To release the ASL, depress and hold the brake pedal with the ignition switched on. Press the release 
button on the selector lever at the same time. 
The ASL is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through Neutral (N) (e.g., when shifting 
from Reverse (R) to Drive (D)). This makes it possible to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if 
it is stuck in snow or mud. The ASL engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the 
lever is in Neutral (N) for more than about 1 second and the vehicle is traveling no faster than about 
3 mph (5 km/h). 
In rare cases, the ASL may not engage on vehicles with DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox. If this happens, 
power to the drive wheels will be interrupted to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. The 
green indicator light k will blink and a text message will be displayed. To engage the Automatic Shift 
Lock (ASL): 
 x Depress and then release the brake pedal. Try to engage the ASL again. 
  WARNING 
Moving the selector lever to the wrong position can cause loss of vehicle control, a collision, 
and serious personal injury. 
 x Never accelerate when moving the selector lever. 
 x When the engine is running and a drive position is engaged, the vehicle will start to move 
as soon as the brake pedal is released. 
 x Never shift into Reverse or Park when the vehicle is moving.  
  WARNING 
Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury. 
 x Never get out of the driver's seat while the engine is running, especially when the 
transmission is in a drive gear. If you must leave your vehicle while the engine is running, 
always set the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P). 
 x Never leave the vehicle in Neutral (N). It will roll down hills, whether the engine is running 
or not. 
 x When the engine is running and a drive gear - Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R) - 
has been selected, press and hold the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. The 
vehicle may “creep” and move forward or backward even if the engine is idling slowly. 
 x Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when the vehicle is moving.  
  NOTICE 
Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few 
centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the 
vehicle without first setting the parking brake. 
  If the selector lever is moved into Neutral (N) by mistake when the vehicle is moving, take your 
foot off the accelerator pedal. Wait until the engine speed has dropped to idle speed before moving 
the selector lever into a drive gear. 
  Leaving the selector lever for a long period of time in any position other than Park (P) when the 
ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.  
 
Frequently asked questions 
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting 
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find 
helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index. 
 
Description Possible causes, among 
others Possible remedy 
Engine does not start. 
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start.. 
– Charge vehicle battery.. 
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key. 
Fuel level too low.  Refuel.. 
Vehicle cannot be locked 
or unlocked using vehicle 
key. 
– Battery in the remote control 
vehicle key is dead. 
– Too far away from the vehicle 
(out of range). 
– Buttons have been pressed 
too many times. 
– Replace the battery in the remote 
control vehicle key. 
– Move closer to vehicle. 
– Synchronize vehicle key. 
– Lock or unlock vehicle manually.. 
Unusual noises. 
Cold engine, braking assist 
systems, electronic steering 
column lock. 
Check the “Noises” entry in the index. 
Odd driving behavior. 
Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry 
in the index. 
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too 
hot. 
Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely 
do so. 
Features do not work as 
described in this manual. 
Settings were adjusted in the 
Volkswagen Information 
System. 
Check and reset to factory settings if 
necessary. 
Headlights do not light 
up the road as they 
should. 
– Headlights incorrectly 
adjusted. 
– Light bulbs burned out. 
– Low beams not switched on. 
– Have the headlight range adjusted by 
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an 
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
– Change light bulbs.. 
– Switch on low beams. 
Electrical consumers do 
not work. 
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery.. 
Remaining fuel level too low.  Refuel.. 
Fuse blown.  Check fuse and replace if necessary.. 
Fuel consumption higher 
than indicated. 
– Short hauls. 
– “Jumpy” accelerator pedal. 
– Avoid short distance driving. 
– Drive defensively. 
– Accelerate smoothly. 
Electrical loads switched on.  Switch off unnecessary loads. 
Engine control malfunction.  Have the malfunction corrected.. 
Tire pressure too low.  Adjust tire pressure.. 
Driving in the mountains.  No direct corrective action possible. 
Driving with a roof rack. – Check use. 
– Remove if not in use. 
Driving with heavy payload.  No direct corrective action possible.