VW Golf Onboard computer reads low (Golf TDI mk4)

On my Mk4 VW Golf TDI PD150 I've noticed that the onboard computer fuel economy (MPG) is showing very low on the dashboard as part of the multi-function display. The dashboard seems to generally be showing around 15MPG lower than the actual fuel consumption.

Measuring the fuel economy by calculating miles travelled for fuel used gives a much better MPG compared to the computer reading low. The maximum MPG on the computer is around 40mpg yet the calculation from fill ups gives over 50mpg tank to tank.

Initially I thought that there was a problem with the car and that the TDI was using much more fuel than I was expecting. However after a fill up it appears that the MPG fuel consumption is around the expected amount and the onboard display is wrong.


VW Golf Onboard computer reads low (Golf TDI mk4)

I've not yet worked out where the MPG figure is calculated from but the good news is that the car appears to be returning the expected good miles per gallon that I've seen in previous VW Golf TDI cars.

How To: Removing Seat Covers from VW Golf Mk4 for Cleaning/Washing



The rear bench seats in my VW Golf Mk4 TDI were getting rather dirty so I decided it was time to give them a proper clean.  It is a similar process to remove the headrest covers for washing as shown in the video below:

Removing the seats from the car is quite easy with 2 hook clips under each seat that need to be unclipped to release the seat.

Once done the seat base can easily be removed from the car.

You can see the hook clips on the base of the seat in the photo above. To remove the seat cover you need to remove the plastic clips that hold the cover onto the metal frame. If you feel underneath the edge of the seat material you will feel a plastic rod that needs to be pulled out from under the metal frame.

Repeat this process around all sides of the frame and the main part of the cover will come off in one piece.

The seat cover above is almost off and is just retained by 4 metal rods clipped into the foam.

The metal rods clip in at each end via a hook of metal. If you unclip one end the entire rod can be removed. The rod threads through a pocket in the fabric and can be slide out of that pocket so the seat cover has no metal retainers left in it.

Repeat this process with the other 3 metal rods and the seat cover fabric can then be removed from the foam base. With the larger wider bench seat there is an additional rod which also needs to be removed.

Once the metal rods are removed from the seat fabric you will be left with the cover and the seat base with metal frame and thin black foam liner as in the photo above.

The seat base with the fabric cover removed. You can see one of the metal rods removed showing on the left hand side of the foam base.

What temperature do car seats need to be washed at?

The seat covers can then be washed in a normal washing machine at 40 degrees with detergent. They come up brilliantly afterwards and look like new - much better than trying to Vax them insitu.

To refit the covers is the reverse of the procedure above. Reclipping the metal rods can be a little tricky but is easier with a second pair of hands to assist.

VW Golf Mk4 - Where are the Seat Airbag Connector Locations?

VW Golf Mk4 - Where are the Seat Airbag Connector Locations?

The connections for the front seat are located beneath each seat base and can be accessed by removing the seat. This can be done by unscrewing the rails, moving the seats back and the unbolting the seat using the bolt located at the front centre of each seat base.

Depending on the age of your VW Golf the seat airbag connectors may be different as can be seen from the photos below.

VW Golf Mk4 - Where are the Seat Airbag Connector Locations?

VW Golf Mk4 - How to find Seat Airbag Connector Locations?