Get Lights Guide for Volkswagen Golf 4 Door 2023

WARNING

Lights

Using the turn signals improperly, not using the

turn signals, or forgetting to turn off the turn sig-

nals can confuse other drivers and lead to an acci-

dent and serious personal injury.

Turn signals

Switching turn signals on and off

Always use a turn signal before changing lanes,

overtaking another vehicle, or turning.

Turn off the turn signal after changing lanes,

overtaking another vehicle, or turning.

The turn signals work only when the ignition is

switched on. The emergency flashers also

work when the ignition is switched off → page 85,

Protecting yourself and the vehicle.

Certain settings are automatically saved by

the driver personalization feature → page 30,

Driver personalization.

Fig. 76 To the left of the steering wheel: Turn signal

and high beam lever.

Vehicle lighting

— Switch on the ignition.

— Move the turn signal and high beam lever

→ fig. 76 to position:

Switching lights on and off

Right turn signal

Left turn signal

— Move the lever back to the home position to

switch the turn signal off.

If you do not hear an acoustic sound when the turn

signal is switched on, contact an authorized Volks-

wagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

3-blink turn signal (convenience indicating)

Fig. 77 Headlight switch next to the steering wheel

(with fog lights and automatic headlights, if equipped).

Move the turn signal lever up or down slightly, just

to the point of resistance, and then let it go. If you

have the 3-blink turn signal (convenience indicating)

feature switched on in the Infotainment system, the

turn signal flashes three times.

Always obey local vehicle lighting laws.

The driver is always responsible for the correct

headlight settings.

To cancel convenience indicating before the turn

signal flashes three times, immediately move the

turn signal lever in the opposite direction to the

point of resistance and release it.

Switching lights on

— Switch on the ignition.

If the feature is switched off, the turn signal will

blink as long as you hold the lever up or down, and

go out when you release the lever.

— Turn the light switch to the appropriate position:

The automatic headlights or the daytime run-

ning lights (DRL) are switched on → . See

→ page 113, Lights – features.

The 3-blink turn signal (convenience indicating) can

be switched on and off in the Vehicle settings menu in

the Infotainment system → page 26, Infotainment

system operation and displays.

Parking lights and taillights switched on. The

symbol in the light switch lights up green.

Headlights and taillights switched on.

112

Lights

For information on fog lights , see → page 113,

Switching the fog lights on and off.

Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see

where you are going. DRL are not bright enough

to light up the roadway and be seen by other

motorists. You will not be able to see far

enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or

when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam

headlights at dusk or when it is dark.

Switching lights off

— Switch off the ignition.

— Turn the light switch to the position to switch

all lights completely off.

The taillights do not come on when the daytime

running lights are switched on and the head-

— When the ignition is off, some lights may stay on

depending on the position of the light switch:

light switch is in position or

. A vehicle

without taillights on cannot be seen by others in

bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.

The lights are switched off.

Coming Home and Leaving Home features

(orientation lighting) may be switched on.

If automatic headlights (

) are switched on,

the low-beam headlights still may not be

switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to

switch on the low-beam headlights yourself.

Parking lights and taillights switched on.

Low beams switched off. The parking lights

and taillights will stay on as long as the key is

in the ignition, or for vehicles with Keyless

Access, the driver door is closed.

Switching the fog lights on and off

Daytime running lights (DRL)

The daytime running lights can help to increase the

visibility of your vehicle during the day.

If the vehicle is equipped with fog lights , you can

switch on the fog lights with the light switch in the

following positions:

and

→ fig. 77.

— To switch on the fog lights: Pull the light switch

out to the detent.

Separate lamps or LEDs are installed in the head-

lights or in the front bumper for the daytime running

lights (DRL).

— To switch off the fog lights: Push the switch back

in.

The daytime running lights switch on whenever the

ignition is switched on and the light switch is in po-

— To then turn off the headlights, turn the switch to

position

sition

, or

The indicator light in the headlight switch shows

that the fog lights are switched on.

If the light switch is in position

sensor switches the low beams as well as the instru-

ment and switch lighting on and off automatically.

, the low-light

When the automatic headlights

and the

fog lights are switched on, the low beams

also switch on, whether or not the low-light sensor

registers darkness.

Daytime running lights (DRL) parking feature

In some models, you can switch off the daytime run-

ning lights (DRL) while parked.

Function

Action

– Switch the ignition on.

Switching the DRL – Turn the light switch to the

Lights – features

off:

position.

– Set the parking brake.

