Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking

Fault in the function of the automatic gearbox

In this manual: Starting the engine, changing gear and parking
Vehicle exterior — 4Vehicle interior — 8Instrument cluster — 14Before setting off — 14Opening and closing — 35Sitting correctly and safely — 46Lights and vision — 26Transporting items — 29Practical equipment — 20Starting the engine, changing gear and parking — 34Driver assist systems — 18Air conditioning system — 8At the filling station — 14In the engine compartment — 24Vehicle care and maintenance — 66Practical tips — 2In an emergency — 5Manual opening and closing — 6Vehicle toolkit — 4Hubcaps — 4Changing a wheel — 9Breakdown set — 7Fuses — 4Changing a bulb — 13Starting the engine with jump leads — 4Tow-starting and towing — 7
~2min read
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 in 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 on the instrument cluster display. A signal tone may also be given. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down .

The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position 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.
  • 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.
  • Do not drive on until the signal tone stops. This will prevent damage to the vehicle You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while the gearbox is overheated.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Polo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.