Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction

12 Volt sockets in the vehicle

Fig. 148 12 Volt socket in the front center console.

Fig. 149 12 Volt socket in the front center armrest.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Maximum power draw

Socket

Maximum power draw

12 volts

120 watts

The maximum power draw at any one socket must never be exceeded. Electrical devices should have
information on them that says how much power they draw.

If 2 or more electrical devices are connected at the same time, the total power draw of all connected

devices must never be more than 190 watts

⇒

12 Volt socket

The 12 Volt socket works only when the ignition is switched on.

If the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the vehicle battery will be drained by any device that
is plugged in and turned on. For this reason, never use the electrical sockets unless the engine is
running.

To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical devices connected to a
12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.

The vehicle may have 12 Volt sockets at the following places:

In the storage compartment in the front center console

⇒

fig. 148

(1)

In the storage compartment in the front center armrest

⇒

fig. 149

NOTICE

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connected devices!
Never exceed the maximum power consumption, or the entire vehicle electrical system may

be damaged.

12 Volt socket:

– Only use equipment that has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility and complies
with applicable guidelines.
– Never feed current into the socket, with a solar panel, for example.

Unshielded devices may interfere with radio reception or the vehicle's electrical system.

Starting and stopping the engine

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Starter button

Starting the engine

Remote start feature

Stopping the engine

Electronic immobilizer

Engine preheating system

Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG

Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission.

Immobilizer display

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used or the system malfunctions, Immobilizer active! may
appear on the instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started.

Push-starting and tow-starting

For technical reasons, never try to push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Jump-start the vehicle instead
while following proper and safe procedures.

More information:

  Vehicle key set
  Shifting gears
  Braking, stopping and parking
  Steering
  Driver assistance systems
  Refueling
  Fuel
  Emergency closing and opening
  Jump-starting
  Towing

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 or

around or have leaked from the vehicle, for example as a result of vehicle damage.

Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running and especially when it is in

gear. The vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, result-
ing 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

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter 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 rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or heat shields.

Warning and indicator lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Glow plug preheating before diesel en-

gine start-up.

Starting the engine

Brake pedal not depressed.

Apply the brake pedal to select a drive gear.

Also refer to electronic parking brake

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the selector lever

did not engage. Vehicle movement is

prevented.

Engage selector lever release button

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 ap-
proaching traffic.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Fig. 150 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. 150

(0)

Ignition switched off, steering column lock engaged. The vehicle key can be removed.

(1)

Ignition is switched on. Diesel engine preheated (if applicable). Steering column lock can be
released.

(2)

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: 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
transmission selector lever, move the selector lever to the Park (P) position 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 injury.

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 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 build-up 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.

Leaving the key in the ignition for a long time when the engine is not running will drain the vehi-

cle 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).

Starter button

Fig. 151 In the center console: Starter button of the Keyless Access with push button start.

Fig. 152 Emergency starting feature on vehicles with Keyless Access.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

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

⇒ Steering.

Switching the ignition on and off

Briefly press the starter button once without operating the brake or clutch pedals

⇒

Emergency start feature

If an authorized remote control vehicle key is in the passenger compartment but the instrument cluster
displays Key not in Range when you push the starter button, the remote control vehicle key bat-
tery is 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 press-

ing the starter button

⇒

fig. 152

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 neces-
sary:

Press the starter button twice within 3 seconds or press and hold the button longer than 1 second

⇒

in Stopping the engine

The engine switches off automatically.

Engine restart feature

If no authorized remote control vehicle key is identified in the passenger compartment after the engine
has been switched off, the engine can be restarted within about 5 seconds. A related message is
shown in the instrument cluster display.

After the 5 seconds have passed, the engine can no longer be started without an authorized vehicle
key in the passenger compartment.

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 take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized per-

sons 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 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 build-up in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

In vehicles with a diesel engine and Keyless Access, the engine start may be delayed if the

engine has to be preheated.

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.

Starting the engine

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Automatic transmission: Depress the brake pedal and hold it down until step 5 is com-

pleted.

1 a.

Manual transmission: Depress clutch pedal fully and hold until the engine has started.

Shift the transmission into Neutral (N) or Park (P) (automatic), or into Neutral (manual only).

Only for vehicles with a diesel engine: To

preheat the glow plug, turn the vehicle key

to position

⇒

fig. 150

(1)

. The indicator light

will come on in the instrument cluster.

