Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
Immobilizer display
If an unauthorized vehicle key is used or the system malfunctions, a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. The engine cannot be started.
Push-starting and tow-starting
Never try to push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Unburned fuel can get into the catalytic converter and damage it. The steering column may also be locked. Jump-start the vehicle instead while following proper and safe procedures .
WARNING
Switching off the engine while the vehicle is moving can make the vehicle harder to stop and result in loss of vehicle control, leading to collisions and severe personal injuries.
- The ignition must be on for the airbag system and safety belt pretensioners to work.
- Braking and steering assistance systems only work when the engine is running.
- Switch off the engine only when the vehicle is not moving.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when starting and running the vehicle's engine:
- Never start the engine or let it run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
- Never start the engine or let it run if oil, fuel, or other flammable substances are under, around, or have leaked from the vehicle, for example, due to vehicle damage.
- Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, especially when it is in gear. The vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in property damage, fire, or personal injury.
- Never use starting assist fluids. Starting fluids can explode and can cause a run-away vehicle condition.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when you leave the vehicle.
- Always switch off the engine and ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Never let the engine run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
- Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
- Never apply additional undercoating or rustproofing on or near the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, or heat shields.
Indicator lights
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
| Lights up | Possible cause and proper response |
|---|---|
| Brake pedal not depressed. Apply the brake pedal to start the engine . |
| Flashes | Possible cause and proper response |
|---|---|
| The release button in the selector lever did not engage. Vehicle movement is prevented. Engage the selector lever release button . |
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
- Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
- Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn on the emergency flashers, stop the engine, and use other warning devices to warn approaching traffic.
NOTE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Ignition switch
Fig. 100 In the ignition switch: Vehicle key positions for vehicles without Keyless Access.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
If there is no vehicle key in the ignition, the steering column is locked.
Vehicle key position
Ignition switched off. Steering column lock engaged. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition is switched on. Steering column lock can be released.
Start the engine. When the engine starts, release the vehicle key. When released, the vehicle key returns to position ①.
If you use the wrong vehicle key or cannot remove the key from the ignition switch
- Automatic transmission: Move the selector lever to position P. Press the release button on the transmission selector lever and release. The vehicle key can now be removed.
If you leave the ignition on
If you leave the ignition on and open the driver door, a warning message may appear in the instrument cluster. In addition, you may also hear an acoustic warning. This warning reminds you to switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle .
WARNING
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.
- Always switch off the engine and the ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal injury.
- Never let the engine run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
- Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
- Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle – particularly if the ignition is on or a remote control vehicle key is also in the vehicle. Unsupervised use of the remote control vehicle key also makes it possible to start the engine, or turn on the ignition and operate the windows as well as other vehicle features.
- Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
- Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.
- Only attach lightweight objects to the remote control vehicle key that weigh no more than a combined total of 3.5 oz (100 g).
NOTE
Leaving the key in the ignition for a long time when the engine is not running will drain the vehicle battery.
- Always switch off the ignition and remove the key before leaving the vehicle.
Leaving the selector lever for a long period of time in any position other than Park (P) when the ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.
Starter button
Fig. 101 In the lower center console: Starter button for the Keyless Access system.
Fig. 102 Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column: Emergency starting feature.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
For vehicles with Keyless Access with push-button start , the vehicle can be started and stopped with the starter button in the lower center console .
The starter button can only be used when an authorized vehicle key is in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock is activated when the ignition is switched off and the driver door is opened .
Switching the ignition on and off
- Briefly press the starter button once without depressing the brake or clutch pedals .
Emergency start feature
If an authorized remote control vehicle key is in the passenger compartment but is not detected, the remote control vehicle key battery may be weak or dead. You can still start the engine using the emergency start feature.
- Make sure the selector lever is in the Park (P) position.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim immediately after pressing the starter button .
- The ignition automatically switches on and the engine starts.
Emergency shut-off
If the engine does not switch off by briefly pressing the starter button, emergency shut-off is necessary:
- Press the starter button twice within 3 seconds.
- OR: Press and hold the button longer than 1 second .
- The engine switches off automatically.
Engine restart feature
If no authorized remote control vehicle key is identified in the passenger compartment after the engine has been switched off, the engine can be restarted within about 5 seconds. A related message is shown in the instrument cluster display.
After the 5 seconds have passed, the engine can no longer be started without an authorized vehicle key in the passenger compartment.
WARNING
Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.
- Do not depress the brake or clutch pedals when switching on the ignition, as the engine could otherwise start immediately.
WARNING
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.
- Always switch off the engine and the ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized persons may use it to lock the vehicle, start the engine, and operate vehicle systems such as the power windows, leading to serious personal injury.
