Running in the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Any new engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. All moving parts have to adapt
themselves to each other. The engine is subject to higher internal friction during the first hours of
operation than later on.
•Do not depress the accelerator fully.
•Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the top engine speed.
•Do not drive with a trailer attached ⇒ Trailer towing.
•Increase the driving speed and engine speed gradually.
The style of driving during the first 1,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after
this time – and especially with a cold engine – drive the vehicle at moderate speeds in order to
reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover.
Do not drive at engine speeds that are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running
smoothly.
New tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres and brake pads ⇒ Notes on driving must be run in carefully.
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption reduced.
Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The vehicle has been manufactured specifically for a particular country and complies with the
registration regulations that applied in that country at the time of vehicle production.
If you want to use the vehicle abroad for a short period, all relevant information and instructions
should be followed ⇒ Safety.
If the vehicle is going to be sold in another country or used in another country for an extended
period, the legal requirements applicable in that country must be observed.
In some cases, certain equipment will have to be fitted or removed and functions deactivated. The
service scope and service types could also be affected. This is particularly important if the vehicle is
driven in another climate region for a long period of time.
Because different frequency bands are used in different countries, the factory-fitted Infotainment
system may not work in other countries.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in
winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure
that you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when
doing so.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that
have been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE
•Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel,
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
•Volkswagen cannot be held responsible if the vehicle does not comply with or only
partly complies with the relevant legal requirements in other countries and continents.
NOTICE
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
Switching on start/stop
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display will show information about the current status.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox may be equipped with a start/stop system with engine-off
coasting function. The engine-off coasting function is deactivated and activated together with the
start/stop system.
Further information regarding start/stop mode is available in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation
and display in the Infotainment system. This information also applies to coasting.
Indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp is lit, the start/stop system is available and automatic engine stop is active.
If the indicator lamp is lit, the start/stop system is not available or the start/stop system has
started the engine automatically. Check whether all technical requirements have been fulfilled. If
not, ensure that all technical requirements are met ⇒ Important preconditions for automatic engine
switch-off.
The display on the instrument cluster may show the status of the start/stop system.
In addition, start/stop information on the current status of the start/stop system can be displayed as
required in Infotainment systems with a navigation function. Touch the i in the start/stop
information to obtain further information on the status.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
•Disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal when the vehicle is coming to a stop, or when
it is stationary. The engine is stopped.
•Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox
•To stop, press and hold the brake pedal. The engine switches off shortly before the vehicle
reaches a complete standstill or when the vehicle is stationary.
•Take your foot off the brake pedal, or depress the accelerator, to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
•The driver is wearing their seat belt.
•The driver door is closed.
•The bonnet is closed.
•A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with Climatronic: the temperature of the vehicle interior is within
the preset temperature range, and the humidity level is not too high.
•The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
•The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficient.
•The temperature of the 12-volt vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
•The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
•The windscreen heating is not switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the steering wheel is not turned
too sharply.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
•The Park Assist system is not active.
•The Off-road or Off-road Individual driving profile is activated.
When the conditions for automatic engine switch-off are only fulfilled when the vehicle is stationary,
the engine can also switch off subsequently, e.g. by switching off the defrost function.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
•If the temperature inside the vehicle substantially increases or decreases.
•If the vehicle rolls on.
•If the electric voltage of the 12-volt vehicle battery drops.
•If the steering wheel is moved.
As a general rule, the engine always starts again automatically when required by the detected
situation and the vehicle.
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Selector lever positionDisplay
PP
RR
NN
D/SE, D or S ⇒ Driving profile selection and
4MOTION Active Control
Tiptronic gateM ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic
– Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically. Select only when the vehicle is stationary. To disengage
this selector lever position while the ignition is switched on, depress the brake pedal and press the
lock button in the selector lever.
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear is selected. Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
– Neutral
The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted to the wheels and the braking effect
of the engine is not available.
– Standard forward driving position
Position : Normal programme.
All forward gears are shifted up and down automatically. The timing of the gear shift is determined
by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
Position : Sport programme.
