Table of contents: Automatic Transmission Operating… ↓ Selector lever positions ↓ Selector lever lock ↓ Kick-down device ↓ Dynamic Shift Program (DPS) ↓ Tiptronic mode ↓ Emergency program ↓ Tiptronic steering wheel ↓ Multitronic® chain variator ↓ Operating instructions ↓ Selector lever positions ↓ Selector lever lock ↓ Kick-down device ↓ Dynamic Regulation Program (DRP) ↓ Tiptronic mode ↓ Emergency program ↓ Tiptronic steering wheel ↓
The car is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission with electronic control. Switching to higher and lower gears is carried out automatically.
For reasons of fuel consumption and environmental protection, on some modifications the transmission is designed so that the maximum speed of the car is achieved only in the "S" position.
The gearbox is also equipped with the tiptronic system. This system gives the driver the option of manual shifting, if desired.
Automatic Transmission Operating Instructions
Shifting to higher and lower forward gears is carried out automatically.
Detail of the central console: selector lever with lock button
Moving off
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. While holding down the lock button (on the selector lever), move the selector lever to the desired position, for example, position "D", and release the lock button.
3. Wait until the automatic system switches on, creating a power connection between the gearbox and the drive wheels (at the moment of switching on, a slight jolt is felt).
4. Release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal.
Short stops
1. Hold the car with the brake pedal, for example at traffic lights.
2. Do not press the accelerator pedal.
Parking
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Fully apply the handbrake.
3. While holding down the lock button, move the selector lever to the "P" position and release the lock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position "P" or "N", see. Features of operation and auxiliary systems.
When parking on a level surface, it is sufficient to set the selector lever to the "P" position. If the road is sloping, first tighten the handbrake all the way and only then move the selector lever to the "P" position. This reduces the load on the locking mechanism and makes it easier to move the selector lever from the "P" position.
Selector lever positions
This section provides a description of all selector lever positions.
Display: selector lever positions
A dedicated indication of the actual position of the selector lever is displayed on the instrument panel display.
P - parking lock
In this position the drive wheels are mechanically locked. This position should only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
To set the selector lever to the "P" position and to move it out of this position, press the lock button (on the selector lever) and, at the same time, the brake pedal.
R - reverse gear
When the selector lever is set to this position, reverse gear is engaged.
Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling.
To set the selector lever to the "K" position, press the locking button and the brake pedal at the same time. When the ignition is on and the selector lever is in the "R" position, the reversing lights are on.
N - neutral position (idle position)
This position is the idle position.
D - basic position when moving forward
In this position, shifting to higher and lower forward gears is carried out automatically, depending on engine load, speed and the dynamic shift program (DPS).
To move the selector lever from the "R" position to the "D" position at a speed of less than 5 km/h or when the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal.
Under certain circumstances, (for example, when driving in the mountains or with a trailer) it may be preferable to temporarily switch to the manual shift program, see below.
S - sport position
Set the selector lever to the "S" position when driving in sport mode. Later upshifts allow the engine's power reserves to be fully utilized.
To move the selector lever from the "N" position to the "S" position at a speed of less than 5 km/h or when the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal
Warning: If the selector lever is inadvertently moved to the "N" position while driving, release the accelerator and wait until the engine speed drops to idle before returning to "D" or "S".
For reasons of fuel consumption and environmental protection, on some modifications the transmission is designed so that the maximum speed of the car is achieved only in the "S" position
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents the inadvertent engagement of the driving range and thus the spontaneous movement of the vehicle from a standstill.
To cancel the lock, proceed as follows: 1. Turn on the ignition.
2. Press the brake pedal and hold down the lock button at the same time.
Automatic selector lever lock 
When the ignition is on, the selector lever is locked in the "P" and "N" positions. To move it from these positions, press the brake pedal. As a reminder to the driver, when the selector lever is in the "P" and "N" positions, the following indication appears on the display:
Beim Einlegen einer Fahrstufe im Stand Fussbremse betatigen (when selecting the stationary vehicle driving mode, press the brake pedal).
In addition, a symbol lights up on the selector lever linkage
automatic selector lever lock.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up to 5 km/h. At speeds of approximately 5 km/h and above, the selector lever lock is automatically released when in the "N" position.
