This could be absolutely any thing, even down to a faulty sensor. The easiest and quickest way to solve this may be to have a mechanic plug a diagnostic tool into your car.
If it's in limp-in mode you need to take it to a transmission shop and have it diagnosed.
Most VW's only go into limp mode if there is a very serious problem. Limp mode is there to protect the engine, not to be an inconvenience. To disable limp mode would be to allow the engine to self destruct.
Limp mode or (limp-in mode or limp-home mode)occurs when your computer in your car is not communicating with the sensors on your engine. On some cars(volkswagon Passat for example) If you disconnect the battery then the computer will lose all of the settings and will go into limp-in mode. The car will have little power and a top speed of only about 30 miles per hour. The function of limp-in mode is to get you to a place that can repair the car but the car is barely driveable.
You have to repair the cause of the code that put it in limp mode.
is limp mode is when you put the car on donks or on 3 wheels using hydrolics
The computer is not happy and you need a properly qualified person to figure it out.
You have to fix the problem that caused the trouble codes that put it in limp mode.
fix the problom that put it in limp home mode then reset the computer
enables limp home without damaging the engine.
You have to repair the malfunction that is setting the code that has put the computer in limp mode.
Hopefully it's just in need of new fluids or a filter cleaning/replacement, but it could be an indication of a skrewy gearbox.
your transmission is stuck in what we call limp mode. Take it to a transmission shop and have an electrical scan done. Does your speedometer work or not ? If not then it could be as simple as a output speed sensor or broken wire