What does the 'P' signal on a Passat mean?
2 Answers
The 'P' with a signal on the car is the reverse radar switch. The full name of the reverse radar is 'Reverse Anti-Collision Radar,' also known as the 'Parking Assistance Device.' It is a safety auxiliary device used when parking or reversing the car. Introduction to Reverse Radar: The reverse radar is a safety auxiliary device used when parking or reversing the car. It can inform the driver about surrounding obstacles through sound or more intuitive displays, eliminating the hassle of checking all around when parking, reversing, or starting the vehicle. It also helps the driver overcome blind spots and unclear vision. How Reverse Radar Works: When reversing, the reverse radar uses ultrasonic principles. The sensor installed on the rear bumper emits ultrasonic waves that reflect off obstacles. The system then calculates the actual distance between the car and the obstacle and provides feedback to the driver, making parking or reversing easier and safer.
The P signal on the Passat's dashboard is actually the parking gear indicator. When you shift the gear lever to the P position, this indicator lights up, meaning the transmission gears are completely locked to prevent the vehicle from moving accidentally. Drivers of automatic transmission vehicles know this feature is particularly useful—especially when parking on slopes, as it forms a dual safety mechanism when used with the electronic parking brake. Once when I was driving in a mountainous city, I forgot to shift to P when parking on a steep slope, and the car almost rolled back—luckily, the electronic parking brake intervened in time. There's another detail in Volkswagen's system: if the engine is started without shifting to P, the dashboard will continuously sound an alarm as a reminder. It's recommended to shift to P when parking for more than 30 seconds, as it's crucial for protecting the transmission gears. Always remember to press the brake when shifting gears to avoid impact damage to the transmission.
