Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Stopping the engine

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order.
Step	Vehicles without Keyless Access	Vehicles with Keyless Access
1.	The vehicle must be completely stationary  .
2.	Depress the brake pedal and hold it until step 4 has been completed.
3.	In an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
4.	Switch on the electronic parking brake   .
5.	Turn the vehicle key to position  .	Briefly press the starter button  . If the engine cannot be switched off, carry out the emergency switch-off procedure   .
6.	In vehicles with a manual gearbox, select first gear or reverse.

WARNING

Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.

• The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.

• The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. More force is required on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.

• The power steering will not function if the engine is switched off, and more force will be required to steer the vehicle.

• If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.

NOTICE

If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine could overheat when it is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral for approximately two minutes before switching it off.

In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition lock if the selector lever is in position P.

After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan will switch itself off automatically.

Questions & answers

Stopping the engine — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

How do I stop the Golf Mk7 engine correctly?

1. The car must be fully stationary. 2. Press the brake. 3. Select P (automatic) or neutral (manual). 4. Turn the key to 0 or press the starter button. 5. Apply the parking brake. 6. Remove the key.

Why must the Golf Mk7 be stationary before switching off?

Turning off the engine disables the power steering and brake servo. Without them the car becomes extremely difficult to steer and stop — dangerous if still moving.

Does the Golf Mk7 steering lock engage immediately after switching off?

The steering lock engages when the key is removed from the ignition. On Keyless Access models, it engages when the driver leaves the vehicle and all doors are closed.