2019 Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual - Start-stop system

Start-stop system

Fig. 102 In the lower center console: Button for the Start-stop system (if equipped).

Depending on equipment, your vehicle may be equipped with a Start-stop system that switches the engine off automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop. When needed, the engine switches back on automatically.

Switching the Start-stop system on

The feature is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster display shows current status information.

• Press and hold the brake pedal to stop. The engine switches off when the vehicle is not moving.

• Take your foot off the brake pedal or depress the accelerator to restart the engine.

Indicator lights

Start-stop available, automatic engine stop is active.

Start-stop not available OR Start-stop has switched the engine on automatically.

Requirements for the engine to automatically switch off

• The driver must be wearing their safety belt.

• The driver door must be closed.

• The engine hood must be closed.

• The engine must have reached minimum operating temperature.

• For vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature inside the vehicle must be within the pre-set temperature range and the humidity must not be too high.

• The windshield defrost function must not be switched on.

• The vehicle battery must be sufficiently charged.

• The vehicle battery temperature must not be too low or too high.

• The vehicle must not be on a steep incline.

• Vehicles with DSG^®: The steering wheel must not be turned too sharply.

• The vehicle must not be in reverse gear (R).

• The Park Assist system must not be active.

• Golf R: The selector lever must not be in Sport drive (S) or Tiptronic position, and the Race driving profile must not be selected.

Requirements for the engine to automatically restart

The engine may restart automatically under the following conditions:

• If the vehicle interior becomes very hot or very cold.

• If the vehicle rolls forward or backward.

• If the vehicle battery voltage lowers.

• If the steering wheel is moved.

• Golf R: The selector lever is shifted to Sport drive (S) or Tiptronic position, or the Race driving profile is selected.

As a general rule, the engine always restarts automatically when the system detects that it is necessary.

Conditions that require a manual engine start

You must restart the engine manually if:

• The driver door is opened.

• The engine hood is opened.

• The driver safety belt is unbuckled.

Manually deactivating and activating the Start-stop system

• Press the  button   to deactivate the system. If Start-stop has been deactivated, the indicator light in the button comes on.

• Press the  button   again to reactivate the system.

Every time the  button is pressed, the Start-stop system status is shown in the instrument cluster display.

If Start-stop switches the engine off, it will restart if you press the  button.

Always manually deactivate Start-stop when driving through water.

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.

• Switch the Start-stop system off before working in the engine compartment.

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

The vehicle battery may be damaged if the Start-stop system is active for a long time in very hot outside temperatures.

NOTE

Failure to heed warning lights can result in vehicle damage

In certain situations it may be necessary to manually restart the engine. A text message will appear in the instrument cluster display.

If the outside temperature is above about +100 °F (+38 °C), the Start-stop system may switch off automatically.

In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the Start-stop system is automatically activated in the Eco driving mode.

Always manually deactivate the Start-stop system when driving through water.

Golf R: The Start-stop system switches off automatically if the Race driving mode is selected, if the Custom, Drive system: Sport driving mode is selected  , or if the selector lever is shifted to Sport drive (S).