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[INSTRUMENT
 PANEL
 AND
 CONTROLS 
WARNING AND
 INDICATOR
 LIGHT
 SYMBOLS 
Symbol 
 Details 
on
 page 
 Turn
 signals 
44,48 
a  Alternator A 
44 
Oil pressure 1^1 
 43 
ID 
 High beam 
45,48 
=L  Coolant temperature 1^ 
45,104 
(®)
 BRAKE 
 Brake
 ® 
 29,43 
A  Safety belt 
 14,44 
A  Emergency flasher 
46 
m 
 Rear
 window defogger 
47 
WARNING 
If one of the lights marked with ® 
comes
 on suddenly while driving,  move a safe distance off the
 road.
 Turn 
off the engine,
 turn
 the emergency
 fla
sher on and use other warning devices 
to alert other motorists. Go to listed  page in
 your
 Owner's
 Manual for ex
planations. 
Some
 of the lights mentioned are on certain 
 models
 only and may be options on other 
models. 
6 
 
 
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CONTROLS
 AND
 EQUIPMENT 
WARNING
 / INDICATOR
 LIGHTS 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
your vehicle is equipped
 with
 several 
•nportant indicator and warning devices to 
~ionitor the continued reliable operation of  .our vehicle. Familiarize yourself
 with 
:hese
 devices so if one should come on  .ou know what to do. 
-allure to heed applicable warnings and  "nportant vehicle information may result in 
serious
 personal injury or vehicle damage. 
WARNING 
•
 Whenever
 stalled
 or stopped for 
 epair,
 move
 the
 vehicle
 a
 safe
 distance 
off the road, stop the
 engine
 and
 turn 
on the
 emergency
 flasher
 (see
 page 
46). 
• The
 engine
 compartment
 of any 
-lotor
 vehicle
 is a
 potentially
 hazard
 ous
 area.
 Before
 you check
 anything
 in 
?ie
 engine
 compartment,
 stop the 
 engine
 and let it cool down.
 Always 
exercise
 extreme
 caution
 when
 work
 ing
 under
 the
 engine
 hood.
 Heed
 all of 
re
 WARNINGS
 on
 page
 97. 
 page 
1 - Brake 43 
2
 - Safety belt 18 
3
 - Turn signals 44 
4 - Alternator 44 
 5
 - For additional light 
6 - For additional light  7 - Oil pressure 43 
8 - High beam 45 
9 - Coolant temperature/level . . . 45 
10 - For additional switch  9 10
 B25-5t? 
1-Brake
 « -> 
The
 light comes on while the engine is 
 cranking.
 It goes out after the engine is started and the parking brake is
 fully 
released.
 This is your assurance
 that
 the 
brake warning light is functioning properly. 
If the brake warning light does not light JC 
while cranking the engine or setting :ne  parking brake, there may be a malfunction in the electrical system. In this
 case
 c;~-
tact your Volkswagen dealer. 
'where applicable 
 Always
 heed
 WARNINGS
 on next page 
 
 
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VEHICLE CARE 
CORROSION
 PROTECTION 
The transmission,
 front
 and rear axle 
 assembly
 surfaces have been treated at 
the factory
 with
 a wax based coating for  protection against corrosion. However, we 
recommend to have the and the underside 
inspected twice a year for any damage to 
the protective coating preferably before  and after the winter
 season.
 Have
 neces
sary
 repairs done as soon as possible. 
 See
 your dealer for correct procedures 
and materials. 
WARNING 
Do not
 apply
 additional
 undercoating 
or
 rustproofing
 on or
 near
 the
 exhaust 
 manifold,
 exhaust
 pipes,
 catalytic 
converter
 or
 heat
 shields.
 During
 driv
 ing, the substance used for
 under-
coating
 could
 overheat
 and cause a 
fire. 
Engine
 Compartment 
When washing the engine compartment,  only use commercially available grease 
cutting solvents made especially for this 
 purpose.
 Carefully follow directions
 print
ed
 on the container by the manufacturer. 
 WARNING 
Never
 use gasoline,
 Diesel
 fuel
 or sol
vents
 which
 could
 damage
 rubber 
 parts
 or
 painted
 surfaces and could 
cause a
 fire. 
Chassis 
The lower body shell of your Volkswagen 
 is
 thoroughly protected against corrosion. However, it is recommended to have the 
underside inspected twice a year. Any de
tected damage to the undercoating, due to  road hazards, should be repaired prompt
ly. Oil based protective sprays must not be 
applied.
 Only tar or wax based anticorro-
sion
 protectors are compatible
 with
 the 
factory applied undercoating. Before ap plication, road
 dirt,
 salt spray deposits and 
oily substances must be removed. 
Whenever
 the lower body
 shell,
 axle,  transmission or engines assemblies  have been repaired, the lost anti-corrosion 
coating of the affected surfaces should be 
 reapplied. 
Your
 Volkswagen dealer has the appro priate materials, the necessary equipment 
and is familiar
 with
 the application proce
dure. Therefore, any additional corrosion  protection work should be performed by a 
Volkswagen
 dealer. 
 Body
 cavity sealing 
All
 body cavities which could be affecte:  by corrosion have been given a thorouc" 
protection at the factory. 
This
 sealing does not require any inspe: 
 tion
 or additional treatments. If any wa should seep out of the cavity when tN 
ambient temperature is high, it can M removed
 with
 a plastic scraper and -. 
suitable solvent. Be sure to observe a 
safety and environmental regulations. 
94 
 
