
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, symbols may be displayed in the instrument cluster 
instead of warning lamps.
Some warning and indicator lamps are not available in all markets.
For details on indicator lamps which light up in the light switch, see Chapter Lights ⇒ Lights.
SymbolMeaning
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the 
instrument cluster display.
Do not drive on!
The electronic parking brake is switched on ⇒ Electronic parking 
brake.
Do not drive on!
Brake fluid level too low or fault in the brake system ⇒ Brake fluid.
Do not drive on!
Coolant level too low ⇒ Engine coolant, engine coolant temperature 
too high or fault in the cooling system ⇒ Coolant temperature display.
Do not drive on!
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: Do not drive on! Fault in the electronic steering column 
lock ⇒ Steering.
Lit up: electromechanical steering has failed ⇒ Steering.
Driver or front passenger seat belt not fastened ⇒ Seat belts. 
OR: there are objects on the front passenger seat ⇒ Seat belts.
Brake or take evasive action.
Collision warning from area monitoring system (Front Assistyf  ⇒ Area 
monitoring system (Front Assistyf. 
OR: collision warning from Pedestrian Monitoring ⇒ Pedestrian 
Monitoring.
Depress the brake pedal. ⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox, ⇒ Adaptive 
Cruise Control (ACCyf.
Fault in the alternator ⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All
brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary 
⇒ Information on the brakes.
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the 
instrument cluster display.
Electronic Stability Control (ESCyf  ⇒ Brake support systems.
Traction control system (TCSyf  ⇒ Brake support systems. 
OR: off-road driving profile active ⇒ Driving profile selection and 
4MOTION Active Control.
Anti-lock brake system faulty or not functioning ⇒ Brake support 
systems.
Electronic parking brake fault ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
Rear fog light switched on ⇒ Lights.
Partial or complete failure of the vehicle lighting, excluding cornering 
light ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Lit up: there is a fault that affects the exhaust emissions 
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic converter 
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power Controlyf  
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine speed limited (protection against overheatingyf  
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Lit up: electromechanical steering reduced 
OR: the 12-volt battery has been disconnected and reconnected 
⇒ Steering.
Flashing: steering column is wound-up or is not unlocked/locked 
⇒ Steering.
Lit up: tyre pressure too low ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Flashing: fault in tyre monitoring system ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Fault in the rain/light sensor ⇒ Wipers.
Fault in wipers ⇒ Wipers.
Washer fluid level too low ⇒ Wipers.
Fuel tank almost empty ⇒ Fuel gauge.
Lit up: engine oil level too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: engine oil system fault ⇒ Engine oil.
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•Once you have set the hour, wait until the minutes display in the instrument cluster is marked.
•Then press the  button repeatedly until the required minute is displayed. Press and hold 
the  button to scroll through quickly.
•Release the  button to finish setting the clock.
The analogue clock adjusts itself a few seconds after ignition is switched on.
You can also use the Infotainment system to adjust the time ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 20 In the instrument cluster: fuel gauge for petrol and diesel.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fuel gauge
Lit upPossible cause/remedy ⇒
Fuel tank almost empty. Reserve volume, red marking ⇒ Fig. 20, is 
consumed ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Fill the tank as soon as possible ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed immediately and drive to the nearest qualified 
workshop at a medium engine speed and avoiding high engine loading.
OR: if the warning lamp lights up immediately after filling the tank, switch off 
the engine and seek expert assistance.
When the indicator lamp  lights up, the auxiliary heater and the fuel-powered supplementary 
heater switch off automatically ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows you the side of the 
vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Coolant temperature display
Fig. 21 In the instrument cluster: coolant temperature display (illustrationyf .
Driving when the fuel level is too low can lead to the vehicle coming to a standstill in 
traffic, potentially causing accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, 
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if 
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel 
and breaking down.
WARNING
Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt 
fuel to enter the exhaust system. The catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter could be 
damaged as a result!
NOTICE 

Check the system settings after charging or replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery. System 
settings may be adjusted or deleted if the power supply is interrupted.
Operating using the wiper lever
Fig. 24 On the right of the steering column: buttons on the wiper lever (illustrationyf .
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If any priority 1 ⇒ Instrument cluster warnings are displayed, you will be unable to open any 
menus. Some warnings can be confirmed and hidden with the ⇒ Fig. 24① button.
Selecting a menu or information display
•Switch on the ignition.
•Personalisation: select user.
•If a message or vehicle pictogram is displayed, press the ⇒ Fig. 24① button, several times if 
necessary.
•To display the menus ⇒ Instrument cluster menus or to return from a menu or an information 
display to the menu selection, hold down the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 24②.
•To browse through the menus, press the rocker switch up or down.
•To open the displayed menu or information display, press the ⇒ Fig. 24① button or wait until 
the menu or information display opens automatically after a few seconds.
Making settings in menus
•In the displayed menu, press the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 24② up or down until the desired menu 
option is marked. A frame appears around the selected option.
•Press button ⇒ Fig. 24① to make the necessary change. A tick indicates that the particular 
system or function is active.
Returning to the selection menu
Select the menu option Back in each case to leave the current menu.
If warning messages about malfunctions are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it 
may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear 
differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the malfunction 
rectified.
Operating using the multifunction steering wheel
Fig. 25 Right-hand side of the multifunction steering wheel: controls for using the menus and 
information displays in the instrument cluster.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never operate the menus on the instrument cluster display while the vehicle is in 
motion.
WARNING 

•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. 