Parking lights

If the ignition is switched off and the vehicle is

locked from the outside with the headlight switch in

Switching the DRL

back on:

– Release the parking brake.

the

position, the parking lights in both headlights

come on together with both taillights.

WARNING

If the vehicle is not locked from the outside when

the ignition is switched off, the continuous parking

lights on both sides of the vehicle will turn on auto-

matically after approximately 10 minutes to reduce

the load on the 12 V vehicle battery

Crashes and other accidents can happen when you

cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot

be seen by other motorists. Daytime running lights

and parking lights are not bright enough to let you

see ahead or be seen by others when it is dark.

Automatic headlights (

Your vehicle may be equipped with automatic head-

lights ( ), which are a convenience feature only

)

Always switch on the low beam headlights at

dusk, when it is dark, and whenever the weather

is bad or visibility is poor.

Vehicle lighting

113

and cannot always recognize all lighting and driving

situations.

example, in the Eco driving mode, the AFS is deacti-

vated → page 157, Driving Mode Selection.

If the light switch is in the

lighting and instrument and switch lighting are au-

tomatically switched on and off in the following sit-

position, both vehicle

In some models, the headlights will turn independ-

ently, even when driving straight ahead. They can

adjust automatically, depending on the weather

conditions and the speed of the vehicle to better

light up the road ahead. The bulbs return to their

original position after a short period of time, de-

pending on the vehicle speed.

uations →

page 113:

in Switching lights on and off on

— Automatic activation: If the low-light sensor reg-

isters darkness, for example, when driving

through a tunnel or at dusk OR when the rain sen-

sor recognizes rain and switches the windshield

wipers on.

On vehicles equipped with AFS, the feature can be

switched on and off in the Vehicle settings menu in the

Infotainment system → page 26, Infotainment sys-

tem operation and displays.

— Automatic deactivation: If sufficient brightness is

registered OR the windshield wipers have not

moved for several minutes.

Acoustic warning when lights are not switched off

In the following situation, a warning chime will

sound if you switch off the ignition and open the

driver door. This is to remind you that lights are still

on.

You can adjust the level of darkness the vehicle must

lights in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment

system → page 26, Infotainment system operation

and displays. You can also turn the automatic activa-

tion of the headlights with the rain sensors on and

off via this menu.

— Light switch in position

NOTICE

Leaving the parking lights on when the ignition is

switched off can drain the vehicle battery.

Cornering lights

Your vehicle may have cornering lights, which are ei-

ther integrated into the headlights or the fog lights

under the front bumper. At speeds below about

25 mph (40 km/h), the cornering light on one side of

the vehicle will come on automatically when you

turn a corner. If you turn to the right, the right cor-

nering light comes on; turn left and the left corner-

ing light comes on. The light dims and goes out

when the steering wheel is straightened out again.

Switching the continuous parking

lights on both sides of the vehicle

on and off

When the parking lights are switched on, both head-

lights will turn on as well as sections of the tail-

lights.

When you move the selector lever to reverse (R), the

cornering lights on both sides of the vehicle may

come on so that you can see the area around the ve-

hicle better when backing up.

Switching on the continuous parking lights on both

sides of the vehicle:

— When the ignition is switched on, turn the light

The cornering lights work only when the headlights

are on. If you are using automatic headlights (head-

switch to the

position.

— Switch the ignition off.

light switch in the

position → page 112, Switch-

ing lights on and off), they work only when the

headlights have been automatically switched on.

The cornering lights do not come on when the head-

light switch is in the position.

— Lock the vehicle from the outside.

Automatic parking light deactivation

The vehicle detects that the 12-volt vehicle battery

is low and switches off the parking lights or continu-

ous parking lights early enough to ensure that the

engine can still be started, but not until at least two

hours have passed.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

Some vehicles equipped with LED headlights also

have an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), which

works only when the headlight switch is in the

position and only at speeds above about 6 mph

(10 km/h). The swivel-mounted lamps automatically

help improve road illumination during cornering.

If the battery does not have enough capacity for the

parking lights to run for two hours, the 12-volt vehi-

cle battery may drain enough that the engine is no

longer able to start.

In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected

driving mode can affect the turning of the lights. For

114

Lights

The length of time the lights stay on can be

adjusted or the feature can be activated and

deactivated in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotain-

ment system → page 26, Infotainment system oper-

ation and displays.

WARNING

If the vehicle is stopped without enough lighting

so that the vehicle cannot be seen or is difficult for

others on the road to see, this can cause accidents

and serious injuries.