The forward gears are automatically changed up later and down earlier than in selector lever
position D. This exploits the engine’s full power. The timing of the gear shift is determined by the
engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
– Changing driving modes
The change between positions D and S is carried out by tapping the selector lever once to the rear
out of selector lever position D/S⇒ Fig. 123. The selector lever will always return to selector lever
position D/S.
Using this function it is possible to access the Tiptronic option from both the Sport programme S
and from the Normal programme D⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock in selector lever position P or N prevents gears from being engaged
unintentionally, which would cause the vehicle to move.
To release the selector lever lock, switch on the ignition and press the brake pedal. Then press the
lock button in the selector lever handle in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 123.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through position N, e.g.
when shifting from reverse to D/S. This makes it possible, for instance, to rock the vehicle
backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically
if the brake pedal is not depressed and the lever is in position N for more than approximately
1 second and the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
If the selector lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the
accelerator. Wait for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
Changing gear using Tiptronic
Tiptronic allows the gears to be shifted
up and down manually with a DSG
dual clutch gearbox.
Fig. 124 Selector lever in Tiptronic position (left-hand drive). The controls are mirrored for right-
hand drive vehicles.
Fig. 125 Steering wheel with paddles for Tiptronic.
The gear that is currently selected will be maintained when the Tiptronic programme is selected.
This remains the case as long as the system does not automatically carry out a change of gear due
to the current driving situation.
Operating Tiptronic with the selector lever
•Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate.
Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never depress the accelerator pedal when selecting a position.
•When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a selector lever
position is engaged and the brake pedal is released.
•Never switch to reverse or selector lever position P while the vehicle is moving.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The driver must never leave the driver seat when the engine is running and a position
has been selected. If you have to leave the vehicle while the engine is running, always
switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P.
•If the engine is running and the selector lever is in position D/S or R, the vehicle must
be held on the foot brake. The vehicle will creep forward even when the engine is
idling, as power transmission is even then not fully interrupted.
•Never select reverse gear or selector lever position P when the vehicle is in motion.
•Never leave the vehicle in selector lever position N. The vehicle will roll downhill
irrespective of whether or not the engine is running.
WARNING
If the electronic parking brake is not switched on when the vehicle is stationary and the
brake pedal is released when the selector lever is in position P, the vehicle may move a
few centimetres forwards or backwards.
NOTICE
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•Gently push the selector lever forwards ⊕ or back ㊀ to shift gear up or down ⇒ Fig. 124.
When moving the selector lever in the Tiptronic gate, do not press the lock button on the selector
lever.
Operating Tiptronic with the paddles
•Pull the right paddle ⇒ Fig. 125 towards the steering wheel to change up a gear.
•Pull the left paddle towards the steering wheel to change down a gear.
•To leave Tiptronic mode, pull the right paddle towards the steering wheel for approximately one
second.
Tiptronic is automatically deactivated if the selector paddles are not operated for some time and the
selector lever is not in the Tiptronic gate.
Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox
The gearbox changes the forward gears up and down automatically.
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. Lower gears increase the braking effect
of the engine. Never allow the vehicle to roll down mountains or hills in the neutral position N.
•Reduce your speed.
•Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate ⇒ Changing gear
using Tiptronic.
•Gently push the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
•OR: shift down using the paddles on the steering wheel ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
Stopping and pulling away on an uphill gradient
The steeper the uphill gradient, the lower the gear you will need.
If you wish to stop the vehicle or pull away when driving uphill you should use the Auto Hold
function ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
When you stop the vehicle on an incline and the vehicle remains in gear, the vehicle must always
be prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake.
The brake pedal or the electronic parking brake should not be released until you pull away ⇒.
Coasting with DSG dual clutch gearbox
In coasting mode, the momentum of the vehicle can be used to save fuel in conjunction with a
foresighted driving style. With the engine-off coasting function, the engine is not just disengaged,
but is also switched off. The engine no longer brakes the vehicle – the vehicle can roll for a longer
distance. The function is available only in the selector lever position D/S and at speeds of
approximately 30 – 130 km/h (18 mph – 80 mph).
An automatic engine start may take place in order to ensure reliable engine restarting and to
guarantee the power supply of the vehicle electrical system.
Triggering coasting
•Select the Eco driving profile from the driving profile selection menu ⇒ Driving profile selection
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•Remove your foot from accelerator pedal. The engine is disengaged and runs in coasting mode.
