Get Vision Guide for Volkswagen Golf 4 Door 2023

the sensitivity of the rain sensor (vehicles with

a rain sensor).

Vision

Windshield wipers and washer

Windshield wiper lever

Move the lever to the desired position

→ fig. 81 , →

:

G

Intermittent wiping for the rear window. The

wiper wipes about every 6 seconds.

H

Press the lever forward as far as it will go to

activate the rear window washers, then release

to stay in intermittent wiping mode (position

G ). Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to

turn the rear wiper off.

If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper switches on

automatically when backing up.

— This feature can be turned on and off in the Vehicle

settings menu in the Infotainment system

→ page 26, Infotainment system operation and

displays.

WARNING

Fig. 80 Operating the front windshield wipers.

Windshield washer fluid without enough frost pro-

tection can freeze on the windshield and reduce

visibility.

Use the windshield washer system with enough

frost protection for winter temperatures.

·

Never use the windshield wipers/washers when

·

it is freezing without first defrosting the wind-

shield. The washer solution may freeze on the

windshield and reduce visibility.

WARNING

Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and in-

crease the risk of accidents and severe injuries.

Fig. 81 Operating the rear wiper.

Always replace wiper blades that are worn,

damaged, or do not keep the windshield clear

→ page 228, Windshield wiper blades.

·

The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is

switched on and the engine hood is closed.

Move the lever to the desired position

NOTICE

→ fig. 80 , →

:

To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the

wiper motor when it is cold outside, always make

sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield be-

fore switching on the ignition. Using the service po-

sition can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers

do not freeze to the windshield → page 228, Wind-

shield wiper service position.

A

B

Wiper switched off.

Intermittent wiping for the front windshield.

Rain sensor active (if equipped).

C

D

E

Slow wiper speed.

Fast wiper speed.

x One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever

down longer to wipe more often.

If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are

·

running, the wipers will continue at the same

wiping speed when the ignition is switched on

again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other objects

on the windshield can damage the wipers and the

wiper motor.

F

1

Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to

activate the front windshield washers, then re-

lease.

Switch for adjusting the windshield wiper in-

terval settings (vehicles without a rain sensor) or

Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you

begin driving.

·

Windshield wipers and washer

119

If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loos-

en them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using

a deicing spray.

·

NOTICE

Never switch on the windshield wipers when the

windshield is dry because the windshield can be

scratched.

When the vehicle is not moving, the wiper

speed changes temporarily to the next lower

speed.

Fig. 83 Inside the front windshield above the inside

mirror: Sensitive rain sensor surface (arrows).

Certain settings are automatically saved by

the driver personalization feature → page 30,

Driver personalization.

When switched on, the rain sensor automatically

shortens or lengthens the time between wiping in-

tervals depending on how hard it is raining →

.

Activating and deactivating the rain sensor

Windshield wiper functions

Push the lever to the desired position → fig. 82:

Heated washer nozzles (if equipped)

—

Position A : Rain sensor off (windshield wiper

When the ignition is switched on, the heat applied

to the washer nozzles is automatically regulated de-

pending on the outside air temperature. The heating

thaws frozen washer nozzles, but not the fluid sup-

ply hoses.

lever home position).

—

Position B : Rain sensor active - automatic wip-

ing as needed.

After switching the ignition off and back on again,

the rain sensor stays on and works again when the

wiper lever is in position B .

Wiper performance during intermittent wiping

Speed-dependent interval control: The higher the

vehicle speed, the faster the wipers move.

The automatic wipe function of the rain sensor can

be turned on and off in the Vehicle settings menu in the

Infotainment system → page 26, Infotainment sys-

tem operation and displays.

Rain sensor

Setting the rain sensor's sensitivity

The rain sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted manual-

ly → fig. 82 1 , →

.

— Move switch to the right – high sensitivity.

— Move switch to the left – low sensitivity.

WARNING

The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and

activate the wipers.

Switch the wipers on manually when water on

the windshield reduces visibility.

·

Fig. 82 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting the rain sen-

sor

1 (if equipped).

Tips and troubleshooting

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.

120

Vision

itself to respond to the sensitive surface's re-

duced detection zone. Depending on the size of

the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may

not change.

Windshield washer fluid level too low

Your vehicle may be equipped with a yellow indica-

tor light that comes on when the windshield washer

fluid level is low.

To remove wax and coats of polish safely, Volkswa-

gen recommends using an alcohol-based windshield

cleaner.

Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next oppor-

tunity → page 245, Windshield washer fluid.

WARNING

Rain and light sensor malfunction

Failure to heed warning lights or other warnings

can result in a collision and serious personal injury.

The wipers do not switch on automatically if it rains,

and the yellow indicator light comes on.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

·

— Switch the ignition off and on again.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

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

contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

→ page 120, Rain sensor.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS

can result in vehicle damage.

Windshield wiper malfunction

If there is something on the windshield, the

wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to

block the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove

the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.

The wipers do not wipe and the yellow indicator

light comes on.

— Switch the ignition off and on again.

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

contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

→ page 120, Rain sensor.

Mirrors

If there are changes in the way the rain sensor

works

Introduction

The rain sensor may misread what is happening in

the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor sur-

face → fig. 83 (arrows) and not work for a number of

reasons, which may include:

The outside mirrors and the inside mirror help you

see and adapt your driving to traffic behind you. Re-

member that the inside and outside rearview mirrors

will not show everything behind you. There can be

blind spots. Blind spots can be significantly larger if

the mirrors are not properly adjusted.

— Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades

may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this

can cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more

often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.

For your driving safety, it is important that you

properly adjust the outside mirrors and the inside

— Insects: Insects hitting the windshield may trigger

the wipers.

mirror before you start driving →

.

Looking in the exterior mirrors and the interior mir-

ror does not allow the driver to see the entire side

and rear area of the vehicle. The area that cannot be

seen is known as the blind spot. There may be an-

other vehicle, pedestrian, or object in the blind spot.

— Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from

winter driving can cause wiping more often or

continuously on glass that is almost dry.

— Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on

the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash deter-

gent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivi-

ty and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.

Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface → fig. 83

(arrows) regularly and check the wiper blades for

wear or damage.

WARNING

Adjusting mirrors when the vehicle is moving can

cause driver distraction, accidents, and serious

personal injury.

Always adjust the rearview mirrors when the

vehicle is not moving.

·

— Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and

chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on,

this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain

sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate

Always be aware of what is happening around

the vehicle when changing lanes, passing, turn-

·

Mirrors

121

ing, or parking. Another vehicle, pedestrian, or

object could be in your blind spot.

and then wash affected area with soap and wa-

ter; medical attention is recommended. Thor-

oughly wash affected clothing and shoes before

reuse.

Always make sure mirrors are properly adjusted

and the view to the rear is not reduced by mois-

ture, ice, snow, or other things.

·

If swallowed, and the person is conscious, rinse

mouth with water for at least 15 minutes. Get

medical attention immediately. Do not induce

vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical

professional.

·

WARNING

Self-dimming rearview mirrors contain an electro-

lyte fluid which can leak if the mirror glass is bro-

ken. Electrolyte fluid can irritate the skin, eyes,

and respiratory system.

NOTICE

Broken glass in the self-dimming rearview mirrors

can cause electrolyte fluid leakage. Liquid electro-

lyte leaked from a broken mirror glass will damage

any plastic surfaces it comes in contact with. Clean

up spilled electrolyte fluid immediately with clear

water and a sponge.

Repeated or prolonged exposure to electrolyte

·

fluid can irritate the respiratory system, espe-

cially among people with asthma or other respi-

ratory conditions. Get fresh air immediately by

leaving the vehicle or, if that is not possible,

open windows and doors all the way.

If electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes, flush them

Certain settings are automatically saved by

the driver personalization feature → page 30,

Driver personalization.

·

thoroughly with large amounts of clean water

for at least 15 minutes; medical attention is rec-

ommended.

If electrolyte fluid contacts skin, flush affected

area with clean water for at least 15 minutes

·

Inside mirror

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice

and on page 121.

Fig. 84 On the windshield: Self-dimming rearview mirror (design may vary depending on vehicle equipment).

122

Vision

If the light striking the sensor is filtered or blocked

(such as by a sunshade), the self-dimming inside

mirror will not work properly or may not work at all.

Do not attach external navigation devices to the

windshield or in the vicinity of the self-dimming in-

side mirror as these devices can also influence the

sensors →

.

The self-dimming feature is deactivated when you

shift the transmission to reverse or switch on the in-

terior lights or the reading light.

Manually adjustable inside mirror

Home position: Lever on the bottom edge of the

mirror points forward.

Fig. 85 On the windshield: Manually adjustable rear-

view mirror.

