Get Gearbox Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

In order to indicate that the vehicle is capable of rolling when leaving the vehicle, an acoustic warning signal sounds

when the driver door is opened and corresponding warning messages appear on the display of the instrument cluster.

Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: If the selector lever is in the neutral positionN, an acoustic warning signal will

sound when the driver door is opened and the warning message Vehicle not secured against rolling away!will appear

on the instrument cluster display. In this way, a warning is given that the vehicle could potentially roll away.

WARNING

Never switch the engine off while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and

serious injuries.

● The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.

● The brake servo will not work when the ignition is switched off. More force is required on the brake pedal to stop

the vehicle.

● The power assisted steering will not work when the engine is not running. More manual power will be needed to

steer the vehicle.

● If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you will no longer be able to

steer the vehicle.

WARNING

The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious injuries.

● Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable material

underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.

● Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, heat shields

or particulate filter.

NOTICE

If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine can overheat when it is switched off. In

order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral for approximately 2 minutes before

switching it off.

In vehicles with DSG^®dual clutch gearbox, the vehicle key can be removed from the ignition lock only when

the parking lock P is engaged.

After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for some minutes,

even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan will switch itself off

automatically.

Manual gearbox: Selecting a gear

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Fig. 1 Gear shift pattern of a 6-speed manual gearbox(5-

speed manual gearbox depends on equipment).

Selecting a forward gear

The positions of the individual gears are shown on the gear lever→ Fig. 1.

1. Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.

2. Move the gear lever to the required position→

3. Release the clutch to engage.

.

In some countries, the clutch pedal will have to be depressed fully in order to start the engine.

Selecting reverse gear

1. Reverse gear should only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.

2. Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal→

.

3. Pull the ring on the gear lever upwards and push the gear lever fully to the left and then forwards into the

R

reverse gear position → Fig. 1

.

4. Release the clutch to engage.

Shifting down

You should always select the next immediate gear when shifting down a gear whilst the vehicle is in motion. The

engine revs should not be too high when doing this → . Damage to the clutch and the gearbox could occur if at

high speeds or high engine revs one or more gears are skipped when shifting down gear, even if the clutch is not

released when doing this →

.

WARNING

When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear is engaged and the clutch released. This

also applies when the handbrake is on.

● Never engage reverse gear while the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This can cause you to lose

control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

● Only accelerate rapidly if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit, and other road users are not put at

risk by the acceleration and driving style.

● Always adapt your driving style to suit the traffic flow.

● When TCS

is switched off, the drive wheels may spin, especially if the road surface is wet, slippery or dirty. This may result in

you no longer being able to steer or control the vehicle.

●

WARNING

Shifting gears incorrectly to a lower gear can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, which can cause accidents and

serious injuries.

NOTICE

197

Serious damage to the clutch and gearbox can occur if the gear stick on the manual gearbox is shifted to too low a

gear when travelling at high speeds or at high revs. This also applies if the clutch remains depressed and the gears

do not engage.

NOTICE

Please note the following to help avoid damage and premature wear:

● Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure from your hand is passed onto the selector

forks in the gearbox.

● Ensure that the vehicle has come to a complete standstill before engaging reverse gear.

● Always depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gear.

● Do not hold the vehicle by “riding” the clutch on a hill with the engine running.

Changing up a gear early will help to save fuel and minimise engine

noise.

Troubleshooting

Clutch slipping

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

Clutch does not transmit the entire engine torque.

1. If necessary, remove foot from clutch pedal.

Clutch overheated

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

An acoustic warning may also be given (→ Manual gearbox).

The clutch can overheat, for example if the vehicle pulls off regularly, travels at a “crawl” for long periods, or in stop

and go traffic.

Overheating is indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases by additional warning lamps and a text message in

the instrument cluster display.

—Driving can be continued.

Clutch fault

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

The clutch is faulty.

1. Drive on carefully!

2. Go to a correspondingly qualified workshop. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the clutch.

198

Automatic gearbox: Selecting a position

Fig. 1 Selector lever for automatic gearbox with lock

button (arrow) in left-hand drive vehicles. The controls are

mirrored for right-hand drive vehicles.

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

– Parking lock

The drive wheels are blocked. May only be selected when the vehicle isstationary.

To disengage this selector lever position while the ignition is switched on, depress the brake pedal and press the lock

button in the selector lever.

– Reverse gear

Reverse gear is selected. May only be selected when the vehicle isstationary.

– 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 forward 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.

Selector lever lock

The selector lever lock prevents a position from being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move

unintentionally.

To release the selector lever lock, switch on the ignition and press the brake pedal. Then push the lock button in the

selector lever handle in the direction of the arrow → Fig. 1.

The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever skips positionN, e.g. when shifting from reverse toD. 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 depressed and the lever is in position N for more

than approximately 1 second and the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

199

WARNING

Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious

injuries.

● Never press the accelerator when engaging a gear selector position.

● When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a selector lever position is engaged and the

brake pedal is released.

● Never select reverse gearR or engage the parking lockP while the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING

Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.

● The driver must never leave the driver seat when the vehicle’s engine is running and a gear position has been

selected. If you have to leave the vehicle while the engine is running, always switch on the parking lock P and

apply the handbrake.

● If the engine is running and positionD or R is selected, hold the vehicle with the foot brake. The vehicle will creep

forward even when the engine is idling, as power transmission is even then not fully interrupted.

● Never select reverse gearR or engage the parking lock P when the vehicle is in motion.

● Never leave the vehicle when it is in the neutral positionN. The vehicle can roll downhill, whether or not the

engine is running.

If you accidentally shift toN while driving, immediately take your foot off the accelerator. Wait for the engine

to reach idling speed in the neutral position. Only engage a position once this has occurred.

