Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking

Ignition lock

In this manual: Starting the engine, changing gear and parking
Vehicle exterior — 4Vehicle interior — 8Instrument cluster — 14Before setting off — 14Opening and closing — 35Sitting correctly and safely — 46Lights and vision — 26Transporting items — 29Practical equipment — 20Starting the engine, changing gear and parking — 34Driver assist systems — 18Air conditioning system — 8At the filling station — 14In the engine compartment — 24Vehicle care and maintenance — 66Practical tips — 2In an emergency — 5Manual opening and closing — 6Vehicle toolkit — 4Hubcaps — 4Changing a wheel — 9Breakdown set — 7Fuses — 4Changing a bulb — 13Starting the engine with jump leads — 4Tow-starting and towing — 7
3steps
~18min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 3

Fig. 107 Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.

Vehicle key positions

  1. Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
  2. Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
  3. Engine is started. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released, the vehicle key moves back to position ①.

The steering should be locked every time you leave vehicle to make theft of the vehicle more difficult .

Non-authorised vehicle key

If a non-authorised vehicle key has been inserted in the ignition lock it can be pulled out as follows:

  • Automatic gearbox: the vehicle key cannot be removed from the ignition in this position. Press the lock button in the selector lever and release or . The vehicle key can be removed.
  • Manual gearbox: remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
Always take care when using the vehicle key as you could cause accidents or serious injuries.
  • Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can cause serious injury.
  • Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially for small children.
  • Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.

If the vehicle key is left in the ignition for a long period with the engine switched off, the vehicle battery could discharge.

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. If necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then release it.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Polo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.