position.
WARNING
Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and affect their concentration, which in turn can cause
collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period as no fresh air will enter the vehicle
interior.
If the cooling system is switched off, condensation can form on the windows very quickly in air
recirculation mode and reduce visibility considerably.
Switch off the air recirculation mode when it is no longer required.
NOTICE
In vehicles with an air conditioning system, do not smoke when the air recirculation mode is
switched on. The smoke can leave a residue on the cooling system evaporator and the dust and
pollen filter with pollution filter insert, producing a lasting unpleasant odour.
When reversing the vehicle, or when the wash and wipe system is being used, the air recirculation
mode will switch on to prevent odours from entering the vehicle interior.
Climatronic
If the outside temperature is very high, the manual air recirculation mode can be activated for a
short time to help cool the vehicle interior more quickly.
Seat heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The seat cushions and backrests can be heated electrically when the engine is running.
Operating the seat heating
Press the or button in the air conditioning block in order to switch the seat heating to the
highest temperature setting.
Press the or button repeatedly until the desired setting is reached.
To switch the seat heating off, press the or button repeatedly until no LEDs are lit.
Maximum heat output and the fastest possible defrosting of the windows are possible only when
the engine is running. Do not start your journey until you have good visibility.
To help ensure good visibility, make sure that you use the air conditioning system and the rear
window heating correctly.
Auxiliary heater and ventilation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Switching the auxiliary heater and ventilation on and off
Programming the auxiliary heater and ventilation
Remote control
The auxiliary heater and ventilation system can be used to heat the vehicle interior in the winter and
ventilate it in the summer. It is able to clear ice, condensation and a thin layer of snow from the
windscreen. The auxiliary heater is supplied with fuel from the vehicle fuel tank and can be operated
when the vehicle is stationary with the ignition switched off. The auxiliary ventilation system is
powered by the 12-volt vehicle battery.
Auxiliary heater exhaust system
The emissions generated by the auxiliary heater are discharged via an exhaust pipe underneath the
vehicle. The exhaust pipe must not be blocked by snow, mud or other objects.
WARNING
Among other things, the emissions from the auxiliary heater contain carbon monoxide, which is an
odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death.
Never switch on the auxiliary heater when the vehicle is in unventilated or closed rooms nor let the
auxiliary heater run in unventilated or closed rooms.
Never program the auxiliary heater so that it is switched on and runs in unventilated or closed
rooms.
WARNING
Parts of the auxiliary heater exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.
Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable
material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass.
Food, medicine and other items that are sensitive to heat or cold could be either damaged or
rendered useless by the air flowing out of the vents.
Never leave food, medicines or other temperature-sensitive objects in front of the vents.
Switching the auxiliary heater and ventilation on and off
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The auxiliary heater can be operated only when the ignition is switched off. If the ignition is switched
on while the auxiliary heater is working, the auxiliary heater continues to run to provide additional
heat.
Switching on the auxiliary heater
Press the immediate heat button in the air conditioning block Front controls
OR: press the button on the remote control Remote control
OR: program the departure time Programming the auxiliary heater and ventilation
The auxiliary heater heats the vehicle interior to at least 22
The auxiliary heater will not switch on if the 12-volt vehicle battery is low or the fuel tank is empty.
Switching off the auxiliary heater manually
Press the immediate heat button in the air conditioning block Front controls
OR: press the button on the remote control Remote control
OR: touch the function button on the Infotainment system Programming the auxiliary heater
Auxiliary heater switches off automatically
When the programmed departure time is reached, or after the programmed operating period has
elapsed Programming the auxiliary heater and ventilation
When the indicator lamp lights up (fuel gauge) Fuel gauge
If the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low 12-volt vehicle battery
The auxiliary heater runs on for a short time after it has been switched off manually or automatically
so that the remaining fuel in the system can be burnt off.
When the vehicle is at a standstill, the auxiliary heater can be activated up to three times in
succession for the maximum operating duration.
If the front brake pads are checked, the rear brake pads should be checked at the same time. A
visual check of the thickness of all brake pads should be carried out regularly by checking the brake
pads through the openings in the rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the
wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Driving a loaded vehicle
For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
Stow all items of luggage securely Stowing luggage and loads
Accelerate particularly cautiously and carefully.
Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
Brake earlier than in normal driving.
If applicable, observe the information concerning the roof carrier Roof carrier
WARNING
Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle's stability and driving safety which could cause
accidents and serious injuries.
Secure items properly so they cannot slide about.
Use suitable lashing or securing straps when securing heavy objects.
Securely engage the rear seat backrests.
Driving with an open boot lid
Driving with an open boot lid is particularly dangerous. All objects and the open boot lid must be
secured properly. Take the appropriate measures to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes
that could enter into the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries.
Always drive with the boot lid closed.
Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out of the luggage
compartment and injure other road users.
Always drive especially carefully and think ahead.
pping the engine
Ignition lock
Fig. 99 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock may be activated.
Vehicle key positions Fig. 99
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. Steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated and the
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.
0
Ignition switched on warning
A warning message appears in the instrument cluster display if the driver door is opened while the
ignition is switched on. A signal tone may also be given.
The warning is a reminder that the ignition must be switched off before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious 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 in the
case of small children.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock
may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
Only attach light objects weighing less than 100 g to the vehicle key.
NOTICE
The 12-volt battery may be discharged unintentionally and prevent the engine from restarting if the
ignition is switched on while the engine is switched off.
Always switch off the ignition before you leave the vehicle.
For vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox in some markets: if the vehicle key cannot be
removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle is stopped, move the selector lever to P. If
necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then release it.
Starter button
The starter button replaces the ignition lock (Press & Drive).
Fig. 100 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 pedal
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 or by locking the vehicle Lights
Automatic ignition switch-off in vehicles with a start/stop system
off automatically when engine stop is active when the vehicle is stationary:
The driver seat belt has been unfastened.
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 and lit for approximately 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 five 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.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when the ignition is switched on as the engine will start
immediately.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious injuries.
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorised
persons could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate electrical
equipment such as the electric windows.
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any information
shown on 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.
Starting the engine
Fig.
0
switched on.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button once. The ignition is switched on.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: during the diesel engine preheating phase, the indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off.
Vehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it until the engine has
been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to position P or N.
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position Fig.
0do not depress the
accelerator.
Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button Starter buttondo not depress the
accelerator. There must be a valid vehicle key in the vehicle before the engine can be started.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter and try again after about a minute.
Vehicles with starter button: perform an emergency start if necessary No valid vehicle key
recognised
Vehicles with starter button: the starter button is deactivated if the vehicle was locked with the
vehicle key. If you are in the vehicle and need to start the engine, unlock the vehicle first or perform
an emergency start No valid vehicle key recognised
Switch off the electronic parking brake if you wish to pull away.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or enclosed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain carbon
monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose
consciousness. It can also cause death.
Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under or near the
vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.