Get Automatic Transmission Guide for Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNING!

CAUTION!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or

NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle

speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,

the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in

reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit

someone or something. Only shift into gear when the

engine is idling normally and when your right foot is

firmly on the brake pedal.

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-

ing precautions are not observed:

•

Place the shift lever into PARK only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

•

Do not move the shift lever from REVERSE,

PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when

the engine is above idle speed.

•

Before moving the shift lever into any gear, make

sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-

lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK

prior to rotating the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-

tion. The key fob can only be removed from the ignition

switch when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position

and once removed the shift lever is locked in PARK.

NOTE: You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down

while shifting out of PARK.

Brake/Transmission Interlock System

This system prevents the key fob from being removed

This system holds the shift lever in the PARK position unless the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents moving

when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. It also the shift lever out of PARK unless the ignition switch is in

prevents you, once the ignition switch is moved to any the ON/RUN position, and the brake pedal is pressed.

other position (ACC, ON, or START) whether the engine

NOTE: If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

is started, from moving the shift lever out of PARK and

key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety

into any gear unless the brake pedal is pressed. Always

feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and

press the brake pedal first before moving the shift lever

stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain

out of PARK.

service.

Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System

For electrical system malfunctions, there is an override

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

for the interlock system. In order to override this system, Under extreme cold temperatures (-10°F (-23°C) and

remove the cover located to the top right of the shift lever when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be briefly

in the instrument panel. The override can be activated by limited to only second gear operation. Normal operation

pressing the white-colored tab, which can be accessed will resume once the transmission temperature has risen

through the hole in the instrument panel. While the to a suitable level.

override is pressed, the shift lever can be moved out of

The electronically controlled transmission provides a

the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal.

precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are

After operation, return the cover to its original position.

self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new by moving the lever—/ + while in the DRIVE position,

vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal the instrument cluster will display transmission gear

condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few selection as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for six-speed transmissions.

hundred miles (kilometers).

Gear Ranges

DO NOT rev the engine when moving the shift lever

from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another gear

range.

PARK

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the

transmission. The engine can be started in this gear.

Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in

motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the

vehicle in this gear.

When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the

PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake.

Shift Lever

The transmission has only PRND shift positions. Down-

shifts are carried out by an Electronic Range Select (ERS)

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking

WARNING! (Continued)

brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise

•

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,

you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is

running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should

always shift the shift lever into PARK, remove the

key from the ignition, and apply the parking

brake. Once the key fob is removed from the

ignition switch, the shift lever is locked in the

PARK position, securing the vehicle against un-

wanted movement. Furthermore, you should never

leave unattended children or pets inside a vehicle.

the load on the transmission locking mechanism may

make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As

an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the

curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an

uphill grade.

WARNING!

•

Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

the parking brake. Always apply parking brake

fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-

ment and possible injury or damage.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that

you have engaged the shift lever into the PARK position:

(Continued)

•

When moving the shift lever into PARK, press the

button on the shift lever and firmly move the lever all

the way forward until it stops.

•

Look at the shift indicator window on the console to NEUTRAL

ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.

This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-

longed periods with engine running. Engine may be

started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must

leave the vehicle.

When engaged in PARK, you will not be able to move

the shift lever rearward without pressing the shift

lever button.

WARNING!

CAUTION!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the

ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe

practices that limit your response to changing traffic

or road conditions. You might lose control of the

vehicle and have an accident.

Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must

turn the ignition switch from OFF to ON so the

steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-

wise, damage to the steering column or shift lever

could result.

DRIVE — Six-Speed Transmission

REVERSE

This range should be used for most city and highway

driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,

and best fuel economy. However, use the Electronic

Range Select (ERS) mode by moving the lever — / + and

select the “5” range when frequent transmission shifting

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into

REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete

stop.

occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as when selection of the desired top gear. For example, if the

operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, driver shifts the transmission into third gear, the trans-

(i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or mission will never shift above third gear, but can shift

while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions, down into second or first gear automatically, when

using the “5” range will improve performance and needed.

extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting

Switching from ERS to D-Mode (Drive) can be done at

and heat build-up.

any vehicle speed. To shift from “Drive” mode to “ERS”

mode, move the shift lever to the left (-) once. The current

gear will be maintained as the top gear. To disable ERS,

CAUTION!

simply press and hold the shift lever to the right (+) until

“D” is displayed in the instrument cluster odometer.

If the transmission operating temperature exceeds

acceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override

DRIVE and select “5” range (on six-speed transmis-

sions) by changing shift points. This is done to

prevent transmission damage due to overheating.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a

slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their

grip and the vehicle could skid causing an accident or

personal injury.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation

The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows

you to move the shift lever to the left (-) or right (+) when

the shift lever is in the D (Drive) position, this allows the

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission

can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the

following steps:

Odometer Screen

Display

Actual Gear(s) Al-

lowed (Six-Speed

Transmission)

1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift into PARK.

NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the

shift lever to the left (-). The transmission will shift to the

range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

4. Restart the engine.

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission

5. Shift into the desired gear range and resume driving.

The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-

mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause

damage, the transmission automatically shifts into sec-

ond gear (third gear for six-speed transmission). The

transmission remains in second gear (third gear for

six-speed transmission) despite the forward gear se-

lected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to

operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven

to an authorized dealer for service without damaging the

transmission.

NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, it is

recommended that you visit an authorized dealer at your

earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has

diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could

recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer

service is required.

Automatic Transmission for Your Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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