Selector
lever
position
Designation Meaning ⇒
R Reverse The reverse gear is engaged.
Shift into Reverse only when the vehicle is not moving.
N Neutral Transmission is in Neutral position. No power is transmitted to
the wheels and no engine braking is available.
D Drive (standard
driving position)
All forward gears shift up and down automatically. The
transmission shifts as needed depending on engine load,
individual driving style, and vehicle speed.
S Sport Drive (Sport
driving position)
All forward gears automatically upshift later and downshift
earlier than in the D (Drive) position, to take full advantage of
the engine's power reserves. The transmission shifts as needed
depending on engine load, individual driving style, and vehicle
speed.
Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)
The Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) in Park (P) and Neutral (N) prevents drive positions from being
engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.
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 On 6-speed transmissions: Depress and then release the brake pedal. Try to engage the ASL
again.
x On 7-speed transmissions: First shift into Park (P) or Neutral (N), and then shift to a drive position.
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.
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.
Front seats cannot be
adjusted with power
controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery .
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary .
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.
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
6S auto 6-speed automatic transmission
7S auto 7-speed automatic transmission
ABS Anti-lock Brake System
AFS Adaptive Front Lighting System
AKI Anti-Knock Index
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASR Anti-Slip Regulation
ATA Anti-Theft Alarm system
BAS Brake Assist System
ccm Cubic centimeter – metric unit of measure for engine displacement
CCS Cruise Control System
CID Cubic inch displacement – unit of measure for engine displacement
cm Centimeter – metric unit of measure for length
CO2 Carbon dioxide
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization)
DRL Daytime Running Lights
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission
EDL Electronic Differential Lock
EN European Norm
EPC Engine control (Electronic Power Control)
ESC Electronic Stability Control
g/km Generated carbon monoxide amount in grams per kilometer driven
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating
GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
HID High Intensity Discharge headlights (Xenon)
hp Horsepower – unit of measure for engine power
kg Kilogram – metric unit of measure for weight
kN Kilonewton – a unit of measure for force
kp Kilopond – unit of measure for force
kPa Kilopascal – unit of measure for tire pressure
kW Kilowatt – engine rating
LED Light Emitting Diode
m Meter – metric unit of measure for length
MDI Media Device Interface (MEDIA-IN)