looking at buying a 02 vw passat gls. what is the light to the left of the gear shift? looks like a shoe with a circle around it. It was red when i started the car, then went out. But the same symbol came on green in the center of the Tachometer. Then went out. Didn't want to look through the glove box, owners manual when the owner was standing there. The owner also told me an interested buyer took the car to a garage to check the tranny, but was told the trans on these cars are a sealed system, no maintenance required?? Never heard of that but then couldn't find the AT fluid dipstick to check the fluid level. Ever heard of that?

 

This just indicates that you have to push on the brake before you shift. Nothing to be alarmed about. As far as the transmission it is not totally sealed, however there is no dipstick to check the fluid. You do haave to take this to someone have it checked or changed. Because it is hydraulic fluid it is not the same as ATF and you need to have it at operating temp when you check it and replace the fluid because of the exspantion properties. If you are just getting the car and are even questioning it just go have the fluid and filter changed so you don't waste money on a new transmission and labor if it goes. NOT a easy job to replace. Any ?'s let me know