
•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 

Clean the turn signals, headlight system, the number plate and all windows.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign 
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system, 
on the wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as 
branches, leaves or pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a 
qualified workshop.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting the engine operation In the 
engine compartment.
Switch off OFF-ROAD mode Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf .
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
If your vehicle gets stuck
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Rocking out a vehicle requires a great deal of training and feeling for the vehicle.
If you make a mistake when rocking the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance to 
get out of the mud.
When you cannot proceed ...
•Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the 
sand.
•Engage reverse gear.
•Reverse over your own tracks, accelerating gently.
If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to 
increase grip ⇒.
Rocking the vehicle
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
•Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
•Quickly select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
•Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
•Switch the TCS on after the rocking procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Use the Off-road driving profile.
After off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never drive through a ditch if the entry/exit angle is too steep for the vehicle and the ditch 
is too deep. The vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll.
WARNING
If you drive into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The underbody of 
your vehicle could get stuck and damaged which means that the vehicle could break 
down. It is then almost impossible to get out of the ditch despite having all-wheel drive.
NOTICE
Nobody may stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting 
to free a stuck vehicle.
•Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that 
are in front or behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
•People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle 
starts to move suddenly.
WARNING 

•Only refuel with fuels that are suitable for the vehicle ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Use only suitable engine oil for the vehicle and do not overfill ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Periodic regeneration
The soot in the particulate filter is burnt off at high temperatures on a periodic basis.
To assist the regeneration of the particulate filter, Volkswagen recommends that you avoid making 
only short journeys.
Noises, slight smells and increased engine speeds may occur during regeneration. The radiator fan 
may run on while the vehicle is moving or when the engine has been switched off.
During the periodic regeneration process, the yellow indicator lamp  does not light 
up.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Irregular engine running and malfunctions
If the engine shows signs of irregular running or malfunctions while you are driving, this may mean 
that the fuel is of poor quality. Reduce speed immediately. Drive to nearest qualified workshop at 
medium engine speeds and low loads on the engine.
If these symptoms occur directly after refuelling, switch off the engine immediately to avoid any 
subsequent damage. You should obtain professional assistance.
Warning and indicator lamps 
Lights up together with the red warning lamp  : fault in the selective catalytic reduction 
system. The engine cannot be restarted! Drive straight to a qualified workshop without switching 
off the engine and have the system checked ⇒.AdBlue level too low. The engine cannot 
be restarted! Switch off the vehicle and refill the AdBlue minimum quantity according to 
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue⇒.Lights up together with the yellow warning lamp  
: the selective catalytic reduction system is faulty or not filled with standard-compliant 
AdBlue. Drive immediately to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.AdBlue
level too low. Refill AdBlue within the displayed remaining range in accordance with ⇒ Emission 
control with AdBlue⇒.The particulate filter is saturated with soot and requires 
regeneration. Driving at speeds between 50 - 120 km/h (31 - 75 mphyf  Z L O O  V X S S R U W  U H J H Q H U D W L R Q   
Observe the relevant speed limits and the gear recommendation. The indicator lamp goes out 
automatically when the particulate filter has been regenerated. If the indicator lamp is still lit up after 
driving for around 30 minutes, seek expert assistance immediately.Lit up: malfunction. Have 
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic 
converter. Drive immediately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the engine checked.
There may be engine faults and fuel consumption may be higher if the indicator lamps are lit 
up or flashing.
 Colour display only on an instrument cluster with colour display.
Fuel standards
Petrol
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on petrol in compliance with the European standard 
EN 228 or the German standard DIN 51626-1 ⇒.
Where petrol complying with the specified standard is not available, Volkswagen dealerships will 
have information on what fuels are suitable for the vehicle.
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If the AdBlue level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition has been 
switched off. Starting with jump leads is also not possible.
•Refill AdBlue at the latest when the remaining distance reaches approximately 
1,000 km.
•Never allow the AdBlue tank to run empty.
NOTICE
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Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the selector lever to 
position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and 
stopping the engine.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the 
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other service fluids on the ground, the 
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of 
properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in 
the engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the 
rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can 
start automatically, even if the ignition has been switched off and the vehicle key has 
been removed from the ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running, 
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the 
poly V-belts, alternator, radiator fan etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. 
Always be particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long 
hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work, 
remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid 
them getting caught in the engine compartment.
- Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle 
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the 
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and 
fires.
WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt 
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and 
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and 
hence cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the 
electrical system:
- Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is 
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other 
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When topping up or changing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service 
fluids into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious 
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE 

Allow the engine to cool sufficiently.
Children and other people should be kept well away from the engine compartment.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away unexpectedly.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 223 In the footwell on the driver's side: release lever for the bonnet.
Fig. 224 Above the radiator grille: bonnet control lever.
Opening the bonnet
•Ensure that the wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the bonnet ⇒.
•Open the driver door and pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 223. The 
bonnet is released from its lock by a spring mechanism ⇒.
•Lift the bonnet at the opening lever ⇒ Fig. 224 (arrowyf  D Q G  R S H Q  I X O O \   7 K H  E R Q Q H W  L V  K H O G  L Q  W K H  
open position by the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
•To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure ⇒.
•Let the bonnet drop into the catches from a height of about 30 cm – do not press it down!
If the bonnet has not closed properly, lift it and then close it again.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is closed properly. The bonnet is no 
longer highlighted in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Display or the display goes out.
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety 
procedures.
WARNING