
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 & Driveyf .
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 & Driveyf .
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°Fyf I X P H V P D \ E H G H W H F W H G X Q G H U D Y H K L F O H
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

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps light up
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Risk of engine overheating. The engine speed will be automatically
restricted. The engine speed is shown on the instrument cluster display. The engine speed control
is lifted when the engine is no longer in a critical temperature range and the foot is taken off the
accelerator. and Engine speed limitation is initiated due to a fault in the engine
management system. Make sure that you do not exceed the displayed engine speed. The engine
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Exhaust system fault. Have
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Particulate filter has become saturated with
soot. Drive in fourth gear (manual gearboxyf R U L Q V H O H F W R U O H Y H U S R V L W L R Q D (DSG dual clutch
gearboxyf D W D V S H H G R I D W O H D V W N P K P S K \f for approximately 15 minutes. Observe the valid
speed limits. Go to the nearest qualified workshop if the indicator lamp still does not go out.
m/k/a997MKVehicles with diesel engine
Indicator lamps flash.
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Engine management system has detected misfiring, which damages the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed immediately and drive carefully to the nearest qualified
workshop. Have the engine checked.
Unauthorised vehicle keys
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been inserted in the ignition lock it can be removed as follows:
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: press the lock button in the
selector lever and release. Pull the vehicle key out of the ignition lock.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a manual gearbox: remove the vehicle key from the ignition
lock.
Emergency start function
Use the emergency start function if no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior. A
corresponding display will appear in the instrument cluster. This could be the case, for example, if
the button cell in the vehicle key is weak or discharged:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Hold the vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim directly after pressing the starter
button ⇒ Fig. 120.
•The ignition is switched on automatically, and in some cases the engine is started.
Emergency deactivation
If the engine cannot be switched off by pressing the starter button briefly, an emergency switch-off
procedure is required:
•Press the starter button twice within a few seconds or press and hold once.
•The engine switches off automatically ⇒.
Immobiliser malfunction
A message will be displayed in the instrument cluster if an unauthorised vehicle key is used or there
is a fault in the system. The engine cannot be started. Use an authorised vehicle key or seek expert
assistance.
Start/stop system
Fig. 121 In the lower part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system.
The start/stop system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is coming to a stop
and when stationary. When required, the engine restarts automatically.
®

drive come with additional OFFROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION
Action Controlyf.
The driving profile can be changed when the vehicle is stationary or while driving ⇒. After
selecting a driving profile, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settingsyf D U H V Z L W F K H G W R W K H Q H Z
profile mode immediately. When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator to
activate the newly selected driving profile for the engine.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Selecting a driving profile (ONROADyf
Fig. 128 In the lower section of the centre console: driving profile selection button.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the driving profile selection button ⇒ Fig. 128.
•Touch the function button in the Infotainment system to display additional information about
the active driving profile.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile.
•OR: press the driving profile button ⇒ Fig. 128 again to select the next driving profile.
If the Normal driving profile is selected, the LED in the driving profile selection button will remain
switched off.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
The driving profiles Sport and Eco will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched
off. However, settings for the engine or DSG dual clutch gearbox may switch to the Normal driving
profile when the ignition is switched back on again.
In order to reactivate the sports function, the Sport driving profile must be selected again or the
selector lever of the DSG dual clutch gearbox must be moved to S⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
To reactivate the eco functions, select the Eco driving profile again.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Eco: switches the vehicle into economical mode and helps the driver to drive the vehicle in a
fuel-efficient manner. Coasting mode is available in the Eco driving profile.
•Comfort: the Comfort driving profile is available only for vehicles with adaptive chassis control
(DCCyf 7 K H G U L Y L Q J S U R I L O H F U H D W H V D F R P I R U W E D V H G Y H K L F O H V H W X S D Q G L V V X L W H G W R S R R U T X D O L W \
sections of road or long motorway journeys, for example.
•Normal: balanced setting, e.g. for everyday use.
•Sport: this setting gives the driver a sporty driving feeling.
•Individual: individual systems can be adjusted to suit personal requirements ⇒ Adjusting the
driving profile to suit your requirements.
Effects of the driving profiles on the vehicle setup
•Adaptive chassis control (DCCyf
•Steering
•Powertrain (engine and gearboxyf
•Adaptive cruise control (ACCyf
•Dynamic cornering light and dynamic main beam control (Dynamic Light Assistyf
•Air conditioning system
Setting a driving mode while the vehicle is in motion can distract you from the road and
cause accidents.
WARNING
®
®®

