Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction — part 15

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

Starting the engine

Stopping the engine

Stopping the engine

Electronic immobilizer

Immobilizer display

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used or the system malfunctions, or 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
Steering
Braking and parking
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 leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. The vehicle could move

suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur resulting in property damage 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 can 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.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

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
approaching traffic.

NOTICE

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

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Fig. 135 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. 135

(0)

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

(1)

Ignition is switched on. 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 remote control 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 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.

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
transmission selector lever to put the lever into Park (P).

Applicable only in the United States

Starter button

Fig. 136 In the center console: Starter button of the Keyless Access with push button start.

Fig. 137 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 depressing 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
battery 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 against the right side of the steering column trim immediately

after pressing the starter button

⇒

fig. 137

.

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 shutoff is necessary:

Press the starter button twice within 1 second or once for more than 2 seconds

⇒

in Stopping

the engine

The engine switches off automatically.

Engine restart function

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

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 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.

Applicable only in the United States

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

1.

Automatic transmission: Depress the brake pedal and hold it down until step 4 is

completed.

1a.

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

2.

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

only).

3.

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 135

(2)

– do not depress the accelerator pedal.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 136

–

do not depress the accelerator pedal. An

authorized vehicle key must be inside the

vehicle in order to start the engine.

4.

When the engine starts, release the remote

control vehicle key.

When the engine starts, release the starter

button.

5.

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

one minute. Use the emergency start

function if necessary

6.

Release the electronic parking brake when you are ready to start driving

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. The vehicle could move
suddenly, especially when the vehicle is in gear, resulting in accidents and 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

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.

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

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

1.

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

⇒

.

2.

Depress and hold down the brake pedal until step 4 is completed.

3.

Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P).

4.

Apply the electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving.

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

5.

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 135

(0)

in the ignition switch.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 136

. If

the engine will not switch off, carry out the

emergency shutoff procedure

6.

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

Reverse (R) (vehicle pointing downhill).

7.

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.

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
automatically when the engine has cooled down enough.

off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside

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
vehicle key.

There is a microchip inside the vehicle key. The chip deactivates the immobilizer automatically when
an authorized remote control 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.

⇒

Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside.

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

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

The backup lights come on.
Climatronic switches automatically to air recirculating mode.
The rear window wiper switches on when the windshield wipers are switched on.
The camera for the Rear View Camera system switches on (if applicable).

More information:

Lower center console
Instruments
Braking and parking

Rear View Camera system

⇒ Rear View Camera system

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

distance, 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

up

Possible cause

Proper response

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

Automatic transmission malfunction. The

symbol alternates with the selector lever

indicator (D, for example).

Drive at low engine speed (rpm) to the

nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized 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
approaching traffic.

NOTICE

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

Pedals

Fig. 138 Pedals in vehicles with manual transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal, 3 Clutch pedal.

Fig. 139 Pedals in vehicles with automatic transmission: 1 Accelerator pedal, 2 Brake pedal.

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

All pedals must always be able to move freely in and out without interference from floor mats or other
things.

Only use floor mats that leave the pedal area free and are held securely in place with floor mat
fasteners to help prevent sliding.

If a brake circuit malfunctions, more brake pedal travel is needed to bring the vehicle to a full stop, and
it is important that nothing is in the way when you have to depress the brake pedal harder and farther
than normal.

WARNING

Objects in the driver footwell can prevent the pedals from moving freely. This can cause loss
of vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injuries.

Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the pedals.
Always fasten floor mats securely to the floor.
Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on top of already installed floor mats.
Always make sure that nothing can fall into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.

NOTICE

Always make sure that the pedals are able to move freely and that nothing can interfere with
them. If a brake circuit fails, more brake pedal travel will be needed to bring the vehicle to a
stop. The brake pedal must be pressed farther and harder than normal.

Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Fig. 140 Gearshift pattern of a 6-speed manual transmission.

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

The positions of the individual gears are shown on the gearshift lever

⇒

fig. 140

.

Depress the clutch pedal all the way and hold.
Move the gearshift lever into the desired position.
Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.

The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start the engine.

Shifting into reverse

Only shift to the reverse gear when the vehicle is not moving.

Depress the clutch pedal fully and hold

⇒

.

Move the gearshift lever to neutral and press down.