- Never let the engine run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
- Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the vehicle. The doors can be locked using the remote control vehicle key. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
- Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle – particularly if the ignition is on or a remote control vehicle key is also in the vehicle. Unsupervised use of the remote control vehicle key also makes it possible to start the engine, or turn on the ignition and operate the windows as well as other vehicle features.
- Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside.
Always switch off the engine and ignition before leaving the vehicle. Read and follow any information in the instrument cluster display.
Leaving the ignition on for a long time when the engine is not running will drain the vehicle battery and the engine may not start.
- Always switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle.
Starting the engine
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Starting the engine
Checklist
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down until step 4 is completed.
-
Make sure the transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
- Vehicles without Keyless Access: Briefly turn the vehicle key to position ② – do not depress the accelerator pedal. Vehicles with Keyless Access: Briefly press the starter button – do not depress the accelerator pedal. An authorized vehicle key must be inside the vehicle in order to start the engine.
- If the engine does not start, switch off the ignition and start again after about 1 minute. Vehicles with Keyless Access: Use the emergency start feature if necessary Starter button.
-
Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving Parking brake.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when starting and running the vehicle's engine:
- Never start the engine or let it run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
- Never start the engine or let it run if oil, fuel, or other flammable substances are under, around, or have leaked from the vehicle, for example, due to vehicle damage.
- Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, especially when it is in gear. The vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in property damage, fire, or personal injury.
- Never use starting assist fluids. Starting fluids can explode and can cause a run-away vehicle condition.
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, especially when it is in gear. The vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in property damage, fire, or personal injury.
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and can cause a run-away vehicle condition.
- Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTE
- You can damage the starter or the engine if you try to start the engine when the vehicle is still moving, or if you try to restart the engine right after switching it off.
- Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle acceleration, and heavy engine loads when the engine is cold.
- Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle. Unburned fuel can get into the catalytic converter and damage it. The steering column may also be locked. Jump-start the vehicle instead while following proper and safe procedures .
Do not let your vehicle warm up while standing; instead, start driving right away after making sure that you have good visibility through all windows. This will help the engine reach operating temperature faster and keep down emissions.
Major consumers of electricity are temporarily switched off when the engine is being started.
If the remote control vehicle key battery is weak or dead, you may not be able to start the engine with the starter button. Use the emergency start feature .
After starting a cold engine, there may be increased operating noises for a few seconds. This is normal and harmless.
Stopping the engine
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Stopping the engine
Checklist
-
Bring the vehicle to a complete stop .
-
Depress and hold down the brake pedal until step 4 is completed.
-
Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission to Park (P).
-
Set the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving Parking brake.
- Vehicles without Keyless Access: Turn the vehicle key to position ⓪ in the ignition switch. Vehicles with Keyless Access: Briefly press the starter button . If the engine will not switch off, carry out the emergency shut-off procedure Starter button.
Vehicles without Keyless Access: Removing the vehicle key from the ignition switches off electrical equipment and activates the steering column lock.
Vehicles with Keyless Access: Opening the doors switches off electrical equipment and activates the steering column lock.
WARNING
Never stop the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. You can lose control of the vehicle, crash, and be seriously injured.
- The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not work when the ignition is switched off.
- The brake booster does not work when the engine is not running. More brake pedal pressure will be needed to stop the vehicle.
- The power steering system does not work when the engine is not running, and you will need more force to steer the vehicle.
- Never remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter button while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The electronic steering column could suddenly lock, you would not be able to steer, and you could lose control of the vehicle, crash, and seriously injure yourself and others.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
- Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
- Never apply additional anti-corrosion or underbody protection products to the vehicle heat shields.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when you leave the vehicle.
- Always switch off the engine and ignition and take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Never let the engine run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
NOTE
If the vehicle has been driven hard for a long time, the engine could overheat when it is stopped. To reduce the risk of engine damage, let the engine idle in Neutral for about 2 minutes before you switch off the ignition.
After the engine has been switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may keep running for several minutes, or may start running after the vehicle has been parked for a while, even if the ignition is switched off and the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan shuts off automatically when the engine has cooled down enough.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside.
Electronic immobilizer
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorized vehicle key.
There is a microchip inside the vehicle key. The chip deactivates the immobilizer automatically when an authorized vehicle key is inserted into the ignition switch or the starter button is pressed.
The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the remote control vehicle key is pulled out of the ignition switch. On vehicles with Keyless Access, the vehicle key must be outside the vehicle .
The engine can therefore only be started with an authorized and correctly coded genuine Volkswagen vehicle key. Coded vehicle keys are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers, authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities, and from certain independent repair facilities and locksmiths who are qualified to make these vehicle keys .
If an unauthorized vehicle key is used or the system malfunctions, a message appears in the instrument cluster display. The vehicle cannot be operated with this key.
A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is on .
Using genuine Volkswagen keys helps minimize the risk of malfunctions.
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