2015 Volkswagen GTI Owners Manual - Windshield wipers and washer

Windshield wipers and washer

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

More information:

• Exterior views  

• Shifting  

• Climate control  

• Working in the engine compartment  

• Exterior care and cleaning  

WARNING

Windshield washer fluid without enough frost protection 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 windshield. The washer solution may freeze on the windshield and reduce visibility.

WARNING

Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.

• Always replace wiper blades that are worn, damaged, or do not keep the windshield clear.

NOTE

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 before operating the wipers. Using the windshield wiper service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the windshield  .

Indicator light

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

Lights up	Possible cause	Proper response
	Not enough windshield washer fluid for the front and rear windshield washers.	Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next opportunity  .

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.

NOTE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 79 Operating the front windshield wipers.

Fig. 80 Operating the rear wiper.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

Move the lever to the desired position  :
Ⓐ		Wiper switched off.
Ⓑ		Intermittent wiping for the front windshield.
Ⓒ		Slow wiper speed.
Ⓓ		Fast wiper speed.
Ⓔ	x	One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more often.
Ⓕ		Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the front windshield washers, then release.
Ⓖ		Intermittent wiping for the rear window. The wiper wipes about every 6 seconds.
Ⓗ		Press the lever forward as far as it will go to activate the rear window washers, then release.
①		Switch for adjusting the windshield wiper interval settings (vehicles without rain sensors) or the sensitivity of the rain sensor (vehicles with rain sensors).

NOTE

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 before operating the wipers. Using the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the windshield  .

• 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.

• Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.

• If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.

NOTE

Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can be scratched.

On some vehicles, the windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened. The rear window wiper turns off when the rear hatch is opened.

The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the speed, the faster the wipers move.

If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically when backing up.

• On appropriately equipped vehicles, this feature can be turned on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the  button followed by the  and Mirror and wipers function keys  .

If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.

Windshield wiper functions

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

Heated washer nozzles

The heating thaws frozen washer nozzles, but not the fluid supply hoses. When the ignition is switched on, the heat applied to the washer nozzles is automatically regulated depending on the outside air temperature.

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.

Windshield wiper service position

Fig. 81 Windshield wiper in service position.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

In the service position, the wiper arms can be lifted away from the windshield  . The wipers are moved to the service position as follows:

• On some vehicles, the engine hood must be closed  .

• Switch the ignition off, turn it on briefly, and then off again.

• Press the windshield wiper lever down briefly   when the ignition is off.

• Wipers move into service position.

Carefully fold the wiper arms back onto the windshield before driving! Switch the ignition on and press the windshield wiper lever down briefly  . The wiper arms move back to their original position.

Lifting the wiper blades and tilting them away from the windshield

• Put the wiper arms in service position  .

• Do not handle the wiper blades, handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.

NOTE

• To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.

• Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.

The windshield wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the vehicle is not moving.

Rain sensor

Fig. 82 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting the rain sensor ① (if equipped).

Fig. 83 Inside the front windshield above the inside mirror: Sensitive rain sensor surface.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

When switched on, the rain sensor automatically shortens or lengthens the time between wiping intervals depending on how hard it is raining  . The rain sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted manually. Manual wiping (vehicles without rain sensors), see  .

On appropriately equipped vehicles, the automatic wipe function of the rain sensor can be turned on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the  button followed by the  and Mirror and wipers function keys  .

Push the lever into the desired position  :

1. Rain sensor off (windshield wiper lever home position).
2. Rain sensor active – automatic wiping as needed.
3. 

   Adjust the sensitivity of the rain sensor:

   • Move switch to the right – high sensitivity.
   • Move switch to the left – low sensitivity.

After switching the ignition off and back on again, the rain sensor stays on and works again when the wiper lever is in position Ⓑ and the vehicle is traveling at speeds above 2 mph (4 km/h).

Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works

The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor surface  (arrow) and not work for a number of reasons, which may include:

• 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.

• Insects: Insects hitting the windshield may trigger the wipers.

• 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 detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.

• 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 itself to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.

WARNING

The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.

• Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.

Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface   (arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.

To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 84 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

Check the windshield washer fluid level regularly and refill as necessary.

There is a filter screen in the filler neck of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The screen helps to keep large particles and debris from getting into and clogging the windshield washer nozzles when adding windshield washer fluid. Take the screen out only to clean it. If the screen is damaged or missing, have it replaced immediately, otherwise the system may become clogged and not work properly.

• Open the engine hood   .

• The windshield washer fluid reservoir can be identified by the  symbol on its cap  .

• Check if there is still enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.

• Refill with an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is recommended by Volkswagen  . Follow the directions on the container.

• In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the water from freezing  .

Recommended cleaners

• For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear Summer- G 052 184 A1 - or equivalent. Mixing ratio 1:100 (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield washer reservoir.

• All-season Windscreen Clear- G 052 164 A2 - or equivalent. Mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C) about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise, mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer reservoir.

Filling capacity

Depending on vehicle equipment, the windshield washer fluid reservoir holds between 3.1 – 5.2 quarts (3 – 5 liters).

WARNING

Never mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably reduce visibility.

• Use clear water with a cleaning solution recommended by Volkswagen.

• If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.

NOTE

• Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can clog the windshield washer nozzles.

• When refilling, do not confuse one type of operating liquid with another! Otherwise serious malfunctions and engine damage can occur!