•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 

Conditions that require a manual engine start
The engine must be started manually under the following conditions:
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Activating and deactivating the start/stop system manually
•Press the button  in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 121 to deactivate the system. 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. 121 to reactivate the system.
The instrument cluster shows the status of the start/stop system every time the  button is 
pressed.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, it will start again as soon as the system has 
been deactivated manually with the  button.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Start/stop mode when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  L V  D F W L Y e
The engine will be switched off after the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  K D V  E U R X J K W  W K H  Y H K L F O H  W R  D  
standstill via an active braking intervention ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf.
m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: when the Adaptive Cruise Control 
(ACCyf  L V  D F W L Y H   W K H  ' 6 G dual clutch gearbox can shift into coasting mode and the engine can be 
switched off with the engine-off coasting function.
In the following instances, the engine will restart when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  L V  D F W L Y H :
•If the accelerator is depressed.
•When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  K D V  U H V X P H G  V S H H G  D Q G  D X W R P D W L F  G L V W D Q F H  F R Q W U R O .
•If the vehicle ahead has moved on.
•If the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  L V  G H D F W L Y D W H G  D Q G  W K H  Y H K L F O H  G U L Y L Q J  L Q  I U R Q W  P R Y H G  D Z D \ .
Troubleshooting
The engine stop function may be deactivated if the temperature is above around 38°C (100°Fyf .
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.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
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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.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the 
12-volt vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE 

If the selector lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the 
accelerator. Wait for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
Changing gear using Tiptronic
Tiptronic allows the gears to be shifted 
up and down manually with a DSG
dual clutch gearbox.
Fig. 124 Selector lever in Tiptronic position (left-hand driveyf   7 K H  F R Q W U R O V  D U H  P L U U R U H G  I R U  U L J K W -
hand drive vehicles.
Fig. 125 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.
Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead 
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never depress the accelerator pedal when selecting a position.
•When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a selector lever 
position is engaged and the brake pedal is released.
•Never switch to reverse or selector lever position P while the vehicle is moving.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The driver must never leave the driver seat when the engine is running and a position 
has been selected. If you have to leave the vehicle while the engine is running, always 
switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P.
•If the engine is running and the selector lever is in position D/S or R, the vehicle must 
be held on the foot brake. The vehicle will creep forward even when the engine is 
idling, as power transmission is even then not fully interrupted. 
•Never select reverse gear or selector lever position P when the vehicle is in motion.
•Never leave the vehicle in selector lever position N. The vehicle will roll downhill 
irrespective of whether or not the engine is running.
WARNING
If the electronic parking brake is not switched on when the vehicle is stationary and the 
brake pedal is released when the selector lever is in position P, the vehicle may move a 
few centimetres forwards or backwards.
NOTICE
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•Gently push the selector lever forwards ⊕ or back ㊀ to shift gear up or down ⇒ Fig. 124.
When moving the selector lever in the Tiptronic gate, do not press the lock button on the selector 
lever.
Operating Tiptronic with the paddles
•Pull the right paddle ⇒ Fig. 125 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.
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.
•Gently push the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
•OR: shift down 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 incline and the vehicle remains in gear, the vehicle must always 
be prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake. 
The brake pedal or the electronic parking brake should not be released until you 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 a 
foresighted driving style. With the engine-off coasting function, the engine is not just disengaged, 
but is also switched off. 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/S and at speeds of 
approximately 30 – 130 km/h (18 mph – 80 mphyf .
An automatic engine start may take place in order to ensure reliable engine restarting and to 
guarantee the power supply of the vehicle electrical system.
Triggering coasting
•Select the Eco driving profile from the driving profile selection menu ⇒ Driving profile selection 
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•Remove your foot from accelerator pedal. The engine is disengaged and runs in coasting mode. 
The vehicle rolls without the braking effect of the engine. The engine is automatically switched 
off on vehicles with engine-off coasting function.
Cancelling coasting mode
•Depress the brake pedal briefly.
•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.
Kickdown
The kick down function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever position D/S or in the 
Tiptronic position.
•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.
NOTICE
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