If the selector lever is not left in the parking lock positionP for long periods when the engine is switched off,

the 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge.

Changing gear with Tiptronic

Using Tiptronic, the gears can be shifted up and down manually in an automatic gearbox.

Fig. 1 Selector lever in Tiptronic position(left-hand drive).

The controls are mirrored for right-hand drive vehicles.

The gear that is currently selected will be maintained when the Tiptronic programme is selected. This remains the

case as long as the system does not automatically carry out a change of gear due to the current driving situation.

Operating Tiptronic with the selector lever

1. Push the selector lever from positionD to the right into the Tiptronic gate.

200

+

–

2. Tap the selector lever forwards

or back

to shift gear up or down→ Fig. 1.

When tapping the selector lever in the Tiptronic gate, it is not necessary to press the lock button on the selector lever.

NOTICE

● When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up to the next gear shortly before the maximum permitted

engine speed is reached.

● When shifting down a gear manually, the gearbox will not change gear until the engine can no longer be

overrevved.

Driving with DSG® dual clutch gearbox

The gearbox changes the forward gears up and down automatically.

Driving down hills

The steeper the downhill gradient, the lower the gear that must be selected. Lower gears increase the braking effect

of the engine. Never allow the vehicle to roll down mountains or hills in the neutral position N.

1. Reduce your speed.

2. Push the selector lever from positionD to the right into the Tiptronic gate (→ Tiptronic).

3. Gently push the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.

Or: Shift down using the paddles on the steering wheel (→ Tiptronic).

Stopping and pulling away on uphill gradients

The steeper the incline, the lower the gear that is required.

If you stop the vehicle on an incline with a position selected, you must always prevent the vehicle from rolling

backwards or forwards by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the handbrake. The brake pedal or the

handbrake should not be released until you start to pull away.

®

Coasting with DSG dual clutch gearbox (depending on equipment)

In coasting mode, the momentum of the vehicle can be used to save fuel in conjunction with a foresighted driving

style. The engine is declutched and no longer brakes the vehicle – the vehicle can roll out over a longer distance.

Switch-on condition: the selector lever must be in positionD.

Switching on coasting mode:

1. Remove your foot from accelerator pedal. The engine is disengaged and runs in coasting mode. The vehicle rolls

without the braking effect of the engine.

Switching off coasting mode:

1. Briefly depress the brake pedal.

Kickdown function

The kickdown function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever positionD or in the Tiptronic position.

If the accelerator pedal is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear, depending on the

speed and engine revs. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration.

The gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches the maximum engine speed for the gear.

201

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This can cause you to lose

control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

● Always adapt your driving style to the traffic flow.

● Only use kickdown or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit and other road

users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and the driving style.

● Please note that the driven wheels could start to spin and the vehicle could skid if the TCS is switched off,

especially if the road is slippery.

● Switch the TCS back on after the acceleration.

● Only use the Launch Control Program if the road and traffic conditions allow for it.

WARNING

Never “ride” the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat.

This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the

brake system to fail completely.

NOTICE

● If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by depressing the accelerator

while a position is still selected. The dual clutch gearbox DSG^®could overheat and be damaged.

®

● Never allow the vehicle to roll in neutral positionN, particularly if the engine is switched off. The DSG dual clutch

gearbox will not be lubricated and could be damaged.

NOTICE

Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to brake. This will

increase levels of wear.

Troubleshooting

Fig. 1 Removing the selector mechanism cover.

202

Fig. 2 Releasing the selector lever lock manually.

Engine does not start

The indicator lamp lights up green.

Brake pedal was not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever.

1. To select a position, press the brake pedal.

Lock button stops vehicle driving off

The indicator lamp flashes green.

The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged.

1. Engage the selector lever lock.

Selector lever lock stops vehicle driving off

The indicator lamp flashes green. An information text is additionally displayed.

®

In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.

The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away.

1. Shift the selector lever to positionP or N.

2. Depress the foot brake and then release it again.

Gearbox overheated

The warning lamp lights up red.

An acoustic warning may also be given. A text notification may also be shown on the instrument cluster display.

The DSG^®dual clutch gearbox can become too hot, for example, if the vehicle regularly pulls off from the starting

position, during long periods at “crawling” speed, or in stop-and-go traffic.

1.

Do not drive on!

2. Allow the gearbox to cool down in selector lever positionP.

3. Do not drive on if the warning lamp does not go out.

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4. Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the gearbox.

Indicator lamp is flashing alternately with the selector lever display

The indicator lamp and the symbol showing the position engaged flash alternately, e.g.D.

Fault in the automatic gearbox.

1. Drive to the nearest correspondingly qualified workshop immediately to have the system checked.

Releasing the selector lever lock manually

If the power fails in the vehicle(for example if the 12-volt battery is flat)and the vehicle has to be towed, the selector

lever lock must be released manually. Seek expert assistance.

The manual release mechanism is located under the cover of the gearshift gate.

Removing the cover of the gearshift gate:

1. Apply the handbrake firmly. If the handbrake cannot be applied firmly the vehicle will have to be prevented

from rolling off using other means.

2. Switch off the ignition.

3. Carefully pull the cover upwards in the area around the selector lever gaiter with connected electrical wiring

→ Fig. 1.

4. Pull the cover up and over the selector lever.

Releasing the selector lever lock manually:

1. Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow and hold it there→ Fig. 2.

2. Press the lock button on the selector lever handle and move the selector lever into the neutral positionN.

3. After manual release, carefully press the cover into the centre console while ensuring that the electrical wires

are positioned correctly.

Emergency program

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

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

Vehicle does not move even though position is engaged

If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position incorrectly.

1. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.

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

have the system checked.

WARNING

Never move the selector lever out of positionP if the handbrake is not applied. Otherwise the vehicle could move

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Gearbox for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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