2014-2023 Volkswagen Passat SUV Driving -> Starting and stopping the engine User Manual
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Driving -> Starting and stopping the engine for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Eight Generation (2014-2023)

Between 1000 and 1500 km (600 to 1000 miles):  
Increase the speed and engine RPM gradually.  
The driving style during the first 1000 miles (1500 km) also affects the engine's quality. Even after that – especially when the engine is cold – the engine should be  
driven at moderate engine speeds to reduce engine wear and increase the possible mileage.  
Do not drive at too low of an engine speed (RPM). Always downshift if the engine stops running “smoothly”.  
New tires ⇒ Information about wheels and tires and brake pads ⇒ Information on the brakes must be carefully broken in.  
If the new engine is broken in gently, its service life is increased while, at the same time, reducing engine oil consumption.  
Operating the vehicle in different countries and continents  
The vehicle was manufactured by the factory for a specific country and meets those approval regulations that were valid at the time of vehicle manufacture.  
If the vehicle will be used temporarily or for a brief period in another country, then read and observe the following information.  
Some countries have special safety standards and regulations that differ from the vehicle configuration. Volkswagen recommends obtaining information about legal  
regulations from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before driving in other countries.  
If the vehicle is sold in another country or will be used for an extended period in another country, then the applicable legal regulations in that country must be  
observed.  
Certain equipment may need to be installed or removed and functions may need to be deactivated. The scope and types of service may also be affected. This  
particularly applies if the vehicle is being operated for an extended period in a different climate region.  
Due to the many different frequency bands around the world, the Infotainment system installed at the factory may not function in other countries.  
NOTICE  
Volkswagen is not responsible for damage to the vehicle caused by substandard fuel, insufficient service, or not using Volkswagen Genuine parts.  
Volkswagen is not responsible if the vehicle does not meet all of the applicable legal requirements in other countries and continents.  
Troubleshooting  
Brake system malfunction  
The red warning light turns on.  
A message may also be displayed.  
Do not continue driving!  
1. Contact a suitably qualified professional and have the brake system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.  
Brake pad wear indicator (depending on the vehicle equipment)  
The warning light flashes or turns on red or yellow.  
The front brake pads are worn.  
1. Contact a suitably qualified professional immediately. Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.  
2. Have all brake pads inspected and replaced, if necessary.  
If the vehicle's braking performance changes  
If the brake pads are worn or if you notice that your vehicle does not brake as usual (the braking distance suddenly increases):  
1. Contact a suitably qualified professional immediately. Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.  
Starting and stopping the engine  
Ignition switch  
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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  
112  
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 amoun  
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 b  
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  
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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 th  
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.  
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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:  
Press the key  
Press the key  
fig. once. All turn signals will flash  
fig. 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  
115  
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 i  
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 i  
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.  
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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.  
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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.  
Automatic transmission  
DSG® automated transmission: selecting the selector lever position  
Fig. 90 Left-hand drive: selector lever with lock button (arrow) on an automatic transmission.  
When the ignition is switched on, the selected gear is shown in the instrument cluster display.  
– Parking lock  
The drive gears are locked. Only select this gear when the vehicle is stationary.  
To move the selector lever out of this position when the ignition is switched on, press the brake pedal and press the lock button on the selector lever.  
– Reverse gear  
Reverse gear is selected. Only select this gear when the vehicle is stationary.  
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Related Topics

Driving
Messages about driving Pedals Gear recommendation Eco tips Information on the brakes Driving a loaded vehicle Driving with an open trunk lid Driving through water on roads Breaking in the engine Operating the vehicle in different countries and continents Automatic transmission Driving on slopes

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