Get Driving -> Automatic gearbox Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Nineth Generation (2023-2025)

The selected position is shown in the instrument cluster display and on the driving mode selector when the ignition is switched on.

Selecting a position

On the right of the steering column: driving mode selector of

the automatic gearbox.

1

2

Button for the parking lock.

Driving mode selector.

To change from neutral position to a gear position, carry out the following:

1. Start the engine.

2. Depress the brake pedal.

3. Turn the driving mode selector in the desired direction → Fig. 1 2 .

Changing position

The gear shift pattern is shown on the instrument cluster display when the brake is pressed or a gear selector position is selected.

To select the next position, turn the driving mode selector forward or back to the first pressure point. The driving mode selector returns

to its initial position.

To skip a position, turn the driving mode selector beyond the pressure point in the desired direction. The driving mode selector returns

to its initial position. In this way, it is possible to shift directly from position to position , for example. The position is skipped in this

case.

Description of positions

The drive wheels are blocked. Select only when the vehicle is stationary.

To engage the parking lock, press the button → Fig. 1 1 .

If the engine is switched off in the position

or , or if incorrect exiting of the vehicle is detected, the gearbox automatically

engages the position and the vehicle is secured to prevent it from rolling away.

Reverse gear is selected. Select only when the vehicle is stationary.

The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted to the wheels and the braking effect of the engine is not available.

The roll-away protection and the parking lock are activated if the engine is switched off in gear selector position or if incorrect

exiting of the vehicle is detected. The roll-away protection must be deactivated if the vehicle should remain capable of rolling .

Position : Normal mode.

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.

Position : Sport mode

The forward gears are automatically shifted up later and down earlier than in selector lever position . This exploits the engine’s

full power reserves. The timing of the gear shift is determined by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of

the vehicle.

To change between positions and , turn the driving mode selector forwards.

The driving mode selector will always move back to the centre position.

WARNING

The vehicle will start moving if the brake pedal is released when the engine is running and position

to unintentional vehicle movements and cause accidents and serious injuries.

or is engaged. This can lead

● Hold the vehicle by the foot brake if the engine is running and the position

or is engaged.

● The driver must never leave the driver seat when the engine is running and a position has been selected.

● Always engage the electronic parking brake and engage the parking lock on the driving mode selector if you have to leave the

vehicle with the engine running.

WARNING

Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and lead to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

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

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

WARNING

If you leave the vehicle on uphill gradients in neutral position , the vehicle will roll downhill even if the engine is switched on. This

can result in accidents and severe injuries.

● Never leave the vehicle in the neutral position .

NOTICE

If the electronic parking brake is not switched on when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is released when the parking lock

is engaged, the vehicle may move a few centimetres forwards or backwards. This can result in damage to the vehicle.

● Always switch on the electronic parking brake first before releasing the brake pedal.

If you accidentally shift to when driving, take your foot off the accelerator and wait for the engine to reach idling speed in

neutral position. Select a position only after this.

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

It is possible to change to Tiptronic mode from positions and by pulling a paddle → Fig. 1.

Tiptronic mode is activated temporarily from position .

Tiptronic mode is activated continuously from position .

The gear that is currently selected will be maintained when the Tiptronic mode is selected. This applies until the system automatically

performs a gear change when the limit engine speed is reached.

As soon as the gearbox has switched to Tiptronic mode, this will be shown on the instrument cluster display with .

If the engine is switched off while the gearbox is in Tiptronic mode, the gearbox will activate the parking lock . The vehicle is then

secured against rolling away.

Operating Tiptronic with the paddles

Behind the steering wheel: paddles for Tiptronic.

—To shift up, pull the right paddle towards the steering wheel → Fig. 1.

—To shift down, pull the left paddle towards the steering wheel → Fig. 1.

—To select the lowest gear, pull the left paddle towards the steering wheel and hold.

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.

Leaving Tiptronic mode

1. Automatically after around 8 seconds if Tiptronic mode was activated from gear selector position.

: pull the right paddle towards the steering wheel for around 3 seconds and then release again.

: engage the position.

