Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Fault in the function of the automatic gearbox

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Emergency programme

There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever positions have a light background. The automatic gearbox is running in an emergency programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced speed and not in all gears.

In vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG^®, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.

In all cases the automatic gearbox should be checked by a qualified workshop immediately.

Overheating of the dual clutch gearbox DSG^®

The dual clutch gearbox can overheat when the vehicle pulls off regularly, travels at a crawl for long periods, or in stop and go traffic. Gearbox overheating is indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases by a text message in the instrument cluster display. An acoustic warning may also be heard. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down  .

The vehicle will not move forwards or backwards even though a gear has been selected

If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.

If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert assistance and have the system checked.

NOTICE

• If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).

• If the text message and acoustic warning are repeated approximately every 10 seconds, the vehicle must be parked safely immediately and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox to cool down.

• In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the acoustic warning stops. You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while the gearbox is overheated.