Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Start/stop system

Fig. 147 In the centre console: button for the start/stop system

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

The start/stop system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary. When required, the engine restarts automatically.

The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster display will show information about the current status.

You can find additional information on the start/stop mode by pressing the button in the Vehicle status menu in the infotainment system.

Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.

Vehicles with a manual gearbox

• When the vehicle is stationary, disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal. The engine is stopped.

• Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.

Vehicles with an automatic gearbox

• When the vehicle is stationary, press and hold the brake pedal. The engine is stopped.

• Take your foot off the brake pedal, or depress the accelerator, to restart the engine.

Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off

• The driver is wearing their seat belt.

• The driver door is closed.

• The bonnet is closed.

• The factory-fitted towing bracket is not attached electrically to a trailer.

• A minimum engine temperature has been reached.

• The vehicle has been moved since the engine was last switched off.

• For vehicles with Climatronic: the temperature inside the vehicle is within the pre-set temperature range.

• The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.

• The charging state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.

• The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.

• The vehicle is not on a steep incline.

• For vehicles with an automatic gearbox: the front wheels are not angled too sharply.

• The windscreen heating is not switched on.

• Reverse gear is not engaged.

• The park assist system (Park Assist) system is not active.

When the conditions for automatic engine switch-off are only fulfilled when the vehicle is stationary, the engine can also switch off subsequently:

• When the driver creates the required conditions by performing an action, e.g. by switching off the defrost function.

• If the button in the centre console is pressed twice  .

• When selector lever position P is selected in vehicles with an automatic gearbox.

Conditions for an automatic restart

The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:

• If the temperature inside the vehicle substantially increases or decreases.

• If the vehicle rolls on.

• If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls.

• If the steering wheel is moved.

Conditions that require a manual engine start

The engine must be started manually in the following conditions:

• If the driver unfastens their seat belt.

• If the driver door is opened.

• If the bonnet is opened.

Activating and deactivating the start/stop system manually

• Press the button in the centre console  .

• If the start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.

The engine will start if the vehicle is in stop mode when the system is deactivated manually.

Start/stop mode when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active

The engine will be switched off after the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has brought the vehicle to a standstill with an active braking intervention   .

In the following instances, the engine will restart when the ACC is active:

• If the accelerator is depressed.

• When the ACC has resumed speed and distance control.

• If the vehicle ahead has moved on.

WARNING

The brake servo and the electromechanical steering will not function if the engine is switched off.

• Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.

• The start/stop system must be deactivated if work is to be carried out in the engine compartment.

NOTICE

If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the vehicle battery can be damaged.

In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the engine manually. Follow any corresponding messages on the instrument cluster display.

The start/stop system is automatically activated when the Eco driving mode is selected in vehicles that have Driving Mode Selection   .

Questions & answers

Start/stop system — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

How does the Golf Mk7 Start/Stop system work?

It switches the engine off automatically when the car stops and the clutch is released (manual) or the brake is held with the selector in D or N (DSG). The engine restarts when you press the clutch or release the brake.

When does the Golf Mk7 engine not switch off with Start/Stop?

If the battery charge is low, the engine has not warmed up, the climate system needs full power, the steering wheel is turned to full lock, or a trailer is connected, among other conditions.

Does Golf Mk7 Start/Stop save fuel?

Yes. Switching off the engine during stops — even brief ones at traffic lights — reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, especially in stop-and-go urban driving.

Is the Golf Mk7 Start/Stop restart instant?

It is very fast — typically under one second — because the starter motor is designed for frequent cycling. The driver feels only a slight vibration as the engine restarts.