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- Fig. 1 Ignition key positions
Applies to Audi A3s: with mechanical ignition lock
Insert the key in the ignition lock to switch on the ignition and start the engine.
Steering lock
If the steering wheel cannot be turned, the steering lock has engaged.
Important: The selector lever (automatic gearbox*) must be in position P in order to lock the steering.
To lock the steering, turn the steering wheel with the ignition key removed until the steering lock engages.
To release the steering lock, insert the ignition key in the lock and turn the key in the direction of the arrow while simultaneously turning the steering wheel.
Switching the ignition on/off and preheating the glow plugs
To switch on the ignition, turn the ignition key to position -1-.
To switch off the ignition, turn the ignition key to position -0-.
Diesel engines are preheated when the ignition is switched on 
.
.Starting the engine
Your Audi A3 is equipped with an automatic start function. As soon as you turn the ignition key briefly to position -2-, the engine starts automatically.
Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down and move the gear lever into neutral.
Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal and move the selector lever to position P or N.
Turn the ignition key briefly to position -2-. The ignition key automatically returns to position -1-. Do not press the accelerator.
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily while you start the engine.
Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual to start on cold days. Please keep your foot on the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or brake pedal (automatic gearbox) until the engine starts. The indicator lamp lights up while the glow plugs are preheating.
lights up while the glow plugs are preheating.The preheating time depends on the outside temperature and the temperature of the coolant. When the engine is warm, or at outside temperatures above +8°C, the glow plug indicator lamp will come on for approximately one second. This means that the engine can be started immediately.
will come on for approximately one second. This means that the engine can be started immediately.If the engine fails to start immediately, switch off the starter by turning the ignition key to position -0- and try again after about 30 seconds.
Start/stop system*
Please note the information on ►Link.
Automatic start function fault
If the indicator lamp 
(petrol engine) or (diesel engine) lights up and the message Engine start system: system fault! Please contact workshop appears, there is a fault in the automatic start function.
(petrol engine) or (diesel engine) lights up and the message Engine start system: system fault! Please contact workshop appears, there is a fault in the automatic start function.To start the engine, turn the ignition key to position -2- and hold it in this position until the engine is running.
Drive to a qualified workshop soon and have the fault rectified.
- Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are toxic – risk of poisoning!
- Never remove the key from the ignition while the Audi A3 is moving. The steering lock would engage, and you would not be able to steer the car - risk of accident!
- Always take the key with you when leaving the Audi A3 - even if you only intend to be gone for a short time. This is especially important if children are left in the car. They might otherwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment such as the electric windows - this could lead to injuries.
- Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. The doors could be locked with the remote control key and the occupants could become trapped in the Audi A3. The Audi A3 occupants could be exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, depending on the time of year.
Caution!
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature; otherwise this can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should drive off immediately whenever possible. This will help avoid unnecessary exhaust emissions.
Note
- If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to position -1-, move the steering wheel (to take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely.
- When starting from cold the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic tappets. This is quite normal and no cause for concern.
- If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected it will be necessary to leave the key in position -1- for about 5 seconds before starting the engine.
- Audi A3s with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you can only withdraw the ignition key if the selector lever is in position "P" (parking lock). The selector lever cannot be moved after the ignition key has been taken out.