•If the dynamic cornering light has been deactivated.
•If travel mode is activated ⇒ Switching over headlights for driving abroad (travel mode).
•When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving
profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Interior lighting
Instrument and switch lighting
The brightness of the instrument and switch lighting and the basic brightness level of the Head-up
Display ⇒ Instrument cluster can be adjusted in the Infotainment system in
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The brightness setting is automatically adjusted to the changing light conditions in the vehicle.
When the light switch is in position , a sensor will switch the dipped beam and the lighting
in the instruments and switches on and off automatically depending on the ambient brightness
level.
When the light is switched off and the ignition switched on, the dash panel lighting (indicators
and scales) is switched on. As the ambient light becomes lower, the lighting of these scales is
automatically reduced and may be switched off entirely. This function is intended to remind the
driver to switch on the dipped beam in good time, i.e. when driving through tunnels.
Interior lights, reading lights, background lighting
Press the corresponding button:
Switches the front interior lights on or off.Switches the rear interior lights on or off.
The interior lights are switched on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, a door is
opened or the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock.Switches the reading lights on or
off.
Stowage compartment and luggage compartment lights
A light will be switched on and off automatically when the stowage compartment on the front
passenger side, or the boot lid, is opened or closed.
Background lighting
Depending on the equipment level, the background lighting provides indirect light in the various
areas of the vehicle interior.
The footwell and, where applicable, the closed blind of the glass roof may also be illuminated.
The brightness of the background lighting can be adjusted in the Infotainment system in
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The lights go out when the vehicle is locked or after a delay of a few minutes when the
vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock. This prevents the 12-volt battery from discharging.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Visibility
Wipers
Operating the wiper lever
Fig. 101 On the steering column, right: operating the front windscreen wipers.
•Lever open the battery cover in upward direction using the object.
•Push the battery cover slightly in the direction of the arrow.
•Remove the battery cover.
•Remove the button cell.
•Insert a new button cell of the same type, paying attention to the correct polarity.
•Insert the battery in the housing of the remote control.
•Push the battery cover in the opposite direction to the arrow ⇒ Fig. 112 until it engages.
Dispose of discharged batteries in accordance with regulations governing the protection of
the environment.
The battery in the remote control may contain perchlorate. Please comply with legislation
regarding disposal.
Driving
Notes on driving
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Pedals
⇒ Gear-change indicator
⇒ Driving economically
⇒ Think Blue. Trainer.
⇒ Information on the brakes
⇒ Driving with a loaded vehicle
⇒ Driving with an open boot lid
⇒ Driving through water on roads
⇒ Running in the engine
⇒ Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
⇒ Troubleshooting
Pedals
Swallowing batteries with a diameter of 20 mm, or other button cells, can result in severe
or even fatal injuries within a very short period of time.
•Always keep the remote control key, key ring with batteries, spare batteries, round
cells and other batteries that are larger than 20 mm out of the reach of children.
•Call for medical help immediately you suspect that someone has swallowed a battery.
DANGER
•The remote control contains electronic components. Protect the remote control from
moisture, excessive vibration and direct sunlight.
•Unsuitable batteries can damage the remote control. Replace discharged batteries only
with new batteries of the same voltage rating, size and specification.
•Ensure that the battery is fitted the right way round.
NOTICE
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction
times and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads.
This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious
injuries.
•Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility,
weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Fig. 118 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock can be activated.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 118
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated
and the yellow indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Depress the brake pedal when the indicator lamp lights up green. Start the engine.
Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released, the vehicle key moves
back to position ⇒ Fig. 118①.
m/k/a995MKDepending on the market, in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: If
you cannot remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is stationary, move the
selector lever to position P. If necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then
release it.
Starter button
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The starter button replaces the ignition
lock (Press & Drive).
Fig. 119 In the lower section of the centre console: starter button for starting the engine.
The starter button is used to start the vehicle (Press & Drive).
The vehicle can be activated only if there is a valid vehicle key in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock will be activated when the ignition is
switched off and the driver door is opened ⇒ Steering.