 
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[
 VEHICLE
 CARE 
LUBRICANTS  I 
Climate  Tropical 
 40' 
30-
20- 10-
 0-
10' 
20 
30' 
 Single grade oil 
Multi grade oil 
Gasoline Engines
 |B25-565/21 
Engine 
Your engine was factory filled with an all- season high quality engine oil. If you need 
to add oil between oil changes use any high quality petroleum or synthetic based 
oil with correct specifications. 
The following term must appear on the oil  container singly or in combination with 
other designations: "API Service SF or 
SG". 
Engine oils are graded according to their 
viscosity. The proper grade to be used in  your engine depends on existing climatic 
or seasonal conditions.  Refer to the temperature chart when 
selecting engine oil. As temperature  ranges of the different oil grades overlap, 
brief variations in outside temperatures 
are no cause for alarm. It is also permissi ble to mix oil of different viscosities if you 
find it necessary to add oil. 
When using SAE 10 W or SAE 5 W-20 or  SAE 5 W-30 engine oil, avoid high speed 
long distance driving if outside tempera
ture rises above the indicated limits. 
Engine Oil Identification Symbol 
Select an oil for your vehicle which
 con
forms to the standards of the American Pe
troleum Institute (API). A symbol has been  added to the top of some oil containers to help in selecting the correct oil. 
-l  -l 
/ / SAE '. j  -2 
t—i iow-3o jji  -3 
1B25-
 532 
98  (1) The top portion indicates the oil quality 
by API designations. 
(2) The center portion shows the SAE oil 
viscosity grade. 
(3) The lower portion indicates that the oil 
has fuel saving capabilities.  Transmission 
Manual transmission: Hypoid oil SAE 80 (Mil-L-2105 or 
API/GL4). 
Automatic transmission: 
ATF Dexron® or Dexron II® for torque cor 
verter and hypoid oil SAE 90 (Mil-L-2105
 E 
orAPI/GL5) for final drive. 
Front axle differential (Syncro only) 
Hypoid oil SAE 80 (Mil-L 2105 B M 
API/GL 4) or synthetic transmission oi 
 G50,
 SAE75W-90. 
The lubricant used does not have to be 
 changed. 
Should the need arise to add oil, it shoulc 
only be done with the necessary workshop  equipment. 
Power steering 
ATF Dexron® 
Lubricant additives 
Volkswagen does not recommend the  use of oil additives. It may adversely af
fect your warranty. 
 
