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CONTROLS AND
 EQUIPMENT 
-Rear
 window Trm  defogger* I I1* 
__e
 rear window defogger works only
 with 
re ignition on. 
_-e
 rear window defogger - together  :i the flow through ventilation - will 
••= o to keep the inside of the rear window 
: ear of condensation and frost. 
~~e
 rear window defogger is not designed 
Of
 melting snow. Therefore, always re-
_:ve heavy snow and ice accumulations 
refore driving off. 
Zepress
 the switch to
 turn
 on the rear  * ndow defogger. 
~ie control
 light
 in the switch will
 light 
 • to remind you
 that
 the defogger is 
switched on. After the rear window has 
ceen
 cleared, switch off the rear window  :efogger to avoid unnecessary drain 
:i the battery. 
By saving electricity, you save fuel. See 
aso
 page 72. 
 Vhen
 the rear window defogger is 
i.vitched on, the outside mirrors
 with 
;!ectric remote control* are electrically 
bated at the same time (see page 13). 
 Electrically
 heated seat* 
With ignition on, the backrest and seat 
 cushion
 of the driver's seat can be heated 
electrically. 
The heating element can be regulated and  turned on and off
 with
 the thumbwheel switch behind the steering wheel. 
where applicable 
 
 
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AUXILIARY HEATER* 
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT 
~jrn the auxiliary heater on and off with the  :amperature switch, located on the right of 
fee steering column. Use the same switch 
ID
 regulate the heat. 
depending on vehicle model, the warm air 
lows from the footwell vents for the pas senger compartment and/or from a con-
tollable vent under the driving seat. The  a r distribution cannot be controlled. 
While driving, the heater can be operated  rontinuously. When the engine is not run-
-:ng,
 the heater will shut off automatically 
after 10 minutes to save battery power. 
"he auxiliary heater is running on fuel from  our fuel tank. Fuel consumption varies 
according to operating conditions and 
-eat output (approx. 1 US qt or one liter 
zer hour).  0 
Switch knob positions  0 - Heater off. 
0—1 — Heateron (engine stationary) 
2 - Heateron (engine running) 
2-3 - Temperature adjustment range.  Engine stationary/ignition off 
Heater on: 
From position 0, push knob in and turn 
clockwise. Switch knob control light will 
come on. Knob will spring back out when 
 released.
 Adjust temperature by turning 
knob between positions 2 and 3. 
Heater off: 
The clockwork in the temperature regulat ing switch switches the heater off auto
matically after about 10 minutes and the 
lamp goes out. 
To switch off before clockwork has run 
down: 
 Turn temperature regulating switch
 anti
clockwise to 0. The lamp goes out and 
clockwork runs down. 
 
 
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I
 CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT 
AUXILIARY HEATER* (Syncro models only) 
The auxiliary heater* heats the coolant in  the heating circuit and supplies the heat exchanger in the normal heating system 
and the additional heat exchanger* for the 
passenger compartment heating with heated coolant. 
The system is switched off and on or the 
 switch-
 on time preselected by means of a 
switch and indicator unit located on the left under the instrument panel. 
Air distribution and regulation is done with  the controls of the normal heating and
 ven
tilation system (see "Ventilation/Heating" 
on page 51). 
The auxiliary heater can be used with  vehicle stationary or when it is moving. 
When vehicle is stationary, the heater only  runs for a maximum of 30 minutes in order 
to avoid draining the battery. It also  switches off automatically when a coolant 
temperature of 80° C (175° F) is reached. 
When the coolant temperature drops  below 70° C (158° F) the heater is automatically switched on again.  The heater runs on fuel from the vehicle 
tank and uses up to half a litre (one quart)  per hour.  Controls 
A - Buttons for setting time and 
preselected time 
B - Indicator lamp for preselected time 
C - Preselected time  D - Display 
E - Actual time 
F - Heater on/off 
G - Warning lamp (Heater on) 
60 "where applicable 
 
 
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CONTROLS
 AND
 EQUIPMENT 
ROOF RACK  3REAK-
If a roof rack should be installed, note the 
following: 
• Use only roof racks which attach to the 
rain gutters. 
• Always distribute loads evenly. 
• Never exceed the vehicle's
 total
 load 
carrying capacity. See page 150 for de
tails. 
• When transporting maximum permis
sible
 loads, large or bulky items, or long, 
flat
 shaped objects, bear in mind
 that
 they 
will
 influence the vehicle's aerodynamics, 
center of gravity and overall handling. To 
counterbalance these influences, adjust  steering habits and driving speed accord
ingly. 
• When the roof rack is not in use, 
remove the roof rack to reduce wind 
noise,
 improve on fuel consumption and 
to guard against
 theft. 
68 
 