The vehicle rolls without the braking effect of the engine. The engine is automatically switched
off on vehicles with engine-off coasting function.
Cancelling coasting mode
•Depress the brake pedal briefly.
•OR: depress the accelerator or brake pedal briefly.
•OR: pull a paddle towards the steering wheel.
•OR: press the selector lever to the Tiptronic position.
Kickdown
The kick down function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever position D/S or in the
Tiptronic position.
•When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up to the next gear shortly before
the maximum permitted engine speed is reached.
•When shifting down a gear manually, the gearbox will not change gear until the engine
can no longer be overrevved.
NOTICE
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If the accelerator pedal is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear,
depending on the speed and engine revs. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration.
The gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches the maximum engine speed
for the gear.
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile
selection and 4MOTION Active Control and the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.
Launch Control Programme
The Launch Control programme gives the vehicle maximum acceleration from a standing start in
vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
•In selector lever position D/S, select position S. Alternatively, select the Tiptronic position or in
vehicles with driving profile selection select the Sport driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•With your right foot, depress the accelerator until the engines speed reaches approximately
3,200 rpm.
•Take your left foot off the brake ⇒. The vehicle will start with maximum acceleration.
•Switch the TCS back on after acceleration.
Troubleshooting
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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.
•Only use kickdown or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
permit, and other road users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and the driving
style.
•Please note that the driven wheels could start to spin and the vehicle could skid if the
traction control system (TCS) is switched off, especially if the road is slippery.
•Switch the traction control system (TCS) back on after acceleration.
•Only use the launch control programme, if the road and traffic conditions allow for it.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle
or through your driving style.
WARNING
Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause
the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the
braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
WARNING
•If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by
depressing the accelerator while a position is still selected. The dual clutch gearbox
DSG could overheat and be damaged.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll in position N, particularly if the ignition is switched off.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will not be lubricated and could be damaged.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with Launch Control Programme: accelerating with the
Launch Control programme places heavy strain on all vehicle components. This can
lead to higher rates of wear.
NOTICE
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•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not
necessary to brake. This will increase levels of wear.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce your speed and select a suitable
recuperation level. This will make use of the electric drive braking effect and relieve the
load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. The brakes
should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE
•In addition, if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is switched off:
if the vehicle speed is less than approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) or the brake pedal is
depressed.
•In addition, if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: if the
stored speed is exceeded.
Deactivating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient becomes less steep.
•OR: if the gearbox shifts up a gear because the engine speed is higher than approximately
4,500 rpm.
•Or in addition if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: if
the stored speed can be maintained.
Hill Descent Control
When Hill Descent Control is active, the indicator lamp lights up white.
When Hill Descent Control is not active, the indicator lamp lights up grey. The system is
switched on, but is not regulating.
The Hill Descent Control system automatically brakes all four wheels to limit the speed when driving
forwards and reversing on steep downhill gradients. The wheels will not lock as the anti-lock brake
system remains active. In vehicles with a manual gearbox, Hill Descent Control adjusts the target
speed so that the engine speed does not drop below the idling speed.
If you enter a downhill slope travelling at a speed under 30 km/h (18 mph), the vehicle speed will be
limited to a speed between min. 2 km/h (1 mph) and max. 30 km/h (18 mph). The driver can use the
accelerator pedal and the brakes to alter the speed in this range. The control speed will be set
again as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or brake pedal.
However, this can work only if the tyres have sufficient grip on the road. Hill Descent Control
cannot work on an icy or slippery slope, for example.
Hill Descent Control is automatically activated if the following conditions are met:
•The engine is running.
•The Off-road driving profile is selected ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control.
•The speed is under 30 km/h (18 mph) (the function display is visible on the instrument
cluster display).
•The downhill gradient is at least 10 %.
•You do not brake or accelerate.
The Hill Descent Control function will be deactivated when the downhill gradient is less than 5 %.
The intelligent downhill speed control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics,
and functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience
afforded by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The downhill speed control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Downhill speed control cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not
ensured.
•The downhill speed control is only a support function and may not be able to brake the
vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may become faster despite the downhill speed control being in operation.
WARNING