•Proactive occupant protection system
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, the system automatically changes to gear
position S when the Sport driving profile is selected. The system automatically switches to gear
position D when the Eco driving profile is selected. Since coasting is active in the Eco driving
profile, the gearbox programme E is additionally displayed on the instrument cluster display.
The driver can adjust certain vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driving profile. For
example, the driver can switch to gear position S when the Eco driving profile is selected.
Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf
Fig. 129 In the lower section of the centre console: control for the 4MOTION Active Control in
vehicles with all-wheel drive.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 129:
MODE button: Selects Onroad driving profiles and opens menu in the Infotainment system.
Snow driving profile.
On-road driving profile.
Off-road driving profile.
Off-road Individual driving profile.
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Turn the control for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to the desired driving profile
lights up ⇒ Fig. 129.
•To switch through the Onroad driving profiles, press the MODE button or press an Onroad
driving profile in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the function button to display additional information about the active driving mode.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile in the Infotainment system.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
If one of the driving profiles Snow, Off-road or Off-road Individual was the last active profile, the
most recently active On-road driving profile is activated if the ignition remains switched off for a
relatively long period.
The driving profile Sport will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched off. However,
sport functions, e.g., for the engine and gearbox, can be deactivated when switching on the ignition
again. To reactivate the sports functions, tip the gearbox selector lever to the rear ⇒ DSG dual
clutch gearbox.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Snow: The Snow driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator on icy or snowy
roads. In addition, the lane holding when cornering and the power in straight driving are also
improved. The dynamic of the ACC Adaptive Cruise Control is restricted. The dynamic
cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is not possible to shift into
the S position in the Snow driving profile.
•Off-road: The Off-road driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator when driving
off-road. The engine brake is always available and gearshifts can be prevented in critical
situations. In the Off-road driving profile, the Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are
active. The dynamic cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is
not possible to shift into the S position in the Off-road driving profile. When the driving profile is
active, the instrument cluster displays the symbol m/k/s562MK.
Changing the driving profile can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow the driving profile
selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
WARNING
®
®

•Off-road Individual: Enhanced version of the off-road driving profile that can be adjusted to the
driver's needs ⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements. When the driving profile
is active, the instrument cluster displays the symbol m/k/s562MK.
•Onroad:The Onroad driving profile enables you to choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal,
Sport and Individual.
Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Selecting the Individual driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Switch on the Infotainment system.
•Press the driving profile selection button or turn the control for 4MOTION Active Control
until the LED next to the Onroad driving profile ⇒ Fig. 129③ lights up.
•Touch the Change function button to open the Individual menu.
Selecting the Off-road Individual driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Switch on the Infotainment system.
•If necessary, turn the control ⇒ Fig. 129 for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to
the Off-road Individual driving profile ⇒ Fig. 129⑤ lights up.
•If the Off-road Individual driving profile is already selected, press the MODE button on the
control ⇒ Fig. 129.
•Touch the Change function button to open the Individual menu.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fault in adaptive chassis control (DCCyf J R W R D T X D O L I L H G Z R U N V K R S D Q G K D Y H W K H V \ V W H P F K H F N H G .
If there is a fault in the adaptive chassis control (DCCyf W K H P H V V D J H Fault: damping control may
be shown on the instrument cluster display.
Off-road display
The off-road display contains digital
instruments that show additional
information about the vehicle and its
surroundings. This makes it possible to
assess the current driving situation
more precisely.
Fig. 130 In the Infotainment system: off-road display.
Opening the off-road display
Changing the driving profile can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow the driving profile
selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
WARNING