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 150

(2)

– do not depress the accelerator pedal.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 151

–

do not depress the accelerator pedal. An

authorized vehicle key must be inside the

vehicle in order to start the engine.

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.

If the engine does not start, switch off the

ignition and start again after about 1 minute.

Use the emergency start feature if neces-

sary

Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running and especially when it is in
gear. The vehicle could move suddenly, or some other unexpected event could occur, result-
ing 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.

NOTICE

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 en-

gine 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.

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 tem-
perature 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.

When outside temperatures are below +41 °F (+5 °C) and the diesel fueled preheater is activat-

ed, minor fume build-up may occur underneath the vehicle.

Remote start feature

Fig. 153 Remote control vehicle key with remote start button.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

You can start the engine from outside of the vehicle with the remote start button on the remote control

vehicle key. This feature helps to cool or warm the passenger compartment

⇒

The Climatronic system can cool or warm the vehicle interior automatically to about 68 °F (20 °C) after
starting the engine.

If the outside temperature is below 68 °F (20 °C), the mirror heaters also switch on automatically. If the
outside temperature is 39 °F (4 °C) or colder, the rear window defroster also switches on automatical-
ly.

If the remote start feature is not interrupted, the engine will run for about 10 minutes. A maximum of 2
remote starts in a row are possible, regardless of how long each one is allowed to run.

To be able to run 2 remote starts again, you must switch the ignition on and then off again using the

remote control vehicle key or the starter button

⇒ page 210. When the engine is switched on with the

vehicle key or the starter button, the remote start feature can only be used again after a delay of about
30 seconds.

Requirements for a remote start

In order to warm or cool the passenger compartment with the remote start feature, the following condi-
tions must all be met at the same time:

The vehicle must be ready to drive in all respects. For instance, there must be enough engine

coolant in the engine cooling system.

There must be enough fuel in the fuel tank, and the low fuel indicator light must not have come

on before the engine was last switched off

⇒ Refueling.

The emergency flashers must be switched off

⇒ In an emergency.

The selector lever must be in Park (P)

⇒ Shifting and the brake pedal must not have been de-

pressed.

There must not be a vehicle key in the ignition lock. In vehicles with Keyless Access, all valid

vehicle keys that are inside the vehicle will be deactivated with respect to their keyless start function

when the engine is running in the remote start mode

⇒ Power locking system.

All doors, the engine hood and the rear lid must be completely closed and locked

⇒ Power locking

system.

Using the remote start feature

The following buttons in the vehicle key must be pressed within 3 seconds in order to start the engine
with the remote start feature:

Press the button 1 time

⇒

fig. 153

(1)

Press the

button twice in a row

(2)

The turn signals will blink each time you press a button. The parking lights come on during the remote

start

⇒ Lights.

Ending the remote start

Press button

(2)

(3)

, or

(4)

in the vehicle key to switch the engine off.

Automatic stop or remote start not possible

If one of the following conditions occurs, the remote start feature will stop, the engine will be switched
off automatically, or the engine will not start:

The vehicle is unlocked

⇒ Power locking system.

The engine hood or luggage compartment lid is opened

⇒ Power locking system.

The selector lever is in not in Park (P)

⇒ Shifting.

A vehicle key is in the ignition.
The brake pedal or accelerator pedal is depressed.

The fuel level drops down to “Reserve” while the engine is running in the remote start mode

⇒,

Refueling.

The vehicle battery is too weak or is dead

⇒ Vehicle battery.

The warning flasher switch is pressed

⇒ In an emergency.

The engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

⇒ Indicator lights, ⇒ Indicator lights was on when the

vehicle was last parked before activating the remote start mode.

Driving after a remote start

You cannot drive the vehicle if the engine was started with the remote start feature or if the engine is
running in remote start mode. To be able to drive, you must first switch the remote started engine off
with the vehicle key or the starter button and then start it again with the vehicle key in the ignition lock
or with the starter button.

WARNING

Improper use of the remote start feature can cause fire, burns and other serious injuries.

Always park the vehicle in a place that is vented to the outdoors and has a continuous

exchange of fresh, outside air.

  Only use the remote start feature when no one is around or inside the vehicle.
  Always make sure that you can see the vehicle when the engine is running.
  Never leave children, disabled persons, anyone who cannot help themselves, or pets in

the vehicle. The doors are locked when the engine is running with the remote start feature.
Vehicle occupants would be trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and rescue from the
outside would be delayed.

