Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Introduction
ParkPilot assists the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 driver when manoeuvring and parking, using ultrasound sensors in the bumpers that transmit and receive signals to measure distance to nearby obstacles. This introduction explains that core mechanism before the detailed operating and signal pages.
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
→ Operating ParkPilot
→ Acoustic and optical ParkPilot signals→ ParkPilot menu
→ Vehicle path display→ Towing a trailer
The ParkPilot assists the driver when manoeuvring and parking.
The ultrasound sensors in the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound waves. The system uses the time difference between the ultrasonic waves (i.e. between the transmission and reflection from obstacles and the point of reception) to continuously calculate the distance between the bumper and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
- Exterior views
- Infotainment system
- Braking, stopping and parking
- Reverse assist system (Rear Assist)
- Park assist system (Park Assist)
- Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior
- Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
WARNING
- Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
- Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
- Ultrasound sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people cannot be detected.
- Always monitor the area around the vehicle as the ultrasound sensors will not always detect infants, animals and objects.
- Certain surfaces of objects and clothes cannot reflect the signals from the ultrasound sensors. The system is unable to detect these objects or people wearing this type of clothing, or they may be detected incorrectly.
- External sources of sound can affect the signals of the ultrasound sensors. In certain circumstances, the system may not recognise people or objects.
WARNING
- Always bear in mind the time delay between the signals.
NOTICE
- The ultrasound sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer drawbars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open or opening tailgates. This can result in damage to your vehicle.
- If the ParkPilot has detected an obstacle and issued a warning, the obstacle may move out of the detection range of the sensors as the vehicle approaches it, particularly if the object is very high or very low. These objects are no longer registered.
- The vehicle can sustain considerable damage if the warning given by the ParkPilot is ignored.
- The ultrasound sensors in the bumper can be displaced or damaged through impacts, e.g. when parking.
- The ultrasound sensors in the bumpers must be kept clean and free of ice and snow and not be covered up by stickers or other items, as these may prevent the system from working properly.
- The ultrasound sensors should only be sprayed briefly when cleaning with pressure hoses and steam cleaners. A distance of more than 10 cm between the ultrasound sensors and the steam/hose nozzle must be observed.
- Sources of noise can lead to errors in the ParkPilot system, e.g. rough asphalt, cobblestones, induction loops, building equipment, or interference from other vehicles.
- Any equipment that has been retrofitted to the vehicle, e.g. bicycle carriers, can prevent the ParkPilot from functioning properly.
NOTICE
Questions & answers
Introduction — Volkswagen Golf Mk7
How does Golf Mk7 ParkPilot detect obstacles?
Ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers emit sound waves and measure the reflections. The system calculates the distance to the nearest object and alerts the driver.
Can the Golf Mk7 ParkPilot be wrong?
Yes. Thin or angled objects, overhanging ledges, and soft materials like snow may not be detected reliably. Always look around the vehicle yourself.
Does the Golf Mk7 ParkPilot have front and rear sensors?
Some models have rear sensors only; others have both front and rear. The front sensors activate at low speed or when the button is pressed.
