Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015 year). Instruction — part 19

The Park Distance Control (PDC) uses ultrasonic sensors to determine the distance from the front or
rear bumpers to an obstacle. There are 4 sensors for the PDC located in rear bumper (B) and addi-

tional sensors in the front bumper (A)

⇒

fig. 149

(arrows).

The intermittent and permanent signal chimes given by the front PDC sensors are of a higher pitch
than those given by the rear PDC sensors. This is a standard feature.

The warning signals can be adjusted in the Infotainment system menu

⇒ Infotainment system.

Switching the Park Distance Control (PDC) system on and off

In order to

Operation (when the ignition is switched on)

Manually activate

PDC:

Press the

button once.

Manually deactivate

PDC:

Push the

button again.

Manually deactivate

the display (sound

stays active):

Press a function selection button on the factory-

installed Infotainment system

⇒ page 27.

OR: Tap the function key on the screen.

Automatically acti-

vate PDC:

Shift into Reverse (R).

OR: Depending on vehicle equipment, when the

vehicle rolls backwards.

Automatically deac-

tivate PDC:

Shift into Park (P).

OR: Drive forward faster than about 5–10 mph (10–

15 km/h).

Mute the PDC vol-

ume:

Tap the

function key.

Switch from mini

PDC display to full-

screen mode.

Press the

button once.

OR: Shift into Reverse (R).

OR: Depending on vehicle equipment, when the

vehicle rolls backwards.

In order to

Operation (when the ignition is switched on)

OR: Tap the mini PDC function key.

Switch to the Rear

View Camera sys-

tem display (if

equipped):

Shift into Reverse (R).

OR: Tap the

function key.

The indicator light in the

button

⇒

fig. 150

lights up and stays on as long as the feature is active.

Automatic activation

When the PDC is activated automatically, a mini PDC display appears on the left-hand side of the

screen

⇒

fig. 152

.

Automatic activation of the PDC when driving slowly towards an obstacle located in front of the vehicle
only works when the speed falls below about 6–9 mph (10–15 km/h) for the first time. If the PDC was
switched off using the

button, performing one of the following actions with the ignition switched on

can automatically reactivate the PDC:

If the vehicle accelerates to a speed greater than 6–9 mph (10–15 km/h) and then drops below that

speed again.

OR: If the selector lever is moved to Park (P) and then out of that position again.
OR: If automatic activation is turned off and on again in the Infotainment system.

Automatic activation of the mini PDC display can be turned on or off in the Infotainment system

⇒

Infotainment system.

When the box in the automatic activation function key is checked , signal chimes sound from a
distance of about 20 inches (50 cm) from the obstacle.

WARNING

Never rely completely on the PDC for information about people and objects that might be in
the way of the vehicle and could be struck by the vehicle causing serious personal injury.

The PDC sensors have blind spots where they cannot detect people or objects.
Always watch for people, especially small children and animals, because the sensors may

not always be able to detect them.

If you hear a long beep of about 3 seconds when you first turn PDC on or the indicator light in the

button starts blinking, this means there is a malfunction in the Park Distance Control system. Switch
off the Park Distance Control system with the button and have it immediately checked by an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

PDC signal chimes and displays

Fig. 151 PDC display of the area surrounding the vehicle.

Fig. 152 Mini PDC display of the area surrounding the vehicle.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Key to elements in the color display

fig. 151

and

fig. 152

Meaning

(A)

Scanned area behind the vehicle.

(B)

Scanned area in front of the vehicle.

=

System fault in the scanned area.

The yellow segment represents an obstacle in the ve-
hicle’s path.

Red segment depicts an obstacle located close to the
vehicle.

Key to elements in the color display

fig. 151

and

fig. 152

Meaning

The grey segment represents an obstacle outside of
the vehicle's path.

When the factory-installed Infotainment system is switched on, the areas to the front, rear, and side of

the vehicle that are scanned by ultrasonic sensors are shown on the screen

⇒

fig. 151

. The positions

of potential obstacles are displayed relative to the vehicle

⇒ .

Signal chimes

When the vehicle approaches an obstacle located in the range of the ultrasonic sensors, there are
audible signal chimes. An intermittent signal chime means that a sufficiently short distance between
the vehicle and an obstacle is detected. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between the
chimes. The signal chime will sound continuously if the obstacle is very close.

When there is an imminent risk of collision at the front area of the vehicle, the signal chimes beep at
the front of the vehicle. When there is a risk of imminent collision at the rear area of the vehicle, the
signal chimes beep at the rear of the vehicle.

