
 – Switches Air Care on and off ⇒ Air Care Climatronic.
 – Locks the rear temperature selectors ⇒ Rear controls.
 – Opens the auxiliary heater menu ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.
 – Switches windscreen heating on and off ⇒ Windscreen heating.
 – Switches steering wheel heating on and off ⇒ Steering wheel heating.
 – Switches the seat heating on and off ⇒ Seat heating.
 – General settings submenu
Automatic air recirculation – Switches automatic air recirculation mode on and off ⇒ Air 
recirculation mode.
Automatic auxiliary heater – Allows or prevents auxiliary heating ⇒ Fuel and emission 
control.
Automatic windscreen heating – Switches automatic windscreen heating on and off 
⇒ Windscreen heating.
 – Submenu for air conditioning settings
 – Adjusts the blower speed.
 – Switches cooling system on and off.
 – Air distribution to the upper body via the vents in the dash panel.
 – Air distribution to footwell.
 – Air distribution to the windscreen.
 – Switches air recirculation mode on and off.
Presettings – submenu for presettings
 – Switches automatic mode on.
 – Switches maximum cooling output on or off.
 – Switches the defrost function on or off.
 – Display for manual control of the cooling system.
Air conditioning profiles
Air con. profile – Adjusts the blower speed in  mode.
Rear controls
Fig. 111 In the rear centre console: controls for the rear seats.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Temperature
•Press the  and ⇒ Fig. 111 buttons to set the temperature.
Setting the temperature using the Infotainment system
•Press the  button on the control panel.
•Touch the function button for the temperature for the rear row of seats.
•Touch the  and  function buttons to set the temperature.
The display now shows the set temperature. 

The seat cushions and backrests can be heated electrically when the ignition is switched on.
Operating the seat heating
•Press the button  or  in the control panel in order to switch the seat heating to 
the highest setting.
•Press the  or  button until the desired setting is reached.
•To switch the seat heating off, press the button  or  repeatedly until the LEDs go 
out.
If the ignition is turned on again within around 10 minutes, the most recent driver seat temperature 
setting is automatically activated.
When is it not advisable to switch on the seat heating?
Do not switch on the seat heating if one of the following conditions applies:
•The seat is not occupied.
•The seat is fitted with a protective cover.
•A child seat is installed on the seat.
•The seat cushion is damp or wet.
•The temperature in the vehicle interior or the outside temperature is above +25°C (77°Fyf .
To save fuel, only switch on the seat heating for as long as necessary.
Steering wheel heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering wheel heating works when the engine is running.
Switching steering wheel heating on and off automatically via the 
Infotainment system
•m/k/a995MKManual air conditioning system: press the  button on the 
Infotainment system and touch the Vehicle and  function buttons.
•m/k/a995MKClimatronic: press the  button on the control panel.
•Touch the  function button to switch the steering wheel heating on and off.
Switching the steering wheel heating on or off together with the seat 
heating (only in vehicles with Climatronicyf
•Press the  button on the control panel.
Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, 
paralysis or chronic illness (e.g. diabetesyf  F R X O G  V X V W D L Q  E X U Q V  R Q  W K H  E D F N   E X W W R F N V  D Q G  
legs when using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never 
heal fully. Please consult a doctor if you have questions about your own state of health.
•Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the 
seat heating.
WARNING
Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.
•Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.
•Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.
•Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.
•Do not spill any liquids on the seat.
WARNING
•To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp 
pressure at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
•Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials, such as a protective cover or child 
seat, may damage the seat heating.
•If the system starts to produce an odour, switch off the seat heating immediately and 
have it checked by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE 

