2022 Volkswagen Passat Owners Manual - Starting and stopping the engine

Starting and stopping the engine

Ignition switch

Fig. 86 Positioning the vehicle key in the ignition switch.

When a vehicle key is not in the ignition lock, the steering column lock can be activated.

Vehicle key positions  fig. 86:

The ignition is switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.

The ignition is switched on. The steering lock can be released.

Press the brake pedal when the  indicator light is green. Start the engine. Release the vehicle key once the engine has started. The vehicle key returns to the position  once it is released.

WARNING

Careless or unintended use of the vehicle key can cause crashes and serious injuries.

• Always switch off the engine and take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized people could lock the vehicle, start the engine, or switch the ignition on and activate electrical equipment, such as the power windows, which could lead to serious injuries.

• Never leave children or people requiring assistance unattended in the vehicle when the vehicle is locked. In an emergency, they will not be able to leave the vehicle unassisted or care for themselves. For example, depending on the season, the temperature inside the vehicle could become very high or low, which can lead to serious injuries, illness or death, especially for very young children.

• Never start the engine or let it run in unventilated or enclosed spaces. Among other substances, engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death.

• Never remove the remote vehicle key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock could engage and you will not be able to steer the vehicle.

• Always fully extend the key bit of the remote control vehicle key and secure it in this position.

• Only attach light objects weighing up to 100 g (3.5 oz) to the vehicle key.

NOTICE

When the ignition is switched on and the engine is switched off, the 12 V vehicle battery could drain and prevent the engine from restarting.

• Always switch the ignition off before leaving the vehicle.

The vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition lock when the selector lever is in the P position. Press and release the lock button in the selector lever if necessary.

Starter button

The starter button replaces the ignition lock (Press & Drive).

Fig. 87 In the lower area of the center console: starter button for starting the engine.

Vehicles with manual transmission: Start the engine with the starter button and by pressing the clutch pedal.

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Start the engine with the starter button and by pressing the brake pedal.

The vehicle can only be activated when there is a valid vehicle key inside the vehicle.

Depending on the model, the starter button blinks to indicate readiness for use.

The electronic steering column lock is activated when you leave the vehicle by opening the driver's door when the ignition is switched off ⇒ Steering information.

Switching the ignition on or off

1. Press the starter button once without pressing the brake or clutch pedal ⇒ .

Automatic ignition switch off

If the vehicle recognizes that the driver is absent when the internal combustion engine is switched off, the ignition is automatically switched off after a certain amount of time.

Engine restart function

If no valid vehicle key is detected inside the vehicle after stopping the engine, it can be started again within approximately five seconds. A message about this will be shown in the instrument cluster display.

Once this time has elapsed, the vehicle can no longer be started without a valid vehicle key inside the vehicle.

WARNING

Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injuries.

• Do not press the brake pedal when switching on the ignition or the engine will start immediately.

WARNING

Careless or unintended use of the vehicle key can cause crashes and serious injuries.

• Always switch off the engine and take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized people could lock the vehicle, start the engine, or switch the ignition on and activate electrical equipment, such as the power windows, which could lead to serious injuries.

• Never leave children or people requiring assistance unattended in the vehicle when the vehicle is locked. In an emergency, they will not be able to leave the vehicle unassisted or care for themselves. For example, depending on the season, the temperature inside the vehicle could become very high or low, which can lead to serious injuries, illness or death, especially for very young children.

• Never start the engine or let it run in unventilated or enclosed spaces. Among other substances, engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death.

Always switch the ignition off manually before leaving the vehicle and note any messages in the instrument cluster display.

The vehicle being stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can cause the 12 V vehicle battery to drain and then it will not be possible to start the engine.

Starting the engine

1. ​Vehicles with ignition lock: Switch the ignition on ⇒ Ignition switch.

2. ​Vehicles with starter button: Press the starter button once. The ignition must be switched on.

3. Press and hold the brake pedal.

4. ​Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Bring the selector lever to the N position or engage the parking lock P.

5. ​Vehicles with ignition lock: Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock, but do not press the accelerator pedal. Release the vehicle key once the engine starts.

6. ​Vehicles with starter button: Press and hold the starter button ⇒ Starter button and do not press the accelerator pedal. For the engine to start, a valid vehicle key must be inside the vehicle and the brake must be pressed. Release the starter button once the engine starts.

7. If the engine does not start, stop the starting procedure and try again after approximately one minute.

8. ​Vehicles with starter button: If the vehicle was locked with the vehicle key, the starter button will be deactivated. If you are in the vehicle and you need to start the engine, unlock the vehicle first or perform an emergency start ⇒ Troubleshooting.

9. Release the parking brake when you are ready to drive off.

WARNING

The risk of serious injuries can be reduced when the engine is running or when starting the engine.

• Never start the engine or let it run in unventilated or enclosed spaces. Among other substances, engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death.