Switching the ignition on and off
Press the starter button once without depressing the brake or clutch pedals ⇒.
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can
be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This
can cause serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the
vehicle is locked. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may
not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected
to very high or very low temperatures depending on the season. This can cause
serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially among small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering column lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the
vehicle.
•The key bit in the vehicle key needs to be folded out fully and locked in position.
•Only attach light objects weighing under 100 g to the vehicle key.
WARNING
The 12-volt vehicle battery may run down and prevent the motor from restarting if the
ignition is switched on while the engine is switched off.
•Always switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle.
NOTICE
Automatic ignition switch-off
The ignition switches off automatically after a short time if the driver moves away from the vehicle
with the vehicle key when the ignition is switched on. If the dipped beam headlights were switched
on at the time, the side lights will remain switched on for approximately 30 minutes. The side lights
can be switched off manually ⇒ Lights or by locking the vehicle ⇒ Central and manual locking.
Once the vehicle detects that the driver is absent when the engine stop is active, the ignition will
switched off automatically after a certain period of time.
Automatic ignition switch-off in vehicles with a start/stop system
When all the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time, the vehicle ignition will be switched
off automatically when engine stop is active and when the vehicle is stationary:
•The driver removes their seat belt.
•No pedals are depressed.
•The driver door is opened.
If the ignition is deactivated automatically while the dipped beam headlights are switched on ,
the side lights remain switched on for around 30 minutes.
The side lights can be switched off manually or will go off when the vehicle is locked.
Engine restart function
If no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior once the engine has been switched off, the
engine can be restarted within approximately 5 seconds. A corresponding message appears on the
instrument cluster display.
After this time, the engine cannot be re-started without a valid vehicle key in the vehicle interior.
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any
information shown in the instrument cluster display.
Leaving the vehicle stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can discharge
the 12-volt vehicle battery so that the engine can no longer be started.
The engine cannot, for example, be started with the starter button if the button cell in the
vehicle key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ Emergency start
function.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with ignition lock: Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 118①.
The ignition is switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a starter button: Press the starter button once. The ignition is
switched on.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with a diesel engine: During the diesel engine preheating phase,
the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it
until the engine has been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to
position P or N.
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when switching on the ignition as the engine
will then start immediately.
WARNING
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or third
parties could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate
electrical equipment such as the electric windows.
WARNING
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with ignition lock: Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 118② –
do not depress the accelerator. Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a starter button: Press the starter button once ⇒ Starter
button – do not depress the accelerator. There must be a valid vehicle key in the vehicle before
the engine can be started. Release the starter button once the engine has started.
•If the engine does not start, stop the start procedure and repeat it after approximately one
minute.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with starter button: Jump start the vehicle if necessary
⇒ Emergency start function.
•Switch off the electronic parking brake if you wish to pull away.
Do not warm up the engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as
soon as there is good visibility through the windows. This helps the engine to reach operating
temperature more quickly and reduces emissions.
Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
The engine cannot, for example, be started with the starter button if the cell battery in the
vehicle key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ Emergency start
function.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
At outside temperatures of less than +5°C (+41°F), fumes may be detected under a vehicle
with a diesel engine if the fuel-powered supplementary heater is switched on.
Stopping the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill ⇒.
•Park the vehicle ⇒ Parking.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with ignition lock: Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 118⓪ in
the ignition lock.
Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended, particularly not if a
gear or position has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something
unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire or serious injuries.
WARNING
Start boosters may explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
•The starter and the engine can be damaged if you attempt to start the engine while the
vehicle is in motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been
switched off.
•When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and
overloading the engine.
•Do not push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic
converter.
NOTICE
If the engine does not start, never use the starter with a gear selected and the vehicle key
in the ignition lock in position ⇒ Fig. 118② for driving or tow-starting, e.g. when the fuel
tank is empty. This could cause damage to the starter.
•Fill up fuel if necessary ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling or jump start the vehicle ⇒ Jump
starting.
•If the engine does not start, seek expert assistance.
