Brake fluid
B7E.02AO
Fig. 225 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l-Jr:,U Information and safety warnings&. on page 269.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake sys-tem if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably in-crease braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends the use of brake fluid compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessa-ry to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical com-position. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can damage or destroy brake sys-tem components over time.
To ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles there-fore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking of the brake fluid container or above the MIN marking &.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go to a quali-fied workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehi-cle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule Service schedule. The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that confonns with the required specification should be used.
A WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by brake fluid that Is too old or unsuitable.
• The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
• The brake fluid should be changed regu-larly, according to the service schedule Service schedule.
• Heavy use of the brakes may cause a va-pour lock If the brake fluid Is left In the sys-tem for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 277
A WARNING (Continued)
of braking power, considerably increase brak-ing distance and can cause the brake system to fail completely.
• Please ensure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that Is explicitly compliant with VW standard 501 14.
• Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and reduce their effectiveness.
• If a brake fluid compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 Is not available, use a high-quality brake fluid compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, but only in exceptional circumstances.
• The refilled brake fluid must be new .
A wARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
• In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store brake fluid. These containers could encour-age other people to drink out of them, even if they are labelled otherwise.
• Brake fluid must always be stored in its original sealed container and kept out of the reach of children.
CD
Brake fluid that has leaked or been split can damage the vehicle palntwork, plastic parts and tyres. Brake fluid that has leaked or been split should be cleaned off the vehicle paint-work and other components Immediately.
& Brake nuid can pollute the environment. Any W spilt service nuids must be cleaned up and disposed of properly.
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
An economic driving style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Saving fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and tyres depend largely on three factors:
• Personal driving style.
• Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
• Technical conditions.
An economic driving style
i""1"'n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 278. .,.
278 I While drivmg
A few simple measures can help save fuel by up to 25%, depending on how you drive.
A WARNING
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehi-cles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Saving fuel
1/100 km
-10°C
+20 oc
L----------------tkm 5 15 25 30
en-o11S
Fig. 226 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures.
r-1"'11 First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings&. on page 278.
By adopting an economical driving style and antici-pating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily re-duce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Cars use most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving, you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Directly after a cold start, the engine has a very high fuel consumption. The engine reaches its working temperature after a few kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working temperature in order to mini-mise fuel consumption and emissions. The out-side temperature is a key factor.
The different rates of fuel consumption for the same distance at both +20"C (+68"F) and at -10"C (+14"F) are shown in Fig. 226.
Therefore, avoid making too many short journeys and car share whenever possible.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle will use more fuel in winter than in summer.
280 I While dnvmg
Not only is it illegal in some countries to "warm up" the cold engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary, it is also technically unnecessary and a waste of fuel.
Adjust the tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resist-ance and therefore also fuel consumption.
Ensure that any new tyres purchased have opti-mum rolling resistance.
Use low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic low viscosity engine oils reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils decrease frictional resistance in the engine and spread bet-ter and more quickly, especially for cold starts. They are especially effective In vehicles that make alotofshortjourneys.
Always ensure that the engine oil level is correct and that you keep to the service intervals (oil change intervals).
When buying engine oil, always make sure it com-plies with engine oil norms and has been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Avoid unnecessary loads
Lighter vehicles are more economical and have lower environmental impact. An extra 100 kg, for example, can increase fuel consumption by up to 0.311100 km.
Remove all unnecessary objects and loads from the vehicle.
Remove any unnecessary special equipment and accessories
The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the lower its fuel consumption. Special equipment and accessories, such as roof carriers or bicycle carriers, make the vehicle less aerodynamic.
You should therefore remove any special equip-ment and luggage carriers that are not in use, es-pecially if you are going to be driving at high speeds.
Steering
CJ:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Additional information and warnings:
• Starting and stopping the engine 257
• Battery 362
• Tow-starting and towing 446
Information on steering
r--f"n First read and observe the introductory L-la.LI infonmation and safety warnings & on page 281.
Locking the steering wheel
• When the vehicle key has been removed, turn the steering wheel slightly until you hear the lock-ing pin engage.
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make il more difficult for the vehicle to be stolen.
Unlocking the steering wheel
• Turn the steering wheel slightly to lake the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and tu m the vehicle key clockwise out of position 217 @.
A WARNING
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it difficult to steer the vehicle.
• The power steering only functions when the engine Is running.
• Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
• Never remove the vehicle key from the ig-nition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
With power steering, the steering assistance is au-tomatically matched to vehicle speed, the steering wheel torque and the steering wheel angle. The power steering will only function when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than nor-mal to steer the vehicle if lhe power steering is re-duced or has failed completely.
Driver assist systems
Pull-away assist systems
cr:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Start/stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 283
Hill Hold Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Hill Descent Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Rear axle differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Additional information and warnings:
• Volkswagen information system =>page 24
• Braking, stopping and parking =>page 269
• Battery =>page 362
• Wheels and tyres =>page 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts =>page 394
• Jump starting =>page 443
Warning and indicator lamps
A WARNING
The intelligent technology of the pull-away assist systems cannot overcome the laws of physics or system-related vehicle limitations. Never let the extra convenience afforded by pull-away assist systems tempt you into tak-ing any risks when driving-this can cause accidents.
• Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious Injury.
• The pull-away assist systems cannot re-place the driver's full concentration.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Pull-away assist systems cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
Lit up Possible cause
Rear axle differential lock switched on . ...
Hill Descent Assist switched on.
(A) The start/stop system is available, automat-ic engine stop is active.
ex;
The start/stop system is not available. OR: the start/stop system has switched off the engine automatically.
Flashes Possible cause
The rear axle differential lock cannot be .... switched on .
Hill Descent Assist is regulating.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds. .,..