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 .

1. Reduce your speed.

2. Shift the gearbox to Tiptronic mode.

3. Shift down using the paddles on the steering wheel.

Stopping and pulling away on uphill gradients

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

If you wish to stop the vehicle or pull away when driving uphill you should use the Auto Hold function.

Coasting

In order to save fuel by adopting an anticipatory driving style, the momentum of the vehicle is used when coasting. The engine no

longer brakes the vehicle and the vehicle can roll for a longer distance.

Vehicles with combustion engine: The function is available only in the driving profile Eco when the accelerator is not pressed and at

speeds of about 7 to 130 km/h (about 4 to 80 mph).

If you depress the brake when the vehicle is coasting to a stop below a speed of about 22 km/h (about 14 mph), the engine can switch

off and remain switched off until the vehicle is stationary. An automatic engine start may take place in order to ensure reliable engine

restarting and to guarantee the power supply of the vehicle electrical system.

Vehicles with mild hybrid system: The function is available only in the driving profiles Eco and Comfort when the accelerator is not

pressed and at speeds of about 7 to 160 km/h (about 4 to 99 mph).

If you depress the brake when the vehicle is coasting to a stop below a speed of about 40 km/h (about 25 mph), the engine remains

switched off until the vehicle is stationary. An automatic engine start may take place in order to ensure reliable engine restarting and

to guarantee the power supply of the vehicle electrical system.

If you depress the brake when the vehicle is coasting to a stop above a speed of around 40 km/h (around 25 mph), coasting will be

interrupted and the engine started.

When coming to a stop without braking, the engine restarts automatically at “creeping speed”.

Initiating and cancelling coasting

Initiating coasting:

1. Select Eco driving profile.

On vehicles with mild hybrid system: Select Comfort driving profile.

2. Remove foot from accelerator. The engine will be disengaged and run at idling speed. The vehicle rolls without the braking effect

of the engine.

The engine may additionally switch off on vehicles with mild hybrid system.

Cancelling coasting:

1. Press the accelerator.

pull paddle towards the steering wheel.

Setting the energy recovery level on vehicles with a mild hybrid system

On vehicles with a mild hybrid system, the brake energy recuperation of the eco-coasting function can be set in two stages in the

Infotainment system.

The following settings can be selected:

—Automatic: use of brake energy recuperation to decelerate the vehicle depending on the driving situation and environmental

conditions.

—Low: maximum utilisation of coasting within system limits.

1. Open the vehicle settings in the Infotainment system (→ Vehicle settings menu).

2. Open the Vehicle menu.

3. Open the Interior menu.

4. Open the Hybrid system submenu.

5. Select setting.

Kickdown function

The kickdown function enables maximum acceleration in the and positions or in Tiptronic mode.

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

speed. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration →

.

With the kickdown function, the gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches the maximum engine speed for the

current gear.

When Eco driving profile is selected and the accelerator is depressed beyond the pressure point, the engine output is automatically

regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.

Launch Control Program

The Launch Control Program gives the vehicle maximum acceleration from a standing start.

1. To start the Launch Control Program, tap ASR Off on the Infotainment system.

tap ESC Off.

activate ESC Sport by tapping this mode.

2. Depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.

3. Select position.

activate Tiptronic mode.

4. Press the accelerator with your right foot until an engine speed of approximately 2,000 to 4,000 rpm is held automatically.

Depending on the vehicle model, a text message on the instrument cluster display indicates that the Launch Control Program has

been activated.

5. To start the vehicle with maximum acceleration, take your left foot off the brake →

.

6. After acceleration, switch TCS, ESC back on again or switch off ESC Sport.

The Launch Control Program is available only if the gearbox has been “driven warm” and the steering wheel is in “straight-

ahead position”.

WARNING

Fast acceleration or switching off TCS or ESC or activation of ESC Sport can lead to a loss of traction and skidding. On slippery roads

in particular, e.g. in wet or icy conditions or on dirty road surfaces, this can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, accidents and

serious or fatal injuries.

● Always adapt your driving style to the traffic.

