Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Mechanically positioned ball coupling

Fig. 107 Swivelling out the ball coupling

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

In the rear bumper there is a ball coupling for the towing bracket which can be swivelled out when needed. The ball coupling cannot be removed.

Swivelling out the ball coupling

• Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake   .

• Switch off the engine.

• Open the tailgate.

• Ensure that nobody is located in the path of the moving ball coupling  , and pull the handle ① until the ball coupling begins to move.

• Once the ball coupling has been rotated into position, allow the handle to return slowly to its initial position.

• When the ball coupling has been swivelled into position but has not clicked into place, the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle flashes red.

• Keep swivelling the ball coupling until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle lights up green.

• Close the tailgate.

• If a dust cap has been fitted to the ball coupling, remove it and stow it in a safe place before attaching a trailer.

The trailer socket is located on the left of the mechanically positioned ball coupling.

The indicator lamp ③ will light up only when the tailgate is open.

Swivelling in the ball coupling

• Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake   .

• Switch off the engine.

• Put the dust cap (if there is one) on the ball coupling.

• If used, remove the adapter from the trailer socket.

• Open the tailgate.

• Ensure that nobody is located in the path of the moving ball coupling  , and pull the handle ① until the ball coupling begins to move.

• Allow the handle to return slowly to its initial position.

• When the ball coupling has been swivelled into position but has not clicked into place, the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle flashes red.

• Swivel the ball coupling into the bumper until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle lights up green.

• Close the tailgate.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.

• Make sure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball coupling.

• Never interrupt the ball coupling, for example with tools, when it is swivelling.

• Do not use the towing bracket if the indicator lamp   is not lit up green.

• If the ball coupling will not engage properly, do not use the towing bracket. Have it checked by a qualified workshop.

• Never operate the handle   if there is a load on the ball coupling.

• If the smallest diameter on the ball coupling is smaller than 49 mm, do not use the towing bracket.

NOTICE

Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the mechanically positioned ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket. This can damage seals or wash off the grease required for lubrication.