Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Locking and unlocking the vehicle with Keyless Access

Fig. 30 Keyless Access locking and starting system: operating range

Fig. 31 Keyless Access locking and starting system: sensor Ⓐ for locking on the inside of the door handle and sensor Ⓑ for unlocking on the outside of the door handle

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Keyless Access is a locking and starting system that allows the vehicle to be locked or unlocked without using the key. It is only necessary for a valid vehicle key to be in the operating range of the vehicle   and for one of the front door handle sensors   to be touched, or the Volkswagen badge   in the tailgate to be pressed  .

General notes

If a valid vehicle key is in the operating range  , the Keyless Access locking and starting system authorises the key to obtain access to the vehicle as soon as the corresponding sensor on the driver or front passenger door handle or the Volkswagen badge in the tailgate is activated. The following functions can then be performed without active use of the vehicle key:

• Keyless Entry: unlocks the vehicle via the sensor in the door handle on the driver or front passenger door or the Volkswagen badge on the tailgate.

• Keyless Go: allows you to start the engine and drive. To do this, there must be a valid vehicle key inside the vehicle, and the starter button must be pressed   .

• Keyless Exit: locks the vehicle via the door handle sensor on the driver or front passenger door.

The central locking system functions as with the normal unlocking and locking system. Only the control elements are different.

The vehicle unlocking procedure is confirmed by all the turn signals flashing twice and the locking procedure by the turn signals flashing once.

The vehicle will lock again within a few seconds of being unlocked if you do not open one of the doors or the tailgate.

Unlocking and opening the doors (Keyless Entry)

• Grip the door handle on the driver or front passenger door. This makes contact with the unlocking surface  .

• Open the door.

In vehicles without a SAFELOCK mechanism: closing and locking the doors (Keyless Exit)

• Close the driver door.

• Touch the locking sensor   on the outside of the driver or front passenger door handle once. The door being used must be closed.

In vehicles with a SAFELOCK mechanism: closing and locking the doors (Keyless Exit)

• Close the driver door.

• Touch the locking sensor   on the outside of the driver or front passenger door handle once. The car is locked with the SAFELOCK mechanism   active. The door being used must be closed.

• Touch the locking sensor Ⓑ (arrow) on the outside of the driver or front passenger door handle twice to lock the vehicle without activating the SAFELOCK mechanism   .

Locking and unlocking the tailgate

If the vehicle is locked, the tailgate will be unlocked automatically when you open it if a valid vehicle key is located within the operating range of the tailgate  .

Open and close the tailgate as normal   .

The tailgate is locked automatically after it is closed. This also applies if a valid vehicle key is located on the luggage compartment cover or in the luggage compartment.

The tailgate will not lock automatically after closing if one of the following criteria applies:

• The vehicle is completely unlocked.

• A valid vehicle key is located near the front or rear seats in the vehicle.

Response when locking the vehicle with a second vehicle key

If a vehicle key is located inside the vehicle, the vehicle will only lock from the outside if a second valid vehicle key is located outside the vehicle, within the operating range of the Keyless Access system.

Automatic switch-off of the sensors

If an exterior sensor in one of the door handles on a locked vehicle is activated more often than usual, e.g. if branches from a hedge rub against it, the proximity sensor will be switched off for a short time.

The sensors are reactivated if any of the following takes place:

• Some time has passed.

• OR: the vehicle is unlocked using the   button on the vehicle key.

• OR: the tailgate is opened.

• OR: the vehicle is unlocked with the vehicle key.

Convenience functions

When the sensor on the door handle is touched, the door will open in accordance with the settings activated in the infotainment system using the button, and the and Opening and closing function buttons   .

NOTICE

It is possible that the sensors in the door handles will be activated by a powerful jet of water or steam if a valid vehicle key is within its operating range at the same time.

It may not be possible to lock or unlock the vehicle using Keyless Access if the vehicle battery or battery in the vehicle key is weak or discharged. The vehicle can be locked or unlocked manually   .

If there is no valid vehicle key in the vehicle or if it is not detected, a corresponding display will be shown in the instrument cluster display. This may occur if the vehicle key is obstructed by another radio signal or is covered by another item, e.g. an aluminium suitcase or briefcase.

The function of the door handle sensors may be limited by dirt, e.g. by salty deposits. Clean the vehicle as necessary   .

A vehicle with an automatic gearbox can only be locked if the selector lever is in position P.

Questions & answers

Locking and unlocking the vehicle with Keyless Access — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

How does Keyless Access work on the Volkswagen Golf Mk7?

You do not need to press a button on the key. As long as a valid key is in the operating range around the car, you can unlock by touching the sensor on the outside of a front door handle, and lock by touching the sensor on the inside of the handle after closing the door.

Where are the Keyless Access sensors on the Golf Mk7 door handle?

There are two sensors on each front door handle: sensor A on the inside of the handle locks the vehicle, and sensor B on the outside unlocks it. Both are shown in the manual diagram.

Can I open the Golf Mk7 tailgate with Keyless Access?

Yes. If a valid key is within range, pressing the Volkswagen badge on the tailgate unlocks and releases it — no button press on the key is needed.

What is the operating range of the Golf Mk7 Keyless Access system?

The system detects the key within approximately one metre of the door handles or tailgate badge. The exact range can vary depending on battery charge and surrounding interference.

Does Keyless Access on the Golf Mk7 work if the key is in a bag or pocket?

Yes. The system detects the key through clothing, bags and pockets as long as the key is within the operating range. No line of sight to the key is needed.

Can I deactivate Keyless Access on the Golf Mk7 to prevent relay theft?

The key can be stored in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag) when not in use, which prevents the signal from being relayed. Some owners also deactivate the motion sensor in the key to save battery when the car is parked for long periods.