NOTICE
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a starter button: Press the starter button briefly ⇒ Fig. 119. If
the engine cannot be switched off, carry out the emergency switch-off procedure ⇒ Emergency
deactivation.
•Observe the instructions in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster.
Warning before leaving the vehicle
In order to indicate an active ignition when leaving the vehicle, an acoustic warning signal sounds
when opening the driver door and corresponding warning messages appear on the display of the
instrument cluster. The ignition also switches off automatically after a certain period in order to
prevent unintentional discharge of the 12-volt vehicle battery.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: if the selector lever is not in position P,
an acoustic warning signal will sound when the driver door is opened and the warning
message Please move selector lever to position P. will be shown on the instrument cluster
display. In this way, a warning is given that the vehicle could potentially roll away. The electronic
parking brake is also activated.
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for
some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator
fan will switch itself off automatically.
Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The immobiliser helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the key. This is used to automatically deactivate the immobiliser when a valid
vehicle key is inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the
ignition lock. In vehicles with keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access, the vehicle key
must be outside the vehicle ⇒ Central and manual locking.
The engine can only be started using a genuine Volkswagen vehicle key with the correct code.
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership ⇒ Vehicle key set.
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Troubleshooting
Fig. 120 On the right of the steering column: emergency start function in vehicles with the Keyless
Access locking and starting system.
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of
vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. More force is required
on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
•The power steering will not function if the engine is switched off, and more force will
be required to steer the vehicle.
•If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you
will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine can overheat when
it is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral
position for approximately 2 minutes before switching it off.
NOTICE
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering
movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only functions when the engine is running.
In urban driving, smaller steering movements are required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning
sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Do not drive on! Electromechanical steering not functioning. The steering must be
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Electromechanical steering function
reduced. The steering must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. If the yellow
warning lamp remains off after the engine has been restarted and you have driven a short distance,
you do not need to consult a qualified workshop.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
and reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
The indicator lamps flash.
Steering column twisted. Turn the steering wheel back and forth.Steering column not
locked or unlocked. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock and switch the ignition back on
again. Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display. Do not continue your
journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched on. Seek expert
assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD)
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control)
⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
⇒ Troubleshooting
The driving profile selection contains
factory-defined driving profiles which
have different effects on the vehicle
setup. You can also set your own
vehicle setup by means of an individual
driving profile.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles depends on the vehicle equipment.
The settings available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with a front-wheel drive come with
ONROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD), while vehicles with all-wheel
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering column lock may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the
vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with
assistance when steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at
all times. Counter steering assistance does not steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be
used.
NOTICE
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In vehicles with a 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, there is a jump lead
connection point (positive terminal) ⇒ Fig. 216⊕ under a cover in the engine compartment for
connecting the red jump lead.
The vehicle can be jump-started or be used to jump-start another vehicle only via this jump lead
connection point.
Jump starting the vehicle
Fig. 217 Diagram for connecting the jump leads (12-volt vehicle battery in the engine
compartment).
Fig. 218 Diagram showing how to connect jump leads on the vehicle providing the jump start (12-
volt battery in luggage compartment).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 217 and ⇒ Fig. 218:
Vehicle with discharged 12-volt vehicle battery that is being jump-started.
Vehicle with 12-volt vehicle battery that is supplying power and jump-starting the other
vehicle.
Suitable earth connection: preferably the jump lead connection point (earth connection), a
solid metal part which is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or the cylinder block itself.
The discharged 12-volt vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical
system.
The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are
connected.
Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again
after about a minute.
If the engine still does not start, seek expert assistance.
Connecting jump leads (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the engine
compartment)
The jump leads should only be connected in the order A – B – C – D⇒ Fig. 217.
The black jump lead should never be connected to the negative terminal (–) on the 12-volt vehicle
battery. Connecting the lead to the negative terminal can cause incorrect condition evaluation of the
12-volt vehicle battery in the vehicle electronics.
•Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
•Open the cover on the 12-volt vehicle battery in the engine compartment, if a cover is installed
⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
•Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal (+) of the vehicle with the
discharged 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 217①⇒.