When the selector lever is quickly (without pauses) moved through the "N" position (for example, from the "R" position to the "D" position), the selector lever is not locked. This allows, for example, the "rocking" movement of a stuck car. If the selector lever is in the "N" position for more than 1 second with the brake pedal released, it is locked.
Lock button
The selector lever lock button prevents the selector lever from being moved to certain positions unintentionally. When this button is pressed, the selector lever is unlocked.
Locking the key in the ignition switch
After turning off the ignition, the key can only be removed from the lock when the selector lever is in position "P" (parking lock).
After removing the key from the lock, the lever is locked in the "P" position.
Kick-down device
The Kick-down device allows for maximum acceleration.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed sharply and the resistance point is crossed, the automatic system switches to a lower gear depending on the revolutions and speed. Switching to the next higher gear occurs immediately after reaching the maximum engine revolutions corresponding to the given gear.
Dynamic Shift Program (DPS)
The automatic transmission is controlled electronically.
The automatic transmission is controlled electronically. Switching to higher and lower gears is carried out according to the driving programs stored in the memory.
With a restrained driving style, the automatic system selects an economical shift program.
With a spirited driving style with sharp accelerations and frequent speed changes, using maximum speed or after sharply pressing the accelerator pedal (Kick-down), the automatic system operates in the range of sports programs. Late switching to higher gears allows the engine power reserve to be fully utilized. Switching to lower gears is carried out at higher engine speeds.
Selecting the optimal driving program for specific conditions is a continuous process. However, regardless of this, you can switch to a more sporty program by pressing the accelerator pedal sharply. In this case, the gearbox switches to a lower level corresponding to the actual speed of movement, providing the possibility of dynamic acceleration (for example, when overtaking) without the need to press the accelerator pedal sharply to the stop. After switching back to a higher stage and with the appropriate driving mode, operation is restored according to the original program.
The mountain program controls the gear selection on uphill and downhill gradients. This eliminates the need to shift gears when driving uphill. Pressing the brake pedal when driving downhill shifts down to a lower gear. This allows engine braking without having to shift manually.
Tiptronic mode
The Tiptronic system also gives the driver the option of manual gear shifting.
Center console: manual shift position (tiptronic)
Display: Manual shift indication
Switching to manual mode
Move the selector lever from position "D" to the right. When manual mode is engaged, the display shows 5 4 3 2 1 with the currently engaged gear highlighted.
Shifting into higher gears
When moving the selector lever forward (in Tiptronic position) shifting to higher gears occurs.
Downshifting
When moving the selector lever back (to Tiptronic position) downshifting occurs (-).
You can switch to manual mode both while driving and while parked.
When accelerating in gears 1, 2, 3 and 4, the gearbox will automatically switch to the next higher gear shortly after reaching maximum engine speed.
When shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear, automatic shifting is only possible when it becomes impossible to exceed the engine speed specified for the given conditions.
When the Kick-down device is in operation, the transmission switches to a follow-up lower gear depending on the speed and engine speed
Emergency program
In case of a system failure, the automation switches to the emergency program.
If the system malfunctions, the automation switches to the emergency program. This is indicated by all segments of the indicator panel lighting up or going out at once.
The selector lever can be moved to all positions. However, in the "D" and "S" positions, the 4th gear will be engaged.
It is also possible to engage reverse gear "R". However, the electronic reverse gear lock is disabled when operating in emergency mode.
In emergency mode, the manual shift program (Tiptronic) is deactivated.
If the gearbox switches to emergency mode, contact a service station for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Tiptronic steering wheel
The buttons located on the steering wheel also give the driver the option of manual gear shifting.
Steering wheel: buttons (Tiptronic)
Shifting into higher gears
1. Press the top side of one of the keys (+)
Downshifting
1. Press the bottom side of one of the keys (-)
The gearshift buttons are in working mode when the selector lever is in position "D", "S" or in the manual shift program (Tiptronic). When the manual shift program is engaged, the buttons on the steering wheel are illuminated.
Of course, manual gear shifting is also possible using the selector lever on the centre console.
Multitronic® chain variator
The models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission with electronic control (Multitronic® V-chain variator). Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the gear ratio is changed continuously rather than stepwise. This helps, among other things, to optimize traction comfort and ensures optimal fuel consumption.
