Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Warning lamp  

 → Opening the tailgate  

 → Closing the tailgate  

Additional information and warnings:

• Exterior views  

• Central locking system  

• Transporting  

• Manual opening and closing  

WARNING

Incorrect and unsupervised unlocking, opening or closing of the tailgate can cause accidents and serious injuries.

• Therefore the tailgate should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is in its path.

• Never close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the window. The rear window could shatter and cause injuries.

• After closing the tailgate, check to ensure that it is closed and locked correctly so that it does not open while the vehicle is in motion. The closed tailgate must be flush with the surrounding body panels.

• Always keep the tailgate closed while the vehicle is in motion so that no toxic exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle interior.

• Never open the tailgate if there is a load attached to it, e.g. a rack or luggage carrier. It may also not possible to open the tailgate if there are objects attached to it, e.g. bicycles. The additional load might cause the open tailgate to close by itself. Support the tailgate as necessary or remove the load from the surface.

• Close and lock the tailgate and all vehicle doors when the vehicle is not in use. Ensure that no one remains in the vehicle.

• Never leave children playing unattended in or around the vehicle, especially when the tailgate is open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment and shut the tailgate, thereby trapping themselves inside. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially for small children.

• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could use the vehicle key or central locking button to lock the vehicle and thereby trap themselves inside.

NOTICE

Before opening the tailgate, please check that there is enough space to open and close the tailgate, e.g. when towing a trailer or when in a garage.