Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Parking using the Park Assist system 

 → Driving out of a parking space with the Park Assist system (only parking spaces parallel to side of road) 

 → Automatic brake intervention 

The Park Assist system helps the driver in finding suitable parking spaces, when parking in suitable parallel or perpendicular parking spaces and when getting out of parallel parking spaces.

The Park Assist system has certain system-related limitations and the driver should be particularly carefully when using the Park Assist system  .

One element of the Park Assist system is the ParkPilot, which is designed to provide assistance when parking.

In vehicles with ParkPilot optical display the scanned area to the front, rear and to the sides of the vehicle will be shown on the screen of the factory-fitted radio or the navigation system. Within the scope permitted by the system, the position of obstacles will be shown in relation to the vehicle.

The Park Assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to the trailer.

Additional information and warnings:

• Exterior views  

• Braking, stopping and parking  

• ParkPilot  

• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior  

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts  

WARNING

Do not let the extra convenience afforded by the Park Assist system tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.

• Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.

• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• The surface of certain objects, including clothing, as well as external noise sources do not reflect the signals from the Park Assist system or the parking distance warning sensors or can cause the system to fail to detect objects or persons.

• 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.

WARNING

When driving into or out of a parking space using the Park Assist system, the steering wheel will automatically make quick turning movements. You could be injured if you attempt to touch the steering wheel spokes.

NOTICE

• The Park Assist system uses parked vehicles, the kerb and other objects as guidance. Please ensure that the wheels and tyres are not damaged when parking the vehicle. If necessary, stop the parking procedure in good time to prevent damage to the vehicle.

• 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 same applies to the Park Assist system, for example when parking behind a lorry or a motorbike. Therefore, always check the space in front of and behind the vehicle and stop the vehicle in good time if necessary.

• 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 in the bumper can be displaced or damaged through impacts, e.g. when parking.

• 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 sound can lead to errors in the Park Assist system or the ParkPilot, e.g. rough asphalt, cobblestones, and interference from other vehicles.

NOTICE

If an ultrasound sensor fails, the corresponding area of the ultrasound sensor cluster is switched off and cannot be reactivated until the fault has been rectified. Consult a qualified workshop in the event of a system fault. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Volkswagen recommends that you practise using the Park Assist system in a traffic-calmed area or car park. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with the system and its functions in a safer environment.

Questions & answers

Introduction — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

How does the Golf Mk7 Park Assist find a parking space?

Drive past parked cars at low speed with the system activated. The ultrasonic sensors measure gaps between vehicles. When a suitable space is found, the system alerts you and offers to park.

Does the Golf Mk7 Park Assist work at any speed?

No. It scans for spaces at speeds below approximately 40 km/h. Above that, the sensors cannot measure gaps accurately enough.

Does the Golf Mk7 Park Assist turn off TCS?

The manual notes that TCS and ESC may be partially deactivated during the parking manoeuvre to allow the system to control wheel speeds precisely. They reactivate when parking is finished.