im planning to buy a 74 beetle with a semi-auto trans?reply

[Andy1416]

i noticed someone had a shifting pattern for my year of beetle what does the low gear mean and what is it used for?and what are 1 and 2 used for?
please reply?

[volkenstein]

VW decided to name the gears "Ranges".

L = Low range, equivalent approximately to 2nd in a standard bug. The     manuals reckon you should use this for uphill starts etc, but you'll extend the life of your clutch if you take off in "L".

1 = "1st" range,  close to third gear. Normal driving up to about 40 mph or 70 klm/hr.

2 = "2nd" Range, 4th in a normal box. Anything over 40 mph.

Depending on your year of beetle and climate, keep an eye on the ATF light which should encourage you to shift up or down.

Pre 74 pattern..(no "Park" lock)

R   2
-----
L    3

Volkenstein

[NOVA Ghia Owner]

Here are the relevant pages for the AS from a '69 Owner's Manual.