If you continue to drive the vehicle closer to the obstacle despite a continuous signal chime, the sys-
tem will no longer be able to measure the distance.

The intermittent signal chime volume decreases after a few seconds if the distance remains the same.
The volume remains constant if the signal chime is continuous. As soon as the vehicle moves away
from an obstacle again, the intermittent signal chime switches off automatically. If the vehicle moves
towards an obstruction again, the intermittent signal chimes beep automatically.

Display

The graphic on the screen displays the scanned areas in several segments. The closer the vehicle
drives towards an obstacle, the closer the segment will move to the vehicle in the display. The collision
area has been reached at the latest when the second to last segment is displayed. Do not keep
driving!

Vehicles with PDC at the front and rear

Area of the vehicle

Distance of

the vehicle

from an ob-

stacle

Signal

tone

Segment color

if an obstacle

has been de-

tected

color display

only)

(A)

Rear

center

Obstacle

not in

the ve-

about 12 –

63 in.

(31 – 160 cm)

–

Grey

Vehicles with PDC at the front and rear

Area of the vehicle

Distance of

the vehicle

from an ob-

stacle

Signal

tone

Segment color

if an obstacle

has been de-

tected

color display

only)

Rear
side

hicle’s

path

about 12 –

23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(B)

Front

center

about 12 –

47 in.

(31 – 120 cm)

Front
side

about 12 –

23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(A)

Rear

center

Obstacle

in the

vehicle’s

path

about 12 –

63 in.

(31 – 160 cm)

Intermittent

tone

Yellow

Rear
side

about 12 –

23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(B)

Front

center

about 12 –

47 in.

(31 – 120 cm)

Front
side

about 12 –

23 in.

(31 – 60 cm)

(A)

,

(B)

Obstacle outside of
the collision area

about 0 – 12 in.

(0 – 30 cm)

Intermittent

tone

Red

(A)

,

(B)

Obstacle in the
collision area

about 0 – 12 in.

(0 – 30 cm)

Constant

tone

Red

WARNING

Do not allow the images shown on the screen to distract you from the traffic around you.

NOTICE

Failure to observe the illuminated text messages can lead to the vehicle being damaged.

It can take a few seconds before the area scanned by the sensors is displayed on the screen of

the factory-installed Infotainment system.

PDC menu

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

PDC settings in the Infotainment system menu

Switch on the ignition.

If necessary, switch on the Infotainment system.

Press the

button.

Tap the

function key.

Tap the Parking aids function key.

Select the required settings in the ParkPilot menu.

Function button: action

Automatic activation: If the box in the function key is checked , the

mini PDC switches on automatically when the vehicle slowly approaches
an obstacle to the front. Tap Automatic activation again to switch off this
feature. After deactivation, the PDC will not switch on automatically when
the vehicle approaches an obstacle to the front.

Front volume: Set different volumes for the front signal chimes by tapping

the - or + function keys or by adjusting the control.

Front pitch: Set different pitches for the front signal chimes by tapping the
- or + function keys or by adjusting the control.

Rear volume: Set different volumes for the rear signal chimes by tapping

the - or + function keys or by adjusting the control.

Function button: action

Rear pitch: Set different pitches for the rear signal chimes by tapping the -

or + function keys or by adjusting the control.

Audio lowering: Set the level to which the Infotainment system volume

should be lowered when the PDC is active.

Off: The Infotainment system volume is not lowered.

Low: The Infotainment system volume is lowered slightly.

Medium: The Infotainment system volume is lowered to medium.

Strong: The Infotainment system volume is lowered to a minimum.

Muting the Park Distance Control volume

You can mute the PDC beeping signals by tapping the

function key on the Infotainment system

screen (if applicable). Tap the function key again to turn the beeping signals back on.

Switching Park Distance Control back on after it was switched off reactivates the volume. System
malfunction warning signals cannot be switched off.

If you manually deactivate the display, PDC remains on and the sound is reactivated.

The mute setting is active if the PDC was switched on using the

button when the selector lever is

in Park (P).

Forward Collision Warning (Front Assist)

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Displays

Radar sensor

Operating the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist)

Temporarily switch off the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) in the following
situations

System limits

Depending on vehicle equipment, the vehicle may be equipped with a Forward Collision Warning
system (Front Assist).

The Forward Collision Warning system, when switched on, uses a radar sensor to help prevent rear-
end collisions by providing a warning of a possible collision with a vehicle on the road ahead within
physical and technical limits of the system.

The Forward Collision Warning system does not brake the vehicle and is not a substitute for
the driver's full concentration.

