
Troubleshooting
Washer fluid level too low. Fill up the washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible ⇒ Washer 
fluid.Fault in the rain/light sensor. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights 
up permanently after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.Fault in 
windscreen wipers. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights up permanently 
after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.
Changes in the response of the rain/light sensor
Possible causes for faults and misinterpretations relating to the sensitive surface of the rain/light 
sensor ⇒ Vehicle overviews include:
•Damaged wiper blades: a film of water or smears caused by damaged wiper blades can 
increase the time the wipers are switched on, can shorten the length of the intervals between 
wipes or cause the wipers to run quickly and continuously.
•Insects: insects hitting the windscreen surface can cause the wipers to be activated.
•Salt deposits: in winter, salt deposits on the windscreen can cause the wipers to continue to 
wipe the windscreen when it is almost dry.
•Soiling: dry dust, wax, windscreen coatings (lotus effectyf   R U  G H W H U J H Q W  G H S R V L W V   I U R P  D Q  
automatic car washyf  F D Q  F D X V H  W K H  U D L Q  O L J K W  V H Q V R U  W R  E H F R P H  O H V V  V H Q V L W L Y H  D Q G  U H D F W  W R R  
slowly, or prevent it from reacting at all. Clean the sensitive surface of the rain/light sensor 
⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior at regular intervals and inspect the wiper blades 
for damage.
•Crack in the windscreen: a wipe cycle will be triggered if the rain/light sensor is on when the 
windscreen is impacted by a stone. The rain/light sensor will then register the reduction in 
sensitivity of the surfaces and adjust accordingly. The size of the crack can affect the way in 
which the rain/light sensor activates the wipers.
We recommend that you use an alcohol-based glass cleaner to remove wax and polish.
The wipers will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. The wipers will 
stop moving if the obstacle blocks their path. Remove the obstacle and switch the wipers back on 
again.
Mirrors
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Interior mirror
⇒ Exterior mirrors
You can use the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror to observe traffic behind you and adjust 
driving style accordingly.
For safety reasons it is important that the driver positions the exterior and interior mirrors correctly 
before starting a journey ⇒.
Looking in the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror does not allow the driver to see the entire side 
and rear area of the vehicle. The area that cannot be seen is known as the blind spot. There may 
be objects and other road users in the blind spot.
Adjusting the exterior and interior mirrors while driving may cause the driver to become 
distracted. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Exterior and interior mirrors should only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary.
•When parking, changing lane, or performing an overtaking or turning manoeuvre, 
always pay careful attention to the area around the vehicle as objects and other road 
users may be located in the blind spot.
•Always ensure that the mirrors are positioned correctly and that the rear view is not 
restricted by ice, snow, condensation or any other objects.
WARNING
If you estimate the distance from traffic behind you incorrectly, you can cause accidents 
and serious injuries.
•Curved mirrors (convex or asphericyf  H Q O D U J H  W K H  I L H O G  R I  Y L V L R Q  D Q G  F D Q  P D N H  R E M H F W V  L Q  
the mirror seem smaller and further away than they actually are.
•Using curved mirrors to estimate the distance from other vehicles behind you when 
changing lanes can provide inaccurate results and can lead to accidents and severe 
injuries.
•Whenever possible, use the interior mirror to check the exact distance between your 
vehicle and following traffic or other objects.
•Ensure that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
WARNING 

m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately 
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the 
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130 
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move 
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to 
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the 
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is 
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached 
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient 
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service 
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling 
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure 
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and 
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for 
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and 
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the 
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short 
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road 
and traffic conditions.
WARNING 

Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for 
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than 
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such 
an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water ⇒ Start/stop 
system .
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 carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the 
open boot lid to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that 
they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the boot lid to wedge 
them into place or hold them in position.
•If you drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the 
boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the boot lid is open. This could 
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and 
accidents.
•You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous gases 
from entering the vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do 
the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into 
the vehicle:
- Close all windows and the glass roof.
- Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or 
switch off the air conditioning system.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers for the heating and fresh air system, or for the air 
conditioning system, to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
NOTICE 

Warning lights and text messages are shown on the instrument cluster display. These warnings 
may be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be 
checked and renewed as necessary.
Malfunction in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as 
normal (sudden increase in braking distanceyf   7 K L V  L V  L Q G L F D W H G  E \  W K H  Z D U Q L Q J  O D P S    and in 
some cases by a text message. Go to the nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault 
corrected. Drive at low speed when doing this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an 
increase in the pressure required on the pedal.
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starter button
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobiliser
⇒ Troubleshooting
Push-starting or tow-starting
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to 
start the engine instead ⇒ Jump starting.
Ignition lock
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the 
vehicle. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other 
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
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 closed rooms. 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.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or 
position has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something 
unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to 
suddenly run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious 
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with 
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt 
fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converters, heat shields or particulate filter.
WARNING 

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.
®