Selecting the appropriate transmission ratio (switching to higher and lower ranges of motion) is carried out fully automatically, according to the driving programs stored in the memory, see below, "Dynamic Regulation Program (DRP)".
The gearbox is also equipped with the Tiptronic system. This system gives the driver, if desired, the ability to manually switch ranges, see below.
Operating instructions
In a vehicle with a Multitronic transmission, the connection between the engine and the drive wheels, unlike in a conventional automatic transmission, is carried out via a multi-plate clutch and not via a torque converter. As a result, the vehicle is slightly less susceptible to spontaneous movement during short stops with the engine idling and the selector lever set to position "D", "S" or "R". This should be remembered especially on slopes/ascents, if you have previously driven a vehicle with a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter and are not yet familiar with this feature of the CVT, see the "Operating instructions for a vehicle with Multitronic®".
Detail of the central console: selector lever with lock button
Moving off
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. While holding down the lock button (on the selector lever), place the selector lever in position "D" and release the lock button.
3. Wait until the automatic system switches on, creating a power connection between the gearbox and the drive wheels (at the moment of switching on, a slight jolt is felt).
4. Release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal.
Short stops
1. Stop the car with the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal (for example, at traffic lights) in such a way as to prevent the car from moving forward or backward on its own when idling.
3. Do not press the accelerator pedal.
4. To start off on an incline, to avoid the car moving on its own, tighten the handbrake.
Parking
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Fully apply the handbrake.
3. While holding down the lock button, move the selector lever to the "P" position and release the lock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position "P" or "N", see. Features of operation and auxiliary systems.
When parking on a level surface, it is sufficient to set the selector lever to the "P" position. If the road is significantly sloping, first fully tighten the handbrake and only then move the selector lever to the "P" position. This reduces the load on the locking mechanism and makes it easier to move the selector lever out of the "P" position.
Selector lever positions
Display: selector lever positions
A dedicated indication of the actual position of the selector lever is displayed on the instrument panel display.
P - parking lock
In this position, the drive wheels are mechanically locked. Only engage this position when the vehicle is stationary.
To set the selector lever to the "P" position and to move it from this position, press the locking button (on the selector lever) and the brake pedal at the same time.
K - reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged, the transmission automatically selects the lowest gear ratio.
Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling.
To set the selector lever to the "R" position, press the lock button and the brake pedal at the same time. When the ignition is on and the selector lever is in the "R" position, the reversing lights are on.
N - neutral position (idle position)
This position is the idle position.
D - basic position when moving forward
In this position, the transmission automatically selects the optimum gear ratio. The gear ratio depends on the engine load, speed and the dynamic control program (DRP).
To move the selector lever from the "N" position to the "D" position at a speed of less than 5 km/h or when the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal.
To enable/accurately match the gear ratio to driving conditions, under certain circumstances, (for example, when driving in the mountains or with a trailer) it may be preferable to temporarily switch to Tiptronic mode, see below.
S - sport position
Set the selector lever to the "S" position when driving in sport mode. This mode allows you to fully utilize the engine's power reserves.
To move the selector lever from the "N" position to the "S" position at a speed of less than 5 km/h or when the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal.
Warning: If the selector lever is inadvertently moved to the "N" position while driving, release the accelerator and wait until the engine speed drops to idle before returning to "D" or "S".
For reasons of fuel consumption and environmental protection, on some modifications the transmission is designed so that the maximum speed of the car is achieved only in the "S" position.
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents the inadvertent engagement of the driving range and thus the spontaneous movement of the vehicle from a standstill.
Center console: manual shift position (tiptronic)
The blocking can be removed as follows:
1. Turn on the ignition.
2. Press the brake pedal and hold down the lock button at the same time.
Automatic selector lever lock 
When the ignition is on, the selector lever is locked in the "P" and "N" positions. To move it from these positions, press the brake pedal. As a reminder to the driver, when the selector lever is in the "P" and "N" positions, the following indication appears on the instrument panel display:
Beim Einlegen einer Fahrstufe im Stand Fussbremse betatigen (when selecting the stationary vehicle driving mode, press the brake pedal).
In addition, the automatic selector lever lock symbol lights up on the selector lever linkage.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up to 5 km/h. At speeds of approximately 5 km/h and above, the selector lever lock is automatically released when in the "N" position.
When the selector lever is quickly (without pauses) moved through the "N" position (for example, from the "R" position to the "D" position), the selector lever is not locked. This allows, for example, the "rocking" movement of a stuck car. If the selector lever is in the "N" position for more than 1 second with the brake pedal released, it is locked.
Lock button
The selector lever lock button prevents the selector lever from being moved to certain positions unintentionally. When this button is pressed, the selector lever is unlocked.
Locking the key in the ignition switch
After turning off the ignition, the key can only be removed from the lock when the selector lever is in position "P" (parking lock). After removing the key from the lock, the lever is locked in the "P" position.
Kick-down device
The Kick-down device allows for maximum acceleration.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed sharply and the resistance point is crossed, the automatic system switches to a lower range depending on the revolutions and speed. Switching to the next higher range occurs immediately upon reaching the maximum engine revolutions corresponding to the given range.
Dynamic Regulation Program (DRP)
The Multitronic® transmission is controlled electronically.
The transmission is controlled electronically. Switching to higher and lower ranges is carried out according to the driving programs stored in the memory.
With a restrained driving style, the automatic system selects an economical shift program.
With a spirited driving style with sharp acceleration and frequent speed changes, using maximum speed or after sharply pressing the accelerator pedal (Kick-down), the transmission switches to a sportier program range.
Selecting the optimal driving program for specific conditions is a continuous process. However, regardless of this, it is possible to switch to a more sporty program by pressing the accelerator pedal sharply. This engages a lower gear ratio of the transmission, corresponding to the actual speed of movement, providing the possibility of dynamic acceleration (for example, when overtaking) without the need to press the accelerator pedal sharply to the stop. When subsequently switching to a higher range and the corresponding driving mode, operation according to the original program is restored.
When driving on mountain roads, the gear ratio is continuously adjusted to the climbing characteristic. When driving downhill, pressing the brake pedal automatically switches the transmission to a lower range. As a result, the engine braking efficiency is increased.
If the cruise control* is engaged when driving on mountain roads, the transmission automatically selects a lower gear ratio to maintain the set speed. However, this leads to an increase in engine speed.
Tiptronic mode
The manual shift program (Tiptronic) gives the driver the option of manually engaging six programmed gear ratios (ranges of motion).
Display: manual shift indicator (tiptronic)
Switching to manual mode
1. Press the selector lever from position "D" to the right. When manual mode is engaged, the display shows "6 5 4 3 2 1" with the currently enabled range of motion highlighted.
Switching to higher ranges
When moving the selector lever forward (in tiptronic position) switching to higher ranges (+) occurs.
Switching to lower ranges
When moving the selector lever back (in Tiptronic position) switching to lower ranges (-) occurs.
The manual shift program allows manual engagement of six programmed gear ratios (ranges of motion). You can switch to manual mode both while parked and while driving from position "D".
When accelerating in ranges 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the transmission will automatically shift to the next higher range shortly before reaching maximum engine speed.
When switching from a high range to a low range, the automatic transmission will switch only after it becomes impossible to increase the engine speed in a variable manner.
When the speed of movement drops (for example, when braking) and at minimum engine speed, the transmission will automatically switch to the next lower range.
Shifting down to lower ranges when driving downhill improves engine braking efficiency.
When the Kick-down device is operating, the transmission shifts to the next lower range depending on the speed and engine speed.
Emergency program
In case of a system failure, the automation switches to the emergency program.
If the system malfunctions, the automatic system switches to the emergency program. This is indicated by the lighting of all segments on the indicator panel at once.
Reverse indication
If the indicator glows negatively, you can continue driving. However, you should contact a service station to have the Multitronic® system checked.
Flashing indication
A flashing indicator indicates a serious system malfunction. In this case, carefully drive to a service station to fix the malfunction.
Tiptronic steering wheel
Gear ratios (ranges of motion) can be switched using the steering wheel buttons.
Steering wheel: keys
Switching to higher ranges
1. Press the top side of one of the keys.
Switching to lower ranges
1. Press the bottom side of one of the keys.
The range selector buttons on the steering wheel are in working mode when the selector lever is set to position "D", "S" or to the manual shift program (Tiptronic). Of course, manual range selection is also possible with the selector lever on the center console.
This article was previously published on the resource AUDIMANUAL.RU