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.
If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock may activate and you will no longer
be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious injuries.
Never park the vehicle so that parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel etc.
Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic
converters, heat shields or particulate filter.
NOTICE
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.
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
The immobiliser helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the vehicle key. The immobiliser is automatically deactivated by this when a valid
vehicle key is inserted in the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the
ignition lock. In vehicles with Keyless Access, the vehicle key must be outside the vehicle.
The engine can be started only using a Volkswagen Genuine vehicle key with the correct code.
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership.
Problem-free operation of the vehicle is guaranteed only with Volkswagen Genuine vehicle keys.
Troubleshooting
Fig. 101 On the right-hand side of the steering column: emergency start function in vehicles with the
keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access.
Fault in engine management system
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Fault in the engine management system.
The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Engine speed limited
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The engine speed was limited to prevent the engine from overheating.
The engine speed is shown on the instrument cluster display.
The engine speed limitation will be cancelled again in the following cases:
Engine is no longer in a critical temperature range.
Foot is taken off the accelerator.
together with engine speed limitation due to fault in the engine management system
The indicator lamps light up yellow.
Engine speed limitation is activated due to a fault in the engine management system.
Make sure that the displayed engine speed is not exceeded.
The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Glow plug system/engine management system
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
When the diesel engine is being pre-heated, the indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster for
a few seconds.
The indicator lamp flashes yellow.
There is a fault in the engine management system.
The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Vehicle key cannot be removed from the ignition lock
An unauthorised vehicle key has been inserted in the ignition lock.
Remove the vehicle key as follows:
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox
Press the lock button in the selector lever and release.
Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
No valid vehicle key recognised
A corresponding display will appear in the instrument cluster.
If the button cell in the vehicle key is weak or discharged, it is possible that the vehicle key will not
be recognised.
In this case, you will need to perform an emergency start:
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. 101 .
The ignition is switched on automatically, and in some cases the engine is started.
Engine cannot be switched off
The engine cannot be switched off by briefly pressing the starter button.
In this case it is necessary to perform an emergency switch-off procedure:
Press the starter button twice within a few seconds or press and hold once.
The engine will switch off automatically ⇒ .
Engine cannot be started
A corresponding message will be displayed in the instrument cluster if an unauthorised vehicle key is
used or there is a system fault.
Use an authorised vehicle key.
If the problem persists, seek expert assistance.
The bonnet is closed.
A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
Vehicles 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 uphill or downhill gradient.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the steering wheel is not turned too sharply.
The windscreen heating is not switched on.
Reverse gear is not engaged.
Park Assist is not active.
When the conditions for automatic engine switch-off are fulfilled only during a stationary phase, the
engine can also switch off subsequently, e.g. after 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 starts rolling.
If the electrical 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 for the vehicle.
Conditions that require a manual engine start
The engine must be started manually in the following conditions:
If the driver door is opened.
If the bonnet is opened.
Manually deactivating and activating the start/stop system
Press the button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 102 to deactivate the system manually. If the
start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
Press the button in the centre console again ⇒ Fig. 102 to activate the system manually once
more.
The instrument cluster shows the status of the start/stop system each time the button is pressed.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, it will start again as soon as the system is
deactivated manually with the button.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Start/stop mode when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active
The engine will be switched off after the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has brought the vehicle to a
standstill via an active braking intervention ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .
The engine will be switched off after the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has brought the vehicle to a
standstill via an active braking intervention ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .
Vehicles with dual clutch gearbox DSG: when adaptive cruise control (ACC) is activated, the
dual clutch gearbox DSG® can switch to coasting mode.
Vehicles with dual clutch gearbox DSG: when adaptive cruise control (ACC) is activated, the
dual clutch gearbox DSG® can switch to coasting mode.
In the following instances, the engine will restart when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active:
If the accelerator is depressed.
When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has resumed speed and distance control.
If the vehicle ahead has moved on.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine or the ignition 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. That is why more pressure on the
brake pedal is needed to brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off.
The power steering will not work when the engine is not running. More power is needed to steer the
vehicle when the engine is switched off.
When the ignition is switched off, the steering lock may activate and you will no longer be able to
steer the vehicle.
The start/stop system must be deactivated if work is to be carried out in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
Fig. 106 Selector lever in Tiptronic position (left-hand drive). Mirror image for right-hand drive
vehicles.
Fig. 107 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.
Tap the selector lever forwards ⊕ or back ㊀ to shift gear up or down ⇒ Fig. 106 .
When tapping the selector lever in the Tiptronic gate, it is not necessary to press the lock button on
the selector lever.
Operating Tiptronic with the paddles
Pull the right paddle ⇒ Fig. 107 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.
NOTICE
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.
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 .
Tap the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
OR: shift down a gear 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 uphill gradient with a selected position, the vehicle must always be
prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake. Do
not release the brake pedal or switch off the electronic parking brake until you are about to 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 an
anticipatory driving style. 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 and at speeds of
approximately 40 – 130 km/h (25 mph – 80 mph).
Initiating coasting
Select the Eco driving profile in the driving profile selection menu ⇒ Driving profile selection and
4MOTION Active Control .
Take your foot off the accelerator. The engine will be disengaged and run at idling speed. The vehicle
rolls without the braking effect of the engine.
If the speed falls below 130 km/h (80 mph).
Depress the accelerator briefly.
Cancelling coasting mode
Depress the brake pedal forcefully.
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.
OR: change the driving profile from Eco.
The downhill speed control cannot hold the vehicle on the gradient in all 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 you are not prepared
to brake.
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.
Steering
Information on steering
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the
vehicle to be stolen.
The steering
The power steering is not hydraulic, but is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required.
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy supply
while steering.
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the selected driving profile can affect the behaviour of the
power steering ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control .
Electronic steering column lock in vehicles with a starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened when the ignition is switched off. For
this, the vehicle should be stationary and, if necessary, the gear selector lever should be in position
P.
If the ignition is not switched off until after the driver door is opened, the electronic steering column
will only be locked when the vehicle is locked using the sensor in the door handle or the vehicle key.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lock) in vehicles with an ignition lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle is
stationary. Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering lock audibly engages.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to relieve the load on the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position
and turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering