Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Automatic gearbox: selecting a gear

Fig. 136 Left-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for automatic gearbox with lock button (arrow)

Fig. 137 Right-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for automatic gearbox with lock button (arrow)

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

The selector lever is equipped with a selector lever lock. When changing the selector lever position from P to a driving gear, switch on the ignition, depress the brake pedal and push the lock button in the selector lever in the direction of the arrow   or  . To move the selector lever out of position N to position D or R, first depress and hold the brake pedal.

The current selector lever position or the selected gear will be shown in the instrument cluster display if the ignition is switched on.

Selector lever position	Designation	Meaning
	Parking lock	The drive wheels are locked mechanically. May only be selected when the vehicle is stationary. To disengage this selector lever position, depress the brake pedal and also switch on the ignition.
	Reverse gear	Reverse gear is selected. May only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
	Neutral	The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted to the wheels and the braking effect of the engine is not available.
	Standard driving position (normal programme)	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.
	Standard driving position (sport programme)	The forward gears are automatically changed up and down at higher engine speeds than in selector lever position D. This uses the full power available from the engine. However, the system will not switch to the highest forwards gear.
		The timing of the gear shift is determined by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
	Changing gear selection	The change between positions D and S is carried out by tapping the selector lever once to the rear out of gear position D/S   or  . The selector lever will always fall back into gear position D/S.
		Using this function it is possible to access the Tiptronic option from both the Sport programme S and from the Normal programme D   .

Selector lever lock

The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.

To release the selector lever lock with the ignition switched on, depress and hold the brake pedal. Press the lock button in the selector lever at the same time.

The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for instance, to rock the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the lever is in position N for more than approximately 1 second and the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox DSG^®. The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away. The green indicator lamp flashes and an information message is also displayed. Use the following procedure to engage the selector lever lock:

• 6-speed gearbox: depress the foot brake and then release it again.

• 7-speed gearbox: move the selector lever to position P or N and then select a driving gear.

WARNING

Engaging an incorrect selector lever position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

• Never depress the accelerator pedal when selecting a position.

• When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a gear is engaged and the brake pedal is released.

• Never select reverse gear or engage the parking lock while the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING

Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.

• The driver must never leave the driver seat when the engine is running and a position has been selected. If you have to leave the vehicle while the engine is running, always switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P.

• If the engine is running and the selector lever is in position D, S or R, the vehicle must be held on the foot brake. The vehicle will creep forwards as the power transmission is not fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.

• Never select positions R or P when the vehicle is in motion.

• Never leave the vehicle in driving mode N. The vehicle will roll downhill irrespective of whether or not the engine is running.

NOTICE

If the electronic parking brake is not switched on when the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is released when the selector lever is in position P, the vehicle may move a few centimetres forwards or backwards.

If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the accelerator. Wait for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.

Questions & answers

Automatic gearbox: selecting a gear — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

What are the Golf Mk7 DSG selector lever positions?

P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive) and S (sport). Some models add a Tiptronic gate to the side for manual shifting. A lock button on the lever prevents accidental selection of P or R.

How do I select reverse on the Golf Mk7 DSG?

With the car stationary and the brake pedal pressed, press the lock button on the selector lever and move it to R. The instrument cluster confirms the selection.

What is the difference between D and S on the Golf Mk7 DSG?

D shifts up early for economy. S holds each gear longer, revving higher before shifting, for a sportier driving feel and quicker acceleration.

Can I accidentally select Park or Reverse while driving the Golf Mk7 DSG?

No. A lock button on the selector prevents accidental selection of P or R. You must press it deliberately before moving the lever into those positions.

What does the Golf Mk7 DSG do if I select N while moving?

The engine disconnects from the wheels and the car coasts. The manual advises against this — coasting in N provides no engine braking and no engine-driven power steering assistance at low speeds.