 
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VEHICLE CARE 
Changing the
 engine
 oil 
 Have
 your engine oil changed regularly, 
but at least twice a year (see Maintenance 
booklet). 
This
 is very important because the lubri cating properties of oil diminish gradually 
during normal operation of the vehicle. 
If you drive mostly short distances, or if 
you operate the vehicle in dusty
 areas,
 or  under predominantly stop-and-go traffic 
conditions, or when temperatures remain  below freezing for extended periods, the 
engine oil should be changed more fre
quently. 
Due
 to the detergent additives in the oil, 
the fresh oil will look dark after the engine 
 has
 been running for a short time. This is 
normal and there is no reason to change 
the oil more often than recommended by 
the manufacturer. 
Always
 heed
 WARNINGS
 on
 page
 96 
100 and97-
 WARNING 
•
 Drain
 the oil
 into
 a
 container
 that
 is 
designed for
 this
 purpose, one
 that
 is 
 large
 enough to hold at
 least
 the oil 
filling
 of your
 engine. 
•
 Wear
 eye
 protection. 
• To
 reduce
 the
 risk
 of burns
 from
 hot 
engine
 oil let the
 engine
 cool
 down
 to 
the touch. 
•
 When
 removing
 the oil
 drain
 plug 
with
 your fingers,
 keep
 as far
 away
 as  possible.
 Always
 keep
 your
 forearm 
parallel
 to the ground to
 help
 prevent 
hot oil
 from
 running
 down
 your arm. 
• Engine oil is poisonous. Keep it
 well 
out of the
 reach
 of children. Con
tinuous
 contact
 with
 used
 engine
 oil is 
 harmful
 to your skin.
 Always
 protect 
your skin by
 washing
 thoroughly
 with 
 soap and
 water. 
•
 Always
 dispose of used
 engine
 oil 
properly.
 Do not
 dump
 it on
 garden
 soil, 
wooded
 areas,
 into
 open
 streams
 or 
down
 sewage
 drains. 
• Recycle used
 engine
 oil by
 taking
 it to 
a used
 engine
 oil collection
 facility
 in 
your
 area,
 or
 contact
 a service
 station. 
 • Turn off the engine. 
• Remove the oil drain plug (arrow) when 
the engine is still warm and allow the oil to 
 drain. 
•
 Always
 use a new
 gasket
 when 
reinstalling
 the plug. Do not
 overtighten. 
•
 Fill
 the engine
 with
 oil. Do not
 overfill. 
Always
 check engine oil level
 with
 dipstick 
 as
 described on previous page. 
Engine
 oil capacity is listed under 
"Capacities",
 page 147. 
Local
 zoning ordinances or environmental 
regulations will tell you how you can 
dispose
 of used engine oil. Should the dis carding of the old oil present a problem to 
you,
 we suggest you have the oil changed 
at your dealer or a service station. 
 
 
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VEHICLE CARE 
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID / MANUAL TRANSMISSION OIL 
Automatic Transmission Fluid 
The torque converter and the transmis
sion are lubricated with Automatic Trans mission Fluid (ATF). 
The final drive requires hypoid oil SAE 90, 
which does not have to be changed. 
Checking the ATF level 
The ATF has to be checked at frequent  intervals, for instance, when the engine 
oil is being checked or at least at the  intervals specified in your Maintenance 
booklet. 
Always heed WARNINGS on page 97.  A correct ATF level is very important for 
transmission operation. 
To obtain an accurate reading, the 
vehicle must be on level ground, and the 
fluid must have reached operating
 tem
perature. Normally, after a cold-start the 
fluid will reach operating temperature  when the vehicle has been driven for ab
out 6 miles or 10 km. If the ATF is too cool 
or too hot, the fluid level reading will be inaccurate. 
WARNING Before checking the ATF, the selector 
lever must be securely locked in the  Park position and the parking brake ap
plied firmly. 
Checking the ATF level is potentially  hazardous because the hot engine has 
to be running during the check. Do not 
attempt to check the ATF before read ing all WARNINGS on page 97. 
The ATF filler neck is in the engine com- partement on the left hand side. The dip
stick is attached to the
 plug.
 Pull it out 
and wipe clean first before inserting it to 
take a reading.  The Automatic transmission may be da
maged by even a tiny speck of dirt. 
Only use lint free rags to wipe the dip
stick. 
To get a true reading, the ATF must be at  operating temperature. 
You have enough ATF if the fluid level is  between the two marks on the dipstick. I: 
should never be above or below these  marks. If level is too high or too low do not 
just add or drain ATF. Have your dealer  check and correct the cause as soon as possible. 
For correct ATF specifications, see "Lub
ricants" on page 85. 
Changing the ATF 
The ATF has to be changed at the inter vals specified in your Maintenance booklet. 
Do not tow the vehicle or run the engine 
without ATF in the transmission. 
Manual Transmisson Oil Both transmission and final drive are 
combined in one housing. The lubrican:  used is hypoid oil which does not have tc 
be checked or changed. If you shoulc 
suspect a leak, contact your VW dealer. 
 
 
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VEHICLE
 CARE 
COOLING
 SYSTEM 
The cooling system
 is
 sealed and gener ally requires little attention. 
The cooling system has been filled at the  factory with
 a
 permanent coolant which 
does not need to be changed. The coolant 
consists
 of a
 mixture
 of
 water
 and the 
manufacturer's coolant additive
 G 11 — 
antifreeze
 on
 glycol basis with anticorro-
sion additives (40% for USA
 models;
 50% 
for Canadian models).
 This
 mixture 
 assures
 the
 necessary frost protection 
and protects
 the
 entire cooling system 
against corrosion and
 scaling,
 and raises 
the boiling point of the coolant. 
Do
 not
 reduce
 the
 concentration
 of the 
coolant
 in the
 summer
 by
 adding plain 
water.
 The coolant additive proportion 
 must
 be at least
 40%
 but not more than 
60%,
 to
 maintain the antifreeze protection 
and the cooling efficiency.  For year round driving, antifreeze is added 
at the factory for temperatures down to: 
-13°
 F/-25°C(USA) 
-40°
 F/-40°
 C
 (Canada) 
Only
 use
 quality phosphate-free
 anti
freeze containing ethylene glycol. Such  antifreeze
 is
 available at
 your
 Volkswagen 
dealer. 
WARNING Antifreeze is poisonous. Always store antifreeze in its original container and 
well
 out of the reach of children. If you  drain
 the
 coolant,
 it must
 be
 caught
 and 
safely stored. Drained coolant should normally not be reused. Always des-
pose
 of used coolant observing all en
vironmental regulations. 
 Coolant losses 
Coolant losses may indicate
 a
 leak in
 the 
cooling
 system.
 In
 this
 case,
 the
 cooling 
system should
 be
 inspected immediately  by
 your
 Volkswagen dealer.
 It is not
 suffi
cient merely to add coolant. 
In a
 sealed system, losses can only occur 
if
 the
 boiling point
 of the
 coolant
 is ex
ceeded as
 a
 result of overheating. 
Overheating can occur
 if: 
•
 the
 flow
 of air to the
 radiator
 is 
obstructed
 by
 leaves, dust, insects
 or by 
additional
 lights installed
 in
 front
 of the 
 radiator grille; 
•
 the boiling point of the coolant has been 
reduced
 due to an
 incorrect mixture
 of 
coolant and water; 
•
 the
 radiator fan
 is not
 working
 - see 
"Radiator
 fan",
 or; 
•
 the vehicle is being driven up
 a
 long
 hill
 j 
in
 a
 low gear with engine speed
 very
 high 
and
 at
 very
 high ambient temperature
 -
see
 "Radiator fan". 
If
 the cause for the overheating cannot
 be 
determined
 and
 corrected, contact
 your 
Volkswagen dealer immediately, other-
 I 
 wise serious engine damage could result. 
104 
 Always
 heed
 WARNING on page
 97. 
 
 
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t'/INTER
 DRIVING 
VEHICLE CARE 
Remember
 the following points when 
criving in the
 winter: 
• Winter weather is particularly hard on 
ne battery. We recommend having the  cattery
 checked,
 preferably by a
 Volks
wagen dealer, before the cold weather  starts - see page 110. 
If the vehicle is
 left
 standing for several 
 iveeks
 at extremely low temperatures, the 
rattery
 should be removed - see page 111 
=or
 further
 details.  • Have the antifreeze concentration in 
the cooling system checked before the  cold weather starts - see page 107. 
• The engine oil must have the correct 
viscosity grade for the outside tempera
tures to be expected - see page 98. 
• The best way to protect the bodywork is 
to wash and wax it frequently, especially in 
winter - see page 90. 
• Always use a windshield washer
 fluid 
with
 antifreeze for the windshield and rear 
window washer system in winter - see  page 112.  • Use a scraper to remove snow and ice 
from
 the windows - see page 91. 
• On winter roads the use of winter tires 
or all-weather tires
 will
 improve handling; 
this also applies to vehicles
 with
 all-wheel 
drive - see pages 78 and 118. 
• When driving in the mountains in winter 
it is best to take along a set of snow chains. 
Snow
 chains may be compulsory for some 
mountain roads, and this restriction also 
applies
 to vehicles
 with
 all-wheel drive -
see
 pages 78 and 119. 
121 
 
 
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