Additional information and warnings:

Exterior views
Volkswagen Information System
Infotainment system
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

Distance warning

If the vehicle is traveling within a speed range of about 44–130 mph (70–210 km/h), the system warns

the driver with a message in the instrument cluster display (

⇒

fig. 153

) if it detects that the vehicle is

driving too close to the vehicle ahead

⇒ . No acoustic warning will sound.

The warning period varies according to the traffic situation and your driving style.

Advance warning

If the vehicle is traveling within a speed range of about 18–130 mph (30–210 km/h), the system warns

the driver with a warning chime and a message in the instrument cluster display (

⇒

fig. 154

) if it de-

tects a possible collision with a vehicle ahead

⇒ .

The warning period varies according to the traffic situation and your driving style.

WARNING

The Forward Collision Warning system technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and
system-related limits. The driver is always responsible for braking in time. If the Forward
Collision Warning system issues a warning, immediately apply the brake to slow the vehicle
down or avoid the obstacle, depending on the traffic situation.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility condi-

tions.

The Forward Collision Warning system cannot prevent accidents and serious injuries on

its own.

The Forward Collision Warning system can issue unnecessary warnings in certain com-

plex driving situations, for example, at traffic islands.

The Forward Collision Warning system can issue unnecessary warnings when its function

is impaired, for example, if the radar sensor is dirty or if the position of the radar sensor has
been changed.

The Forward Collision Warning system does not react to people, animals, or vehicles

crossing or approaching in the same lane.

Always be prepared to take full control of the vehicle at all times.

Deactivate the Forward Collision Warning system if it does not work as described in this chapter,

for example, if multiple unwanted warnings occur. Have the system checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Displays

Fig. 153 Symbols in the instrument cluster display. A: Distance warning. B: System switched off (symbol
displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display).

Fig. 154 In the instrument cluster display: Advance warning (symbol displayed in color on an instrument
cluster with color display).

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Distance warning

If the system detects that the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is unsafe, a dis-

tance warning appears in the instrument cluster display

⇒

fig. 153

(magnified view).

Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Advance warning

If the system detects a potential collision with a vehicle ahead, a warning chime sounds and an ad-

vance warning appears in the instrument cluster display

⇒

fig. 154

9

.

Brake or take action to avoid the vehicle ahead!

System deactivated

If the system is switched off, a text message and symbol appear in the instrument cluster display
⇒

fig. 153

B (magnified view)

9

.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can result in a collision
and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

When the Forward Collision Warning system is switched on, the display in the instrument cluster

can be overwritten by displays related to other functions, for example, an incoming telephone call.

9

Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.

Radar sensor

Fig. 155 In the front bumper: Radar sensor.

Fig. 156 Area around the radar sensor to be kept clean and free of obstructions.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

A radar sensor mounted in the front bumper monitors traffic

⇒

fig. 155

(1)

and can detect vehicles

traveling ahead up to a distance of about 130 yards (120 m).

The radar sensor function can be impaired by things such as mud, slush, or snow, or by conditions
such as heavy rain or spray. In case like these, the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist)
will not work. The driver message Front Assist: no sensor view! appears in the instrument

cluster display. Clean the radar sensor as required

⇒ .

The Forward Collision Warning system will automatically be available again as soon as the radar
sensor is no longer impaired. The message in the instrument cluster display turns off.

The function of the Forward Collision Warning system can also be impaired when the radar signal
radiation is reflected, for example, in multilevel parking structures, or by nearby metallic objects such
as rails or metal plates in the road.

The area in front of and around the radar sensor

⇒

fig. 156

must not be covered by objects such as

stickers, additional headlights, a license plate bracket, or other things, as these items can impair the
function of the Forward Collision Warning system.

Any structural modifications to the vehicle, for example, lowering the vehicle or alterations to the front
end trim, can impair the function of the Forward Collision Warning system. Structural modifications

should only be carried out by a qualified workshop

⇒ page 386, Parts, accessories, repairs, and modi-

fications. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for
assistance.

Incorrectly performed repairs to the front end of the vehicle can change the position of the radar sen-
sor and therefore impair the function of the Forward Collision Warning system. Repair work should
only be carried out by a qualified workshop. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

NOTICE

Switch off the Forward Collision Warning system if you suspect that the radar sensor has been
damaged or if its position has been changed. This can help prevent further damage. Contact an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the radar
sensor realigned.

The radar sensor can become misaligned if it is hit, for example, when parking the vehicle.

Readjusting the sensor could impair the performance of the system or cause it to switch off.

Repairs to the radar sensor require special knowledge and tools. Contact an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Remove snow with a brush, and remove ice with a solvent-free deicer spray.