 
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![VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 1990 T4 / 4.G Owners Manual Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 
3REAK-IN
 PERIOD 
VEHICLE
 OPERATION] 
DURING AND
 AFTER
 BREAK-IN PERIOD 
Turing
 the first few operating
 hours,
 the 
r-gines
 internal VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 1990 T4 / 4.G Owners Manual Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 
3REAK-IN
 PERIOD 
VEHICLE
 OPERATION] 
DURING AND
 AFTER
 BREAK-IN PERIOD 
Turing
 the first few operating
 hours,
 the 
r-gines
 internal](/manual-img/18/7415/w960_7415-69.png)
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 
3REAK-IN
 PERIOD 
VEHICLE
 OPERATION] 
DURING AND
 AFTER
 BREAK-IN PERIOD 
Turing
 the first few operating
 hours,
 the 
r-gine's
 internal friction is higher than 
 a:er
 when all the moving parts
 have
 been 
:-oken
 in. How well this break-in
 process 
e
 done
 depends
 to a
 considerable
 extent 
 :n
 the way the
 vehicle
 is driven during the 
-"-3t
 900
 miles
 (1500 kilometers). 
For
 the first 600 miles 
(1000 kilometers): 
•
 Do not use full
 throttle. 
•
 Do not drive faster
 than
 3A of top 
speed. 
•
 Avoid high engine speeds. 
From
 600 to 900 miles 
(1000 to 1500 kilometers): 
The
 speed
 can gradually be
 increased
 to 
 :he
 maximum road
 speed
 or
 engine 
 speed. 
After break-in period 
The maximum permissible engine speed 
 is
 5200
 rpm and should not be exceeded. 
Shift into the higher gear before reaching the red area at the end of the scale of 
the tachometer. See page 41. 
Excessive
 engine
 speeds
 are automati
cally
 reduced. 
 •
 Details
 on how to operate the
 Manual 
and
 Automatic
 transmission
 are outlined 
in
 the
 "Controls
 and
 equipment"
 chapter. 
•
 Avoid full
 throttle
 starts and abrupt 
stops. 
•
 Try to avoid running the engine at 
maximum speed. Shifting up early helps 
to save fuel and reduces noise. 
•
 Do not overstrain engine; select pro
per gear before reaching top speeds. 
•
 Do not let engine labor. Shift down 
when engine no longer runs smoothly. 
•
 All
 revs
 are only
 valid
 when
 engine
 is 
properly
 warm. 
•
 Always
 observe
 local
 and national 
speed
 limits. 
Applies
 in addition to vehicles 
 with
 Automatic
 Transmission: 
Make
 it a habit to
 accelerate
 gradually 
instead
 of
 using
 full throttle. During
 gra
dual
 acceleration
 the
 transmission
 shifts 
earlier
 into the next higher
 gear
 thus 
saving
 fuel. 
 WARNING 
•
 New tires do not
 possess
 maximum 
traction. They tend to be slippery.  Break new tires in by driving cautiously 
at moderate speed for the first 100  miles (160 kilometers). 
•
 New brake pads and linings do not 
have optimum friction properties and 
must be "broken in" during the
 initial 
 100 to 150 miles (150 to 200 kilometers) 
of normal city driving. You can compen sate for this by applying more pressure 
on
 the brake pedal. This also applies 
 later
 when new pads or linings are 
installed. 
 
 
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VEHICLE OPERATION 
OPERATE
 YOUR VEHICLE SAFELY 
A
 lot has gone
 into
 the manufacture of  your Volkswagen, including advanced engineering techniques, rigid quality 
control and demanding inspections. 
These
 engineering and safety features will  be enhanced by you, the safe driver, 
• who knows the vehicle and all controls 
• who maintains the vehicle properly 
• who uses driving skills wisely. 
For
 your own safety as well as
 that
 of 
those around you - be a responsible 
driver. If you
 drink,
 do not
 drive.
 The use 
of alcohol, drugs and certain medications 
will seriously impair perception, reactions  and driving ability, substantially increasing 
the risk of an accident and personal
 injury. 
 Do not
 drive
 if you are
 tired,
 ill or
 under 
emotional
 stress. 
The
 following
 points
 are also
 important 
 for
 your
 safety,
 please
 observe
 them 
all. 
 First
 things
 first... 
• Turn the engine off before performing 
any checks or repairs on the vehicle. 
• Be sure tires are inflated correctly. 
Check
 for damage and
 tire
 wear. 
• See
 that
 wheel bolts or nuts are pro
perly tightened and not loose or missing. 
• Check engine oil level, add if neces
sary.
 Make it a habit to have engine oil 
checked
 with
 every fuel filling. 
• Check coolant level to assure sufficient 
engine cooling. 
• Be sure you have a well charged 
battery. 
• Check brake fluid level. If too low, have 
brake system checked. 
• Replenish windshield washer fluid. 
• Replace worn or cracked wiper blades. 
• See
 that
 all windows are clear and un
obstructed. 
• Check whether all
 light
 lenses are 
clean. 
 • Be sure all lights are working and head
lights are aimed correctly. 
• Check under vehicle for leaks. 
• Make sure the movement of either 
brake,
 clutch or accelerator pedal is not  hampered in any way. 
• Be sure all luggage is stored securely. 
You'll
 find helpful hints on how to perform  most of these checks in this manual. If in 
doubt, have these checks performed by 
your dealer or any other qualified 
 mechanic. 
Emergency
 equipment 
It is good practice to carry emergency 
equipment in your vehicle. Some of the 
things you should have are: emergency 
 light,
 first-aid kit, small shovel, and for the 
winter
 season,
 an ice scraper, snow brush, 
 a
 container or bag of sand or salt, etc. 
70 
 