Never start the engine if children or animals are inside the vehicle. When the engine is

running, electrical equipment including electrical seat adjustment controls can be operated
and cause serious injuries.

Never start the engine or let it run in a garage, in an enclosed or confined area. Engine

exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas. Carbon mon-
oxide can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness and even death.

Always make sure that the area where the engine runs in the remote start mode is well

ventilated. Carbon monoxide in a garage or other enclosed area can cause dizziness, impair
the ability to drive, and even result in unconsciousness.

Never start the engine when the vehicle is covered with a protective cover. Hot vehicle

components and exhaust could ignite the protective cover.

Never start the engine near combustible or explosive materials. The exhaust could ignite

flammable materials.

NOTICE

Do not use the remote start feature if the engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

⇒ Indica-

tor lights,

⇒ Indicator lights has come on, smoke or unusual smells come from the vehicle, an

unusual or unexpected operating condition occurs and the condition has not been diagnosed
and corrected. Please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

Remote start is possible when one or more windows are open. Always remember that unau-

thorized access to the vehicle through open windows as well as operation of HomeLink

, in-

cluding access to your garage or other property, is possible when the engine is running in
remote start mode. Always make sure that all of the windows are securely closed to help pre-
vent unauthorized access to the vehicle, its features and contents.

Using the remote start feature can increase fuel consumption and drain the vehicle battery.

Use of the remote start feature may be regulated or prohibited in some areas. In some areas you

may be required to be able to see the vehicle when it is running in remote start mode. Please inform
yourself about state and local requirements that may apply and be sure to follow them when using the
remote start feature.

Various vehicle functions, such as the low beam headlights and the windshield wipers, are

disabled when the engine is running during a remote start.

Stopping the engine

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

⇒

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

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 150

(0)

in the ignition switch.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 151

. If

the engine will not switch off, carry out the

emergency shut-off procedure.

With a manual transmission, shift into 1st gear (vehicle on flat surface or pointing uphill) or

reverse (vehicle pointing downhill).

Removing the vehicle key from the ignition

switches off electrical equipment and acti-

vates the steering column lock.

Opening the doors switches off electrical

equipment and activates the steering col-

umn 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 pres-

sure 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.

When the key is removed from the ignition switch, the steering will lock and you will not

be able to steer the vehicle.

NOTICE

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.

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.

On vehicles with automatic transmissions, the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition

when the transmission is in Park (P).

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 automati-
cally when the engine has cooled down enough.

Electronic immobilizer

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorized vehi-
cle 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.

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

⇒

Power locking system.

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 set.

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used, Immobilizer active! appears 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 Systems .

Using genuine Volkswagen keys helps minimize the risk of malfunctions.

Shifting

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Pedals

Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Automatic transmission: Selector lever

Shifting with Tiptronic

Driving with automatic transmission

Automatic transmission malfunction

Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG

Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission.

When the ignition is switched on and the transmission is in Reverse (R):

The backup lights come on.
Climatronic switches automatically to air recirculation mode.

More information:

  Lower center console
  Instruments
  Braking, stopping and parking
  Climate control
  Engine control and emission control system
  Emergency closing and opening

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause skidding and loss of traction, especially on slippery roads,
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, collisions, and serious personal injury.

Only use the kick-down feature or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road, and traffic

conditions permit and other drivers will not be endangered by your driving and the vehicle's
acceleration.

WARNING

Constant braking causes the brakes to overheat and even to fail leading to collisions and
serious personal injury.

Never “ride” the brakes or apply the brake pedal too often or too long.
Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping dis-

tance, and can cause complete brake system failure.

NOTICE

Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to

brake. This will make the brakes wear faster.

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and

shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.

Warning and indicator lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

DSG

transmission too hot.

Do not continue driving!

Allow the transmission to cool with the selec-

tor lever in the P position.

If the warning does not turn off, do not contin-

ue driving. See your authorized Volkswagen

dealer for assistance. Otherwise, serious

transmission damage could result

Brake pedal not depressed.

Apply the brake pedal to select a drive gear

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the selector lever

did not engage. Vehicle movement is

prevented.

Engage selector lever release button

Automatic transmission malfunction.

blinks, alternating with the selector

lever indicator, for example D.

Drive at low engine speed (rpm) to the near-
est authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the

system checked.

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 ap-
proaching traffic.

Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction - part 14