Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Automatic gearbox: selecting a gear

Fig. 111 Left-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for automatic gearbox with lock button (arrow)

Fig. 112 Right-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for automatic gearbox with lock button (arrow)

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

The selector lever is equipped with a selector lever lock. When changing the selector lever position from P to a driving gear, depress the brake pedal and push the lock button in the selector lever in the direction of the arrow   or  . To move the selector lever out of position N to position D or R, first depress and hold the brake pedal.

The current selector lever position will be shown in the instrument cluster display if the ignition is switched on.

Selector lever position	Designation	Meaning
	Parking lock	The drive wheels are locked mechanically.
		May only be selected when the vehicle is stationary. To disengage this selector lever position, depress the brake pedal and also switch on the ignition.
	Reverse gear	Reverse gear is selected. May only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
	Neutral	The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted to the wheels and the braking effect of the engine is not available.
	Standard driving position (normal programme)	All forward gears are shifted up and down automatically. The timing of the gear shift is determined by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
	Standard driving position (sport programme)	All forward gears are automatically changed up and down at higher engine speeds than in selector lever position D. This uses the full power available from the engine. The timing of the gear shift is determined by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.

Selector lever lock

The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.

To release the selector lever lock with the ignition switched on, depress and hold the brake pedal. Press the lock button in the selector lever at the same time.

The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for instance, to rock the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not being depressed, the lever is in position N for more than about one second and the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG^®. The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away. The green indicator lamp flashes and an information message is also displayed. Use the following procedure to engage the selector lever lock:

Move selector lever to position P or N and then select a driving gear.

WARNING

Engaging an incorrect selector lever position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

• Never depress the accelerator pedal when selecting a position.

• When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a gear is engaged and the brake pedal is released.

• Never select reverse gear or engage the parking lock while the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING

Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.

• The driver must never leave the driver seat when the engine is running and a position has been selected. If you have to leave the vehicle while the engine is running, always firmly apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to position P.

• If the engine is running and the selector lever is in position D, S or R, the vehicle must be held on the foot brake. The vehicle will creep forward as the power transmission is not fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.

• Never select positions R or P when the vehicle is in motion.

• Never leave the vehicle in position N if the handbrake is not on. The vehicle will roll downhill irrespective of whether or not the engine is running.

NOTICE

If the handbrake is not applied when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is released when then selector lever is in position P, the vehicle may move a few centimetres forwards or backwards.

If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the accelerator. Wait for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.