• Never start the engine or let it run if oil, fuel, or other highly flammable operating materials are under the vehicle, near the vehicle, or dripping from the vehicle, for example as a result of damage.

• Never leave the vehicle unattended when the engine is running, especially if a gear is engaged. The vehicle could move suddenly or perform an unusual action, increasing the risk of damage, fires, and serious injuries.

• Never use a start booster. A start booster can explode and cause sudden engine revving.

NOTICE

The starter or engine can be damaged if you try to restart the engine while driving or immediately after switching it off.

NOTICE

Avoid high engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads when the engine is cold.

NOTICE

Do not push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Uncombusted fuel can damage the catalytic converter.

NOTICE

If the engine does not start, e.g. the fuel tank is empty, never use the starter with a gear engaged to drive or to attempt a tow-start. The starter can be damaged.

• If necessary, refill with fuel as per ⇒ Fuel types and refueling or use jump-start ⇒ Jump-starting.

• If the engine does not start, seek qualified professional assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.

Do not let the engine run to warm up while the vehicle is parked. Begin driving as soon as there is enough visibility through the windows. This allows the engine to reach its operating temperature sooner and reduces the emissions.

Electrical equipment with increased power draw switches off temporarily when the engine is started.

If there is no vehicle key in the vehicle or the key is not detected, a message will appear in the instrument cluster display. This can occur if another signal interferes with the remote control vehicle key or if the remote control vehicle key is covered by an object, such as a metal case.

For example, if the vehicle key button cell battery is weak or drained, the engine cannot be started with the starter button. Perform an emergency start ⇒ Troubleshooting.

After starting, operating noises may be temporarily higher than usual while the engine is cold. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Stopping the engine

1. Bringing the vehicle to a stop ⇒ .

2. Park the vehicle ⇒ Parking.

3. ​Vehicles with ignition lock: Switch the ignition off.

4. ​Vehicles with starter button: Press the starter button briefly. If the engine cannot be turned off, perform an emergency shut-off ⇒ Troubleshooting.

5. Pay attention to the messages in the instrument cluster.

WARNING

Never turn the engine off when the vehicle is in motion. That can result in loss of control of the vehicle, accidents, and serious injuries.

• The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not function.

• Braking support will not work. You will need to press down harder on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.

• Power steering will not work. You will need to use additional strength to steer the vehicle.

• If the vehicle key is removed, the steering lock may engage and it will not be possible to steer the vehicle.

WARNING

Exhaust system components will become very hot. This can result in fires and serious injuries.

• Never park the vehicle in such a way that exhaust system components come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, for example shrubs, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

• Never use additional undercoating or corrosion protection for exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, heat shields, or particulate filters.

NOTICE

The engine can overheat after turning it off if the vehicle is driven with a high engine load for a long period of time.

• Let the engine run in neutral for approximately two minutes before turning it off to reduce the risk of engine damage.

In vehicles with an automatic transmission, you can only remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the selector lever is in the P selector lever position.

The radiator fan in the engine compartment may continue running for several minutes after turning the engine off, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key is removed. The radiator fan will turn off automatically.

Remote start function

With the remote start relay function, the engine can be started remotely, in order to heat or cool the vehicle interior before the start of a journey ⇒ .

If the vehicle is equipped with Climatronic, this automatically heats or cools the vehicle interior to +20 °C (+68 °F) after the engine is started.

When the outside temperature is below +20 °C (+68 °F), the exterior mirror heating is also switched on. When the outside temperature is below +39 °F (+4 °C), the rear window defroster is also switched on.

Fig. 88 Vehicle key with remote start relay function

You must press the following buttons on the vehicle key within three seconds to start the engine using the remote start relay function:

1. Press the key  fig. 88 once. All turn signals will flash
2. Press the key  fig. 88 twice in a row. All turn signals will flash. During remote start, the parking light turns on.

If remote start relay is not actively or automatically interrupted or extended, then the engine runs for around 10 minutes and then switches off.

A maximum of two remote start relays can be performed in a row, even if one or both remote start relays have been interrupted or extended within the 10 minute period.

In order to carry out two more remote starts, switch the ignition on and off once using the ignition switch or the starter button ⇒ Starting the engine. If the engine is switched off via the ignition switch or the starter button, the remote start relay function can only be used again after a period of up to 30 seconds.

Ending the remote start relay

1. Press the ,  button or  in the vehicle key to switch off the engine.

Extending the remote start relay

An active remote start can be extended by a maximum of 10 minutes.

1. While the remote start relay process is in progress, press the  button on the vehicle key twice in succession.

Only the first remote start relay can be extended after the engine is switched off via the ignition switch or the starter button.

Driving after a remote start relay

If the engine has been started using the remote start relay function, the vehicle cannot be driven. To operate the vehicle, first switch off the engine and then restart it using the vehicle key in the ignition switch or the starter button.

