Starting and stopping the engine -> Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch  
Fig. 133 In the ignition switch: Vehicle key positions.  
¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and  
heed the WARNINGS  
If there is no vehicle key in the ignition, the steering column is locked.  
Vehicle key position fig. 133  
(0) Ignition switched off. Steering column lock engaged. The vehicle  
key can be removed.  
(1) Ignition switched off. Steering column lock disengaged. Vehicle  
key can be removed.  
(2) Ignition is switched on. Vehicle key can be removed from ignition  
switch.  
(3) Start the engine. Once the engine has started, the vehicle key  
stays in this position. To remove the vehicle key, push it fully into  
the ignition switch. When released, the vehicle key returns to po-  
sition (1) and the engine is switched off.  
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: The vehicle key cannot be removed from  
the ignition unless both the key and the selector lever have been  
moved to the correct position. Press the release button on the trans-  
mission selector lever, move the selector lever to the Park (P) posi-  
tion, and release the button. The vehicle key can now be removed.  
Manual transmission: Pull out the vehicle key.  
WARNING  
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal in-  
jury.  
Always 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 leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who can-  
not 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, de-  
pending 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 vehi-  
cle is moving or rolling to a stop. The steering wheel will lock  
and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.  
Leaving the key in the ignition for a long time when the engine is  
not running will drain the vehicle battery.  
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.  
On automatic transmission vehicles, the vehicle key can be  
removed from the ignition switch only when the transmission is in  
Park (P). You may have to press the release button on the transmis-  
sion selector lever to put the lever into Park (P).