Adjust the inside mirror to make sure that there is

good visibility through the rear window.

To adjust to non-glare visibility, move the lever so

that it points down → fig. 85.

For example, visibility through the rear window

could be impaired if there is a sunshade on the rear

window or clothing on the luggage compartment

cover, or if the rear window is covered with ice,

snow, or dirt.

WARNING

The illuminated display on an electronic device, for

example, an external navigation device, may dis-

rupt the self-dimming function of the rearview

mirror, which may cause a crash and serious inju-

ries.

Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped)

When the ignition is switched on, the sensors on the

mirror measure the amount of light shining into the

vehicle from the rear → fig. 84 1 and from the

If the self-dimming function malfunctions, you

·

may not be able to use the rearview mirror to

help judge the distance between traffic or other

objects behind you.

front → fig. 84 2 of the vehicle.

If the ignition is on, the mirror automatically dark-

ens depending on the amount of light shining into

the vehicle.

Adjusting the outside mirrors

Outside mirrors

— Switch on the ignition.

Please read the introductory information and

— Turn the rotary knob in the driver door → fig. 86

to the desired position:

heed the Warnings and Notice

121.

and on page

Switch on outside mirror heating. Heats only

at outside air temperatures below +68 °F

(+20 °C). Outside mirror heating works with

maximum heat for about 2 minutes.

Adjust the left outside mirror by pressing the

knob to left/right and up/down.

Adjust the right outside mirror by pressing

the knob to left/right and up/down.

Neutral position. No heating or adjustment

possible.

Activating the exterior mirror features

Some exterior mirror features can be switched on

and off in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment

Fig. 86 In the driver door: Adjusting knob for the out-

side mirrors.

Mirrors

123

system → page 26, Infotainment system operation

and displays:

NOTICE

Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the

vehicle through an automatic car wash.

Synchronous mirror adjustment (if equipped)

The synchronous mirror adjustment feature simulta-

neously adjusts the right outside mirror when the

left outside mirror is adjusted.

To help reduce fuel consumption, use outside

mirror heating only when needed.

If power mirror adjustment does not work, the

outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by

pressing on the edges of the mirror surface.

— Turn on the synchronous mirror adjustment fea-

ture in the Infotainment system, if necessary.

— Turn the outside mirror adjusting knob to the

position.

— Adjust the left outside mirror. The right (passen-

ger) outside mirror will automatically adjust at the

same time.

Sun protection

— If needed, correct the position of the right mirror

by turning the adjusting knob to the position.

Sun visors

Self-dimming outside mirror on the driver side (if

equipped)

The self-dimming outside mirror on the driver side

works automatically with the self-dimming inside

mirror → page 122, Inside mirror.

WARNING

Improper use of the folding outside mirrors can

cause personal injury.

Always make sure that nobody is in the way

when folding the mirrors in or out.

·

Fig. 87 Sun visor.

Make sure that you do not get your finger

caught between the mirror and the mirror base

when moving the mirrors.

·

Adjusting the sun visors

— Flip the sun visor down toward the windshield.

— Lift the sun visor out of the retaining clip

→ fig. 87 A .

WARNING

Incorrectly estimating distances with the right

outside mirror can cause collisions and serious in-

jury.

— Swivel the sun visor toward the door.

On some vehicles, you can slide the sun visor toward

the rear of the vehicle after swiveling it toward the

door.

The right outside mirror has a convex (curved)

·

surface. This widens your field of vision. But ve-

hicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror

will look smaller and farther away than they

really are.

Vanity mirror and lighting

A vanity mirror is behind a cover in the sun visor.

When you slide the cover open → fig. 87 B , the

light → fig. 87 1 comes on.

If you use the right outside mirror to judge dis-

·

tances from vehicles behind you when changing

lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause

a crash and serious injuries.

The light goes out in the following situations:

— The cover is pushed closed.

Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to

more accurately judge distance and size of vehi-

cles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.

·

— The sun visor is flipped up again.

— The sun visor is moved lengthwise or is not fully

pushed in.

Always make sure you have a clear view to the

rear of the vehicle.

·

WARNING

Sun visors and sunshades can reduce visibility.

124

Vision

Always stow sun visors and sunshades when not

needed to block sun glare.

·

The vanity mirror light goes out after several

minutes. This helps to prevent unnecessary

drain on the vehicle battery.

Sun protection

125

Vision for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door 2023

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