>From: "Clark, Patrick" <PClark@northpoint.net>

>I noticed for the first time at the DMV of all places, that with the
> >engine shut down, and the automatic selector in the D (Drive) >position
>-- my wheels are free spinning (i.e.: I rolled down hill with >little or no
>resistance).

You know after having driven a stick for years this was a real problem for
me, almost lost it once when I jumped out to tell a friend something --- but
the one/two minute idling after running has really helped --- and I had to
make a numbered sequence to root in the habit of leaving it in "park" before
I get out:

When coming to a stop and parking:
1)put the the automatic into "Park"
2)put the parking brake "on"
3)undo your seat belt, and let it retract itself into "ready" position
4)unlock your door from the inside (I have to bend forward and use my left
hand --- why didn't VW put the lock somewhere more sensible --- Germans can
be a bit strange)
5)get out and listen to your engine rumble --- makes me like the wasser box
even more
6)take the key out shutting down the engine
7)shut the door carefully so it doesn't bounce back at you
8)lock the door

At least this way, if this becomes thoroughly ingrained, I'll be able to get
out quickly the next time I'm rushed, without crushing some little kid that
rode his/her three-wheeler behind my Vanagon parked on a hill.

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