● Use the kickdown function, the Launch Control Program or fast acceleration only if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions

permit, and other road users are not put at risk due to the vehicle acceleration and the driving style.

● After acceleration, switch TCS or ESC back on again, or switch ESC Sport off again.

WARNING

Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the braking effect, increase the braking distance

and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely. This can result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

● Never “ride” the brake pedal or press the brake pedal too often and for too long.

NOTICE

The gearbox is not lubricated if the vehicle rolls with the engine switched off. The automatic gearbox could overheat and be

damaged.

● If the vehicle is stopped on an uphill gradient with an engaged position, do not hold it by pressing the accelerator but by braking.

● Never allow the vehicle to roll in gear selector position , particularly if the engine is switched off.

NOTICE

Vehicles with Launch Control Program: accelerating with the Launch Control Program places heavy strain on all vehicle components.

This can lead to higher wear.

● Use the function only when the vehicle is at operating temperature.

NOTICE

If the brake pads “rub” due to light pressure on the brake pedal, this will increase wear.

● If you do not really need to brake, never allow the brakes to “rub” with light pedal pressure.

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 driving mode selector.

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

Gearbox in emergency mode

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

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

There is a fault in the system and the automatic gearbox is operating in an emergency mode. It is not possible to engage reverse gear

in some cases.

1. Go to a suitably qualified workshop immediately. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Danger of rolling away! not possible

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

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

There is a fault in the system and the parking lock cannot be engaged.

1. When the vehicle is parked, check whether the electronic parking brake is switched on.

2. Seek expert assistance.

Driving mode selector fault

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

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

There is a fault in the driving mode selector.

1. Go to a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Gearbox overheated

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

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

The automatic gearbox can become too hot as a result of moving off frequently on uphill gradients, for example.

1. Stop at the next opportunity and allow the gearbox to cool down with engaged parking lock and running engine →

2. If the indicator lamp does not go out, switch on the electronic parking brake and leave the vehicle standing.

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

.

Gearbox malfunction

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

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

There is a fault in the gearbox.

1. Go to a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Gearbox faulty

The warning lamp lights up red.

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

There is a serious fault in the gearbox.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

2. Engage the parking lock.

switch on the electronic parking brake.

3. Seek expert assistance.

Gearbox overheated

The warning lamp lights up red.

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

The automatic gearbox can become too hot as a result of moving off frequently on uphill gradients, for example.

1. Allow the gearbox to cool down with engaged parking lock and running engine →

.

2. If the indicator lamp does not go out, switch on the electronic parking brake and leave the vehicle standing.

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

Manual release of the parking lock

If the power fails in the vehicle, e.g. due to a flat 12-volt vehicle battery, and the vehicle has to be pushed or towed, the driving mode

selector must be released manually.

1. Seek expert assistance.

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

If the parking lock is released and the electronic parking brake is switched off, the vehicle can start moving unexpectedly when on

uphill and downhill gradients. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

● Never release the parking lock when the electronic parking brake is switched off.

NOTICE

If the vehicle rolls for an extended period or at high speed with the engine switched off and in gear selector position , the automatic

gearbox will be damaged.

● Do not allow the vehicle to roll for an extended period or at high speed with the engine switched off and in gear selector position ,

e.g. when being towed.

NOTICE

If the gearbox becomes too hot or overheats, this can lead to increased wear or damage to the component.

● Avoid moving-off operations and driving at walking pace as long as the gearbox is overheated.

● Drive faster than around 20 km/h (around 12 mph) or park the vehicle in a safe place immediately when a warning is displayed for

the first time indicating that the gearbox has overheated.

● Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and switch off the engine if the text message and acoustic warning are repeated

around every 10 seconds.

● Allow the gearbox to cool down.

● Continue driving only when the acoustic warning is no longer emitted.

Brake support systems can stabilise the vehicle in critical driving or braking situations and help to increase driving safety. The driver is

responsible for driving safety →

.

—Continue to brake with the necessary force when a brake support system is performing a control intervention.

Driving -> Automatic gearbox for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Nineth Generation (2023-2025)

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