2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Driving -> Starting and stopping the engine User Manual
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Driving -> Starting and stopping the engine for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

Close all windows and the power sunroof.  
Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation feature.  
Open all air vents in the instrument panel.  
Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.  
NOTE  
The open trunk lid changes the vehicle length and height.  
Driving through water on roads  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Note the following to help prevent vehicle damage when driving through water, for example on flooded roads:  
Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water must not be any higher than the bottom of the vehicle body ⇒ ꢀ.  
Do not drive faster than walking speed.  
Never stop the vehicle, and do not drive in reverse or switch the engine off when driving through water.  
Oncoming vehicles may create waves that raise the water level and make it too deep for your vehicle to drive through safely.  
Always manually deactivate the Start-stop system before driving through water ⇒ Start-stop systemꢀ.  
WARNING  
After driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the brakes react slower and need longer stopping distances.  
Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or  
disobey legal requirements.  
Avoid abrupt or sudden braking maneuvers immediately after driving through water.  
NOTE  
Vehicle components such as the engine, transmission, suspension or electrical system can be severely damaged by driving through water.  
Never drive through salt water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion. Thoroughly rinse with fresh water all vehicle parts that were exposed to salt water.  
Break-in period  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Note applicable requirements for breaking in new parts.  
Breaking in a new engine  
A new engine must be carefully broken in during the first 1000 miles (1600 kilometers). During the first few hours of driving, the engine's internal friction is higher  
than later when all moving parts have been broken in.  
Engine life is influenced by how you drive the vehicle for the first 1000 miles (1600 km). Even afterwards, driving at moderate engine speeds, especially when the  
engine is cold, will tend to reduce engine wear and help the engine to last longer and go farther. But do not drive at an excessively low engine speed, either. Always  
downshift if the engine is not running smoothly. For the first 600 miles (1000 km):  
Do not use full throttle.  
Don't let the engine speed get above 2/3 of the maximum speed.  
Do not tow a trailer.  
From 600 to 1000 miles (1000 to 1600 km): Speed may gradually be increased to maximum permissible road and engine speed.  
New tires and brake pads  
New tires and replacement tires ⇒ Important information on tires and wheelsꢀ.  
Brakes ⇒ Braking assistance systemsꢀ.  
Breaking in a new engine gently will increase service life and reduce oil consumption.  
Starting and stopping the engine  
151  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Indicator lightsꢀ  
⇒ Ignition switchꢀ  
⇒ Starter buttonꢀ  
⇒ Starting the engineꢀ  
⇒ Stopping the engineꢀ  
⇒ Electronic immobilizerꢀ  
⇒ Start-stop systemꢀ  
Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG ® automated transmission.  
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 ⇒ Jump-startingꢀ.  
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.  
Brake and steering assistance systems, the airbag system, safety belt pretensioners, and other vehicle safety features 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 ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Lights up  
Possible cause and proper response  
152  
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  
⇒ Automatic transmission selector leverꢀ.  
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. 110 In the ignition switch: Vehicle key positions for vehicles without Keyless Access.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
If there is no vehicle key in the ignition, the steering column is locked.  
Vehicle key position ⇒ Fig. 110ꢀ  
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 key  
If an unauthorized vehicle key has been inserted into the ignition switch, it can be removed as follows:  
Automatic transmission: Press the release button on the transmission selector lever and release. The vehicle key can now be removed.  
Manual transmission: Pull out the vehicle key.  
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.  
153  
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.  
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.  
Vehicles with DSG® automated transmission: Move the selector lever to position P if the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle key cannot be removed from the  
ignition switch. If necessary, press the release button on the automatic transmission selector lever.  
Starter button  
Fig. 111 In the lower center console: Starter button for the Keyless Access system.  
Fig. 112 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 ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
For vehicles with Keyless Access with push-button start ⇒ Power locking systemꢀ, the vehicle can be started and stopped with the starter button in the lower center  
console ⇒ Fig. 111ꢀ.  
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 ⇒ Steeringꢀ.  
Switching the ignition on and off  
Briefly press the starter button once without operating the brake or clutch pedals  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Automatic ignition switch-off for vehicles with the Start-stop system  
The vehicle ignition switches off automatically when the vehicle is standing still, the Start-stop system is switched on ⇒ Start-stop systemꢀ, and ALL of the followin  
conditions are met at the same time:  
The driver safety belt is unbuckled.  
No pedal is depressed.  
The driver door is opened.  
If the ignition is switched off automatically while the headlights are switched on  
, the parking lights remain switched on for about 30 minutes.  
