Driving -> Starting the engine for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

The vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition lock when the selector lever is in position P. If  
necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then release it.  
Starting the engine  
1. Switch on the ignition (→ Ignition lock).  
2. Vehicles with a diesel engine: When the diesel engine is pre-heated, the indicator lamp lights up in the  
instrument cluster.  
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal until the handbrake is released.  
4. Vehicles with a manual gearbox:Fully depress the clutch pedal until the engine has been started. Shift the gear  
stick to a neutral position.  
5. Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: Move the selector lever to positionN or select parking lock P.  
6. turn the vehicle key further in the ignition lock – do not depress the accelerator.  
7. Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.  
8. Release the handbrake if you wish to pull away (→ Handbrake).  
WARNING  
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.  
Never start or allow the engine to run in unventilated or closed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain carbon  
monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness. It can  
also cause death.  
Never start or allow the engine to run if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under or near the  
vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.  
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or position has been selected.  
The vehicle could move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious  
injuries.  
Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to suddenly run at high revs.  
NOTICE  
The starter and the engine can be damaged if you attempt to start the engine while the vehicle is in motion or if the  
engine is started again immediately after it has been switched off.  
NOTICE  
When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading the engine.  
NOTICE  
Do not push or tow the vehicle to start it. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter.  
NOTICE  
If the engine does not start, never use the starter with a gear selected for driving or tow-starting, e.g. when the fuel  
tank is empty. This could cause damage to the starter.  
Refill fuel if necessary or obtain jump starting assistance (→ Jump starting).  
If the engine still does not start, seek qualified expert assistance.  
Do not warm up the engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as soon as there is  
good visibility through the windows. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and reduces  
emissions.  
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Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is  
started.  
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is quite normal, and  
no cause for concern.  
At outside temperatures of less than +5°C(+41°F), fumes may be detected under a vehicle with a diesel  
engine if the fuel-powered supplementary heater is switched on.  
Switching off the engine  
1. Bring the vehicle to a standstill→  
2. Park the vehicle (→ Parking).  
3. Switch off the ignition.  
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4. Follow the instructions in the instrument cluster .  
Warning when leaving the vehicle  
In order to indicate that the vehicle is capable of rolling when leaving the vehicle, an acoustic warning signal sounds  
when the driver door is opened and corresponding warning messages appear on the display of the instrument cluster.  
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: If the selector lever is in the neutral positionN, an acoustic warning signal will  
sound when the driver door is opened and the warning message Vehicle not secured against rolling away!will appear  
on the instrument cluster display. In this way, a warning is given that the vehicle could potentially roll away.  
WARNING  
Never switch the engine off 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 ignition is switched off. More force is required on the brake pedal to stop  
the vehicle.  
The power assisted steering will not work when the engine is not running. More manual power will be needed 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  
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious injuries.  
Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable material  
underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.  
Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, heat shields  
or particulate filter.  
NOTICE  
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 for approximately 2 minutes before  
switching it off.  
In vehicles with DSG® dual clutch gearbox, the vehicle key can be removed from the ignition lock only when  
the parking lock P is engaged.  
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