I just bought a 1983 Jetta TD with an auto trans.
I assumed that the diesel auto trans was the same as the 3 speed in my 78 rabbit, but it has an extra letter on the shift indicator.
It reads:
P
R
N
E (!)
D
2
1
I assume E stands for economy.
Does this mean it's got an overdrive 4th gear?
it probably just shifts sooner to keep rpms down. I've never heard of a vw having a 4 speed auto back in '83, or even up to and maybe later than '87.
Thanks for the reply jtanguay.
I actually found out what the E-economy mode does after looking at an '83 Rabbit owner's manual today.
Your right it's not a 4th overdrive gear.
The owner's manual states:
"Position E is the same as position D. However the transmission will disengage (shift into neutral) when the accelerator pedal is completely released."
Apparently there is extra linkage on the accelerator pedal that engages the transmission when you depress it. So if you're on a hill, you have to use the brakes or you'll drift backwards while at idle.
thats very interesting... would help the motor mounts while stopped in drive though
the car would rattle quite a bit in D
accually it does stay locked in gear untill it goes into 3rd gear, then thats when it will freewheel. at idle its just like any other auto.