The key bit in the vehicle key must be folded out fully and locked in position.
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
When all the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time, the vehicle ignition will be switched
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
possible.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer
tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the wheels on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure ⇒ Tyre pressure .
WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted gross axle
weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the
vehicle.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause accidents and
severe injuries.
secure loads using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.
Driving with a trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to dazzle other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control are adjusted automatically.
Things to note when driving with a trailer
If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
Fig. 167 In the engine compartment: changing bulbs in the left front headlight.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The front headlight does not need to be removed when changing bulbs.
The actions should always be carried out in the specified order:
⇒ Fig. 166 and ⇒ Fig. 167
Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Checklist Information on changing
bulbs
Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment .
Pull off the rubber cover on the rear side of the headlight. Depending on the version, a hard plastic
cover may be fitted here. Turn the cover anti-clockwise and remove it.
Dipped beam ① Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go and carefully pull it out to the
rear along with the bulb.
Main beam ② Press on the bulb from below, as shown by the arrow, until it engages. Lift the bulb
back and out.
Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
Dipped beam ① Insert the bulb holder into the headlight and turn it clockwise as far as it will go.
Main beam ② Insert the bulb into the opening in the headlight with the connector at the top and
push down. The lug of the bulb must be located in the headlight recess (small arrow).
boxes can damage the electrical system.
Fuse table for fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 173 In the dash panel: fuse assignment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The table shows the fuse locations of the electrical consumers relevant for the driver. The first
column in the table contains the location. The other columns contain the fuse type, the amp rating
and the consumer protected by the fuse.
Depending on the market and specification of your vehicle, the fuse numbers and positions may
differ to those given in the table. If necessary, ask your Volkswagen dealership for the exact fuse
assignment.
Fuse location ⇒ Fig. 173
F410 amps, MINI®, anti-theft alarm.F710 amps, MINI®, air conditioning system control panel or
heating and fresh air system, rear window heating relay.F810 amps, MINI®, light switch (dipped
beam), rain/light sensor, electronic parking brake.F107.5 amps, MINI®, display, Infotainment control
panel.F1140 amps, ATO®, left exterior lighting.F1220 amps, ATO®, Infotainment
components.F1440 amps, ATO®, blower regulator.F167.5 amps, MINI®, telephone.F2215 amps,
ATO®, trailer charging cable.F2330 amps, JCASE®, electric glass roof.F2440 amps, ATO®, right
exterior lighting.F2630 amps, ATO®, seat heating.F2730 amps, ATO®, interior lighting.F2825 amps,
ATO®, left trailer control unit.F3825 amps, ATO®, right trailer control unit.F401)20 amps, ATO®,
cigarette lighter, sockets.F4240 amps, ATO®, central locking.F4415 amps, ATO®, trailer control
unit.F4715 amps, ATO®, rear window wiper.F5125 amps, ATO®, rear seat heating.F5330 amps, ATO®,
rear window heating.