Remote start relay conditions

The following conditions must be fulfilled simultaneously in order for the vehicle interior to be heated or cooled by the remote start relay function:

• The vehicle is completely ready to operate, e.g. the engine coolant level is not too low.

• Sufficient fuel is available and the indicator light  did not light up before the vehicle was parked.

• The emergency flashers are switched off ⇒ In case of an emergency.

• The selector lever is in position P⇒ DSG^® automated transmission: selecting the selector lever position and the brake pedal is not depressed.

• The vehicle key is not in the ignition switch. For vehicles with Keyless Access, all valid vehicle keys which are in the vehicle interior have been blocked for this period of time.

• All doors, the hood and the trunk lid are fully closed and locked ⇒ Vehicle key.

WARNING

Careless or unintended use of the remote start relay function can cause serious injuries.

• Never start the engine in an enclosed space, e.g. in a garage. The exhaust can cause fatal poisoning and result in death through suffocation.

• Only use the remote start relay function when no-one is in the vehicle and immediately before you intend to drive the vehicle.

• No adults or children should be on the vehicle during a remote start.

• Never start the engine if children or animals are in the vehicle. When the engine is running, the electrical seats may be used and can cause serious injuries.

• Never start the engine if the vehicle is covered with a protective cover. Hot vehicle components and exhaust can set the protective cover on fire and cause serious injuries.

• Never start the engine close to flammable or explosive materials. The exhaust could ignite the materials. This could cause a fire and serious injuries.

• Never start the engine if the vehicle is out of visual range.

• Never start the engine if the warning light  is turned on or blinking ⇒ Troubleshooting.

Using the remote start relay function may increase fuel consumption and discharge the 12-volt vehicle battery.

The use of the remote start relay function may be regulated or prohibited in some districts. Always observe legal and local regulations relating to the use of the remote start relay function!

During an active remote start relay, some vehicle functions are deactivated, e.g. the low beam headlight and the windshield wipers.

Electronic immobilizer

The immobilizer helps prevent the engine from being started and the vehicle from being moved with an unauthorized vehicle key.

There is a chip in the vehicle key. The chip automatically deactivates the immobilizer if a valid vehicle key is inserted into the ignition lock.

The electronic immobilizer is activated automatically when the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock. In vehicles with Keyless Access, the vehicle key must be outside the vehicle.

The engine can only be started with a Volkswagen Genuine vehicle key that is coded correctly. You can obtain coded vehicle keys from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only using Volkswagen Genuine vehicle keys will ensure that your vehicle operates correctly.

Troubleshooting

Fig. 89 On the right side of the steering column: emergency start function on vehicles with Keyless Access with push-button start.

 Engine control malfunction

The yellow indicator light turns on.

Engine control is malfunctioning.

1. Have the engine checked immediately by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

 Engine speed limited

The yellow indicator light turns on.

The engine speed has been limited to reduce the risk of the engine overheating.

The instrument cluster display shows the engine speed.

The engine speed limitation is removed in the following scenarios:

• The engine is no longer within a critical temperature range.

• The driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal.

 together with  Engine speed limitation due to engine control malfunction

The yellow indicator lights turn on.

The engine speed limitation is triggered by an engine control malfunction.

1. Make sure the displayed RPM is not exceeded.

2. Have the engine checked immediately by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle key cannot be removed from the ignition lock

An unauthorized vehicle key was inserted into the ignition lock.

Remove the vehicle key as follows:

​Vehicles with an automatic transmission:

1. Press and release the lock button in the selector lever.

2. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.

Valid vehicle key cannot be detected

A corresponding indicator appears in the instrument cluster display.

If the vehicle key has a weak or drained button cell battery, the vehicle key may not be able to be detected.

An emergency start must be performed:

1. Press and hold the brake pedal.

2. Hold the vehicle key on the right side of the steering column trim panel immediately after pressing the starter button  fig. 89.

The ignition will switch on automatically and the engine may start.

The engine cannot be turned off

The engine cannot be turned off when the starter button is pressed briefly.

An emergency stop must be performed:

1. Press the starter button twice within several seconds or press and hold one time.

The engine will stop automatically ⇒ Starter button.

The engine cannot be started

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used or the system is malfunctioning, a corresponding indicator appears in the instrument cluster display.

1. Use an authorized vehicle key.

2. If the malfunction persists, seek assistance from qualified professionals.

The engine cannot be started remotely

If at least one of the following conditions are met, the engine remote start function does not start or the engine switches off when it was running:

• The vehicle is unlocked.

• The engine hood or the trunk lid is opened.

• The selector lever is not in position P⇒ DSG^® automated transmission: selecting the selector lever position.

• There is a vehicle key in the ignition switch.

• The brake or accelerator pedal is pressed.

• During the remote start the fuel level sinks to the reserve amount.

• If the 12-volt vehicle battery is too weak or discharged.

• The switch for the hazard warning lights is pressed.

Ensure that the necessary conditions are met and then restart the engine if necessary.