While driving

Automatic transmission malfunction

~1min read
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject

Emergency shift program

If all selector lever position indicators in the instrument cluster display are highlighted against a bright background, there is a system malfunction. The automatic transmission will then operate in the emergency shift program. The emergency shift program lets you drive the vehicle, but at a reduced speed and without being able to use all of the forward gears.

In any event, have the automatic transmission checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

  • As soon as you get any of these warnings about transmission overheating, you must either park the vehicle in a safe place or drive faster than 20 km/h.
  • If the text message and acoustic warning repeat themselves every 10 seconds or so, you must park the vehicle in a safe place as soon as you can safely do so and stop the engine. Let the transmission cool down.
  • To help prevent damage to the transmission, do not drive the vehicle again until the acoustic warning has stopped. As long as the engine is overheated, avoid stop and start driving and avoid low speeds (walking pace).

Test yourself

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