Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
The engine cannot be started with the starter button, for example, if the button cell in the vehicle
key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ No valid vehicle key recognised .
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°F), fumes may be detected under a vehicle with a
diesel engine if the fuel-powered supplementary heater is switched on.
Switching off the engine
Bring the vehicle to a standstill ⇒ .
Park the vehicle ⇒ Parking .
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 99⓪ in the ignition lock.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button briefly ⇒ Fig. 100 . If the engine cannot
be switched off, carry out the emergency switch-off procedure ⇒ Engine cannot be switched off .
Follow the instructions in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster .
Ignition warning
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.
Warning before leaving the vehicle
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. When you leave the vehicle, the electronic parking
brake also switches on to prevent the vehicle rolling away.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control,
accidents and serious injuries.
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.
Start/stop system
Fig. 102 In the upper 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.
Switching on the start/stop system
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display will show information about the current status.
Further information on start/stop mode can be accessed in the Infotainment system using the
button or function button and the Vehicle, Selection, Vehicle status function buttons. This
information also applies to coasting.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp lights up, the start/stop system is available and automatic engine stop is
active.
If the indicator lamp lights up, the start/stop system is not available or the start/stop system has
started the engine automatically ⇒ Conditions for an automatic restart .
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.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
The driver is wearing their seat belt.
The driver door is closed.
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
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the 12-volt
vehicle battery can be damaged.
The engine stop function may be deactivated automatically if the temperature is above around 38°C
(100°F).
In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the engine manually. Follow any corresponding
messages on the instrument cluster display.
The start/stop function is activated automatically if the Eco driving profile is selected on vehicles
with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control .
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Troubleshooting
Engine no longer starts automatically
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox and coasting function: if the engine does not start
automatically, the warning Error: vehicle power system. Please visit workshop can be displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Start the engine manually ⇒ Starting the engine .
Deactivate the start/stop system manually.
Go to a qualified workshop immediately.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
Fig. 103 Gear shift pattern of a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Clutch is not transmitting the full engine torque.
If necessary, remove foot from the clutch pedal.
Clutch overheated
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
An acoustic warning may also be given ⇒ .
The clutch can overheat, for example if the vehicle pulls off frequently, 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.
You can continue to drive.
Clutch faulty
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The clutch is faulty.
Drive on carefully!
Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can cause considerable clutch damage.
DSG® dual clutch gearbox
Function of the DSG® dual clutch gearbox
Description
The vehicle is equipped with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
The DSG® dual clutch gearbox is a gearbox which uses dual-clutch technology to change gear
automatically. It uses a dual clutch and two gear train halves to enable very fast gear changes with
no loss of torque. The DSG® dual clutch gearbox thus combines the performance and economy of a
manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of a conventional automatic gearbox.
Function
Engine power is transferred to the drive shaft via the gearbox. In order to change gears, the power
transmission between the engine and the gearbox has to be interrupted. This is what the clutch is
for.
With the DSG® dual clutch system with its two gear train halves, the engine power is always
connected to one gear train half when driving. Before a gear shift, the next-higher or lower gear is
already preselected in the load-free second gear train half. The clutch on the non-driven gear is then
closed, and the other is opened at the same time. This makes very fast gear changes possible.
Thanks to its design, the DSG® dual clutch gearbox is more efficient than an automatic gearbox.
Whereas in an automatic gearbox the torque converter is constantly in use, in the DSG® dual clutch
gearbox the clutch can be opened at idling speed, thus saving fuel. Thanks to its efficiency, low
weight and intelligent control system, the DSG® dual clutch gearbox usually enables fuel
consumption that is equal to or lower than a manual gearbox.
However, just like the manual gearbox, the clutch in the DSG® dual clutch gearbox is subject to wear.
Regular maintenance is necessary depending on the type of DSG® dual clutch gearbox; further
information ⇒ Scope of service . In the event of a fault in one gear train half, the DSG® dual clutch
gearbox also allows one gear train half to be deactivated and the journey to be continued using the
other gear train half ⇒ Troubleshooting . The gearbox must then be checked as soon as possible by a
qualified workshop.
DSG® dual clutch gearbox: selecting a gear
Fig. 105 Left-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for dual clutch gearbox DSG with lock button (arrow).
The location is mirrored in right-hand drive vehicles.
When the ignition is switched on, the selected gear or gearbox programme is displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
Instrument cluster display
Selector lever position Display
P P
R R
N N
D/S E, D or S ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control
Tiptronic gate M ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic
– Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically. May be selected 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.