Shifting -> Introduction for Your Volkswagen Beetle 4 Door Third Generation (2012-2019)

Shifting  
Introduction  
In this section you’ll find information about:  
Warning and indicator lights  
Pedals  
Manual transmission: Gearshift lever  
Automatic transmission: Selector lever  
Shifting with Tiptronic®  
Driving with automatic transmission  
Automatic transmission malfunction  
Gear recommendation  
Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG®  
Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission.  
When the ignition is switched on and the transmission is in Reverse (R):  
The backup lights come on.  
More information:  
Lower center console.  
Instruments.  
Braking, stopping and parking.  
Engine control and emission control system.  
Emergency closing and opening.  
WARNING  
Rapid acceleration can cause skidding and loss of traction, especially on slippery roads,  
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, collisions, and serious personal injury.  
Only use the kick-down feature or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road, and traffic  
conditions permit and other drivers will not be endangered by your driving and the vehicle's  
acceleration.  
WARNING  
Constant braking causes the brakes to overheat and even to fail leading to collisions and  
serious personal injury.  
Never “ride” the brakes or apply the brake pedal too often or too long.  
Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping  
distance, and can cause complete brake system failure.  
NOTICE  
Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to  
brake. This will make the brakes wear faster.  
Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and  
shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine  
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and  
even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.  
Warning and indicator lights  
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS  
..  
Lights  
up  
Possible cause  
Proper response  
Do not continue driving!  
Allow the transmission to cool with the  
selector lever in the P position.  
DSG® transmission too hot.  
If the warning does not turn off, do not  
continue driving. See your authorized  
Volkswagen dealer for assistance. Otherwise,  
serious transmission damage could result..  
Brake pedal not depressed.  
Apply the brake pedal to select a drive gear..  
Flashes  
Possible cause  
Proper response  
The release button in the selector lever  
did not engage. Vehicle movement is  
prevented.  
Engage selector lever release button..  
Drive at low engine speed (rpm) to the  
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to  
have the system checked.  
Automatic transmission malfunction.  
blinks, alternating with the selector  
lever indicator, for example D.  
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function  
check. They go out after a few seconds.  
WARNING  
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to  
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.  
Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.  
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.  
Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn  
on the emergency flashers, stop the engine, and use other warning devices to warn  
approaching traffic.  
NOTICE  
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.