•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
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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Fig. 122 Gear shift pattern of a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Select a forward gear
The positions of the individual driving gears are shown on the gearshift lever ⇒ Fig. 122.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
•Move the gear lever to the required position ⇒.
•Release the clutch to engage.
In some countries, the clutch pedal will have to be depressed fully in order to start the engine.
Selecting reverse gear
•Reverse gear should only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal ⇒.
•Move the gear lever to the neutral position and push down.
•Push the gearshift lever fully to the left and then to the front in the reverse gear position
⇒ Fig. 122Ⓡ.
•Release the clutch to engage.
Shifting down
You should always select the next immediate gear when shifting down a gear whilst the vehicle is in
motion. The engine revs should not be too high when doing this ⇒. Damage to the clutch and
the gearbox could occur if at high speeds or high engine revs one or more gears are skipped when
shifting down gear, even if the clutch is not released when doing this ⇒.
Kickdown
On vehicles with speed limiter ⇒ Speed limiter, the kickdown function allows the stored speed limit
to be intentionally exceeded, e.g. when overtaking.
When the accelerator is fully depressed, the speed limiter regulator is temporarily switched off when
the vehicle exceeds the stored speed.
Once the vehicle returns to a speed below the stored speed and the accelerator is no longer fully
depressed, speed limiter regulation becomes active again.
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.
Troubleshooting
Clutch does not transmit the entire engine torque. If necessary, remove foot from clutch pedal.
The clutch can overheat, for example if the vehicle pulls off regularly, travels at a crawl for long
periods, or in stop and go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases
by additional warning lamps and a text message in the instrument cluster display. An acoustic
warning may also be given ⇒.Clutch is defective. Drive on carefully! Seek expert
assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the clutch.
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. This also applies when the electronic park brake has been
switched on.
•Never engage reverse gear while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Shifting gears incorrectly to a lower gear can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, which
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
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 mphyf .
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 driveyf 7 K H F R Q W U R O V D U H P L U U R U H G I R U U L J K W -
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 mphyf .
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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Fig. 126 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate.
Fig. 127 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Brake pedal not depressed. Fully depress the brake pedal. Also see Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACCyf ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf.Do not drive on! Gearbox fault. Allow the gearbox
to cool down in selector lever position P. If the warning lamp does not go out, do not drive on. Seek
professional assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the gearbox.
Brake pedal not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever. To
select a position, press the brake pedal. See also electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
The indicator lamps flash.
The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged. The vehicle cannot drive off. Engage the
selector lever lock ⇒ Selector lever lock.
Troubleshooting for the selector lever lock
In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch
gearbox. The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away. The
indicator lamp flashes and an information message is also displayed. Use the following procedure
to engage the selector lever lock:
•Depress the foot brake and then release it again.
Unlocking the selector lever lock manually
If the power fails in the vehicle (e.g. if the 12-volt battery is flatyf D Q G W K H Y H K L F O H K D V W R E H S X V K H G R U
towed, the selector lever lock must be released manually. Seek professional assistance.
The manual release mechanism is located under the cover of the gearshift gate.
Removing the cover of the gearshift gate
•Switch on the electronic parking brake. If the electronic parking brake cannot be switched on,
the vehicle will have to be prevented from rolling off using other means.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Carefully pull the cover upwards in the area around the selector lever gaiter with connected
electrical wiring ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Pull the cover up and over the selector lever ⇒.
Releasing the selector lever lock manually
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there are two possible manual release mechanism variants.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 127.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
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•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever
positions have a light background. The DSG dual clutch gearbox is running in an emergency
programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced
speed and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.
In all cases you should have the DSG dual clutch gearbox checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating of the DSG dual clutch gearbox
The DSG dual clutch gearbox can become too hot, for example, if the vehicle pulls off
frequently, drives at crawling speed for long periods, or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is
indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases by a text message in the instrument cluster
display. A signal tone may also be given. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down ⇒
.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Downhill speed control
If the vehicle is being held on the Auto Hold function, the green indicator lamp lights up.
Switch off Auto Hold if necessary ⇒ Auto Hold function.
The Hill Descent Control system in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox helps when braking
and travelling downhill ⇒. This system uses the braking power of the engine, rather than the
brakes directly.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox selects the best gear for the circumstances, depending on the
steepness of the hill and the current speed. The selector lever must be in position D/S. The downhill
speed control is not active in Tiptronic mode.
As the downhill speed control system can shift down only as far as third gear, it may be necessary
to activate the Tiptronic mode when driving down particularly steep inclines. When in Tiptronic
mode, select second or first gear manually in order to make use of the braking effect of the engine
and to relieve the load on the brakes.
The start/stop system is automatically deactivated as long as downhill speed control is active.
Activating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient is greater than approximately 6yb .
•AND: if the selector lever is in position D/S.
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Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the electronic parking brake is not
switched on. Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an incline,
which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will become damaged if the vehicle is allowed to roll for a
long period of time or at a high speed (for example while being towedyf Z L W K W K H V H O H F W R U
lever in position N and the engine switched off.
NOTICE
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•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mphyf .
•If the text message and signal tone are repeated every ten seconds, the vehicle must be
parked safely immediately and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the acoustic
warning stops. You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while
the gearbox is overheated.
NOTICE
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