Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015 year). Instruction — part 15

WARNING

Always keep the armrest folded up when the vehicle is moving to reduce the risk of injury.

Never let anybody, especially children, ride on the rear center armrest or in the center

position on the rear seat when the armrest is folded down. An improper seating position can
increase the risk of serious injury in a crash.

Power outlets

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

12 Volt sockets in the vehicle

115 Volt outlet in the vehicle

Electrical devices can be connected to the vehicle sockets.

The connected devices must be in good working order.

More information:

Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications
Consumer information

WARNING

Improper use of electrical sockets and electrical devices may start a fire and cause severe
personal injury.

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Sockets and connected devices can be

used when the ignition is switched on.

If the connected device gets warm, immediately switch it off and disconnect the power

supply.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the electrical system, never connect any accessories such as a

solar panel or vehicle battery charger to a 12 Volt socket.

Only use accessories which have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility with a

motor vehicle.

To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical consumers con-

nected to the 12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.

Never connect devices to a 12 Volt socket that draw more than the maximum wattage the

socket can supply. Drawing too much power can damage the vehicle electrical system.

Please turn off the engine when you stop for any length of time.

The vehicle battery will drain if you use electrical equipment when the engine is not running.

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

Operating electrical devices near the windshield-integrated antenna may interfere with AM radio

reception.

12 Volt sockets in the vehicle

Fig. 123 12 Volt socket with cover flap 1, 12 Volt socket with pull-out cover 2.

Fig. 124 In the lower center console: 12 Volt socket.

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 lower center console

⇒

fig. 124

.

In the luggage compartment

⇒

fig. 125

.

In the front center armrest storage compartment

⇒ Storage compartment in the front center arm-

rest.

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.

115 Volt outlet in the vehicle

Fig. 125 In the luggage compartment: Covers for the 115 Volt outlet 1 (if equipped) and 12 Volt socket 2.

Fig. 126 In the rear center console: 115 Volt outlet with LED display.

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

Maximum power draw

Outlet

Maximum power draw

115 Volt

150 watts (300 watt peak consump-
tion)

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

115 Volt outlet

Your vehicle may have a 115 Volt outlet, which should only be used if the engine is running

⇒ . 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 run-
ning.

Connecting an electrical device: Insert the plug as far as it goes into the outlet to unlock the integrated
childproof lock. There is electricity in the outlet only after the childproof lock is unlocked.

LED display on the outlet

⇒

fig. 126

Green continuous
light:

The childproof lock is un-
locked. The outlet is opera-
tional.

Green flashing light:

The childproof lock is un-
locked. The engine is switched
off but the ignition is on, so
power may still flow to the
connected device. The vehicle
battery will be drained if the
engine is not switched on!

LED display on the outlet

⇒

fig. 126

Red flashing light:

Malfunction such as over-
current or overheating cutoff

Opening and closing the 115 Volt and 12 Volt outlet covers in the luggage compartment

To open: Lift the outlet cover

⇒

fig. 125

(1)

or

(2)

in the direction of the arrow (magnified view).

To close: The outlet covers

(1)

and

(2)

close automatically.

Overheating cutoff

The inverter in the 115 Volt outlet shuts off automatically above a certain temperature. The shutoff
prevents overheating in case of excessive power consumption of connected devices or at high ambi-
ent air temperatures. The 115 Volt outlet can only be used again after a cool-down period.

The plug on the connected device must first be removed and then reinserted before using the 115 volt
outlet again after the cool-down period. This prevents the connected electrical device from being
switched on accidentally.

DANGER

Improper use of the 115 Volt outlet can cause electrical shock, burns, and severe personal
injury.

Never spill liquids on the socket.
Never plug an adapter or an extension cord into the 115 Volt outlet. Otherwise, the inte-

grated childproof lock is switched off and the outlet is live.

Never stick anything that conducts electricity, such as a knitting needle, into the contacts

of the 115 Volt outlet.

NOTICE

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

become damaged.

115 Volt outlet:

– Do not connect devices or plugs which are too heavy, such as a grid power supply adapter or
cord, directly onto the outlet.
– Do not connect lamps containing fluorescent tubes.
– Only connect devices to the outlet with voltage consistent with the voltage of the outlet.
– For devices with a high starting current, the integrated over-current shutoff will prevent them
from being switched on. In this case, disconnect the power supply from the device and reconnect
after about 10 seconds.

Some devices may not work very well when connected to the 115 Volt outlet due to low wattage.

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:

Indicator lights

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Starter button

Starting the engine

Stopping the engine

Electronic immobilizer

Engine preheating system

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 on the
instrument cluster display. 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
Starting 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,

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

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.

Indicator lights

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

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Glow plug preheating before
diesel engine start-up.

Brake pedal not depressed.

Apply the brake pedal to start the
engine

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the
selector lever did not engage.
Vehicle movement is pre-
vented.

Engage the selector lever re-
lease 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. 127 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. 127

(0)

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

(1)

Ignition is switched on. Diesel engine is 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: 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.

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 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 transmis-
sion selector lever to put the lever into Park (P).

Starter button

Fig. 128 In the lower center console: Starter button for the Keyless Access system.

Fig. 129 Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column: Emergency starting feature
on vehicles with Keyless Access.

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

For vehicles with Keyless Access with push-button start,

⇒ Power locking system, the vehicle can be

started and stopped with the starter button in the lower center console

⇒

fig. 128

.

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 No key 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 to the right of the steering column trim immediately after press-

ing the starter button

⇒

fig. 129

.

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.

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 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 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.

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 Ac-

cess

Vehicles with Keyless Access

1.

Automatic transmission: Depress the brake pedal and hold it

down until step 5 is completed.

1 a.

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).

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step Vehicles without Keyless Ac-

cess

Vehicles with Keyless Access

3.

Only for vehicles with a diesel

engine: To preheat the glow

plug, turn the vehicle key to po-

sition

⇒

fig. 127

(1)

. The indica-

tor light

will come on in the

instrument cluster.

–

4.

Turn the vehicle key to posi-

tion

⇒

fig. 127

(2)

– do not de-

press the accelerator pedal.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 128

– do not depress the

accelerator pedal. An authorized

vehicle key must be inside the

vehicle in order to start the en-

gine.

5.

When the engine starts, release

the vehicle key.

When the engine starts, release

the starter button.

6.

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

necessary

7.

Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving

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 prop-
erty 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 tempera-
ture 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 buildup may occur underneath the vehicle.

Stopping 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 Ac-

cess

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 parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

5.

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 127

(0)

in the ignition

switch.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 128

. If the engine will not

switch off, carry out the emer-

gency shut-off procedure

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Ac-

cess

Vehicles with Keyless Access

6.

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 acti-

vates 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 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.

Never remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter but-

ton while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The electronic steering column could
suddenly lock, and you would 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 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 push-button start, 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 set.

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
⇒ page Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and Electronic Systems.

Using genuine Volkswagen keys helps minimize the risk of malfunctions.