 
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VEHICLE
 OPERATION 
In the
 driver's
 seat 
 •
 Check operation of horn. 
•
 Adjust seat for easy reach of controls. 
•
 Adjust head restraints to your
 size. 
•
 Adjust inside and outside rear view mir-
brs. 
•
 Use safety belts as directed. 
•
 Assure yourself
 that
 all passengers, 
especially
 children, are properly buckled  up. 
•
 Check operation of
 foot
 and parking 
orakes. 
•
 Check all warning and indicator lights 
v/hen starting the engine. 
•
 Do not leave vehicle idling unattended. 
•
 Lock all doors
 from
 inside to prevent in advertent opening of doors
 from
 inside 
and unwanted
 entry
 from
 outside.  On the
 road 
•
 Always drive defensively. Expect the 
unexpected. 
•
 Observe speed
 limits
 and obey road 
signs. 
•
 Use signals to indicate
 turns
 and lane 
changes. 
•
 Turn on headlights at dusk. 
•
 Always keep a safe distance
 from
 the 
vehicle in
 front
 of you, depending on
 traf
fic, road and weather conditions. 
•
 Reduce speed at
 night
 and during incle
ment weather. 
•
 If you smell gas fumes in the vehicle, 
drive
 with
 the windows open, but keep the  rear lid
 closed.
 Have the cause im
mediately located and corrected. 
•
 Make frequent rest stops, at least
 after 
every two hours of driving. 
•
 When
 tired
 pull off the road, stop and 
take a rest. Turn the engine off. Do not sit in  the vehicle
 with
 engine idling. Engine exhaust is dangerous if inhaled. 
 •
 When stopped or parked, always set 
the parking brake. Move the selector lever 
to "P" (Automatic transmission) or move 
the gearshift lever to reverse or
 first
 gear  (Manual transmission). When parking on 
hills,
 turn
 wheels
 toward
 the curb. 
•
 When stalled or stopped for repairs, 
move the vehicle well off the road. Turn on 
emergency flasher and use other warning 
devices
 to alert other motorists. Do not  park or operate the vehicle in areas where 
the hot exhaust system may come in
 con
tact
 with
 dry
 grass,
 brush, fuel spill or other  material which can cause a fire. 
•
 Make it a habit to have the engine oil 
checked
 with
 every fuel filling. 
 
 
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VEHICLE OPERATION 
OPERATE
 YOUR VEHICLE ECONOMICALLY AND
 MINIMIZE
 POLLUTION 
Your
 personal
 style
 of
 driving
 determines  your operating costs,
 exhaust
 emissions and noise levels. To obtain the best
 possi
ble fuel economy,
 minimize
 pollution
 and 
save
 wear and tear on the engine, brakes 
and tires, observe the following points: 
• Keep a
 light
 foot
 on the accelerator. 
• Drive smoothly, avoid abrupt changes 
in speed as much as possible. 
• Avoid jack rabbit starts and sudden 
stops. 
• Avoid unnecessary idling. Turn the 
engine off. 
• "Warm up" idling wastes gas. Start the 
engine
 just
 before you are ready to drive. 
Accelerate
 slowly and smoothly. 
• Do not drive longer than necessary in 
the lower gears. By upshifting early you 
 can
 economize on fuel consumption.  • Organize your trips to include in several 
errands. 
• Any additional weight carried in the 
vehicle reduces fuel economy. Always  keep cargo to a minimum and remove all 
unnecessary
 items. 
• Remove roof and ski racks when not in 
use. 
• All electrical consumers contribute to 
increased
 fuel consumption. Therefore, 
use
 fan, rear window defogger, etc., only 
when needed. 
• Check your vehicle's fuel consumption 
regularly. Keep a
 written
 tally sheet or use 
the
 trip
 odometer. Fuel consumption will 
vary
 with
 traffic, road and weather condi
tions. 
• Have your vehicle serviced by an 
Volkswagen
 dealer at the specified inter
 vals
 (see page 95 and your Maintenance brochure).  • Air cleaner should be inspected to 
assure
 proper engine "breathing". 
• Battery should be fully charged. 
• Wheels should be properly aligned. 
• Tires should be inflated to correct pres
sures.
 Check
 tire
 pressures regularly - at  least once a month. 
• The published ENVIRONMENTAL-
PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) and Trans
port
 Canada
 mileage
 estimates
 may not 
agree
 with
 your
 actual
 highway
 mileage 
which
 will
 vary,
 depending
 upon
 vehicle 
 load
 and speed,
 road
 and
 weather
 condi
tions,
 trip
 length,
 etc. 
• Have the engine oil level checked
 with 
every fuel filling. Engine oil consumption 
 is
 normal but tends to be higher when the 
engine is new. The use of quality engine oil 
and a correct engine oil level are essential 
for vehicle performance and economical  operation at all times. 
72 
 
 
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