BookletService schedule,

• Pull-away assist systems

• Preparation for working in the engine compartment

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts

WARNING

Any work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety information before carrying out any kind of work:

• Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.

• Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.

• Always wear eye protection.

• Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid spillages.

• Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.

• When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and electrostatic charge.

• Never short circuit the battery poles.

• Never use a damaged vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged vehicle batteries must be replaced as soon as possible.

• Damaged or frozen vehicle batteries must be replaced immediately. Discharged vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).

NOTICE

• Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays could damage the battery housing.

• If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the vehicle battery from frost. If it freezes it will be damaged.

After starting the engine with a discharged vehicle battery, or after the battery has been changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged.