Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 2191

Fig. 1: Locating Transmission Identification Code 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD), FUNCTION 

The automatic transmission is controlled electro-hydraulically. On Board Diagnostic (OBD) or "self-diagnosis" 
is specifically for the electronic/electric control of the transmission. 

FUNCTIONS OF TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE 

The control module receives information from components that effect selection of gears and passes the 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2002-04 AUTOMATIC Diagnosis - New Beetle, 09G

  

information on to solenoid valves that control the valves in the valve body.

In the dynamic shift program the control module adapts itself to the existing driving resistance (e.g. gradients, 
trailer) as well as to the driver`s driving style (e.g. sporty driving style) and selects the corresponding shift 
points. 

The control module is equipped with a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) memory so that in the event of an 
electronic/electrical component failure or on open circuit the DTC can be determined quickly. DTCs are 
recognized by electrical signals and stored in the DTC memory. 

TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAULT RECOGNITION 

The control module detects malfunctions while driving and stores them in the DTC memory DTC table. See 
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) TABLE . This information is also kept when there is no battery 
voltage. 

The control module distinguishes between permanent and sporadic malfunctions. If the malfunction does not 
occur within a predetermined time or distance again, the fault is stored as a sporadic malfunction. 

A malfunction also becomes a sporadic malfunction when the DTC memory has not been erased after a repair. 

DTCs which are stored in the memory as sporadically occurring, will be displayed as "sporadic faults" when 
retrieved by the VAS 5051 tester. "SP" appears on the right of the display in such cases. If the printer is 
switched on, "sporadic faults" are printed out after the fault is addressed. 

If the malfunction does not occur within a predetermined time or distance again the DTC is erased in the 
memory. 

SAFETY FUNCTIONS OF TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE 

If malfunctions occur when driving, the control module can activate functions or emergency running modes. 
These could have effects on the gear function and quality. 

All segments of the selector lever position display in the instrument cluster will light-up when the control 
module is functioning and when the transmission is in emergency running mode. See Fig. 2 . 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2002-04 AUTOMATIC Diagnosis - New Beetle, 09G

  

Fig. 2: Identifying Selector Lever Position Display 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

The selector lever position display will show nothing when the control module is faulty and the transmission is 
in emergency running mode. 

The transmission will remain in emergency running mode; until the fault is no longer recognized by the control 
module over a predetermined period. 

TECHNICAL DATA OF ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2002-04 AUTOMATIC Diagnosis - New Beetle, 09G

  

Fig. 3: Technical Data Of On Board Diagnostic 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

GENERAL NOTES ON REPAIR 

To repair the transmission perfectly and successfully the greatest care and levels of cleanliness must be used. 
The tools must also be in perfect condition. When performing a repair the general safety rules must be kept in 
mind. 

A number of generally applicable instructions for individual repair operations, which are otherwise mentioned 
at various points in the repair manual; are summarized here. 

BATTERY DISCONNECTING & RECONNECTING 

CAUTION: Before beginning repairs on the electrical system: 

z

Obtain anti-theft radio security code.  

z

Switch off all electrical consumers.  

z

Switch ignition off and remove ignition key.  

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2002-04 AUTOMATIC Diagnosis - New Beetle, 09G