282 I While drivmg
Solution
=>page 286
=>page 285
=>page 283
Check whether all technical requirements have been fulfilled. If necessary, make sure that all technical requirements are fulfilled =>page 283.
Solution
=>page 286
=>page 285
A WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause acci-dent and serious injury.
• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
Start/stop system
Fig. 227 In the centre console: button for the start/stop system.
r--flt First read and observe the introductory l-J,::JJ information and safety warnings & on page 282.
When the start/stop mode is active, the
engine is switched off automatically
whenever the vehicle is stationary. When
required, the engine restarts automati-
cally.
The start/stop mode is activated automatically each time the ignition is switched on. The instru-ment cluster display will show information about the current status.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Start/stop mode on vehicles with a manual gearbox
• When the vehicle is stationary, disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal. The engine is stopped.
• Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
CD
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-ing damaged.
• When the vehicle is stationary, press and hold the brake pedal. The engine is stopped.
• To restart the engine, remove your foot from the brake pedal or depress the accelerator in selector lever position P.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
• The driver is wearing their seat belt.
• All vehicle doors have been closed.
• The bonnet is closed.
• A minimum engine temperature has been reached and the internal engine conditions allow switch off.
• The vehicle has been moved since the engine was last switched off.
• The temperature set in the interior deviates too greatly from the ambient temperature.
• On vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature control is set to around +22oC (+ 72°F).
• The defrost function of the air conditioning sys-tem is not switched on.
• The charging state of the vehicle battery is suf-ficient.
• The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
• The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
• The steering is not turned greatly.
• Reverse gear is not engaged.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the fol-lowing conditions: IIJ>
Driver assist systems 283
• On vehicles with Climatronic: if the temperature inside the vehicle substantially increases or de-creases.
• When the vehicle starts rolling or brake support is required.
• If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls.
Conditions that necessitate a manual key start
The engine has to be started manually with the ve-hicle key in the following conditions:
• If the driver unfastens their seat belt.
• If a vehicle door is opened.
• If the bonnet is opened.
Switching the start/stop system on and off manually
• Press the @ button in the centre console 227.
• If the start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle Is In stop mode when the system is switched off man-ually with the @ button.
Hill Hold Assist
r--T'n First read and observe the Introductory L-I=JJ information and safety warnings & on page 282.
A WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering will not function If the engine Is switched off.
• Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
• The start/stop system must be switched off if work Is to be carried out In the engine compartment.
CD
If the start/stop system Is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the vehicle battery can be damaged.
m In some cases. it will be necessary to restart L!J the engine manually with the vehicle key. Fol-low any corresponding messages on the instru-ment cluster display.
m At low speeds, the engine can be started L!J again if it has stalled by immediately pressing the clutch pedal.
holds the vehicle when pulling away on
an incline.
The Hill Hold Assist function is automatically activated if the following conditions are met
Points 1 to 3 must be fulfilled at the same time·
Manual gearbox DSG® dual clutch gearbox
1. On an incline, the stationary vehicle must be held in position with the footbrake until the vehicle starts moving.
2. The engine is running smoothly.
3. The driver door is closed.
4. Fully depress the clutch pedal and move the gear stick to the first gear position if you want to The driving mode R, D or S has been selected. drive forwards up a hill or to the R position if you want to reverse up a hill.
In order to start moving, remove your foot from To start moving, remove your foot from the brake the brake pedal, then simultaneously release the pedal and press the accelerator immediately. clutch pedal (the clutch engages) and press the The brake will gradually be released as the accelerator. The brake will gradually be re-vehicle pulls away. leased as the clutch Is engaged.
284 I While driving
The Hill Hold Assist function will be deactivated immediately:
Manual gearbox I DSG® dual clutch gearbox
1. As soon as one of the conditions indicated on page 284, The Hill Hold Assist function is automati-cally activated if the following conditions are met is not fulfilled.
2. If the vehicle does not pull away within 2 seconds.
3. If the engine is not running smoothly or there is an engine fault.
4. If the engine is switched off or has stalled. I If the engine is switched off.
Hill Descent Assist
Fig. 228 In the centre console: button for switch-ing the Hill Descent Assist on and off.
l"'""'('n First read and observe the Introductory L-W.I Information and safety warnings & on page 282.
The Hill Descent Assist system supports
the driver when driving down a steep in-
cline by actively braking the vehicle.
The Hill Descent Assist reduces the engine speed and brakes actively so that the vehicle travels con-stantly at walking speed =>&.
The requirement for regulation is, among other things, that the ground allows enough grip. The Hill Descent Assist system cannot fulfil its function when driving down an icy or slippery slope.
Hill Descent Assist is regulating
• If the Hill Descent Assist is switched on using the button and the indicator lamp lights up.
• AND: the speed is less than 30 km/h (19 mph).
• AND: the gradient is at least 10%.
• AND: if the accelerator and brake are not de-pressed.
• AND: if the engine is running.
Regulation is stopped if the vehicle is accelerated or braked by the driver during regulation. The regu-lation restarts once the requirements are met again.
Hill Descent Assist does not regulate
• If the gradient is less than 10%.
• OR: The speed is greater than 30 km/h (19 mph).
• OR: If the driver brakes or accelerates.
A WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Ac-cidents and Injuries could occur if this is not ensured.
• The Hill Descent Assist system is only a support function and may not be able to brake the vehicle sufficiently In all situations when driving downhill.
• The vehicle may accelerate despite the Hill Descent Assist system.
• To switch the Hill Descent Assist on, press the @=>Fig. 228 button in the centre console at speeds under approximately 30 km/h (19 mph). The indicator in the instrument cluster dis-play lights up. The indicator lamp flashes when the Hill Descent Assist system is applying the brake.
r::l The Hill Descent Assist system also works if W you reverse down a slope.
Driver assist systems 285