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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Operation

The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 auxiliary heater's exhaust system runs under the vehicle and must never be blocked by snow, mud or other debris — this page explains why unobstructed exhaust flow matters and what to check before relying on the heater in winter conditions.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

The auxiliary heater exhaust system, located under the vehicle, must not be blocked by snow, mud or other items. The exhaust fumes must not be obstructed in any way. The emissions generated by the auxiliary heater are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.

When the vehicle interior is being heated, the warm air is first directed towards the windscreen and then via the air vents to the vehicle interior. This is dependent on the ambient temperature. You can determine the flow of the air by adjusting the position of the vents, for example to face the side windows.

When is the auxiliary heater not switched on?

  • The auxiliary heater requires approximately the same amount of electricity as the dipped beam headlights. If the charge level of the vehicle battery is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off automatically or cannot be switched on. This will prevent faults when starting the engine.
  • Activation is for one heating period only. The departure time must be activated for every start.

Operating noises can be heard if the auxiliary heater is switched on.

At high levels of humidity in the outside air, but at low temperatures, condensation from the heating and fresh air system may evaporate through the active auxiliary heater. If this is the case, steam may appear underneath the vehicle. The vehicle is not damaged.

When the vehicle is parked at a steep angle, e.g. on an upward or downward incline, the auxiliary heater function may impaired if the fuel tank level is low (just above the reserve quantity).

The vehicle battery will discharge if the auxiliary heater runs several times in an extended period. Drive the vehicle for an appropriate distance in order to recharge the vehicle battery. As a rule of thumb, drive the vehicle for the length of time you ran the system.

    Questions & answers

    Operation — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    Where is the Golf Mk7 auxiliary heater exhaust outlet?
    Under the vehicle. The manual warns that the exhaust area must never be blocked by snow, mud or other material — doing so can cause fumes to enter the cabin.
    Can I leave the Golf Mk7 auxiliary heater running indefinitely?
    No. It has a maximum run time. If not stopped manually or by a programmed end time, it shuts off automatically to conserve fuel and battery.
    Does the Golf Mk7 auxiliary heater affect the fuel gauge?
    Yes. It consumes fuel, so the gauge drops. The manual recommends not operating the heater with less than a quarter tank to avoid running out of fuel.
    Programming the auxiliary heater
    First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Before programming, check that the date and time set in the vehicle are correct  . The auxiliary heater can be program ...

    At the filling station
    ...