The parking lights can be switched off manually or will turn off when the vehicle is locked.  
154  
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.  
Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim immediately after pressing the starter button ⇒ Fig. 112ꢀ.  
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.  
If no authorized remote control vehicle key is identified in the passenger compartment after the engine has been switched off, the engine cannot be restarted. A  
related message is shown in the instrument cluster display.  
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.  
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 ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Please perform these steps only in the order listed.  
Step  
1.  
Vehicles without Keyless Access  
Vehicles with Keyless Access  
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down until step 5 is completed.  
1 a.  
2.  
Manual transmission: Fully depress clutch pedal and hold until the engine has started.  
Make sure the transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).  
155  
Please perform these steps only in the order listed.  
Step  
3.  
Vehicles without Keyless Access  
Vehicles with Keyless Access  
Briefly press the starter button ⇒ Fig. 111ꢀ – do not depress the  
accelerator pedal. An authorized vehicle key must be inside the vehicle  
in order to start the engine.  
Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 110②ꢀ – do not depress the  
accelerator pedal.  
4.  
5.  
When the engine starts, release the vehicle key.  
When the engine starts, release the starter button.  
If the engine does not start, switch off the ignition and start again after  
about 1 minute. Use the emergency start feature if necessary  
⇒ Emergency start featureꢀ.  
If the engine does not start, switch off the ignition and start again after  
about 1 minute.  
6.  
Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving ⇒ Parking brakeꢀ.  
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 ⇒ Jump-startingꢀ.  
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.  
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 ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Please perform these steps only in the order listed.  
Step  
Vehicles without Keyless Access  
Bring the vehicle to a complete stop ⇒ ꢀ.  
Vehicles with Keyless Access  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Depress and hold down the brake pedal until step 4 is completed.  
Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P).  
Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving ⇒ Parking brakeꢀ.  
156  
Please perform these steps only in the order listed.  
Step  
Vehicles without Keyless Access  
Vehicles with Keyless Access  
Briefly press the starter button ⇒ Fig. 111ꢀ. If the engine will not switch  
5.  
Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 110⓪ꢀ in the ignition switch.  
off, carry out the emergency shut-off procedure ⇒ Emergency shut-  
offꢀ.  
6.  
7.  
Manual transmission: Shift into 1st gear (vehicle on flat surface or pointing uphill) or Reverse (R) (vehicle pointing downhill).  
Removing the vehicle key from the ignition switches off electrical  
equipment and activates the steering column lock.  
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.  
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.  
Vehicles with DSG® automated transmission: Move the selector lever to position P if the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle key cannot be removed from the  
ignition switch. If necessary, press the release button on the automatic transmission selector lever.  
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 ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
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 ⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access ꢀ.  
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 ⇒ Vehicle key setꢀ.  
If an unauthorized vehicle key is used, a message may appear 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 ⇒ Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and Electronic  
Systemsꢀ.  
Using genuine Volkswagen keys helps minimize the risk of malfunctions.  
157  
Start-stop system  
Fig. 113 In the lower center console: Button for the Start-stop system.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
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.  
Indicator lights  
Lights up  
Possible cause  
Start-stop available, automatic engine stop is active.  
Start-stop not available. Check whether all technical requirements have been met.  
OR: Start-stop has switched the engine on automatically.  
Vehicles with DSG® automated transmission  
Press and hold the brake pedal to stop. The engine switches off when the vehicle is stationary.  
Take your foot off the brake pedal or depress the accelerator to restart the engine.  
Requirements for the engine to automatically switch off  
The driver must be wearing their seat 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.  
The Park Assist system must not be active.  
The vehicle must not be towing a trailer.  
Golf R: The selector lever must not be in Sport mode (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 mode (S) or Tiptronic position, or the Race driving profile is selected.  
Conditions that require a manual engine start  
You must restart the engine manually if:  
158  
The driver door is opened.  
The engine hood is opened.  
Manually activating and deactivating the Start-stop system  
Press the button ⇒ Fig. 113ꢀ to deactivate the system. If Start-stop has been deactivated, the indicator light in the button comes on.  
Press the button ⇒ Fig. 113ꢀ 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  
Always manually deactivate Start-stop when driving through water.  
button.  
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.  
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 or when towing a trailer.  
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  
⇒ Driving Mode Selectionꢀ, or if the selector lever is shifted to Sport mode (S).  
Manual and automatic transmission  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Warning and indicator lightsꢀ  
⇒ Manual transmission gearshift leverꢀ  
⇒ Automatic transmission selector leverꢀ  
159  

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