Move the shift lever to the left and then push forward into the reverse gear position

(R)

⇒

.

Release the clutch pedal to engage the gear.

Downshifting

You should always downshift gear by gear when driving, meaning always into the next lowest gear. Do

not downshift when the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) is too high

⇒

. At fast speeds or high

engine rpms, skipping over one or more gears when downshifting can cause damage to the clutch and

transmission, even if a gear is not engaged

⇒

.

WARNING

Downshifting to a lower gear incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle control and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.

WARNING

When the engine is running and a gear is engaged, the vehicle will start to move as soon as
the clutch pedal is released, even when the parking brake is applied. This also applies when
the parking brake is engaged.

Never shift into reverse when the vehicle is moving.

NOTICE

Shifting down to a gear that is too low when driving at fast speeds or high engine rpms can
cause extensive damage to the clutch and transmission. That is true even if the clutch pedal is
pressed so that the clutch is not engaged.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage and premature wear:

Do not rest your hand on the gearshift lever while driving. Over time, the pressure will

cause premature wear in the transmission.

Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way when changing gears.
Do not hold the vehicle on a hill using engine power with the clutch pedal partially engaged

and the engine running.

Automatic transmission: Selector lever

Fig. 141 Automatic transmission selector lever with shift lever release button (arrow).

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

Automatic transmission vehicles have an Automatic Shift Lock (ASL). With ASL, you must depress the
brake pedal and hold it down while pressing the release button on the selector lever handle in the

direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 141

in order to move the selector lever out of Park (P) and into a drive

gear. When the selector lever is in Neutral (N), you also have to depress the brake pedal before you
can move the selector lever to Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R).

If the ignition is switched on, either the current selector lever setting or the current gear is shown in the
instrument cluster display.

Selector

lever

position

Designation

Meaning

⇒

Park

The drive wheels are mechanically locked.

Select only when the vehicle is not moving. To change the

selector lever position, switch on the ignition (if it is off) and then

press the selector lever release button while holding down the

brake pedal.

Reverse

The Reverse (R) gear is engaged.

Shift into Reverse (R) only when the vehicle is not moving.

Neutral

Transmission is in Neutral (N) position. No power is transmitted

to the wheels and no engine braking effect is available.

Drive (standard
driving position)

All forward gears shift up and down automatically. The

transmission shifts as needed depending on engine load,

individual driving style, and vehicle speed.

Sport Drive (Sport

driving position)

All forward gears automatically upshift later and downshift

earlier than in the Drive (D) position, to take full advantage of

the engine's power reserves. The transmission shifts as needed

depending on engine load, individual driving style, and vehicle

speed.

Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)

The Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) in Park (P) and Neutral (N) prevents drive positions from being
engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.

To release the ASL, depress and hold the brake pedal with the ignition switched on. Press the release
button on the selector lever at the same time.

The ASL is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through Neutral (N) (e.g., when shifting
from Reverse (R) to Drive (D)). This makes it possible to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if
it is stuck in snow or mud. The ASL engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the
lever is in Neutral (N) for more than about 1 second and the vehicle is traveling no faster than about
3 mph (5 km/h).

Depress and then release the brake pedal.

WARNING

Moving the selector lever to the wrong position can cause loss of vehicle control, a collision,
and serious personal injury.

Never accelerate when moving the selector lever.
When the engine is running and a drive position is engaged, the vehicle will start to move

as soon as the brake pedal is released.

Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when the vehicle is moving.

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.

Never get out of the driver's seat while the engine is running, especially when the

transmission is in a drive gear. If you must leave your vehicle while the engine is running,
always set the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P).

Never leave the vehicle in Neutral (N). It will roll down hills, whether the engine is running

or not.

When the engine is running and a drive gear - Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R) -

has been selected, press and hold the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. The
vehicle may “creep” and move forward or backward even if the engine is idling slowly.

Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when the vehicle is moving.

NOTICE

Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few
centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the
vehicle without first applying the electronic parking brake.

If the selector lever is moved into Neutral (N) by mistake when the vehicle is moving, take your

foot off the accelerator pedal. Wait until the engine speed has dropped to idle speed before moving
the selector lever into a drive gear.

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.

Shifting with Tiptronic

®

Fig. 142 Selector lever in Tiptronic position.