Operating the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist)

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) is automatically active once the ignition is

switched on

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

The advance warning and distance warning are automatically switched off when the Forward Collision
Warning system (Front Assist) is switched off.

Volkswagen recommends that the Forward Collision Warning system is switched on at all times,

except in the specific situations described in this Manual

⇒ Temporarily switch off the Forward Colli-

sion Warning system (Front Assist) in the following situations.

Turning the Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) on or off

The Forward Collision Warning system can be turned on or off as follows when the ignition is switched
on:

In the Assist systems menu in the instrument cluster display, select Front Assist

⇒

Volkswagen Information System.

OR: On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can turn the Forward Collision Warning system

(Front Assist) on or off in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the

and

Assistance systems function keys

⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP).

If the system is switched off, a text message and symbol appear in the instrument cluster display

⇒ Displays.

Turning the distance warning and advance warning on or off

On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can turn the distance warning and the advance warning on or
off in the Infotainment system by pressing the

button followed by the

and Assistance systems

function keys

⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP).

Volkswagen recommends that the distance and advance warnings are switched on at all times.

Temporarily switch off the Forward Collision Warning system (Front
Assist) in the following situations

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) should be switched off in the following situations

due to system limitations

⇒ :

If the vehicle is being towed.
If the vehicle is on a dynamometer test bed.
If the vehicle is not being driven on public roads, for example, off-road or on a track.
If the radar sensor malfunctions.
If external force has affected the radar sensor, for example, after a rear-end collision.
If the radar sensor is covered (even temporarily) by any accessories or other equipment, for exam-

ple, auxiliary headlights.

If the vehicle is being loaded onto a truck, ferry, or train.

WARNING

Failure to switch off the Forward Collision Warning system in the situations mentioned can
cause accidents and serious personal injury.

System limits

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The Forward Collision Warning system (Front Assist) has physical and system-related limits. The
driver may therefore feel that, in certain circumstances, some Forward Collision Warning system
reactions are unwanted or occur with a delay. You should therefore always be prepared to take full
control of the vehicle whenever necessary.

The following conditions can prevent the Forward Collision Warning system (Front
Assist) from reacting, or delay its ability to react:

When driving in tight curves.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
When Front Assist is switched off or if there is a fault.
When ASR is manually switched off.
When the ESC is taking corrective action.
When several brake lights on the vehicle or on a trailer connected to the vehicle electrical system

are faulty.

When the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
When there are metal objects, for example, tracks or metal plates in the road.
When the vehicle is in Reverse (R).
When weather conditions are poor.
When narrow vehicles, such as motorcycles, are moving in front of your vehicle.
When vehicles are traveling slightly offset to the left or right in front of your vehicle.
When vehicles are crossing in front of your vehicle.
When there is oncoming traffic.
When the system cannot detect the traffic situation clearly.

When loads or attachment parts on other vehicles in front of your vehicle protrude to the side, rear,

or above the normal vehicle dimensions.

Heating and air conditioning

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Manual controls

Climatronic controls

Operation via the Infotainment system

Operation

Air vents

Air recirculation

Manual air conditioning and Climatronic

Your vehicle is equipped with either a manual air conditioning climate control system or a
Climatronic climate control system.

On vehicles with Climatronic climate control, Climatronic information appears in the Climatronic display
and/or on the screen of the factory-installed Infotainment system.

The dust and pollen filter

The dust and pollen filter with an activated carbon insert reduces the entry of pollutants into the pas-
senger compartment.

The dust and pollen filter must be replaced at the intervals recommended in

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance so that the air conditioner can work properly.
If the effectiveness of the filter decreases prematurely due to operating the vehicle where the outside
air is heavily polluted, the dust and pollen filter should be replaced more frequently than indicated.

More information:

Exterior views
Passenger compartment
Volkswagen Information System
Infotainment system
Seat functions
Windshield wipers and washer
Starting and stopping the engine
Exterior care and cleaning

WARNING

Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious person-
al injuries.

Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility

to the front, sides, and rear.

Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has

reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.

Always make sure you know how to properly use the climate control system as well as the

rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.

Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and

recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce
visibility.

Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.

WARNING

Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, colli-
sions and serious personal injury.

Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation for a long

period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.

NOTICE

If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to

help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen rec-

ommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation sys-

tem can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, result-
ing in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.

If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep

the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor)
switched on. Press the

button. The indicator light in the button must light up.

When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner

evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.

Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow, and leaves in order to main-

tain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.

Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has

reached operating temperature.