If the Coming Home feature is switched on

and the driver door is opened, no warning

chime will sound to alert you that the lights are still

on.

Always stop the vehicle safely and with enough

lighting. Follow the applicable legal regulations.

Coming Home and Leaving Home

features (orientation lighting)

Tips and troubleshooting

Your vehicle may be equipped with Coming Home

and Leaving Home features, which light up the area

around the vehicle when entering or exiting the ve-

hicle in the dark.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning

and indicator lights come on briefly for a function

check. They go out after a few seconds.

Vehicle lighting not working

The Coming Home and Leaving Home features are

controlled automatically by a low-light sensor.

The yellow indicator light comes on.

Switching on the Coming Home feature

— Switch off the ignition.

Light bulb of the exterior vehicle lighting not work-

ing.

— See an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other quali-

fied workshop to replace the light bulb that isn't

working.

The Coming Home feature is switched on when the

headlight switch is in the

position and the low-

light sensor registers darkness.

The Coming Home lighting switches on when the

driver door is opened. The switch-off delay period

starts once the last vehicle door or the trunk lid is

closed.

Rain and light sensor malfunction

The yellow indicator light comes on.

The headlights will not switch on or off automatical-

Switching off the Coming Home feature

ly when the light switch is in the

position

— The Coming Home feature switches off automati-

cally after the preset delay period is over.

→ page 120, Rain sensor.

— Switch the ignition off and back on.

— OR If a vehicle door or the trunk lid is still open

about 30 seconds after activation.

— If the indicator light comes on again and stays on,

contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

— OR The light switch is turned to the position.

— OR The ignition is switched on.

The turn signal indicator light blinks twice as

fast

The green indicator light blinks twice as fast if a turn

signal is not working on the vehicle.

Switching on the Leaving Home feature

— Unlock the vehicle.

The Leaving Home feature is switched on when the

— Check the turn signals on the vehicle.

light switch is in the

position and the low-light

sensor registers darkness.

If the headlights are not properly adjusted

Switching off the Leaving Home feature

The headlight range cannot be manually adjusted. If

you believe the headlights are not properly adjusted

or are not sure, have them checked immediately by

an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

— The Leaving Home feature switches off automati-

cally after the preset delay period is over.

— OR When the vehicle is locked.

Volkswagen Service Facility →

— OR The light switch is turned to the position.

— OR The ignition is switched on.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights or other warnings

can result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Vehicle lighting

115

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

High beams

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

Switching high beams on and off

Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move

the vehicle a safe distance off the road, stop the

engine, turn on the emergency flashers, and use

other warning devices to warn approaching

traffic.

Never park the vehicle in areas where the hot

catalytic converter and exhaust system could

come into contact with dry grass, brush, spilled

fuel, oil, or other material that can catch fire.

A broken-down vehicle presents a high accident

risk for itself and others. Switch on emergency

flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn

oncoming traffic.

Fig. 78 To the left of the steering wheel: Turn signal

and high beam lever.

WARNING

— Switch on the ignition.

Headlights that are aimed too high because of the

way the vehicle is loaded can blind and distract

other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious

personal injuries.

— Switch on the headlights.

— Move the turn signal and high beam lever from

the center position to the following position

→ fig. 78:

Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to

loading conditions so that they do not blind

others.

High beams switched on.

Operate the headlight flasher or switch off the

high beams. The headlight flasher turns on the

high beams as long as the lever is pulled and

manually held in the pulled position.

WARNING

If the automatic leveling feature of the headlights

does not work properly or at all, the headlights

could blind and distract other drivers. This can lead

to a crash and serious personal injuries.

When the high beams or headlight flasher is switch-

ed on, the blue indicator light

cluster lights up.

in the instrument

Have headlight range adjustment checked im-

mediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

High-beam control (Light Assist)

Your vehicle may be equipped with the Light Assist

automatic high beam control system → page 116,

High-beam control (Light Assist).

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS

can result in vehicle damage.

WARNING

In cool or humid weather, the insides of the

headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can

temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not af-

fect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.

Improper use of high beams can distract and blind

others, causing accidents and serious injuries.

High-beam control (Light Assist)

Your vehicle may be equipped with the Light Assist

automatic high beam control system.

Light Assist high beam control

Light Assist switches the high beam headlights on at

speeds above about 37 mph (60 km/h), depending

on the surroundings and traffic conditions, and off

again at speeds below about 18 mph (30 km/h),

116

Lights

within the limits of the system → . The system is

controlled by a camera mounted in the rearview mir-

ror base.

