Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Manual opening and closing

Unlocking the selector lever lock manually

In this manual: Manual opening and closing
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

Fig. 159 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate (left-hand drive) The controls are mirrored in right-hand drive vehicles

Fig. 160 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

If the power fails in the vehicle (for example if the battery has no charge) and the vehicle has to be pushed or towed, the manual release mechanism must be used to move the selector lever to the N position.

The manual release mechanism is located under the cover of the gearshift gate on the right-hand side, as seen from the direction of travel. A screwdriver, or other suitable object, is needed in order to unlock the selector lever lock.

Preparation

  • Apply the handbrake firmly.
  • Switch off the ignition.

Removing the cover of the gearshift gate

  • Pull the cover in the area around the selector lever gaiter upwards in the direction of the arrow .
  • Pull the cover up and over the selector lever .

Unlocking the selector lever lock manually

  • Push the release lever in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
  • Press the lock button on the selector lever and put the selector lever into position N.
Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the handbrake is not firmly applied. Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an incline, which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
NOTICE

The automatic gearbox will become damaged if the vehicle is allowed to roll for a long period of time or at a high speed (for example while being towed) with the selector lever in position N and the engine switched off.

Test yourself

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