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I know this is a really dumb question but in an automatic the 1,2,3 under the drive position - are they for different hill inclines?

Sorry but I usually drive a manual and don't want to wreck my nice used VW automatic car.

Lorraine

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

I am assuming the transmission is nothing out of the ordinary (standard hydraulic four speed).

Here is my best guess as to the gear selection positions and what function they perform:

Will only allow the transmission to select 1st / 2nd and 3rd gears. This can be handy when travelling up or down hills to avoid the transmission constantly changing into 4th gear and then back to 3rd. It can also help reduce normal braking when travelling down hill by retaining 3rd gear which can help slow the car
The transmission will start in 2nd gear. This is helpful in conditions such as snow or ice where a higher gear will help avoid wheel spin on take off
Only 1st gear is selected. Used when the driver is negotiating a very steep descent or similar. A position that would be used very rarely.

You will not do any damage if you try each position out and see or feel what happens. Pick a quite piece of road for the 1 & 2 positions. Select 1 & 2 prior to moving off, rather than selecting once your speed has built up.

For the 3 position, wait until you have reached say 80kph in 'D' and then move the lever back to 3. You should feel the transmission change back to 3rd gear.

The gearlever should have a button to press to allow selection of some or all of these gears.

If I have confused you, call into a VW dealer and ask the question.

If the car is a used import you may wish to contact a company called SPNZ International. They specialise in converting Japanese handbooks to English. Ph 09 825 0773, they may have a manual for your vehicle in stock.