— On roads with a center barrier where the driver

can clearly see oncoming traffic above the barrier,

for example, a truck driver.

— In fog, snow, or heavy rain.

Light Assist generally detects well-lit areas such as

towns and switches the high beam headlights off

when driving through these areas.

— When there is dust or sand in the air.

— If the windshield is damaged in the area of the

camera.

Switching Light Assist on

— If the camera's visual field is fogged over, dirty, or

covered by a sticker, snow, or ice.

— Switch the ignition on and turn the light switch to

the

position.

— If the camera is not working properly or the pow-

er is interrupted.

— Push the turn signal lever forward (out of the

home position) → page 116, Switching high

beams on and off.

WARNING

When Light Assist is switched on, the

indicator

Never let the increased convenience provided by

Light Assist tempt you into taking extra risks. The

system is not a substitute for careful and attentive

driving.

light appears in the instrument cluster display. When

the high beams are switched on, the blue indicator

light

in the instrument cluster lights up.

Switching Light Assist off

Always be prepared to control the headlights

yourself and to adapt them to road, traffic,

weather, and visibility conditions.

— When the high beam headlights are on, pull the

turn signal lever back to the home position.

Light Assist may not detect all traffic situations

correctly and function may be restricted in cer-

tain situations.

— OR: Turn the light switch to a position other than

— OR: When the high beam headlights are not on,

push the turn signal lever forward to switch the

high beam headlights on manually. Light Assist

switches off.

If the camera's area of view is dirty, covered, or

damaged, Light Assist may not work properly.

Changes to the vehicle lighting system, such as

by adding additional headlights, can also

change the way the systems work.

— OR: Switch the ignition off.

Adjusting Light Assist sensitivity

Light Assist has two sensitivity levels.

NOTICE

To help the Light Assist system function properly,

note the following:

— Increase sensitivity: Push the turn signal forward

from the home position and hold for about

Always keep the windshield in front of the camera

15 seconds. The

indicator light in the instru-

clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the

camera's field of view.

ment cluster display flashes 3 times to confirm

the increased sensitivity level.

Check the windshield for damage in the area of

the camera.

— Reset sensitivity to the factory setting: Push the

turn signal lever forward from the home position

a second time and hold for about 15 seconds. The

indicator light in the instrument cluster display

flashes (quickly) 3 times. OR: Turn the ignition off

and back on again.

The illuminated display on an electronic de-

vice, for example, an external navigation de-

vice, may prevent the Light Assist system from func-

tioning properly.

Light Assist system limits

The following conditions can prevent Light Assist

from switching the high beam headlights off in time

or from switching them off at all:

— Poorly lit roads with highly reflective signs.

— If there are others on the road with insufficient

lighting, such as pedestrians or bicycles.

— In tight curves, when traffic is partially hidden, on

steep hills, or in valleys.

High beams

117

Glove and luggage compartment lights

Interior lighting

The glove and luggage compartments may have

lights that come on automatically when they are

opened and go off when they are closed.

Instrument panel and switch light-

ing

Ambient (background) lighting

Depending on vehicle equipment, your vehicle may

have ambient lighting in the doors and footwells,

which comes on when the ignition and the head-

lights are switched on.

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can adjust

the brightness of the ambient lighting in the Vehicle

settings menu in the Infotainment system → page 26,

Infotainment system operation and displays.

The interior and reading lights go out when

you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after

you remove the vehicle key from the ignition. This

helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle

battery.

Fig. 79 To the left of the steering wheel: Thumbwheel

to adjust instrument panel lighting 1 .

Instrument cluster and switch brightness

You can adjust the brightness of the instrument

cluster and switch lighting by turning the thumb-

wheel → fig. 79 1 .

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can also ad-

just other interior lights in the Vehicle settings menu in

the Infotainment system → page 26, Infotainment

system operation and displays.

The brightness of the instrument panel lighting

changes in response to a change in lighting around

the vehicle, for example, when driving through

a tunnel.

The instrument cluster lighting is on when the

lights are turned off and the ignition is on. As

the lighting around the vehicle fades, the instrument

cluster lighting will also fade and eventually turn off.

This is to remind the driver to turn on the low

beams.

Interior and reading lights

Rear interior lights on.

Press the button to turn the door contact

feature on and off. When the feature is

switched on, the interior lights come on au-

tomatically when the vehicle is unlocked or

a door is opened. The lights go out about

20 seconds after you close the doors; they al-

so go out when you lock the vehicle or switch

on the ignition.

Reading lights on or off.

118

Lights

Lights for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door 2023

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