•Touch the  function button.
•Touch the Steering wheel & seat heating linked function button to pair the steering 
wheel heating with the seat heating.
•Press the  button to switch the steering wheel heating on or off with the seat heating.
Selecting a temperature setting (only in vehicles with Climatronicyf
•Press the  button on the control panel.
•Touch the  function button.
•Touch the Setting function button to select a temperature setting.
Three temperature settings are available. The selected setting is saved when the ignition is 
switched off. The temperature setting for the steering wheel heating is unrelated to the temperature 
setting for the seat heating.
Switch-off conditions
The steering wheel heating will be switched off automatically if one of the following conditions is 
met:
•Seat heating for the driver's seat switched off (if 
Steering wheel & seat heating linked is activeyf .
•Power consumption too high.
•Fault in steering wheel heating system.
Windscreen heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The windscreen heating works when the engine is running.
Manual windscreen heating
•m/k/a995MKManual air conditioning system: press the  button on the 
Infotainment system and touch the Vehicle and Settings function buttons.
•m/k/a995MKClimatronic: press the  button on the control panel.
•Touch the  function button to switch windscreen heating on or off.
The windscreen heating switches itself off depending on the outside temperature or after 8 minutes 
at the latest.
Automatic windscreen heating
The windscreen heating switches on automatically if there is a risk of condensation building up on 
the windscreen or windows.
•Press the  button on the control panel.
•Touch the  function button in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Automatic windscreen heating function button to switch automatic 
windscreen heating on or off.
The automatic windscreen heating is also active when the air conditioning system is switched off.
Windscreen heating using the defrost function
The windscreen heating will be switched on when the defrost function is switched on and a sensor 
detects that the windscreen may mist up.
Switch-off conditions
The windscreen heating switches itself off if one of the following conditions is met:
•Power consumption too high.
•Fault in air conditioning system.
•Specified time has elapsed.
Tips and usage notes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following tips and operating information will help you use the system correctly. 

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 

Fig. 118 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock can be activated.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 118
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated 
and the yellow 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. 118①.
m/k/a995MKDepending on the market, in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: If 
you cannot remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is stationary, move the 
selector lever to position P. If necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then 
release it.
Starter button
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The starter button replaces the ignition 
lock (Press & Driveyf .
Fig. 119 In the lower section of the centre console: starter button for starting the engine.
The starter button is used to start the vehicle (Press & Driveyf .
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 pedals ⇒.
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. 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 among small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The 
steering column lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the 
vehicle.
•The key bit in the vehicle key needs to be folded out fully and locked in position.
•Only attach light objects weighing under 100 g to the vehicle key.
WARNING
The 12-volt vehicle battery may run down and prevent the motor from restarting if the 
ignition is switched on while the engine is switched off.
•Always switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle.
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.
® 

Switching on start/stop
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster 
display will show information about the current status.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox may be equipped with a start/stop system with engine-off 
coasting function. The engine-off coasting function is deactivated and activated together with the 
start/stop system.
Further information regarding start/stop mode is available in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation 
and display in the Infotainment system. This information also applies to coasting.
Indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp  is lit, the start/stop system is available and automatic engine stop is active.
If the indicator lamp  is lit, the start/stop system is not available or the start/stop system has 
started the engine automatically. Check whether all technical requirements have been fulfilled. If 
not, ensure that all technical requirements are met ⇒ Important preconditions for automatic engine 
switch-off.
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.
Vehicles with DSG  dual clutch gearbox
•To stop, press and hold the brake pedal. The engine switches off shortly before the vehicle 
reaches a complete standstill or when the vehicle is stationary.
•Take your foot off the brake pedal, or depress the accelerator, to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
•The driver is wearing their seat belt.
•The driver door is closed.
•The bonnet is closed.
•A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles 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 incline.
•The windscreen heating is not switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the steering wheel is not turned 
too sharply.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
•The Park Assist system is not active.
•The Off-road or Off-road Individual driving profile is activated.
When the conditions for automatic engine switch-off are only fulfilled when the vehicle is stationary, 
the engine can also switch off subsequently, e.g. by 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 rolls on.
•If the electric 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 the vehicle.
®
®